Jamaica Vacation Guide

Introduction

Everybody knows Jamaica as the home of Bob Marley, but theres more to it than just reggae and Rastafarians. The third-largest island in the Caribbean has everything – wonderful white-sand beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife and the best coffee in the world. Kingston is its lively capital, surprising visitors with elegant, old colonial houses against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains. Jamaica has gained a reputation for violence, and there certainly are no-go areas in Kingston, but most Jamaicans are overwhelmingly friendly and fun-loving.

The two main tourist resorts are Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city – known to one and all as Mo’ Bay. Negril boasts one of the longest beaches in the country, some 11km (7m) of it, with all the watersports one would expect in a lively resort. But just a little way along the coast, one will find ‘the real Jamaica’ with fishing villages like Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa providing quieter retreats.

Full country name: Jamaica
Area: 4,411 sq km
Population: 2.65 million
Capital City: Kingston
People: 76% African descent, 15% Afro-European descent, 4% European, 3% East Indian & Middle Eastern, 1% Afro-Chinese & Chinese
Language: English
Religion: 80% Christian, including revivalist cults such as Pocomania and Rastafarianism
Government: independent state within the British Commonwealth
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -6
Dialling Code: 876
Electricity: 110V ,50Hz
Currency: Jamaican Dollar (J$)

We constantly update vacation deals and flights + hotel packages for Jamaica and the Caribbean. You can also check out some of the best hotels and resorts in Jamaica with exciting attractions like golf, casino, scuba diving and other water sports. Popular hotels & resorts in Jamaica are Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, Montego Bay and Sunset Beach Resort & Spa, Montego Bay.

US and Canadian citizens do not need passports for visits of up to six months (if you have other approved documentation of citizenship). All other visitors must arrive with a passport, but most Western travellers do not need a visa.
More Information About Visa Requirements

Jamaica is easy to get to, enjoying one of the best air feeds in the Caribbean from both North America (usually Miami or New York) and Europe. Australasian visitors will have to travel via North America. The majority of international visitors land at the Montego Bay strip, but there is another international airport at Kingston.

Intra-island flights can be a quick way to travel between Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. Helicopters can also be chartered for scenic rides or for personalised tours, but this will dig a deep hole in your rum money. Jamaica's bus 'system', while comprehensive, is the epitome of chaos: timetables don't really exist and buses are often literally overflowing. Buses and minibuses do service virtually every village in the country though, so if you're getting out and about, you're sure to use them. The upside is that they're inexpensive and a great way to meet the locals. Car rental in Jamaica is another way of getting around.

Jamaica is a year-round destination thanks to its idyllic tropical maritime climate. Seasons are virtually non-existent and daytime maximum temperatures along the coast hover constantly around 80-86°F (27-30°C). Even up in the Blue Mountains temperatures are only just under 68°F (20°C) for most of the year.

The peak tourist season runs from mid-December to mid-April, with Christmas and Easter the busiest weeks. During this period the resort areas of the island are flooded with foreign tourists and hotel prices are highest.

Jamaica hosts a full calendar of musical, artistic, cultural and sporting events. Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest are the biggest funfests on the island, held about one week apart in July/August. Sunsplash is held near Ocho Rios, Sumfest in Montego Bay.

Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay): This 8km (5-mile) stretch of white sand made "Mo Bay" a tourist destination. Waters are placid and crystal clear, and there are changing rooms and a beach bar. This one is a family favorite.

Cornwall Beach (Montego Bay): Although it's often crowded, this beach is covered with soft, white, sugary sand. The water is clean and warm, and it's a good spot to take the family. But "higglers"-vendors-will aggressively hawk anything from jewelry to drugs.

Seven Mile Beach (Negril): This beach stretches 11km (7 miles) along the west coast. These golden sands are fine for families, though there are several (sectioned-off) nudist patches where guests bare all.

Treasure Beach (South Coast): Tired of fighting the crowds? Head for this beach on the dry, sunny South Coast. The undertow can be dangerous, so swimming is tricky. But crashing waves make it one of the most dramatic beachscapes in Jamaica.

Boston Bay Beach (Port Antonio): It's known not only for its white sands and clear waters, but also for the great jerk-pork stands. This beach has the biggest waves in Jamaica, and you can rent surfboards and even get a lesson.

Jamaica has a panoply of sports and special-interest activities for those to whom bumming out on the beach spells boredom. Hikers could spend weeks exploring Jamaica's embryonic trail system, mainly in the Blue Mountains, or tramping rough bridle tracks nationwide. Rugged Cockpit Country is little explored, yet tailor-made for experienced hikers. Horseback riding is a great way to explore Jamaica and most resort areas have stables. Many organized rides lead through plantations, with some trekking far into the country's interior. Jamaica's boasts 10 championship golf courses, some of which are regular stops for the PGA and LPGA tours. Tryall Golf Club, 12 miles (19km) west of Montego Bay, is the pre-eminent course.

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