Jamaica Travel

♦ Routes (free): Detailed travel itineraries in USA

General Information

Columbus described Jamaica as "the fairest island that eyes have beheld." Indeed, even after more than five hundred years and many upheavals, Jamaica is famous for its impressive nature. Green mountains rich in tropical vegetation drop steeply almost to the shoreline, cultivated fields, wonderful beaches with soft white sand, numerous caves, and wide rivers abundant with water. Jamaica is also known for its reggae music, marijuana, and rum. The local culture is an interesting and vibrant blend of African heritage with European influences.

Its residents, often adorned with dreadlocks, are friendly and smiling, but most are poor and live in difficult conditions. They welcome tourists but can be persistent, especially when trying to sell you their goods.

The island, which is about half the size of Israel, has a variety of attractions to offer tourists in addition to stunning beaches and red sunsets. Culture and history enthusiasts will find a wide selection of sites, while action and sports lovers will find it hard to choose from the many options Jamaica offers.

♦ Book Recommended Jamaica Excursions Adapted for Cruise Passengers from Viator:

Tours include pickup and return to the cruise port. Please note the name of the port where you will arrive. There are 3 main ports:

Book Jamaica Tours from GetYourGuide.com:

From Montego Bay Port:

Tours from Ocho Rios Port

Jamaica is undoubtedly a unique and distinct island among the Caribbean islands, and some say it is closer in culture, character, and beauty to African nations and is simply geographically misplaced.

Did you know? "Irie mon" is the most common expression in Jamaica. It means "everything is good." It is the Jamaican equivalent of "cool" or "awesome."

Location, Geography and Weather:

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. It is 235 km long and 82 km wide. Jamaica is located about 145 km south of Cuba and about 150 km west of Hispaniola. Jamaica is 885 km south of Florida.

Jamaica is an island with a diverse and impressive landscape: mostly mountainous with a narrow coastal strip and many small bays, but it also has flat valleys, vast sinkholes, and fields. The highest mountain on the island is Blue Mountain in the east, with a summit of 2256 meters. Jamaica has 120 lakes and rivers. The beaches in the north, where the large resorts are concentrated, have soft white sand and calm crystal-clear waters, while in the south and west, the sand is black due to volcanic activity. In the east, the sea is rough and wild. The island is rich in vegetation: there are over 3000 types of trees and plants, including 200 types of orchids and 550 types of ferns. Half of the island is cultivated, and the rest is wild.

The weather on the island is tropical, with only minor changes in temperature between seasons. The average temperature along the coast ranges from 22-32 degrees Celsius, with January and February being the coolest months and July-August the warmest. In the mountains in the interior of the island, the temperature is lower. Average humidity does not change significantly throughout the year and ranges from 70-78 percent. Pleasant trade winds ease the heat along the coast. The dry season lasts from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. Most precipitation falls in the mountains in the interior, while on the coast, rains are usually strong but short, followed immediately by warm sunshine.

Did you know? Although it is hot in Jamaica and the sun shines all year round, the country has participated five times in the Winter Olympics.

Jamaica Island Map:

Language:

Although residents of the Hawaiian Islands speak over a hundred different languages, Jamaica has two official languages: English and Patois. Patois is primarily a combination of English with Creole, seasoned with influences from many other languages such as Spanish, Chinese, French, Portuguese, and even Indian.

Currency:

The local currency is the Jamaican Dollar, often referred to as "Jay" and denoted identically to the US dollar: $, despite the significant difference in value. Approximately 85 Jamaican dollars are equal to one US dollar. The US dollar is also widespread, especially in tourist areas, but it is important to verify which dollar the price is quoted in, American or local.

Recommended Hotels

A 5-star all-inclusive hotel. Located on the beach in the north of the island in Montego Bay. Features an outdoor pool, 8 restaurants with different types of cuisine, 4 bars, a tennis court, gym, internet, and free parking.

A 5-star hotel located on the beach in the north of the island in Montego Bay with a private beach. The hotel offers rooms, suites, and villas. Features 3 restaurants, 5 bars, a golf course, basketball, 11 tennis courts, squash, gym, internet, and free parking.

A 4-star hotel offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites. Located on the beach in the north of the island, with a restaurant, pool, gym, kids club, internet, and free parking.

How to Travel in Jamaica

The safest and most convenient way to travel in Jamaica for the solo traveler or family is via a guided tour.

Travelers arriving by cruise ship are offered an abundance of organized tours in Jamaica, but these are often crowded and expensive.

Therefore, it is recommended to book a tour independently, such as one of the tours I mentioned above from the Viator website.

Dunn's River Falls:

This is the most popular natural site in all of Jamaica. Located just a short drive from Ocho Rios port, three km west of the city. This is actually a series of waterfalls and stone pools reaching a height of 180 meters that flow into the sea. The waterfall water is clear and cool. The best way to experience the falls is by climbing the limestone rocks within the falls from the beach to their upper end. The climb is conducted in groups, with a local guide at the head of each group to instruct you where to place your foot and which path to climb to prevent slipping (some rocks are very slippery). A chain of people hold hands and climb up the falls following the guide. During the climb, you also splash in the cool pools. Upon completion of the climb, you reach a market full of souvenir stalls and quite aggressive sellers. The site is always crowded with people and very touristy and commercialized, but the scenery and the experience justify the visit. The most beautiful part of the falls is called "Laughing Waters" and two James Bond films were filmed there: "Dr. No" and "Live and Let Die." Even if you arrive independently, it is advisable to hire a guide for a few dollars rather than climbing alone. It is recommended to wear swimwear and water sandals or special water shoes.

Blue Hole:

Waterfalls reaching a height of about 6 meters in certain places. You can jump into the water with a rope hanging from a tree or slide down the waterfall and splash in the water. Intended for active types who know how to swim. Life jackets are provided by the local guide.

Jamaica's Beaches

Unlike most Caribbean islands where beaches are public and entry is free, in Jamaica, entry to most organized beaches requires a fee of several dollars. The payment does not include the use of lounge chairs, umbrellas, or water sports equipment, for which additional payment is required.

"Beach World" is located in "Island Village," the shopping and entertainment center near the pier. It has a variety of water sports options such as kayaks, snorkeling gear, and even diving equipment. Due to its proximity to the port, it is usually crowded. Entry to the beach is $3. Lounge chairs and umbrellas can be rented for an additional fee.

The Jamaica Grande Resort beaches, also located near the port, are two beaches popular among cruise ship passengers and therefore often crowded. The beaches are located north and south of the resort on Main St. Entry to them is also for a fee.

Dunn's River Falls Beach is a tiny beach where the famous falls flow into the sea. This beach is always crowded with tourists arriving at it as a starting point for climbing the falls. It offers a wonderful view of the falls, and you can combine a short stay at the beach before ascending the falls. There is a restaurant and bar at the beach.

James Bond Beach is a peaceful and less crowded beach and is a recommended choice for those looking for a relaxing day at a pleasant beach. The beach is part of an estate that belonged to the late James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Located in the town of Oracabessa. Entry is for a fee.

Doctor's Cave Beach - this is the most famous and touristy beach in all of Jamaica where many resorts are built. It is considered one of the most popular honeymoon spots among Americans. The beach is well-maintained and equipped, with changing rooms, a souvenir shop, a restaurant bar, and even an internet cafe. The water is usually calm, the sand is white, and the place is very well-kept. The beach is part of the Montego Bay Marine Park where corals and marine animals are protected, making it an excellent place for snorkeling. Entry is for a fee. Rental of chairs, umbrellas, and beach mats is for a separate fee.

Walter Fletcher Beach - located near the famous Doctor's Cave beach. It is also known for its calm waters. The beach has a water amusement park called "Aquasol Theme Park" with various water attractions such as water trampolines, banana boat rides, water skiing, jet skis, glass-bottom boats, snorkeling gear, etc. The beach also offers plenty of non-water sports facilities such as go-karts, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and more. This is an ideal beach for families. Entry and use of facilities are for a fee.

Sunset Beach Resort and Spa beach - suitable for those looking for a less crowded beach that is nonetheless full of facilities and attractions. At the beautiful beach with white sand and calm, clear water, there is a swimming pool, a nice water park called "Pirates Paradise" with slides and tubes, water sports and recreation equipment (such as sailboats and kayaks), and of course lounge chairs and umbrellas. Entry to the beach is on an "all-inclusive" basis. You purchase a day pass that includes entry to the beach, use of its facilities, lunch, and drinks.