White sandy beaches, tropical breezes and crystal clear blue seas, a rich culture and a strong global presence; welcome to Jamaica!
Situated in the Caribbean Sea; Jamaica is the third largest Island in the Caribbean as well as the most populous English speaking Island in the region. It is a country of sun drenched beaches with a climate to rival other destinations. Its hot and humid weather and laid back attitude to life brings people to the Island from all over the world who are looking for a piece of paradise
Out of all the Caribbean Islands, Jamaica is one of the most attractive and tempting for tourists to visit. The beaches, mountains and red sunsets that make up Jamaica regularly appear on the pages of tourist brochures and Jamaica really does have something for everyone. Whether you love the beach, watersports or have a taste for culture you will find what you are looking for within the boundaries of this amazing Island. If you are a newlywed couple, a group of friends or a family; Jamaica will entice you over and over again.
Whatever you look for in the perfect destination, Jamaica has it all. For the best in tourist activities I highly recommend you check out the Montego Bay area. As the most famous tourist destination in the world you will never run out of things to do and see. For those beach lovers and water babies out there you need to head over to Negril. This part of the Island is known for its beautiful, white sand beaches that stretch for miles as well as world class diving in the clear seas and all of the best watersports that you could ask for. Last but not least, if you have a taste for cultural then Kingston is where you want to be. Not only is Kingston the capital of the Island, it is also the cultural heart of the Island.
Wherever you choose to visit on the Island you will be greeted with nothing less than open arms and friendly smiles. You are also able to choose to stay in a private villa, complete with your very own secluded beach. Or maybe you would prefer to live the party vibe during your stay, in which case a lively resort is more suited to you. Another alternative is to throw yourself into the thick of the island's life through experiencing the classic Jamaican reggae and rum.
Sound to perfect to be true? Well why not find out exactly what the Island has to offer for yourself and pay Jamaica a visit!
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and the most populous English-speaking island in that region. The island of Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains inland, and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Most major towns and cities are located on the coast. Chief towns and cities include the capital Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, Mandeville, Ocho Ríos, Port Antonio, and Montego Bay.
The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although higher inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas. Jamaica lies in the hurricane belt of the Atlantic Ocean; as a result, the island sometimes experiences significant storm damage. Hurricanes Charlie and Gilbert hit Jamaica directly in 1951 and 1988, respectively, causing major damage, destruction, and many deaths. In the 2000s, hurricanes Ivan, Dean, and Gustav also brought severe weather to the island.
Kingston
The capital of Jamaica, Kingston jives to the beat of the infectious reggae music that was born here and has swept through the world. It is the largest English-speaking city south of Miami, lying on a wide plain with the world's seventh-largest natural harbour to the south, and the Blue Mountains behind.
Jamaica itself may have the image of being laid back and rather slow, but cosmopolitan Kingston moves at a fast pace, in keeping with its importance as the dominant force on the island politically, commercially and culturally.
Tourists tend not to stay in Kingston as such, generally heading for the northern and western beaches and resorts instead, but the city does have a wide array of historical and cultural attractions, not to mention a very sophisticated and sizzling nightlife.
Kingston was founded in 1692 after the demise of nearby Port Royal, the former capital, which was devastated in an earthquake. Port Royal was known as the 'wicked city', being the haunt of decadent aristocrats and swashbuckling pirates. Kingston has tried to be more dignified, but it is a little grimy and crime is rife. There are also some inner city neighbourhoods to avoid, which are more prone to drug-related killings and gang violence.
Montego Bay
The north coast of Jamaica is the island's popular 'Riviera' area, and at the centre of this resort paradise is Montego Bay, known affectionately as 'MoBay' to locals and regular visitors. The area has a sparkling 10-mile (16km) shoreline, fronted by coral reefs and aquamarine blue lagoons, backed by green hills shrouded in sugar cane, banana palms and lush tropical vegetation.
Christopher Columbus was the first European tourist to step ashore at Montego Bay in 1494. Now the Spanish settlement that was founded in 1510 has grown into Jamaica's second city, but it is first choice for holidaymakers. The beaches in the area are picture-postcard perfect and visitors can choose from a variety of recreations, from bird watching to music festivals; golfing to riding a river on a bamboo raft.
The MoBay area also has some fascinating historical perspectives, not all of them pleasant, that live on in the legends and stories surrounding the few remaining great plantation houses belonging to dynastic families that grew rich from slave labour in past centuries. Several of these are open to the public.
Negril
Jamaica’s western edge is a laid-back haven where there is little to do other than sit back, relax and enjoy the renowned gorgeous sunsets, in between beach bathing and partying. Centre of this hedonistic haven is Negril, dubbed the 'capital of casual', a sunny resort town that despite its popularity and proliferation of tourist accommodation has managed to retain the sleepy tropical charm that first seduced seekers of sun and solitude when it was 'discovered' in the 1960s.
It was the hippies and flower children who first found Negril, a part of Jamaica appreciated for being different from the over-developed package tour market of Montego Bay. Negril still attracts a young crowd, and the beachfront bars and cafes are abuzz each night with reggae music and wild partying. Along with the party people, however, Negril is favoured also by those just wanting to get away from it all. It sports its famous seven-mile (11km) stretch of pristine beach, encircling Bloody Bay, and five miles (8km) of cliffs, where locals and visitors alike dare each other to indulge in some extreme cliff-diving, sometimes from ropes. The coral reefs and caves along the coast make it a scuba diver’s and snorkeller's dream come true, and for active visitors there is the chance to take part in just about any watersport imaginable. Adventure seekers can venture by kayak into the mysterious Great Morass (a protected area full of palm trees, exotic birds and crocodiles).
Ocho Rios
The port town of Ocho Rios used to survive on the strength of fishing and banana boats, but now it is the daily arrival of cruise ships full of tourists that keep the coffers full all along the northeast coast of Jamaica. Ocho Rios and its near neighbours Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay and Port Antonio are mainly clusters of holiday resorts and hotels, catering for package-deal holidaymakers and several celebrities who maintain their private retreats in the region.
Ocho Rios cannot claim to be a genuine Jamaican experience, and is filled with tourist paraphernalia. Because of the need to entertain thousands of fun-seekers, the natural and historical attractions of the area have been commercialised and controlled. There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up waterfalls to horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward.
The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the ‘Garden Parish’ of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, and a self-drive tour of the region to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile vine-draped Fern Gully, is well worthwhile.
Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights, in the centre of Jamaica’s vacation wonderland.
