Jamaica is a nature lover's dream. Choose to hike daredevil waterfalls, drive or ride along scenic hillside corridors, check in with the gentle native crocodiles on a river safari, or take a trolley through historic towns rich with culture.
Get to understand the Jamaican psyche by visiting Croydon in the Mountain, a historical estate nestled in the cool hills of Montego Bay. The plantation is where one of our national heroes, Sam Sharpe, was born and you can enjoy beautiful botanical gardens while sampling the tangy taste of exotic fruits.
Over in Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls commands most of the attention. However, also not to be missed, is the delightful Turtle River Falls and Gardens located right in the bustling resort town and offering up 14 cascading waterfalls for you to enjoy.
Mix a bit of athletic activity into your getaway with a bicycle tour through the lush and bountiful terrain of the Blue Mountains, home to the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. Guided tours take you to the 7, 000-foot peak of the mountain.
Only in Jamaica
A visit to the Accompong Maroons, dating back to 1739, will delight those looking for a cultural experience. Over at the Trench Town Culture Yard, you’ll be introduced to the home of reggae music. This is where Bob Marley spent much of his earlier years of life and his spirit and legacy are alive and rockin’ here.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you must visit the oldest course in the western hemisphere. The Manchester Club sits 2, 000 feet above sea level atop the cool hills in the center of the island and offers up a full 18 holes. The Tryall Golf Club in Montego Bay offers several levels of awe-inspiring beachside beauty and world-class holes with instructors on hand to help you improve your play.
Head to the beach at Long Bay Beach Park and enjoy an expansive stretch of sky blue waters lapping at your feet. Cooldown at the Sky Beach Cafe with a sunset al fresco dinner on the cliff’s edge and then party the night away at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. There’s nothing like the sand in your toes as the rhythmic beats lift you to another dimension.
Heart-Pounding Action
Give in to an adrenaline rush with zip lining and river tubing tours via Chukka Caribbean Attractions along the White River Valley. Jamwest Motorsport ATV tours, as well as the Mystic Mountain bobsled ride through the shimmering rainforest, will also satisfy your need for speed.
Kool Runnings Water Park offers up more than your average waterslide ride. Have fun paintballing in the jungle, go-kart racing and river rafting, and then go sliding down the thrilling 70-foot Lightning Bolt speed slide.
If watersports tickle your fancy, you must parasail over the beach or go scuba diving with the sea turtles.
With so many attractions in Jamaica to choose from, you may never want to leave!
We enjoy a hot and humid tropical climate all year round, which is exactly what you want for a relaxing vacation. Temperatures range from 19 degrees Celsius (66 Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit). Even though we’re known for our sunshine, we have two rainy seasons a year, from May to June, and September.
Jamaica is an island of 10, 992 square kilometers but has so much to offer. if you are keen to explore, you will find the journey just as much a part of your travel experience as the destination. From rental cars to luxury services, discover the many blessings the island has to offer.
On the island, Jamaican’s drive on the left side of the road. The speed limit is 50 kmph (30 mph) in built-up areas, and 80 kmph (50 mph) on highways, and all drivers are required to carry a valid license. Jamaica recognizes valid International Driver’s Licenses, but visitors from North America may use their country's license for up to three months per visit. Car rental is available in most major towns, cities and airports, but you can be no younger than 25 years old to hire a car yourself.
Officially, Jamaican’s speak English but we like to mix it up with our own island version of patois. It takes a little getting used to, but you’re sure to have lots of fun trying out a few of our expressions. Look at our Patois page to learn some words and phrases before getting here.
Licensed cambio centers and commercial banks are accessible in all resort areas. The official currency exchange rates vary daily, so it’s advisable to shop around for the best rate before converting your cash. Most of our ATMs accept international bank cards, with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos. Banks also give credit card advances, change traveller’s checks and other financial services.
Negril has its own bustling stretch of culinary possibilities along the famed Seven Mile Beach. In between beachfront resorts, you can grab a bite before or after soaking up the sun at a cozy spot like Arthur’s Beach Bar, or perhaps stop for a snack and a drink at a local jek spot, or live the high life at a high-end restaurant for a special occasion or just because you’re in Jamaica.
Make your way to the quiet cliff side of Negril’s West End to uncover an additional host of dining options overlooking the gradient horizon. You can get front row seats to Jamaica’s impressive sunsets at Rockhouse Restaurant.
Laid-back Negril is famous for silky sands and the blue calm of Seven Mile Beach. Vendors roam daily, charming buyers with everything from handmade crafts to tasty bites and creative offerings like beachside massages and hair braiding. Stall collections like the Negril Craft Market and decades-old Rutland Point are respectively located on both the sandy and craggy sections of the city. For additional variety, Time Square Shopping Mall is stocked with duty-free purchases.
Jamaica falls within the Eastern Time Zone (UTC/GMT -5 Hours) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. At approximately 18 degrees north of the equator, the island falls within the tropics, and as such does not experience drastic seasonal changes in sunrise and sunset times. Year-round, the island averages between 11.5 and 12.5 hours of sunlight per day.