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JamaicaPicture Jamaica. Can you hear the sound of twinkling steel drums and reggae beats? Are you walking across pristine white sands, bright blue waters gently lapping at your feet? Tasting a mouth-watering jerk dish? Wherever your mind wanders to when you think of Jamaica, our destination guide to this adventurous yet laidback Caribbean paradise is sure to fuel desires of visiting. With miles of coastline, brilliant green flora and fauna as far as the eye can see, and a rich and fascinating culture, Jamaica is a Caribbean destination that constantly surprises travellers.

ClimateJamaica has a tropical climate, with a wet and a dry season, but is generally warm and sunny all year round. Hurricane season usually runs from June to November.

Population 2.8 million

Capital city Kingston

Currency Jamaican Dollar (J$)

Official language English

National Anthem Jamaica, Land We Love

Introducing

J A M A I C A

Jamaica was claimed by Spain after Christopher Columbus landed there in 1494. It then came under English rule in 1655 before

gaining independence in 1962.

Jamaica exports agricultural products such as bananas, coffee and sugar.

Blue Mountain Coffee - one of the world’s rarest coffees – is produced in Jamaica.

Unique and tasty, it is highly sought-after, but its hefty price is down to a lack of supply.

Many talented sportspeople hail from Jamaica including track & field stars such as Usain Bolt, Johan Blake and Shelly-Ann

Fraser-Pryce.

Reggae music originated in Jamaica, home of well-known musician Bob Marley.

Jamaica has one of the highest numbers of rum bars per square mile – a pleasant

surprise for many visiting rum connoisseurs.

Interesting facts

KINGSTON

Busy, cosmopolitan Kingston is one-of-a-kind; half exotic jungle, bursting with sunshine, and half thriving businesses. With plenty to see and do, Kingston is the perfect place to explore the island of All Right.

OCHO RIOS

From exquisite luxury plazas, filled with world-class brands, to traditional stalls and stores, where one can

uncover all kinds of charming mementos, Ocho Rios is a shopper’s dream come true.

PORT ANTONIO

Port Antonio is a quiet and beautiful haven, though there’s more to experience than just its quaint charm. If you’ve got an eye for arts and crafts, and all the jewels Jamaica has to offer, you’ll love exploring the city.

MONTEGO BAY

For those of you who pictured yourself lying back on perfectly white, sandy beaches, the sky above blue and sunny, while cooling down with delicious drinks at your

leisure - Montego Bay is your ideal destination.

NEGRIL

Nothing compares to a long, lazy day, soaking up the sun on the Negril beaches, except for putting on your evening wear and feeling the real beat of Jamaica at the area’s top night-time spots.

Jamaica is famous for its vibrancy and diversity. One visit is enough to realise the intangible feeling that sets Jamaica apart. There’s an undeniable vibe that makes a trip to Jamaica truly unique and unforgettable. Here are just some of the places you could stay:

Vibrant towns & cities

JERK CHICKEN

Of course, we couldn’t indulge in Jamaican cuisine without covering the infamous dish that is jerk. Jerk is a style of cooking originating from Jamaica in which meat is dry rubbed or marinated in a special blend of jerk spices, including Scotch bonnet peppers and allspice. This seasoning was traditionally applied to pork and chicken but can just about be added to any meat or fish. We definitely recommend sampling this vibrant delicacy during your stay and it’s available at traditional jerk shacks, as well as restaurants all around the island.

CURRY GOAT

Curry goat is a fixture on menus across Jamaica. Served with rice and peas, roasted breadfruit or white rice, no event or party would be considered complete without this dish. Some would argue that the best place to find this traditional Caribbean dish is in rural Jamaica rather than the big city, but Kingston has some great places to try this Jamaican classic too!

A Taste of Jamaica

JAMAICAN PATTIES

Jamaican beef patties are popular flaky pastries commonly filled with a combination of seasoned ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices. They represent the rich cultural and historical significance of Jamaica through the combination of various ingredients and techniques. Enjoy them as a full meal or as a snack!

ACKEE AND SALTFISH

Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and saltfish, is a mouth-watering concoction of salted cod and ackee, a fruit originally imported from Ghana but cooked and used as a vegetable. This is a delicious sweet and salty treat that can be enjoyed both at breakfast and dinner!

PLANTAIN

Plantain is similar to banana – though you’ll find them a lot harder to peel! Children in Jamaica are taught to make fried ripe plantains from a young age. A simple yet splendid addition to a meal, fried plantain is often served alongside meat or eaten as a snack.

ROSE HALL GREAT HOUSE

The legend of Annie Palmer awaits you at the Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay. The

Greathouse is a 6,600-acre Plantation House surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches, a golf

course and restaurants. The Rose Hall Great House is especially renowned for the many

stories of its former owner, Annie Palmer, also known as the ‘White Witch of Rose Hall’.

LUMINOUS LAGOON

The Luminous Lagoon is a true natural wonder. This body of water is a lagoon by day and

transforms into glistening waters by night. This stunning phenomenon is a phosphorescent lagoon filled with microorganisms that glow

when the sun sets, giving off a luminous effect. The lagoon is located in Falmouth, Trelawny

and there is said to be only three of its kind in the world!

APPLETON ESTATE

Nestled in the Nassau Valley, the Appleton Estate is a glorious and fertile land located in the heart of Jamaica. The original visitor centre at the Appleton Estate opened in 1988 and has re-opened 30 years later as the newly renovated Joy Spence Appleton Estate Rum Experience. Visit, and you’ll discover how they’ve been making rum for more than 265 years!

Must-dosDUNN’S RIVER FALLS

Encompassing 180 metres of gently terraced waterfalls, Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's most famous natural attractions. The falls tumble over rocks and limestone ledges into the sea. You can climb the natural tiers to the top of the falls with the aid of a guide and cool off in the refreshing pools at the base.

BOB MARLEY MUSEUM

The Bob Marley Museum in Kingston was the home of Jamaica’s most celebrated musical legend, Bob Marley. Inside the museum, you will find some of Marley’s most prized possessions and memorabilia. The museum also features his former recording studio, now transformed into an exhibition hall, and you can even pick up some famous Marley coffee in the gift shop.

LISTEN TO LIVE REGGAE

Reggae music can be heard around the world, but it sounds the best where it was born. You’ll never be far from a place with live reggae music in Jamaica! Find a local beach bar or find out whether your resort has any local bands playing throughout the week.

EXPLORE UNDERGROUND CAVES

Head off the beaten track and explore Jamaica’s scenic northern coast and its intriguing underground world. Delve into the Green Grotto Caves, which take their name from green algae that covers the walls and learn about their fascinating and diverse history as shelter, hideout, and rum storehouse! During a trip to the caves near Runaway Bay, you’ll be guided through a maze of stalactites and stalagmites, passageways and chambers until you reach the grotto, where you’ll find translucent water in the mesmerising underground lake.

HIKE TO THE HIGHEST POINT ON THE ISLAND

Lace up your hiking boots and set yourself a challenge – to hike up the Blue Mountain Peak to Jamaica’s highest point. This giant peak stands inside the dramatic Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015. At 2,256m (7,402ft) above sea level, it takes about four hours to make the seven-mile climb to the top of Blue Mountain Peak - plus another three or so for the journey down. The path is narrow, rugged, and steep but the view at the top is unbeatable, not to mention the incredible scenery you’ll clamber past. Make sure to keep your camera handy as you walk through the brilliant green canopy, it’s a perfect opportunity to spot a Jamaican Tody or swallow-tailed hummingbird.

Try something

a little different...GAZE AT HIDDEN WATERFALLS

Jamaica’s mountainous interior, along with plenty of rainfall, have created magnificent waterfalls for visitors to marvel at. Head just nine miles outside of Kingston to discover Cane River Falls, nestled inside Cane River Falls Park. This secluded waterfall is popular with locals and was reputedly frequented by Bob Marley who would go there to wash his dreadlocks!

In Ocho Rios, take a trip to Turtle River Falls and Gardens. Located within the 15-acre tropical garden lies Turtle River Falls, a combination of 14 cascading waterfalls surrounded by an abundance of exotic birds and plants. For panoramic views of Ocho Ricos and the Caribbean Sea, visit Mahoe Falls. Situated within the spectacular Coyaba River Gardens, it’s a delightful spot to head to after taking a relaxing swim in the sparkling pools.

Spending Money

Three-course meal for two in a restaurant

Rum cocktailPlate of jerk chicken

J$800 J$7000 J$700

IDR 50,000

10-mile taxi ride Guided tour of Rose Hall Great House

J$2500 J$2700

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? To help you plan your trip, here’s a rough guide to the cost of some of the things you might be buying whilst you’re there!

- As of October 2019, 152.94 J$ equals €1- US dollars are widely accepted in Jamaica

TREASURE BEACH, SOUTH COAST

For fabulous seclusion, Treasure Beach is the place to go. This south coast beach community is known for its fishing and farming, but you can expect to find uncrowded sands, private coves, laid-back resorts, fabulous dining, and lively nightclubs here too.

SEVEN MILE BEACH, NEGRIL

The iconic Seven Mile Beach in Negril is perhaps the best example of an ideal tropical setting. As the name suggests, the beach goes on and on and is loaded with activities and attractions that are sure to delight.

DOCTOR’S CAVE BEACH, MONTEGO BAY

Doctor's Cave Beach is a place full of history, not the least because this is the strip of sand that helped put Montego Bay on the international tourist map. The beach is in the heart of Montego Bay and there’s a small entrance fee, which is well worth it.

CORNWALL BEACH, MONTEGO BAY

Just a short walk away from Doctor’s Cave is the secluded Cornwall Beach. With fewer tourists, it’s a great place to relax on the sand or take a dip in the ocean. There’s also ’Cornwall Sundays’ where beachgoers can enjoy a bottomless Appleton Rum mug!

MAMMEE BAY BEACH, OCHO RIOS

Split between public and private beach (half owned by the RIU resort), Mammee Bay is a great option for beachgoers who like being on the water as much as they like relaxing by it. With warm waters and great waves, Mammee Bay is a sweet option for water sports.

5 of the best beaches

RecommendationsOur

Take a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience in Jamaica.

We stayed at Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa and had a great time. Negril is located on the west of the island and we were based on Seven Mile Beach. Pristine white powdery sand that leads to a beautiful turquoise calm sea…postcard-picture stuff!

Travel Counsellor Derek

My family and I visited Jamaica and we absolutely loved it! The beauty that is Jamaica, the culture, the music and the food is not to be missed. It’s a wonderful part of the world.

An absolute must-do is a visit to the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios. It’s nt overrun with tourists as yet as the cruise ships don't include it on their shore excursions, and you’ll find pristine waterfalls amidst a beautiful tropical backdrop. The guides at the Blue Hole are brilliant and will ensure that you take the best memories with you. They are also great with helping younger children make their way up the waterfall climb.

Any other recommendations? Montego Bay would have to be on the list. Dr Caves beach has a cover charge, but is certainly beautiful, and Rose Hall is also an interesting visit.

Travel Counsellor Donna

A top tip is to make sure you visit Dunn's River Falls – it’s a must for everyone, as well as great fun! I also recommend the Jamaica Bobsled Tranopy, which is not for the fainthearted!

Travel Counsellor Joanne