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Jamaica Guide

Know Before You Go...®

If you’ve chosen Jamaica as your Caribbean destination, then you’re in for an exciting adventure on this unique island.  Away from your villa or hotel room, you’ll find scenic natural beauty mixed with a distinct island culture that is unforgettable.  Here you can stroll along the beach, swim underneath waterfalls, head to a reggae club, or dine at a great Jamaican restaurant.  There’s never a shortage of things to see and do, and you can use the information under this tab to help you plan your vacation in Jamaica.

 

Why Jamaica?

  • Jamaica has world-renowned beaches and is home to the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt.
  • The Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica, stretching from Port Antonio to Kingston.
  • Jamaica is home to the world's first natural botanical garden, the "Hope Botanical Gardens" in Kingston.
  • The Jamaican Maroon community of Accompong is the oldest Maroon settlement in the western hemisphere.
  • Jamaica has more than 200 species of birds that can be seen throughout the island.

Jamaica Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
86° F
70° F
February
86° F
70° F
March
87° F
71° F
April
88° F
73° F
May
89° F
74° F
June
90° F
76° F
July
91° F
76° F
August
91° F
76° F
September
90° F
75° F
October
89° F
74° F
November
88° F
73° F
December
87° F
71° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.2 inches
February
0.9 inches
March
0.9 inches
April
1.5 inches
May
4.1 inches
June
3.8 inches
July
1.8 inches
August
4.2 inches
September
5.0 inches
October
7.1 inches
November
3.8 inches
December
1.6 inches

History

Jamaica, one of the largest Caribbean islands, was inhabited by Arawak natives. When Christopher Columbus arrived on the island in 1494, he claimed the land for Spain. A few decades after Columbus’ death almost all Arawaks had been exterminated. Spain held the island against many buccaneer raids at the main city, which is now called Spanish Town. Eventually England claimed the island in a raid, but the Spanish did not relinquish their claim to the island until 1670.

Jamaica became a base of operations for buccaneers, including Captain Henry Morgan. In return these buccaneers kept the other colonial powers from attacking the island. Africans were captured, kidnapped, and forced into slavery to work on plantations when sugarcane became the most important export on the island.

Many slaves arrived in Jamaica via the Atlantic slave trade during the same time enslaved Africans arrived in North America. During this time there was racial tension, and Jamaica had one of the highest instances of slave uprisings of any Caribbean island. After the British crown abolished slavery, the Jamaicans began working toward independence which was achieved in 1962.

Mystic Mountain Bobsledding
Bobsledding at Mystic Mountain

Who hasn't heard of the Jamaican bobsledding team? You know the one that made its debut in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Alberta. They didn't take home any medals but won over fans for the sheer novelty of mastering a winter sport in such a warm country. Now you can experience the thrill of bobsledding under the warm Jamaican sun. Cruise over to Mystic Mountain, near Ochos Rios and strap in for a 90-second, adrenaline-rich ride through the rain forest. This half-mile dive down a maze of rails will have you screaming, then begging for more. Situated on 100 acres of carefully preserved land, Mystic Mountain is surrounded by a diverse ecosystem. The park, also featuring a Sky Lift and a zip-line tour, draws more than 10,000 visitors a year!

Negril's 7-Mile Beach
Strolling along Negril's 7-Mile Beach

You can't come to Jamaica and pass up the world-famous 7-Mile Beach in Negril. With so much white sand, there's plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the sun. Stroll along the beach and you'll find all-inclusive resorts, hotels, villas, beachfront restaurants, water activity vendors and a few locals peddling their own merchandise. A polite "not interested" hand signal usually puts them at bay. This beach used to be a big hippie hang-out and you might still be asked if you want some grass, but mainly the beach is littered with families, vacationers, a few locals and some boozy party-types. The highlight of the day is the beautiful evening sunset. Sitting with your toes in the sand, gazing over the crystal water is a relaxing treat!

Horseback riding
Riding horseback along the coastline

What better way to explore Jamaica's scenic country-side and white-sand beaches then by horseback. This family-friendly excursion will takes visitors across pastures and near waterfalls. Ride along the coastline, onto the beach, then splash in the ocean. The gentle horses have taken hundreds, sometimes thousands of visitors on breathtaking tours of the island. So as they say in Jamaica, "No worries, mon".

Transportation on Jamaica

Getting to Jamaica and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Proof of citizenship for Canadian citizens (passport or birth certificate with a photo ID). Passports required for U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. All visitors must have an ongoing or return ticket.

Airlines Flying Here

MBJ

Airport

Vacationer’s typcially fly into Sangster airport in Montego Bay. Kingston’s Norman Manley airport is the second most highly used airport mostly for business or resident traffic.

Departure Tax

US$20

Driving

On the left - valid driver’s license is required.

Jamaica Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Jamaica villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Apply for a marriage license.Cost: Cost of wedding arrangmentsDocuments Required: Birth certificatesWait Time: 24 hours

See our favorite villas for weddings.

See our favorite villas for honeymoons.

Know Before You Go...® - Jamaica Travel Tips

Before making their way to Jamaica villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Jamaica even more relaxing.

Capital:
Kingston
Population:
2,758,124
Size:
10,991 sq km
Electric Current:
110
Time:
21:41 pm zone:-5 (GMT/UTC -5)
Official Language:
English, patois English
Currency:
Jamaican dollar (JMD) - U.S. dollars widely accepted.
Tipping and Taxes:
Tipping and taxes in Jamaica are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. Tipping is a common practice in Jamaica, and it is usually expected in the service industry. It is a way to show appreciation for good service and is a significant source of income for many workers. On the other hand, taxes are a mandatory contribution that citizens and visitors must pay to the government. In Jamaica, the standard tipping rate is around 10-15% of the total bill. This is customary in restaurants, bars, and hotels. However, some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it is always advisable to check before tipping. Tour guides, drivers, and other service providers also expect to be tipped, usually around 10-15% of the total cost of the service. It is also common to tip hotel housekeeping staff and porters a few dollars for their services. When it comes to taxes, there are several types that visitors should be aware of. The most common one is the General Consumptio
Dress Code:
The dress code in Jamaica is typically relaxed and casual, with light, colorful, and comfortable clothing being the norm.
Topography:
mostly mountains, with narrow, discontinuous coastal plain
Telephone:
international: country code - 1-876

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