WELCOME TO JAMAICA

Soak up the sensational vibe on the idyllic Caribbean island that’s the perfect destination for everyone, from sun-seeking families and fun-loving friends, to happy couples and active adventurers

‘It is the most beautiful island eyes have ever seen,’ so Christopher Columbus wrote in his journal after his visit to Jamaica way back in 1494. For the many thousands of happy holidaymakers who reach its shores each year, it still is the most wonderful place they have been.

That’s no surprise. The third largest island in the Caribbean is famous for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters. Dramatic cliffs and mountains reaching up to 2,256 metres and sparkling rivers and waterfalls also contribute to its great outdoors, not to mention an appealing climate with sunshine galore.

If it’s a relaxed do-nothing, fly-and-flop holiday you need, it’s a great choice. Did we mention Jamaica has a beach or two? In fact, it’s heaven for sand lovers, with a plethora of gorgeous options, ranging from small idyllic coves to the famous white sand Seven Mile Beach.

But Jamaica also offers more than 170 attractions, activities and experiences for guests of all ages and tastes. You’ll be hungry after all that – thankfully, the island serves up delicious food and drink such as tasty ackee & saltfish and spicy rum.

It’s also a magnet for culture vultures - those who’ve been captivated by the special reggae sound of stars like Bob Marley and Shaggy, by the feelgood film ‘Cool Runnings’ and the spirit and tenacity of Jamaican athletes in Olympic Games.

The essence of Jamaican people is reflected in the nation’s motto, ‘Out of many - one people’. No problem’ is the answer to most questions, and you’ll find islanders friendly, open, curious and full of life. ‘

We invite you, to "Come back to the vibe that comes alive in Jamaica.”

WHERE TO GO

Montego Bay

Surrounded by white sandy beaches, the city of Montego Bay in the northwest offers beautiful places to stay, including all-inclusive resorts, charming boutique hotels, villas and apartments. Here the mix of history, music and nature is perfectly balanced. You’ll find plenty of exciting things to do, too, including historic great houses to visit, four championship golf courses, nightlife on the Hip Strip, romantic bamboo raft trips on the Martha Brae River, craft markets, the Rastafari Indigenous Village and the spectacular Luminous Lagoon.

Ocho Rios

The lively resort of Ocho Rios lies in the north where tropical, forested hills stretch down to pristine white beaches. With more than 40 attractions in a 10-mile radius, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to activities – visit Mystic Mountain and admire the stunning coastal views from the chairlift; take an exhilarating zipline trip through the forest canopy or zoom through the jungle on a Jamaican bobsled experience. Climb the world-famous 185-metre-high Dunn’s River Falls or enjoy a unforgettable horseback ride. Swimming, caving, quad biking, river tubing and much more are also on the menu.

Negril

Popularly known as the Capital of Casual, Negril on the west coast is the place to fulfil your dreams of endless white sandy beaches, romantic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, sunny days and exciting tropical nights. The vibe at this resort area is very relaxed, with a chilled vibe that’s in a league of its own. Slowly sip a delicious cocktail at a beach bar with live reggae music coming from the famous Seven Mile Beach, or sit and watch the cliff divers at Rick’s Café, as you feel the stress of everyday life seep away... Negril has many small hotels and spacious lodgings that add to the charm of this place. Day trips to Montego Bay and the South Coast are both easily accessible from here, too.

Port Antonio

Magical Port Antonio in the east is loved for its unspoilt, lush nature. You’ll never forget a plunge in the calm waters of the Blue Lagoon – it was where the 1980s film of the same name was shot. Adventurers can go river rafting on bamboo rafts on the Rio Grande or visit tropical jungle-lined Somerset Falls and Reach Falls. Accommodation in Port Antonio also has a special charm, as most of the properties are built in villa style and are surrounded by tropical gardens and parks.

Kingston

Kingston, the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean, is cosmopolitan, vibrant and young. As the capital of Jamaica, it’s the financial and economic centre of the country. Located in the southeast of the island, the beautiful Blue Mountains rise as a majestic backdrop behind the modern skyscrapers of Uptown Kingston. On a day trip, take in buildings from the colonial era such as Devon House, visit the old pirate hideout at Port Royal, or explore the Bob Marley Museum. In fact, reggae fans adore Kingston’s large and very lively music scene. Don’t miss the exciting street art projects, too. Explore the Blue Mountains and learn about coffee production on one of the many plantations. And if you love carnivals, time your stay for Kingston’s annual celebrations beginning in January and ending with a big colourful parade after Easter.

South Coast

Off the beaten track away from the main resorts, the South Coast is paradise for independent travellers, with a choice of small hotels, guesthouses and luxury villas. Known as the breadbasket of Jamaica, the area is home to sheer cliffs and mountains, secluded bays and beaches, and delicious seafood like peppered shrimp. In the mangrove areas of the Black River, see endemic flora and fauna including crocodiles on a boat safari tour. Relax in natural swimming pools or zipline through the treetops across at the YS Falls. Learn how rum is made on the Appleton Estate Rum Experience. Visit one of the coolest bars in the world, Floyds Pelican Bar, built on stilts in the sea and only reached by boat.

WHERE TO STAY

You’ll find a wide range of fantastic accommodation. From simple guesthouses to chic villas and 5-star hotels, luxury, family and couples-only resorts, Jamaica has something for every budget and taste

WHAT TO DO

Activities and adventures

Wherever you are in Jamaica, there’ll be something exceptional to experience, with more than 170 activities to choose from. How about a swim at Glistening Waters, a fluorescent lagoon that begins to glow at night due to microorganisms in it? See some crocodiles in the wild on a sensational safari, or float through unspoilt nature on a bamboo raft. Visit rum distilleries or better still, sample some at your choice from the island’s many unique bars including the world-famous Pelican Bar, made of driftwood and a mile out at sea.

Food and drink

You’ll need to eat too, and Jamaican food is considered one of the finest cuisines in the world, spicy and packed with the best fresh ingredients. Everyone loves a good jerk dish, a meat preparation dating back to the 17th century. Fancy an ice cream? Devon House is in the top five places in the world to enjoy ice cream, with 27 flavours on offer, including traditional vanilla and exotic island treats such as mango, coconut and soursop. There is even an offbeat, ale-based ice cream called Devon Stout. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is rated the best in the world, along with the premier rums.

Don’t miss a plate of the hearty national dish, ackee and saltfish, or a succulent beef patty. Seafood is freshly caught and incredible, and of course so is the juiciest of fruit - bananas, mangos, bread fruit and sweet coconuts.

Discover the vibes of Jamaica

As the undisputed home of reggae and dancehall, Jamaica stages numerous live concerts, parties and festivals, representing an exciting calendar of must-see events every year. There’s the Rebel Salute in mid-January and the world's biggest reggae festival, Reggae Sumfest, held in Montego Bay in July.

Bob Marley has to be reggae music’s most famous artist, and you can visit his former home which is now a museum in Kingston.

And each year during the first weekend of December, the resort town of Negril hosts the Reggae Marathon, arguably the only one of its kind in the world. Reggae music is played from loudspeakers along the route so athletes and spectators alike get to enjoy the vibes.

WHAT TO KNOW

Climate

Jamaica is a year-round travel destination with constant temperatures between 27°C and 32°C. High season is from mid-December to April, and in the summer months some rain may be experienced. Showers are usually short and in the afternoon, after which, the sun comes out – rarely interfering with you day.

Getting there

There are three international airports in Jamaica. Sangster International in Montego Bay (MBJ), Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (KIN) and the small Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) near Ocho Rios. With direct services from the UK, getting to Jamaica is easy. British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Kingston, Virgin Atlantic flies from London Heathrow into Montego Bay, while TUI offers a charter service into Montego Bay from Manchester, Birmingham and London Gatwick.

Entry requirements

British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Jamaica and visitors are usually granted entry for a maximum of 90 days. Each visitor must have a return or transit ticket and proof of accommodation.

Passports should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay and only individuals travelling from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, as listed on the current World Health Organization (WHO) International Travel and Health website, are required to provide proof of vaccination for entry into Jamaica. People transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, as listed on the current World Health Organization (WHO) International Travel and Health website, will not be required to provide proof of vaccination if their stay is for 12 hours or less.

Time zone

Jamaica observes Eastern Standard Time and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. It is -5 hours in winter and -6 hours in summer.

Getting around

Requirements for car hire include a minimum age of 25 years, a national driving license and a credit card. Drivers in Jamaica are required to drive on the left, as it is in the UK. Driving in the dark should be avoided, as street lighting and signage are not as good as it is in the UK.

The Knutsford Express offers transfers across the island with fixed timetables and a route network. The coaches are comfortable with Wi-Fi and each passenger gets an assigned seat.

Official JUTA and JCAL taxis and buses are available at international airports and all major hotels have transportation desks where these can be chartered.

Currency and cash

The national currency is the Jamaican dollar (J$); US dollars are also widely accepted. You can exchange currency at banks and licensed exchange bureaus in the airports and some hotels island-wide. All major credit cards are accepted in shops, hotels and car rental companies, and there are several ATMs available in major towns and resorts.

CONTACT

Jamaica Tourist Board

1-2 Prince Consort Road

London

SW7 2BZ

t. 0207 225 9090 e. mail@visitjamaica.com w. www.visitjamaica.com