Jamaica Travel Guide
From sunrise to sunset you can witness the rainbow of colors of the luscious tropical island of Jamaica. The ethnic diversity on this island has enriched her cultural expression which makes Jamaica a jewel of the Caribbean. Your experience on this tropical jewel will be cherished for a lifetime as many tourists return to experience more of her natural beauty.
While general information on Jamaica can be found anywhere, no travel guide could better convey the country's beauty than Christopher Columbus who, when he first stepped foot on Jamaica in 1494, proclaimed it to be "the fairest isle mine eyes ever beheld". Little has changed in the five hundred years since, as Jamaica remains one of the world's most beautiful island retreats. Jamaica has an area of 10,990 Sq.Km and has a population of 2,652, 689. The capital city is Kingston and the main cities are Spanish Town and Montego Bay.
The warm and inviting local people, a veritable fusion of ethnicities from around the world, would be proud to have the following information on Jamaica showcased - the country's vibrant culture, its wide selection of restaurants for both fine and casual dining, and the fabulous array of sports, tours, and activities to accommodate every type of visitor. There is good reason - information on Jamaica's economy lists tourism as the island's biggest industry, catering to the over one million people who flock there annually.
Map of Jamaica, showing its capital and major towns and cities
The beautiful island of Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea just off the south coast of Cuba. The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is dominated by the Blue Mountains inland that reach heights of 2250 metres above sea level forcing most of the cities and towns out to the coastal plateaus.
Jamaica is home to some of the finest beaches in the world and thanks to a wonderful climate makes a wonderful holiday destination all year round. It would be a mistake though to think of Jamaica as merely a beach holiday destination. With a rich history of colonization and slavery, Jamaica has gone through massive historical transitions leaving behind a plethora of interesting places to visit and a culture unlike any other in the world.
Some Useful Info:
- Surface: 10,991 square km
- Population: 2,6 million people
- Capital: Kingston
- Official Language: English
- Currency: Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
- International Dialing Code: +1-876
- Useful Numbers: 119 - Police and air rescue, 110 - Fire or Ambulance
Whilst generally a very safe travel destination, there are parts of Kingston and other rural areas where visitors should pay more attention than usual. It is generally recommended to stick to the tourist path and if hassled in any way for money or by street sellers then to politely say no and walk on.
Marijuana is widely available in Jamaica and the likelihood is that you will be offered it at some point during your stay and whilst cheap and seemingly openly used it is worth remembering that it is illegal in Jamaica.
Don't miss in Jamaica
The Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios are probably the most famous attraction in Jamaica. A few miles west of the city, you can reach the top starting from a sandy beach and climbing against the current for about 200 metres.
The Bob Marley museum is the most popular tourist destination in Kingston. This shrine to the legend of Reggae is a great place to get a feel for the man and his music.
A trip up into the Blue Mountains is a welcome reprieve from the city and makes for a wonderful excursion and hike. This oasis of Flora and Fauna towers above the city of Kingston and sprawls out for miles reaching peaks of over 7,000 feet.
If you are in Montego Bay, an excursion on the Appleton Express, a tourist train ride to the mountains is a great day out. The excursion lasts one whole day and includes a visit to the Appleton Estates, one of the Country’s largest sugar and rum producers, lunch and plenty of rum. Rafting on Martha Brae River is an excursion not to be missed, it lasts an hour and half and is a great opportunity to admire the scenery on the river’s calm waters.
The northern coastline of Jamaica is like a very long beach, it is fair to say that Negril’s greatest attraction is the seaside, people come here to lie in the sun and swim in the sea. The West End 80-metre high cliffs are a trademark with locals who swim towards them at sunset, while tourists gather at the bars situated on top of the cliffs to sip a cocktail and watch the swimmers.
The views over the coast from Negril Point Lighthouse, situated on the other side of West End Road, are great. The lighthouse’s 103 steps to the top are worth the climb.
The Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, which was made famous by the 1980s’ movie by the same name, is a sheltered cove and one of the most scenic spots in Jamaica and a great place for swimming.
The famous James Bond Beach, home to the Golden Eye Hotel, which was the former residence of James Bond writer Ian Fleming, belongs to the hotel, but non-guests can enjoy the sand for a small fee. Water sports rentals and other facilities are available.
When you visit Jamaica you should make sure to try some of the wonderful jerk dishes that are readily available everywhere you go, even on the beach.
Home to the sounds of Reggae, Jamaica is an island full of musical life. Whether exploring the white sandy beaches of Montego Bay or taking in the bustle of the capital city of Kingston, a trip to Jamaica will fill you with wonder and awe.
On this section we have gathered some useful information on Jamaican history, culture and major events taking place there. Each individual destination comes with information about airports, transport, places of interest, museums complete of addresses and eating out tips.
Sight Seeing
While sightseeing you will see plantations reminiscing of the past where the most famous plantation on the island is called Rose Hall.
Activities
If you are adventurous, Jamaica is the place to be. All year long, there are many sports and adventures to keep you fit. Your adventures will take you on Bird Tours, Deep Sea Fishing, Safari Tours, Scuba Diving, Mountain Climbing and Hiking, Rafting and Waterfalls adventures. Then there are sports such as Cricket, Golf, Horseback Riding, Horse Racing, Polo and Tennis.
Spas
The island has an abundance of natural mineral springs from simple mineral baths to full service resorts.
Shopping
One of the most popular sport in Jamaica is shopping as tourists and shoppers indulge in the goods found on Harbour Street from vendors peddling their goods. You will find crafts of all types, clothes, straw hats, batik, wood carving and much more. There are duty-free shops where you can find crystal, china, perfume, cigars and much more.