Local Knowledge

"Tropical paradise" as defined by Jamaica: colossal waterfalls, spicy Caribbean flavours, reggae music, crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, excellent service and a spirited nightlife… Jamaica is always on top of everyone's getaway list and for very good reason.

The most sought after vacation spots in Jamaica are definitely Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios with Port Antonio quickly becoming a holiday hit. Located on Jamaica's western tip is Negril, which boasts Seven Mile Beach, a perfect stretch of white sand that spans from Bloody Beach in Hanover to the Negril lighthouse in Westmoreland. Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city and sits on the northwestern shoreline. Dubbed 'MoBay' by the locals and those in the know, the beaches here are just as stunning as those in Negril, while also offering fun nightlife and shopping in town. Further west along the north shore, you will come across Ocho Rios, an area known for its natural wonders, including the very popular Dunn's River Falls.

Jamaica stands on its own – visually, historically and culturally – from other Caribbean islands. As they like to say “once you go, you know" and if you've been, you do indeed know how truly swept away you can feel here.

Things to Know

• Accepted Currency: Jamaican dollar (J$) is the official currency. U.S. dollar is also accepted
• Capital: Kingston
• Airports: Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
• Language(s) in Use: English is officially spoken in Jamaica, though a patois which consists of a mix of English, French, African and Spanish languages is also spoken.
• Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Driving: A vehicle is necessary if you plan on doing some independent sightseeing of this expansive island. A valid driver's licence from your home area is acceptable for short term visits to Jamaica - vehicles are driven on the left
• Dialing (Country Code): + 876
• Climate in General: In Montego Bay hot weather is almost a guarantee no matter when you visit. Expect temperatures between 27-32°C year round. Negril has the good fortune to receive less annual rainfall than any other high profile vacation spot in the country. An average winter in Negril will see temperatures in the 26°C range, whereas summers in this area float around 29°C. Ocho Rios is also a hot zone weather-wise, with temperatures that hover between 28-30°C throughout the year

What We Recommend

Luminous Lagoon Tour

Located in Falmouth (just 17 kilometres from Montego Bay), this natural phenomenon occurs when the fresh water of the Martha Brae River mixes with the ocean. Due to the warm climate of the area, this lagoon tends to glow brighter than any other in the world. With phosphorus as an active ingredient in the mix, every time a boat paddles through or a swimmer wades, the effect intensifies.

Frenchman's Cove in Port Antonio

An exclusive and idyllic slice of Jamaican paradise that sits off the beaten tourist path; is cove will provide privacy, luxury, an immaculate coastline and exquisite accommodations.

The Appleton Estate Rum Tour

A full-day excursion out of Montego Bay, just getting to the legendary Appleton Estate is part of the fun. Enjoy a scenic drive through the island's lush interior to the picturesque Nassau Valley, Jamaica's 'sugar cane belt'. The Appleton Estate is, of course, the purveyor of what is considered the finest rum in the world, and it is the oldest sugar estate and distillery on the island. With a visit here, you will experience first-hand the historic production process of these rums and see some of the earliest methods of extracting juice from sugarcane.

Dining & Nightlife

Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are all home to a slew of great restaurants catering to most international flavours in their areas. Finding the best jerk chicken you've ever tasted will be easy, just about every nearby restaurant, beach hut and even the occasional small dive bar will vow that theirs is the greatest, so the bar is set high.

Known for producing some of the most influential music in the world, a visit to Jamaica is not complete without taking in some live music performed by skilled musicians in a variety of local lounges and clubs. If it’s a North American style nightclub that you're after, than Montego Bay is the place to find them, however, you won’t be disappointed by any number of seemingly laid back beachfront lounges where you are invited to sip a fruity blend and listen to the house band.

For that quintessential Jamaican experience that combines good food, great music and even better times, a visit to Rick’s Café – a Negril institution that sits perched atop naturally formed cliffs – is a must! The area’s premier gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, along with the friendly and relaxed vibe, it also offers unrivaled views of the sunset. It is also where you can watch daredevil cliff divers launch themselves out from 35 feet up and down into the crystal clear water below

Activities & Attractions

In addition to relaxing on the beach, Jamaica offers many great eco-adventure options too. Try hiking one of the island's misty mountaintops or explore the Rock Spring caves just south of Falmouth. You can explore Jamaica's majestic Blue Mountains on a bike tour, or go horseback riding on the beach in Negril or Ocho Rios.

For water enthusiasts, there is great scuba diving and snorkeling, along with river rafting, one of the island's most popular water sports. Raft your way through wondrous valleys and gorges near Montego Bay, or along the famed Martha Brae River aboard a 30-foot long bamboo raft - always crowd pleasers. There's so much to do here!

Renowned For

Beautiful vistas, exotic terrain, delicious cuisine, consistently warm weather and first-class service, all set to a lively reggae soundtrack.