With ancestors hailing from Africa, Europe and Asia, Jamaica is a mosaic of customs and traditions. Home to about three million people, Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea. Food is an important part of the culture and thanks to its 1,000-km (634-mile) coastline, delicious seafood is always on the menu. Here is Cheapflights.co.uk’s guide to help you experience the beauty and culture of Jamaica.
Water activities
First on the list is Winter Fresh Fishing, a traditional fishing charter tour that explores the coast around Negril. Once a sleepy fishing village, Negril is home to Duke, a friendly local fisherman who is happy to take visitors out to sea for an exciting day or half day of deep-water fishing.
If the underwater world fascinates you, why not take the Island Boy Dolphin Cove tour? Open seven days a week, Dolphin Cove Treasure Reef is the largest marine attraction in the Caribbean with 500 metres (1,500 feet) of ocean frontage. You can enjoy a range of water activities including snorkelling, glass-bottom kayaking and swimming with dolphins and sharks. If you want to get a little closer to the sea creatures, why not scuba dive with Garfielddiving.com? After the initial lessons, your dive instructor will guide you around the beautiful reefs of Jamaica. Relax and enjoy spotting different local sea creatures up close.
After a long day relaxing and eating good food, why not take part in coolrunningscatamarans Sunset Cruise on one of the largest catamarans in the Caribbean. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a sunset dinner, or a lively party, get on board for an exceptional evening of carefree fun.
The Mayfield Falls excursion offered by Thriller tours is a great way to explore Jamaica’s top eco-tourism attraction. It is known for its all-natural waterfall and mineral springs. Located in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Glenbrook, Mayfield Falls’ mini waterfalls and numerous pools are perfect for swimming and diving. River rafting is another way to explore Jamaica and there are few better ways than Travel Jamaica Tours’45-minute excursion.
Adventure
“If it is doable in Jamaica, it is doable with Barrett Adventures” is Barrett Adventures’ motto. Whether you want to spend an afternoon finding secluded waterfalls, ride the longest zip line in the Caribbean or go hiking for days on end, Barrett Adventures can help. Barrett Adventures are one of the top Jamaican Tours on TripAdvisor, so you can be sure these guys will help you have a unique experience during your trip.
If you want a glimpse of how Jamaica used to be, try Jamaica Solid Gold’s Old School tour. In the 1950s, before the arrival of the all-inclusive resort, the guides’ grandfather led visitors on this tour. Visitors have their pick of the type of places they want to see and this is a great chance to really interact with the locals and chat with your friendly driver. This tour gives you the true feeling of the Jamaican people.
For larger groups of visitors, why not take a trip with Kenny Tours. His fleet consist of eight van’s two of them 30 passenger, four of them 16 passenger, two of them 9 passenger. He works with several motels in the west end and along its seven miles of beach. With over 30 years’ experience in the tours industry, you can trust that Kenny is full of top tips and local knowledge to supplement any tour.
Discovery
Jamaica is the birthplace of Reggae and Dancehall music and you learn all about its past with the Music scene tour by Jamaicatourguide.com. This jamming Roots, Rock, Reggae tour takes you to Bob Marley’s birthplace in Nine Mile and top spots in Saint Ann such as Augustus Pablo’s Record Store. To find out what influence this has had on music today, take the Kingston City Explorer tour with Jamaica Cultural Enterprises. Hear the stories behind the music, the streets, the buildings, and the communities that make up Jamaica’s atmospheric capital.
Know Jamaica is operated by two very patriotic Jamaicans, mother and son Marva and Javia Shaw. Both Marva and Javia have great pleasure in showing the world their tropical island paradise. Their Ocho Rios Shopper’s Delight Tour is a great choice for visitors. Whether you’re looking for Jamaica’s 150-over proof white lightning, the famous Blue Mountain coffee souvenirs or the finest jewellery Marva and Javia will help you find it.
Food and drink
Discover the less-travelled parts of Jamaica with the Nature Tour from Yeamon Tours. The off-the-beaten-path tour will take you to the rain forest, high into the hills of Ocho Rios, Saint Ann and a unique visit to the spice lady where you will experience exotic fruits and spices.
The Lovers Package tour by Turners Exquisite Tours is a great way for newlyweds and couples to explore Jamaica. Enjoy candlelit dinners, secluded beaches, and timeless sunsets with the one you love. It’s their job to help you create a-one-of-a-kind “Exquisite” tour. Food is an important part of Jamaican culture and the Local Jerk Stop Tour offered by Wijammingtours.com is a great way to try local delicacies and more.
Phil Lafayette is another local who offers to share his knowledge of the beautiful island. Adventurous holiday-makers can catch a glimpse of the real Jamaica with the popular Jamaica Mi Crazy Tour. Take a peek into the friendly and hardworking farming community and sample one of the world’s best coffees, the Blue Mountain peak coffee, grown thousands of metres above sea level. Share the locals’ cuisine and culture and enjoy the natural beauty of their homes.
(Images:fightingtheboss; Marc Veraart)
