Why You Should Visit Jamaica
The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many One People.’ In a country known for its diversity, culture and history it’s no wonder other’s flock to this beautiful island to experience everything the land and people have to offer.
The unique aspects that intrigue and continue to bring people from all over are:
The People
Amazing Adventures
Laid Back Vibe
Natural Diversity
Flavorful Foods
Evolving Accommodations
Deep History
Pristine Beaches
Jamaican Fun Facts
If you’re planning on renting a car make sure you’re comfortable with the British style aka driving on the left side of the road.
Becoming a local driver is not for the faint of heart, beware of bumpy and narrow roads and traffic jams consisting of animals resting on the “highways.”
Come for the beautiful weather of 80 degrees year round!
Rainy seasons are May-June and September-November
Hurricane chances increase from June-September
Jamaica pioneered the All Inclusive accommodations concept along with villas style living.
Over the decades, many celebrities have visited this unique island including Grace Kelly, Paul Newman, Jacqueline Kennedy, Prince Harry, Beyonce, Michael Jordan and more.
The birth of reggae and the home of Bob Marley
Reggae is a type of music with a strong subsidiary beat, variations of calypso and rhythm and blues with lyrics influenced with Rastafarian ideas.
Enjoy Your Stay In Montego Bay
Montego Bay or known by the locals as “MoBay,” is located on the northern side of the island and the most widely known destination of Jamaica. This busy town has been a popular tourism destination since the 1800’s and continues to grow in popularity.
Not only does Montego Bay have a large cruise port but also holds the largest and primary airport on the island, Sangster International Airport (MBJ).
If you’re planning to arrive by air and staying at any of the north coast resort areas, this will be your airport.
This northern coastal town is known for its good times and party vibe. If you’re looking to get off property, visit Jimmy Cliff Boulevard: The Hip Strip. Here, you’ll find everything from shopping, to dining at local and tourist favorites and end the night at an exciting club.
For the historic buffs, discover the historic Falmouth located just 22 miles east of Montego Bay. This lowkey town and cruise port was founded in 1790 and was highly successful due to its sugar and rum export.
Falmouth is one of the first towns to incorporate urban planning (even before New York City!).
You’ll also want to visit the many plantations in the area that provide a historical background to the surrounding area and liberation movement of slaves. Family fun can be found on the Animal Farm where you’ll be able to see, touch and feed many different animals.
For the adventurous, head east of MoBay to the Glistening Waters, a phosphorescent lagoon you can swim in (tours available). Or try river tubing, ATV tours and horseback riding.
To stay in Montego Bay, your options will be plenty! All of the major All Inclusive brands–Secrets, RIU, Iberostar, Couples & Palace–are located along the beautiful white sand beaches of town. Villas and boutique chic accommodations will also be available.
Relax, You’re in Negril Now
Located on the far western corner of Jamaica, Negril became a popular destination for the flower children of the 1960’s and their laid back vibe continues to shape the people and area of today.
With an anything goes attitude, Negril has become highly popular with tourists looking for a good time, which they can find on Norman Manley Boulevard to enjoy clubs and bars that are active til the early morning. Clothing optional areas also intrigue those who are looking for a little more freedom from their vacation.
Most flock to Negril because of the beautiful and pristine waters.
Offshore reefs and sea grottoes allow for the best snorkeling around the island and the famous seven-mile beach is where you’ll find white sandy beaches and watercolor sunsets. Building heights are limited to ensure the integrity of the area remains.
Looking for some extra fun, make sure to visit Rick’s Café to dine and watch the extra adventurous cliff jump! (Tours are available from most resorts).
Adventure Awaits In Ocho Rios
Once a small fishing village, Ocho Rios has transformed into Jamaica’s second largest tourist center. Off the northern coast, vacationers come for the beautiful waterfalls, mountain escape and luxury accommodations.
By car/shuttle, Ocho Rios or “Ochi” is about two hours from Montego Bay and Sangster Airport. If you are not planning to fly in from the major airport, you’ll most likely be arriving by cruise and docking in Jamaica’s number one cruise port–Ocho Rios.
Tourists will have access to the major all inclusive properties, along with intimate and chic villas. These accommodation options have made Ochi very popular with celebrity sightings.
If you’re not relaxing at your luxury property, you are most likely headed to the famous Dunn’s River Falls! The most visited waterfall includes a 600ft climb and multiple pools to cool off in. (Tours are available).
Other outdoor adventures include KoKono, an eco-park partially built on the Shaw Park plantation. Recommended for the thrill seekers, go zipline through the jungles of Mystic Mountain. And water lovers will enjoy tubing down White River.
Music lovers will want to head over to the nearby village of Nine Mile, the birthplace of reggae great, Bob Marley. Tours are available through his childhood home that are often led by his own relatives.
Discover the Treasure of Kingston
The town of Kingston is located on the east side of the Blue Mountains and southeastern coast of the island. If you plan to vacation on the southern side of the island you’ll be arriving via Norman Manley International airport (KIN). Although less popular with vacationers, you shouldn’t miss out on this historical destination.
Located at the mouth of the Kingston Harbor you’ll find (underwater) the famous Port Royal, pirate era capital. Before its official demise in 1700, Port Royal housed thousands of pirates that scavenged the Caribbean. (Think Johnny Depp and Pirates of the Caribbean!) The history of the “wickedest city in the world” remains an attraction to visitors.
With its colonial heritage, Kingston became the national capital of Jamaica.
For museum lovers, visit the National Gallery Museum, Bob Marley Museum and Trench Town Museum.
And last but not least, head a few miles to the east (30 minutes by car) and discover the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Try a gourmet tour of a coffee plantation while staying in luxurious inns and villas. Note, all inclusive accommodations are more limited in this area of the island.
The Beauty of Jamaica
Between the many eco adventures, clean beaches, exceptional diving, long history and beautiful mountains, vacationers and locals alike will not have a hard time spending their time on the 3rd largest island of the Caribbean.
If you’re considering visiting Jamaica, provide enough time to discover the best destinations for a good time–Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston!
For more details about tours or accommodations comment below or email jessicadanielstravel@gmail.com
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