Short Description

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, and can provide both a stimulating and tranquil vacation. It has traditions of reggae, rastafarianism, and Jamaican art mingle with modern all-inclusive resorts, fine cuisine, and cosmopolitan shopping.

Destination Highlights

Local Weather

Temperatures range from high 70F to mid-80 F. Annual rainfall averages 78 inches. Rains and storms frequent Jamaica May through October but usually don't hang around long.

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Description

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, and can provide both a stimulating and tranquil vacation. Its traditions of reggae, rastafarianism, and Jamaican art mingle with modern all-inclusive resorts, fine cuisine, and cosmopolitan shopping to make Jamaica an attractive destination to all sorts of visitors. The natural beauty of the island also offers endless entertainment -- don't miss the many amazing rivers, waterfalls, rainforests, coral reefs and sandy white beaches! The island's diverse natural resources provide seemingly endless ways to have fun. You can climb waterfalls, golf at your choice of 11 courses, or tour via bicycle, moped, motorcycle, or jeep. Horseback riding or horse racing at Caymanas Park in Kingston are also options for fun on Jamaica. Or, you can venture in search of blue marlin, wahoo, or tuna on the full or half-day deep sea fishing charters offered by most hotels. They include boat, captain, crew and equipment. After all that activity, the tastiest way to get in touch with the local culture is through the interesting, spicy cuisine. The national favorites include the fish called ackee and saltfish. Mouth-tingling spicy jerk pork and chicken, a Jamaican invention, can be savored on the beach, right off the wood-burning grill for a casual lunch. But the island does not lack other choices. International food critics have lauded the restaurants which have brought local dishes to gastronomic heights. Most enticing may be Jamaica's reputation for its laid-back atmosphere, epitomized by the slow groove of its reggae music. The genre was created by the late Bob Marley, considered one of Jamaica's national heroes.

Local Information

The official currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, however U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The official language is English. The electric current is mostly 110 volts. Adapters are supplied by most hotels, but is always a smart travel accessory. The best way to get around the island is via a local tour company or hotel-provided airport transfers. Taxis are unregulated, and prices can be inconsistent. Car rentals are also available. Prices are $35-$55 per day. Driving is on the left, and a valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Airport Information

There are two major international airports on the island: Kingston's Norman Manley Airport (KIN) in the southeast and Sangster Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ) on the northwest coast. Montego Bay is the most convenient airport to the tourist destinations of Negril, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios, and Trelawny. They are served by American Airlines, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, BWIA, Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, and US Airways coming from North America. Please be advised that many destinations charge a departure fee. Generally, most airlines include this fee in the cost of your airline ticket. We recommend you contact the airline directly to review the details with the carrier.

Entry Requirements

Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.