Discover Jamaica

The popular image of Jamaica is emerald rain forests, waterfalls that tumble into cool, clear streams and glorious beaches that rival any in the Caribbean.  The legendary "cool" of Jamaican culture is heard in its reggae music and by the dry wit of the young Jamaican men who pilot visitors down the Great River on bamboo rafts.  You won't easily forget the throngs of competing taxi drivers who swarm outside the Crafts Market in Montego Bay.  Jamaica is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the Caribbean, with an economy that depends largely on tourism.  Explore the countryside and mingle with the locals, as they are friendly and truly delighted to meet and greet tourists who visit their island.  The physical beauty and vibrant culture of Jamaica are still its greatest assets, and the good cheer among its people makes for a memorable vacation.  Contact us now to start your trip planning to Jamaica!

Main Attractions

Jamaica's foremost attractions include sunning on white-sand beaches, snorkeling, diving, listening to reggae music performed by local bands, partying, getting pampered at world-class resorts, horseback riding, river rafting, hiking, and visiting caves and historical sites.  popular excursions include a visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, zip-lining or riding the Jamaican Bobsled at Rainforest Adventures at Mystic Mountain, bamboo rafting down the Martha Brae River, hiking up Dunn's River Falls, visit coffee plantations in the Blue Mountains, and sunning on beaytiful beaches around almost every corner.  And don't forget about jerk!

.    

Things to know before you go...

• Language:  Official languages are English and Jamaican Patois.
• Capital City, Airport and Code:  The capital is Kingston, with Norman Manley International Airport, IATA: KIN, ICAO: MKJP.  The primary point of entry for most tourists is Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, IATA: MBJ, ICAO: MKJS.
• Climate:  Winter coastal-area day temperatures are in the 70s-80s F / 23-32 C.  June-September is usually in the 80s-90s F / 30-35 C.  Nights tend to be 5-10 F / 3-5 C degrees cooler everywhere.  Temperatures in the hills and mountains are usually cooler than on the coasts—take a sweater for nights.  Kingston, on the leeward (southern) side of the island, is drier, hotter and generally more uncomfortable than the windward (northern) shore.  Always be prepared for rain showers in the Blue Mountains.  The hottest time is July-October, when the humidity, heat and hurricane possibilities are the highest.  Most rain falls May-October, but even then, it generally comes in brief showers and seldom ruins anyone's vacation. Hurricane season is June-November.
• Best Time to Visit:  The best time to visit is November-April—Jamaica can be very crowded then. The temperature is fairly stable year-round, so it's possible to visit in other months as well.
• Passport/Visa Information:  All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it is not subject to the same requirement. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.  Passports are required for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda.
• Currency:  The unit of currency is the Jamaica dollar (J$). The U.S. dollar is commonly accepted throughout the island, except for street purchases, as are most major credit cards.  Room tax is 10%-15%; a 10% service charge is typical. Departure tax is US$35, included in most airline tickets.  A 16.5% government general consumption tax (GCT) is applied to most goods and some services, including car rental, restaurants, entertainment and retail sales. Although this tax is included in the prices listed in most shops, note that in restaurants GCT is generally added to the bill.  Most hotels and restaurants will include a 10%-15% service charge on your bill.  A 10%-20% tip is considered normal.
• Electricity:  United States standard 110 volts, 220-volt systems exist in some larger properties.
• Getting There:  Jamaica lies 558 mi / 898 km south of Miami with direct flights from several U.S cities.
• Getting Around:  Those who plan to travel around the island can rent a car (which can be expensive), hire a driver (also expensive), take minibuses (cheap but difficult) or take full- and half-day sightseeing tours.  Driving is on the left.  Licensed taxis are the best option for local transportation.  Guests at all-inclusive resorts generally have their transfers to and from the airport taken care of but often have to pay extra for sightseeing excursions away from the resort.  None of the taxis are metered, so always agree on a fare, the currency to be used and the length of trip before getting in.  It is common for drivers to drop you off at an attraction and return for you later.  They are reliable about returning, but don't pay the full fare until the return trip. A tip of 10%-15% is appreciated for good service.