Jamaica Travel Guide

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and one of the most colourful. The idyllic white sand beaches with turquoise waters and colourful tropical blooms sit on a backdrop of blue mountain peaks, providing some attractive scenery and an idyllic setting for a holiday. Renowned as the birthplace of Bob Marley, reggae remains at the island's musical heart and contributes to the laid back atmosphere.

Car hire in Jamaica is a great way to get around the island. There are lots of areas to explore, all offering a different way to experience Jamaica . You can opt for a lazy day on a secluded beach or opt to explore the ‘the real Jamaica' with street markets of ackee, yam and breadfruit and vendors hawking kulu kulu rum, or alternatively explore the fishing villages of Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa, which offer a glimpse of Jamaica's quieter side.

Jamaica Tourist Board The official Jamaica Tourist Board website. This site contains all the information you need to have a successful visit in Jamaica.

Things to see and do

• Hike along one of the hiking trails in the Blue Mountains.
• Take a tour of the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations.
• Relax Jamaican-style on Montego Bay’s laid-back Doctor’s Cave Beach.
• Explore the limestone caves on Jamaica’s north coast.
• Take a ride on a bamboo raft and explore the Rio Grande for a thrilling trip through banana and sugar cane plantations.
• Go scuba diving and explore the sunken wrecks and variety of fish and coral.
• Visit the Bob Marley museum.
• Take a romantic cruise or river raft alongside enchanting waterfalls.
• Get in touch with nature at botanical gardens and working plantations.
• Visit Kingston, Jamaica’s cultural and commercial centre. There is lots of sight-seeing for art and culture.
• Spend some time in the Port Antonio area which is said to be the prettiest area of Jamaica. There are cascading waterfalls, crystal springs and caves. If you follow the coastal road for about 60 miles from here, you’ll travel some of the most scenic roadway in the world and you will end up in Ocho Rios.
• The area between Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay offers some great sight seeing. Visit Dunn’s River Falls, take a sunset cruise, visit Prospect Plantation, Coyaba River Garden Museum at Shaw Park Estate, Harmony Hall with it’s unique collection of arts and crafts, and historical Seville Guest House.

Festivals and events

• Nyammins & Jammins Food Festival (Oct).
• Kingston Restaurant Week (Nov).
• Wine and food festival (Sept).
• Port Royal Music Festival (Nov).
• The Jamaican Coffee Festival.
• Ocho Rios Jazz Festival (June).
• Jamaica Independence Day (6th August). Jamaica Jumps to life with music and dancing as the island commemorates the anniversary of its independence, which took place in 1962.
• Jamaica Carnival (March) The event is celebrated in parishes including Negril, Mandeville, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, each organises their own costumed street parades, blowout fetes (parties) and Las Lap (the final jump up before the end of carnival).

Useful Telephone Numbers

Time Difference

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