KINGSTON, Jamaica – From legendary witches and sunken pirate cities to hidden treasures, this October Jamaica offersspine-chilling adventures for daring travelers to explore. For the unafraid, below is a list of spook-tacular haunted island experiences.
The White Witch of Rose Hall, Montego Bay
Hailed by Travel Channel’s Ghost Hunters International show, the historic Rose Hall Great House is steeped in paranormal activity. Once one of the largest great house plantations in Jamaica, Rose Hall is located in Montego Bay and was once owned by legendary musician Johnny Cash. Rose Hall became a popular attraction as visitors, intrigued by the history of the island’s great houses, are captivated bythe terrifying stories of Annie Palmer, known as “The White Witch of Rose Hall.” Notorious for witchcraft, her torturous deeds to her slaves (some of whom became her lovers), and toher three husbands, Annie’s spirit is said to reside inside the house. Annie Palmer died in 1831; however, legend has it that she still roams the 200-year-old mansion. Day tours are available, but a candle-lit night tour of the Rose Hall Great House is a must for visitors. Visit www.rosehall.com/tours/ for more information.
Golf enthusiasts looking to add athrill to their swing, can play the White Witch 
championship golf course located at Rose Hall. Set on over 200 acres of green hills, 16 of its 18 holes overlook the Caribbean Sea. The White Witch Cinnamon Hill fairways will welcome the return of the 9th annual Jamaica Invitational Pro-Am “Annie’s Revenge,” from October 29 – November 2, 2014. Packages are available through IBEROSTAR Grand Rose Hall resort in Montego Bay, offering participants a five-day, luxury all-inclusive experience. Golfers interested in participating can register online at www.JamaicaPro-Am.com.
The Taino Girl of Martha Brae, Falmouth
Bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River is known to be one of the most tranquil and authentic experiences in Jamaica. Skilled raft captains guide visitors downstream through dense tropical palms and flora. Centuries ago, Spanish treasure hunters were on a quest for gold when they captured the girl to lead them to a gold mine, hidden in a cave along the path of the river. Pretending to comply, the girl led them to the cave and then suddenly disappeared. The frightened Spaniards attempted to run out of the cave, but were engulfed bythe river. The girl, who was said to possess magical powers, had changed the course of the river to conceal the mouth of the cave, where it is believed the gold is hidden to this day. Rafting is available daily. Visit www.jamaicarafting.com/ for more information.
The Underwater City of Port Royal, Kingston
Located on the southern coast of Jamaica, Port Royal is the only sunken city in the Western Hemisphere. Port Royal is one of the most infamous and historic pirate towns in the Caribbean, and was once known as the “wickedest city in Christendom”. Famous swashbuckling scoundrels such as Sir Henry Morgan, Blackbeard Teach and Calico Jack all called Port Royal home. Just as the town grew to become an important trading post in the New World, a massive earthquake hit in 1692 and consumed two thirds of the town. Unlike most “catastrophic sites,” Port Royal sank into the harbor, remaining perfectly preserved as it was on the day of the earthquake. Today, Port Royal remains a small coastal fishing village and a valuable archaeological site. Special access from the government is required to dive in the restricted Port Royal ruins area, but many of the items recovered over the years can be seen at the Museums of History and Ethnography at the Institute of Jamaica in Kingston. Visitors can also take tours of the various historic sites in Port Royal. Visit www.instituteofjamaica.org.jm for more information.
