Jamaica Travel Guide: Reviews, photos, & videos

“It is the fairest island eyes have behold; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky.” Christopher Columbus said this in 1494 about a little island in the Caribbean that he’d just “discovered” - an island you may have heard of called Jamaica. Quick, what's the first thing that pops into your head when you hear the word Jamaica? Most of you are probably envisioning Bob Marley, or the classic 90's comedy Cool Runnings, or maybe someone saying "Yah Mon!" There are definitely stereotypes that pop up when one thinks of Jamaica, but I've found that the real thing is always better. So let's learn about the real thing: Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, located in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles south of Cuba and 120 miles west of the Dominican Republic. The island itself is 145 miles in length and nearly 50 miles wide - slightly smaller than New Jersey.

And of course, there's plenty of fun to be had! Get that tan you've always dreamed of on the sugar-white sand beaches of Montego Bay; check out the bustling night life or stop by the Bob Marley museum in Jamaica's capital city of Kingston; or venture up into the lush
terrain of the Blue Mountains and learn first hand why Mr. Columbus got so darn excited in the first place. So, take Cool Runnings out of the VCR, hit pause on "No Woman, No Cry," and get your butt down to Jamaica now, mon! Because remember, the real thing is always better, especially when the real thing is Jamaica.

  • Beach, Caribbean, Family-friendly, Fishing, Golfing, Island, Night-life, Ocean, Romantic, Sailing, Scubadiving, Singles, Surfing, Warm/tropical, Wedding
  • 88%

 
 
link18.109581-77.2975088Jamaica
link17.994761-76.951599Spanish Town
link18.124638-76.6786287Blue Mountains
link18.39855-77.103348Ocho Rios
link18.4148448-77.1348542Dunn's River Falls
link18.46936-77.921387Montego Bay
link18.109581-77.2975088Jamaica
 
 
 
 

   

 Directions 

Two airports:  
Norman Manley International Airport (IATA: KIN) (ICAO: MKJP) in Kingston.  
Donald Sangster International Airport (IATA: MBJ), (ICAO: MKJS) in Montego Bay.  
 
A flight from Miami, FL to Montego Bay, Jamaica is about 1 hour and 37 minutes  
A flight from Miami, Fl to Kingston, Jamaica is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.  
 
It is not advised to travel by boat unless the service is operated by a hotel or tourism company.  

 

   

 Weather 

  • Current conditions

    Cond023

    Mostly cloudy. Hot, Humid. Temperature of 84.06°F. Winds ENE 7.46mph. Humidity will be 72% with a dewpoint of 74° and feels-like temperature of 91.38°F.
    Hi: 84° F, Low: 70° F.

  • Tomorrow's forecast

    Cond023
    Drizzle. There is a 20% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Warm, Humid. Temperature of 81.88°F. Winds N 6.95mph. Humidity will be 81% with a dewpoint of 75° and feels-like temperature of 88.75°F.
    Hi: 82° F, Low: 69° F.


  • Weatherbug's weather page.
 

   

 Attractions 

Add Attraction

Spanish Town

There are definitely a lot of "tourist spots" in Jamaica. Now, there's nothing wrong with the word "tourist" but sometimes people just want something more authentic - more realistic and true to the culture. This is Spanish Town. The capital and largest city in the parish of St. Catherine in the county of Middlesex, Jamaica, Spanish used to be the former Spanish and English capital of Jamaica from the 16th to 19th Century. Located about thirteen miles from the current capital city of Kingston, Spanish Town has a population of nearly 150,000 and is awash in history serving as home to the national archives, The Old Iron Bridge (the only cast iron bridge in the world!) and St. James Cathedral, one of the oldest Anglican churches outside of England (it was built in 1525!) However, make no mistake; Spanish town is not your typical tourist spot. With the in your face vendors, speeding taxis, a bustling plaza, a bevy of stray animals and a fast paced "anything goes" attitude, Spanish Town might not be considered innocent and safe, but a lot of places worth visiting fall under that same label.

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Blue Mountains

The largest mountain range in Jamaica – are a stunning series of peaks and valleys that dominate nearly a third of eastern Jamaica, while bordering the eastern parishes of Portland, St. Thomas and St. Andrew to the south. Featuring the island's highest point at about 7,402 ft (2,256 m), the Blue Mountains features a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from 80°F at sea level to 40°F at Blue Mountain Peak. This varied climate has allowed for high rainfall in the region thus leading to lush vegetation, towering trees, and over 500 species of flowering plants (half of which are found nowhere else on earth)! The mountains are also home to the world's second largest butterfly, over 200 species of birds, and the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, which is cultivated on the lower slopes. So… a piece of advice – when visiting Jamaica definitely check out the beaches, reggae music and frosty beverage supply, but also admire the wonder and majesty of the Blue Mountains.

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Ocho Rios

One might think that a town with the name Ocho Rios – meaning "Eight Rivers" in Spanish – would actually have eight rivers in the area. However, that's not the case with Ocho Rios, a picturesque town on the northern coast of Jamaica. This failure in nomenclature occurred when the British attempted to translate the word "las chorreros" which means "river rapids" and instead emerged with the name "Ocho Rios." The name has stuck ever since. Located in the parish of Saint Ann, Ocho Rios is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Jamaica for three distinct reasons: scuba diving, scenery and safety. With a population of over 96,000 people and several high class resorts located nearby the town embodies much of the tropical beauty and peaceful nature of Jamaica without the presence of some of the seedier elements. Home to such popular attractions as Dunn's River Falls and Dolphin Cove (where visitors can swim with flipper), Ocho Rios might not have eight rivers, but it does have a whole lot of fun!

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Dunn's River Falls

It's a scientifically proven fact that waterfalls are awesome. It's also well known that Jamaica is awesome. So, using the transitive properties one could assume that Dunn's River Falls –a series of rushing waterfalls and peaceful lagoons located in Jamaica - would have to be pretty spectacular. That assumption is correct! Located about a stone's throw from Ocho Rios, Dunn's River Falls is an exotic and exciting natural, aquatic beauty perfect for the lone traveler/thrill seeker or the family of five. Form a human chain and climb up the falls while being lead by one of the experienced Falls Guides; admire the lush, tropical foliage (ferns, bamboos, ginger lillies, crotons and orchids oh my!); or just let the free flowing water cascade onto your shoulders for the greatest massage not given by human hands! SPECIAL NOTE: Dunn's River Falls closes at 4 P.M every day and the price is 12 dollars for children (ages 2 to 11) and 15 dollars for adults.

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Montego Bay

Montego Bay has so much to offer! The second largest city in Jamaica and third largest in population, Montego Bay embodies the freewheeling spirit of Jamaica. It's a port town perfect for the lone traveler seeking an authentic Jamaican experience or for the family in need of a more predictable, relaxing vacation. With much of the coast land occupied by several all-inclusive tourist resorts and world class golf courses, there's no limit to the amount of fun to be had. Take a dip in the clear, turquoise waters of the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach; find a cheap price on a name brand purse while shopping at Half Moon Shopping Village; or even travel to the outskirts of the town and peer into the past while admiring the sugar mills and plantations that used to be the lifeblood of the economy a hundred years ago. And of course there's always getting tax free rum before getting back on that boat!

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 Reviews(Average Rating: 88% for 8 reviews) 

  • Goneonvaca
    GoneonvacaReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Cliff jumping in Jamaica

    10/16/2009

    94%

    Jamaica

    It is 6 p.m. in Negril and I have some fruity rum concoction in my hand while in the midst of a crowd waiting for the sun to descend in the sky. A live reggae band is playing and the music is hypnotic. People are swaying, dancing and laughing. This is sunset at Rick's Cafe. Over to the side another crowd has gathered to watch the cliff divers. Their tippy toes are on the edge of a rugged cliff, their backs to the Caribbean Sea. They dive, swim around, climb up the stone steps to the top level, and repeat. Anyone can jump from this spot in Negril. However, it wasn't going to be me. I spoke to one amateur daredevil. He said the divers tell you how to jump: arms out, feet first, legs together. "You don't want water up your butt from a drop of 35 feet." Amen to that. Even though it is clearly an at-your-own-risk activity, he was not nervous and jumped 3 times. No fancy stuff though - the dives, flips, and jumps from tree branches are left to the experts. Featured in 1,000 places to see before you die and Around the world in 80 bars, Rick's is the best place in Jamaica to view the sunset.

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  • Island Explorer
    Island ExplorerReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    PERHAPS IT'S THE BEST KEPT SECRET FOR A REASON..

    09/14/2009

    100%

    Jamaica

    Jamaica has long been considered the tourism and commerce capital of the Caribbean. Ever since Bob Marley burst onto the scene in the 70's, Jamaica has been driven by his legacy and has catapulted it's sphere as the land of Marley', to being one of the most sort after destinations for it's culture, food and people. But Jamaica over the years has become much more than that, and is now home to the single most luxurious resort on that side of the hemisphere. Plantation Inn was the name originally given to a sprawling 100 acres, 90 suite property visited only by British Royals and silver screen sirens and mavens. Fast forward some thirty years later and what you have now ia an exquisite retreat and perhaps the world's best kept secret. With a name change and hundreds and millions of dollars in renovations, the Plantation Inn is now the Royal Plantation with a who's who list of celebrities and modern day royals as guests. Don't be in a hurry to make the reservations yet though...as a night at this uber property can run you over $5000.00 a night. I have visited this resort many times and each time is better than the last. Not only do they have a Leading Hotels of the World Spa, they boast the Caribbean's first and only Caviar & Champagne Bar-Le Papillon. If you ever wanted to feel like a millions bucks, this is the place for you to stay!

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  • yelhsacollins
    yelhsacollinsReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    one love, of course

    01/08/2009

    100%

    Jamaica

    In 2006, I travelled to Jamaica (Ocho Rios) and was part of a tourist excursion that took me and some friends through the countryside. Instead of playing with dolphins or sea urchins, we thirsted to see and taste the real Jamaica. And, we did. Gorgeous. Jamaica is not just about its most famous spokesperson, Mr. Marley. What Marley said was true. The spirit, soul, people, conflict, food, strife, struggle, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, families, militants... all of it/them/who/what make this place what it is and the people the strong individuals they are. The natural environment has EVERYTHING, yes everything, you could ever want or need to live a free and rich life. To eat, everything to satiate, found naturally. For what ails you, everything to fix you, found naturally. Anyone who hasn't experienced it should go there and see for themselves. It will not disappoint!

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  • Lovethesun
    LovethesunReviews: 1
    Posts: 1

    best vacation ever

    10/16/2008

    97%

    Jamaica

    I been travelling to Jamaica for the past 20 years, at least few times a year and call it my second home. After the first trip staying in a villa, I have opened up my own villa rental company to the Caribbean, as it was the best vacation I ever had. From the moment we have arrived to the airport and greeted by the driver, we got whisked away to our private home with our own pool and full staff and the paradise just opened up for us. The best part of staying in a villa, that you have a privacy of a home always from home, your own pool, beautiful yard filled with the most exotic flowers, fruits and vegetables plus the full staff that pampers you. Your biggest decision of a day is what to eat, when to eat and where to eat your meals, either in the inside or out side dining room, around the pool patio or a private dinner at your own beach. Many people do not realize that the villa vacation is by far less expensive than any hotels or condos, or All Inclusive resorts. Even though I can saty for free at any All Inclusive, I still prefer to rent my own villa, as I get the meals i want at teh time I want and teh drinks are fresh. The smiley staff will pamper you to death or leave you alone , if you s wish. the possibilities are endless, just ask and Jamaica is ' NO PROBLEM, MON" We have organized everything from just couples vacations to weddings, family get always or professional seminars for over 300 people and everyone loved the Island. Jamaica is what JA MAKE OF IT. So open your minds and your heart and come to Jamaica I have travelled the world and visited over 50 countries, but Jamaica still has the big part of my heart: the island, the people, food, flora and fauna makes the Island a Paradise in my opinion. . Sunny regards, Rimma U.S. Phone: (815) 308-7604 Canada Phone: (416) 848-6049 or (204) 480-1502 U.K. Phone: 0844 562 0583 Fax/Voice mail: (206) 666-2194 www.sunnyvillaholidays.com www.sunnyvillaholidays.com/guestbook/index.php

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  • Davecamaro1994
    Davecamaro1994Reviews: 3
    Posts: 0

    Great Country....but watch your pocket book!

    08/26/2008

    85%

    Jamaica

    I came into Ocho Rios on a cruise and of course had to do the Dunn River Falls Trip. I had a great time climbing the falls. The whole time a guy was filming our group. When we got to the top he asked us for $40 each for a copy that would be available back at our cruise ship. So of course we bought into it. When we get to the ship, no video. A total ripoff scam. What gets me is this is a state park and the guy from our cruise ship was right there and said nothing. So very dissapointing to say the least. The rest of the time was great though. So hold watch out for scams!

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  • mandymorrissey
    mandymorrisseyReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Nuff Love for Jamaica

    08/22/2008

    90%

    Jamaica

    There’s just something about Jamaica that keeps calling me back. I am not sure if it’s the smiles on friendly faces greeting me everywhere I go, the sweet, spicy aromas coming from roadside jerk chicken shacks, or the pumping reggae music emanating from every corner of the island, inspiring me to let loose and just dance. From budget guest cottages to luxury all-inclusive resorts, there’s accommodation to suit everyone’s style, and wallet. From Ocho Rios to Montego Bay to Negril, to the less-touristy areas of the South Coast, there’s no shortage of fresh food to eat, music to listen to and things to do. With white sandy beaches, dive spots, waterfalls, sport, and reggae music tourism, Jamaica has it all. But the best things about Jamaica are her people, happy for your visit, eager to show you the best vacation possible, and reassuring you that “Yes mon, every-ting irie.”

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  • kellyg
    kellygReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    A day in Jamaica

    08/20/2008

    88%

    Jamaica

    It was a two hour bus ride from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, so never did we imagine that our lives would flash in front of our eyes countless times. We took corners on two wheels, ran other vehicles off the road, all while our driver was smiling and telling us that everything was Iyre. We knew the only way to survive, and to maintain our sanity, was to adopt the Jamaican philosophy of “No Problem Mon”, so that is what we did. Once we stepped off of the bus and beheld the glory that was Dunn’s River falls, the drive seemed a mere price to pay. The 600 foot natural stair step waterfall was God’s way of letting us know that all was well. We enjoyed every step of the climb, we stopped to sit in the pools of water that collected between steps, and we splashed in the cool mini falls for hours. It was like our only job was to be there, in the moment, and in that moment life was good.

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  • Raconteur
    RaconteurReviews: 1
    Posts: 0

    Don't be surprised if you find yourself repeating the phrase: "Ya, mon! Everyt'ing ire!"

    07/24/2008

    50%

    Jamaica

    Lay back, put your feet up, relax in the sun and enjoy the rays -- but don't forget to play some of your favorite reggae music to get in the mood before you head out! The locals are always in a good mood and that energy tends to permeate the island that so many consider the ultimate vacation spot. The minute I stepped foot on the island the relaxing sea breeze seemed to release all of that tension that had been building in my shoulders faster than a professional masseuse. Once I heared the unmistakable beat of the steel drums I was certain I had died and gone to heaven! The water is clean and warm, the sand sifts through your feet like walking on silk, and with everything there is to do you may as well forget the definition of the word "boring." From a morning hike in the mountains, to a mid-day scuba dive amidst the plethora of tropical fish, to appreciating the sunset while walking along the famous Doctor's Cave Beach with it's clear turquoise water, each day rolls by smoothly without a care in the world. If you're like me you may end up feeling as if you're wrist watch is moving and double the speed -- so I recommend waking early, or breaking your watch all together! If you arrive with a significant other be prepared to fall in love all over again. For as soon as the sun set we partied into the early hours of the morning while enjoying the nightlife along Montego Bay. Each night we danced in a new club, and got to know some of the locals and other tourists. There was so much fun to be had that my cheeks were sore for three days because of all the smiles and laughter! However, that's not the only part of my body that was sore, but that's between me and my wife.

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