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Jamaica is best known for pure white sand beaches clear turquoise water, rivers, mangroves, mountains, waterfalls, marijuana, Rastafarian, dreadlocks, metal drums, reggae music, and being the Island of “One Love”, there’s so much more to this country. Jamaica has consistently been ranked among the top five of the world’s top tourist destinations and the country receives over 4 million tourists each year. Plan your adventure with this Jamaica travel guide.
Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Jamaica travel guide and the following Jamaica travel blog post to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril Ocho Rios, and Kingston.
Why Visit Montego Bay Jamaica
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and likely your destination airport. Top things to do in Montego Bay include hanging out on the Hip Strip, Sam Sharpe Square, exploring Rose Hall Plantation, and spending an afternoon at Margaritaville. Bamboo river rafting on the Martha Brae River and swimming in Falmouth’s bioluminescent bay are popular day trips from Montego Bay.
Why Visit Negril Jamaica
Negril was once a fishing village; it has become a small resort town famous for its relaxed vibe and beaches of turquoise water. Top things to do in Negril include Seven Mile Beach, cliff diving at Rick’s Café, the Mayfield Falls mineral pools, and the Blue Hole Mineral Spring. Popular day trips from Negril are YS Falls, Floyd’s Pelican Bar, and rum tasting at the famous Appleton Estate.
READ Things to Do in Negril Jamaica, One Week Itinerary
Why Visit Ocho Rios Jamaica
Ocho Rios is a fishing village that was the setting for the James Bond film Dr. No. Things to do in Ocho Rios include the famous Dunn’s River Falls, Nine Mile (Bob Marley’s birthplace), James Bond Beach, Green Grotto Caves, Blue Hole, Fern Gully scenic drive, and Mystic Mountain Adventure Park bobsled ride.
Why Visit Kingston Jamaica
Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica and one-third of the population lives there. The city is the business and cultural center of Jamaica and receives few tourists. Top things to do in Kingston include the Bob Marley Museum, hiking in the Blue Mountains, visiting the Craighton Coffee Estate, and the Life Yard Rastafarians eco-village.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Jamaica
Where is Jamaica
Jamaica is an island in the Greater Antilles. The island is about 146 miles (235 km) long and between 22 to 51 miles (35 to 82 km) wide depending on your location. It is the fourth-largest island country in the Caribbean. Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands; 100 miles west of Haiti, and 90 miles south of Cuba. It is primarily mountains with a strip of coastline. Jamaica has a population of over 2.8 million.
What language is spoken in Jamaica?
The national language of Jamaica is English with a Patois dialect. Stop by this site to learn a few phrases before your visit.
Do I need a visa to visit Jamaica?
U. S. and Canada do not require a tourist visa for visits to Jamaica of less than six months. You must have a passport with at least 6 months to expire. For all other countries, check with the Jamaican Embassy.
What is the currency in Jamaica?
The currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. While most vendors will take US dollars and Euro, expect to pay more. Be prepared to haggle and be open to being approached in the street by hustlers.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Jamaica?
There are few banks and reliable ATMs in Jamaica. Bring cash in small bills for purchases and tipping; do not expect stores to have change in US dollars. Most major establishments accept Mastercard and Visa (think Margaritaville). Tipping 10-20% is encouraged for restaurants in Jamaica, and many resorts have strict no-tipping policies. Some restaurants add an automatic service charge (tip) to the bill.
How much should I budget per day in Jamaica?
In the past, Jamaica was one of the least expensive islands in the Caribbean. According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Jamaica is $105. Expect to pay $ 1,464 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2. Post-COVID I did not find this to be accurate unless you stayed in an all-inclusive resort and did not leave the grounds.
Prices for souvenirs are similar to what you would pay in the US. Vendors did not budge on quoted prices and called people names if they did not make a purchase. This was true for souvenirs and excursions. Also, three times a vendor agreed on a price one day, and when arriving for the excursion the next day the price increased (and we only did three excursions).
When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
The best time to visit Jamaica is November to early December. The high season is Mid-December and ends Mid-April, expect good weather and higher process. Temperatures in Jamaica average mid-70s to the high 80s all year round. Jamaica has two rainy seasons a year, from May to June, and September to November. Hurricane season is from June to November, this is also low season. The dry season is from the end of November to the middle of April. Be sure to purchase travel insurance, especially if you are traveling during hurricane season.
How Many Days Do I Need in Jamaica?
3 Days in Montego Bay
5 Days in Negril
2 Days in Ocho Rios
What type of transportation does Jamaica use?
Jamaica is a short 1:45-hour flight from Miami. There are two major International Airports in Jamaica. One in Montego Bay and one in Kingston. Unless you are traveling for business you most likely will fly into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. Consider purchasing Club Mobay for fast-track service through security, immigration, and customs as well as a VIP lounge with free food and drinks.
It will take approximately 1.5 hours to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril. Rental cars are available at the airport. Cars travel on the left side of the road and road conditions are poor. Shuttle service to Negril is available and day tours are a great option if you are not comfortable driving on the left. Licensed taxis have a red license plate with white numbers and their rates are regulated by the Transportation Authority. Your hotel can call taxis for you and negotiate a price, do not expect the driver to honor the negotiated price. There are also route taxis which are more budget-friendly and will stop for you anywhere on their specific route. Buses are not recommended by the U.S. Department due to safety conditions.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Jamaica?
Plugs are type A and B, the standard voltage is 110 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. This is similar to the US and will likely not need a converter. However, it is best to be safe, especially if you will be using a shaver.
What should I pack for Jamaica?
Jamaica is a tropical destination; expect warm temperatures and humidity. Pack lightweight, casual beach clothes, including, sandals, sunglasses, swimsuits, cover-ups, water shoes, a floating dry bag, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bug spray and afterbite are a must! Bring along a rain jacket or umbrella for occasional rain showers at any time of year. Don’t pack too much, leave room for souvenirs!
Is Jamaica a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall safety risk in Jamaica is medium for travelers. There is a high risk of pickpockets and muggings. The risk of being a victim of a scam is medium. Stay alert on public transportation. Stay away from remote streets during the day and night. As always, use the hotel safe, keep belongings close to your body, and don’t flash expensive items. Overall, urban areas may be unsafe at night and Kingston is considered a dangerous city. There is a low risk of a terrorist attack in Jamaica. Dial 112 in an emergency and contact your country’s Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Jamaica?
Jamaican patties, Caribbean lobster, Jerk chicken and pork, curried goat, oxtail stew, conch, Johnny cakes, fried plantain, ackee (the national fruit), grizzada (sweet tart), rum punch, Sorrel beer, Red Stripe beer, and Blue Mountain coffee.
Tips for Traveling in Jamaica
- Cars drive on the left, be sure to look left before crossing the street.
- Jamaica is a bargaining culture, if you do not haggle you will overpay.
- Avoid drinking tap water in remote areas.
- Purchase Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and Jamaican Jerk Seasoning as souvenirs.
- Wearing camouflage print is illegal in Jamaica, it is reserved for law enforcement.
- Marijuana is illegal in Jamaica; you can be arrested for possession.
- Save money by sharing the ride in a route taxi.
- Sexual acts between men are illegal and violence towards openly gay individuals is common.
- Jamaica has many mosquitos, especially in the evening.
- Do not tell anyone your name in a craft market and do not accept any “gifts”. Your name will quickly be engraved in something and payment for the gift is expected once you take it.
- Avoid buying vases or mugs made from green bamboo, they will leak when they dry.
- Do not ignore huskers. Instead, say ‘No thank you’ or ‘I’m alright’.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Jamaica
- Walk the Seven Mile Beach.
- Watch the cliff jumpers at Rick’s café.
- Have drinks at the famous Floyd’s Pelican Bar.
- Climb the 600 ft. waterfall at Dunn’s Falls.
- Visit Nine Mile, the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley.
- Go bamboo river rafting down the Martha Brae River.
- Swim in the Falmouth Bioluminescent Bay.
Be sure to check the Jamaica Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
15 Interesting Facts About Jamaica
- Jamaica gained independence from Britain in 1962.
- There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jamaica.
- The national motto, “Out of Many, One People,” was made official in 1962.
- Jamaica’s national anthem is also a prayer.
- The flag’s three colors represent difficulties, sunlight, and agriculture.
- Jamaica has the most multiple births (twins) per year in the world.
- Reggae music originated in Jamaica.
- AT&T copied the Jamaican phone system and ginger ale was created in Jamaica.
- Appleton Estate 50-Year Rum is the most expensive rum in the world.
- Blue Mountain Coffee is one of the world’s rarest and most expensive coffees.
- Tourism is the most important industry in Jamaica.
- Jamaica was the first Caribbean country to launch a website in 1994.
- Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond series in Jamaica.
- Jamaica was the first tropical country to form a bobsledding team (think the movie Cool Runnings).
- Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world, is Jamaican.
- 3 winners and 3 runners-up in the Miss World competitions.
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Negril Jamaica Travel Guide
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