Things that make Jamaica Special
All You Need to Know to Be Well Equipped for Your Island Adventure
Jamaica is the island of happy days, vivid nights and dreams that come true. Paradise in Jamaica can be whatever you want it to be – lose yourself in the adventure and take it all in. Get back to nature in the magic of our rainforests, which seem to be as alive as any of the tropical animals that live there. Take your loved ones to hike the Blue Mountains and look at the world through new eyes. Meet our friendly people, try our food and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea to the sound of slow reggae rhythms and good times.
In Dr. No James Bond visits Jamaica including Kingston and the fictional island of Crab Key.
When most people think of visiting Jamaica, they think of the beautiful white sand beach resorts of Montego Bay and Negril, relaxing reggae music and good rum. These are definitely aspects of Jamaica, but Jamaica is much more than a Caribbean beach resort. The mountains, waterfalls, rivers, historic towns, the live shows, the food, the people are all aspects of Jamaica worth visiting for. Jamaica is a developing country that has developing country issues such as social inequality, migration from the countryside to the city and tensions. Despite these issues, Jamaica is a place with tons of character and a unique vibe not shared by any of the other Caribbean Islands. Some of the places worth visiting off the tourist path are Port Antonio (for all those nature lovers), Spanish Town (Jamaica’s first capital), the Blue Mountains (home to some of the world’s best coffee), the Bob Marley Mausoleum in Nine Miles and of course, Kingston, the capital, but also the heart and sole of Jamaica. It is from Kingston where most of the reggae artists come from, new Jamaican Patois (the Jamaican Language) is developed, and much much more.
Top 10 places to visit in Jamaica
1. Port Antonio
The PORT ANTONIO AREA is perhaps the most beautiful and scenic part of Jamaica. Navigatable rivers, twin harbors, waterfalls, freshwater Blue Holes and so much more. Puerto Anton was the name the Spanish gave the town in honor of the Governor’s son but they made no real effort to settle the area.
Tourist Favorites:
BONNIE VIEW PLANTATION HOTEL—Perched on a ridge some 600 feet above Port Antonio, this moderately priced hotel offers the most spectacular view of the entire area.
RAFTING THE RIO GRANDE—Supposedly started by Errol Flynn to entertain his guests, this 3-hour, 6-mile journey through rural Jamaica on bamboo rafts is now a top attraction.
BOSTON’S BEACH—Also known as the Center of Jerk in Jamaica, is more than just a great place to eat. You can rent a surfboard and enjoy the high surf when it rolls into the beautiful beach area.
REACH FALLS—Sometimes spelled “Reich”, is a highly photographed waterfall that has only recently become popular with tourists and locals alike. If you time it right and there is no crowd, it will be a highlight of your trip.
BLUE LAGOON—Around 200 feet deep, the variations of Emerald and Jade colors will amaze you. Although the lagoon is open to the sea, the water springs from about 150 feet below the surface of the lagoon. Warm and cold water exist side by side so you can find your perfect temperature. The water is extremely buoyant from the upwelling and said to be an aphrodisiac.
2. Kingston
Founded in 1692, Kingston was first a place for the survivors of an earthquake that resulted in the destruction of Port Royal. Before that date, Kingston was an agricultural area, but the survivors of the earthquake established their tent community on the sea front The town really began to grow after pirates did further destruction and burned Port Royal in 1703. By 1703, Kingston had become the biggest town on the island and a center of trade. It is the largest English-speaking city in Jamaica and the nation’s capital. Central Kingston comprises the historic downtown area and New Kingston, both reached by Norman Manley International Airport.
The BLUE MOUNTAINS are the longest mountain range on the island and include its highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, which is 7,402 feet high. Visitors to the peak have excellent views of both the north and south coasts of Jamaica, and on clear days, it is possible to see Cuba some 130 miles away.
Located at the mouth of Kingston’s harbor, PORT ROYAL was founded in 1518 and acted as shipping center for the Caribbean region it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. It was once known as the richest and wickedest city in the world and was home to generations of pirates who plundered silks and gold from Spanish ships. Edward Teach, the pirate known as “Blackbeard”, and once lived in Port Royal.
The museum is located on the site of BOB MARLEY’s home, in which the legendary reggae musician lived from 1975 until his death in 1981, and it was also the location of the Tuff Gong recording studio. The home was converted to a museum in 1987 to display Marley’s personal items, including his guitar. On a guided tour, visitors can see a medicinal herb garden, press clippings about Marley, his stage costumes, photo gallery, and bullet holes in the walls from a failed assassination attempt on Marley.
3. Montego Bay
Montego Bay, the capital of Jamaica’s St. James Parish, covers the second largest city area on the island and is the fourth most populated city. It is a popular tourist destination, marked by duty-free shopping, a terminal for cruise ships, and world-famous beaches. Christopher Columbus first visited Jamaica in 1494 and gave the region the name of Golfo de Buen Tiempo, or The Gulf of Fair Weather. The last major slave revolt occurred in the Montego Bay area in 1832. Montego Bay was designated a city through an act of Parliament in 1980. Its coastline feature many tourist resorts, several being built on the grounds of former sugar plantations.
CORNWALL BEACH is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, featuring a protected underwater marine park that offers close-up encounters with fish and other sea life. There are also cabanas, a bar, and a cafeteria on the beach, as well as a crafts center where visitors may watch artisans working. Saturdays feature a beach party with dancing and gambling on donkey and goat races.
GLOUCESTER AVENUE in Montego Bay is also called the “Hip Strip” and is home to more than 60 shops and 35 bars and restaurants. Nearby is the famous Doctor’s Cave Beach as well as other fine local beaches. The Hip Strip is the one of the premier shopping areas in Jamaica, and it is near Montego Bay’s airport..
4. Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios attracts tourists from around the world with its mix of natural wonders and cultural exhibits. Ocho Rios is located in St. Ann Parish. It is believed that Christopher Columbus made his first steps on land at Ocho Rios. This major tourist destination was once a fishing village, but now it is a port of call for Caribbean cruise ships and cargo ships. The name may stem from a corrupted version of its original Spanish name “Las Chorreras”, or “the waterfalls”, which may have been given in reference to the village because of its proximity to the spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. The area was the location for several Hollywood films.
5. Negril
Negril, located at the western-most tip of Jamaica, spans the parishes of Westmoreland and Hanover. It is believed that the Spanish gave the region its name in 1494 either in reference to the black cliffs located there – the setting for the James Bond film “Thunderball! – or to the many Black Eels found along the coastline. Negril’s beaches are consistently rated among the best in the world. Its natural beauty, which features an almost equal mix of majestic cliffs and welcoming beaches, has made Negril a prime tourist destination since the 1950s. Today, the area is home to nature preserves and many fine resort hotels, shops, and restaurants.
6. James Bond Beach
James Bond Beach is located east of Ocho Rios on the island’s northeastern coast (just a little east of Oracabessa). It offers fabulous views and a heavenly tropical setting. The particular claim to fame for this beach is he fact that it is named for the fictional spymaster, James Bond, created by author Ian Fleming, who spent a lot of time here enjoying Jamaica’s ambience. James Bond Beach is close to Port Maria, making town explorations a definite possibility during a visit. Among the activities available at James Bond Beach are snorkeling and traveling the seas in a glass-bottomed boat, kayak, or wave runner. James Bond Beach is a great favorite of both locals and tourists.
There are many hotels near James Bond Beach, so finding accommodation will present no problem. Among the hotels closest to the beach are the Golden Seas Beach Resort (3.5 miles, 79 rooms), Couples Ocho Rios (5.7 miles, 206 rooms), Jamaica Inn (8.6 miles, 53 rooms); Royal Plantation (8.7 miles, 36 rooms), Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Resort (9.2 miles, 529 rooms); Crane Ridge Resort (10.2 miles, 90 rooms), and the Village Hotel (10.3 miles, 34 rooms).
James Bond Beach is also close to many historical attractions and scenic natural wonders. For those interested in the natural environment, a visit to Coyaba River Garden and Museum, located 9.9 miles to the southwest of James Bond Beach, is a must. Historical attractions such as Devon House allow vacationers to learn about Jamaica without straying to far from the beach setting. The historical site of Firefly (4.8 miles SE), Harmony Hall (5.7 miles W), and the natural beauty of Enchanted Gardens (10.7 miles) and Dunn’s River Falls (12.4 miles W) are present additional interesting choices for visitors.
7. Cardiff Hall Public Beach
The mix of beautiful natural setting and unique atmosphere makes Cardiff Hall Public Beach a great destination for travelers looking for a taste of Jamaica. Not too far off the beaten path, Cardiff Hall offers a middle ground for tourists desiring a little seclusion, as well as easy access to an urban experience. Cardiff Hall Public Beach is notable for its tropical, yet metropolitan feel. It’s a good choice for families and groups of friends who want to be on the beach without having to fight the crowds.
Cardiff Hall Public Beach is located on the northern coast of Jamaica, near Franklyn D. Resort. Because it’s close to Runaway Bay, walking to town is definitely an option for visitors eager to explore the island.
8. Frenchman’s Cove Beach
Frenchman’s Cove beach, which is near Priestman’s River in Jamaica, is a secluded, private, and pretty beach in the heart of the island’s tropical paradise. Visitors can enjoy soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, and since Frenchman’s Cove beach is centrally located, it offers opportunities for more urban experiences also abound.
For travelers looking for accommodations near Frenchman’s Cove beach, several options are available. While there are no large hotels in the area, vacationers are well served by smaller hotels in nearby neighborhoods.
Frenchman’s Cove beach is associated with celebrity visitors, which makes it a popular choice for those interested in people-watching, and its sands and waters make it one of the prettiest beaches on the island. There is a freshwater river that flows into the cove, and tourists can sample local cuisine and tropical drinks served along the shore by personable and friendly wait staff. The beach’s private setting adds to the sophistication of the overall experience.
9. Fort Clarence Beach
Fort Clarence beach, a clean, well-maintained black sand beach, is a popular location for visitors to Jamaica who are looking for that perfect mix of natural beauty, fun, and local culture. Because of its close proximity to more urban areas, Fort Clarence is a popular choice with tourists and Jamaicans alike. It is just 5.6 miles from Fort Charles on the island’s southeastern coast, and it’s very near Portmore, which makes town explorations an easy optional activity during a day at the beach.
Fort Clarence beach is often the destination for guests staying at many of the neighboring hotels, which include Morgan’s Harbour Hotel, just 6 miles away with 51 rooms. About 11 miles away from the beach are the Four Seasons Hotel 76 rooms; Jamaica Pegasus, 32 rooms; Courtleigh Hotel and Suites, 132 rooms; and the Hilton Kingston, with 300 rooms. A little farther from the beach are the Christar Villas (13 miles away offering 42 rooms) and Strawberry Hill (17.4 miles, 14 rooms).
Other historical attractions include Fort Charles itself, located 5.6 miles northeast of the beach, Mona Great House (13 miles NE), Hope Great House (14.1 miles NE), Gordon House (10.1 miles NE. Also nearby are Georgian Antique Square (8.4 miles NW) for shopping, the National Gallery of Art (9.1 miles NE), the Tourist Board (11.2 miles NE), National Stadium (11.9 miles NE), and the Bob Marley Museum (12.4 miles NE).
10. Fairy Hill Beach (AKA Winnifred Beach)
Fairy Hill Beach(AKA Winnifred Beach) gives visitors to Jamaica the chance to experience an uncrowded beach location. Located near Port Antonio, Fairy Hill beach can be reached via a steep road that deters many tourists. The waters of Fairy Hill beach are perfect for snorkeling – clean and calms – and there are many opportunities to explore fascinating lagoons. Another plus for visitors to Fairy Hill beach is the availability of fresh water from a spring to wash away the salt after swimming in the sea.
Fairy Hill beach is close to several natural and historical island attractions to round out a visit. Athenry Gardens, located 2.5 miles to the southwest of the beach, can be a great part of your vacation. For those interested in the history of Jamaica, a visit to the Lighthouse in Port Antonio, located 4.3 miles to the west, is a good option. Other interesting natural attractions close to Fairy Hill beach include Rio Grande Rafting (6.9 miles to the southwest), Somerset Falls (10.8 miles west), and Blue Mountain-John Crow National Park (16 miles to the southwest).
Useful Tips
1Make sure you travel with a valid passport or visa (if required). Also, bring another valid form of photo I.D., and photocopies of both I.D.s. in case of loss or theft.
2Read up on local laws and practices before you get here.
3 Give friends and family your contact information and itineraries in case of emergency.
4 Register with your country’s embassy or consulate before you travel. That way your country is aware of your whereabouts in case of emergency.
5 Keep luggage, handbags or backpacks in view at all times.
6 Keep possessions close to your body.
7 Don’t take around large amounts of cash.
8 Avoid wearing expensive jewelry on road trips or excursions.
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