Rastafarianism, reggae and rum: Jamaica is the birthplace of these popular symbols that define the Caribbean nation. For years honeymooners have flocked to its pristine beaches and quaint towns in search of the island getaway depicted in the movies. Lord of the Flies and James Bond’s classic Dr. No were filmed on the island. In fact Ian Fleming was so captivated with Jamaica that he built a retreat east of Ocho Rios named “Goldeneye” which movie buffs booking flights to Jamaica can rent during their stay.
It may be difficult to choose just one area to visit during a trip to Jamaica, since each side of the island is unique in its own right. Montego Bay, the thriving business centre where most flights to Jamaica land, is home to luxury hotels and uncrowded beaches. But to experience the hedonism and kitchness of Jamaica’s megaresorts venture away from Mo Bay to Negril where some resorts are divided into "prude" and "nude" sides. If that’s left you yearning for some peace and quiet then the secluded shores of Treasure Beach in the south will leave you breathless – and reposed.
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An annual average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius makes Jamaica a year-round vacation island. Winters are warm with cool trade winds, cool evenings, and the least amount of rain. Summer is considerably hotter and September and October can be very humid. September is the peak month for hurricanes, although they rarely hit Jamaica.Temperatures don’t get quite as high in the upper mountains, which get about 762 centimetres of rain a year. The western coast gets about 76cm of rain a year. The south coast and Kingston have moderate rain throughout the year with a bit more in summer than in winter.
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Peak Season:
Mid-December through mid-April is the peak season for visitors booking flights to Jamaica, and reservations need to be made a couple months in advance. This season is especially busy at Carnival, which is March and April in Kingston, MoBay, and Ocho Rios, and May in Negril. MoBay is also busy with the Air Jamaica’s Jazz and Blues Festival in January.
Off Season:
Mid-April to mid-December sees rates cut by 20 to 60 per cent. However, it does get busy around the Reggae Sumfest, usually in late July or early August, and the Marlin Tournament every October in Ocho Rios and Port Antonio.
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Driving isn’t so much a problem as is the cost of renting a car and buying gas — both can be prohibitive. Jamaicans drive on the left, road conditions range from excellent to terrible, and local drivers can be quite erratic, aggressive, and boisterous. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Discover Jamaica road map is considered one of the best maps of the island.
For short distances, taxis are a reasonable option as is hiring a private driver and car for the day. Renting mopeds and motorcycles is another popular form of transport. Buses and minibuses go everywhere, are inexpensive, and a fun way to meet Jamaicans.
For longer distances, domestic flights are reasonably priced and airports convenient to different parts of the island, particularly the resorts.
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- Kingston has the best of local art, theatre, and dance, and it is said that Reggae was born here. The nightlife is sophisticated and sizzling, and the city has excellent festivals, museums, galleries, historic buildings, and, of course, beaches. Crime is a serious problem in Kingston; exercise common sense, don’t walk around at night, and use only licensed taxis or hotel-recommended transportation.
- Montego Bay (Mo Bay) is Jamaica’s busiest cruise pier and first choice for visitors. The ten-mile shoreline is fronted with coral reefs and blue lagoons and backed with lush green hills. The main tourist area, Gloucester Avenue, sees lots of visitors, shoppers, and hustlers. Active in tourism since 1924, Mo Bay attractions include bird watching, golfing, music festivals, and historic houses.
- Popular with American hippies in the 1970s, Negril remains free-spirited and best known for its overtly risqué resorts, seven miles of pristine beach, water sport facilities, music, discos and clubs, and best sunsets on the island. A fast-growing resort area, Negril is still laid back with prude and nude beaches, a relaxed interaction between tourists and locals, and tropical charm.
- The first Jamaican town specifically developed as a resort, Ocho Rios (Ochi) is dedicated to fun, sun, and tourists. There’s lots of shopping, bars, and visitor-oriented restaurants. For a day off from the beach, try a follow-the-leader climb up Dunn’s River Falls or a visit to Prospect Plantation, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Green Grotto Caves, Fern Gully, or Bob Marley’s former home.
- The quiet haven of Port Antonio has some of the finest beaches in Jamaica, excellent deep-sea fishing, and several of the most expensive yachts sailing the Caribbean. Port Antonio is the greenest parish in Jamaica, known for its many rivers and waterfalls. Long a favourite hideaway haven of celebrities, it’s also a retreat for ecotourists and European travellers.
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The main airports in Jamaica include:
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) (Kingston)
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) (Montego Bay)
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All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination.
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British nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required (irrespective of endorsements).
Irish nationals must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days, provided the purpose of travel is tourism. If travelling on business, a visa is required.
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