Jamaica travel guide

Jamaica is a large, busy, beautiful, lively island with a full range of beaches, some classic strands, others in pretty coves. You can also find good golf, superb music, strong local life and vibrant culture.

Holidays in Jamaica

Jamaica is the third largest island of the Caribbean and measures 146 miles from west to east by 51 miles across at its widest point north-south. Of course you can opt for complete calm and relaxing holiday but the island is such a lively place that it is definitely worth exploring. There are endless things to do, not just on the beaches, but inland in the mountains and rivers as well, and Jamaica has a lively cultural life, with excellent music. The Jamaicans themselves are funny, charming and eccentric.

Sights and places to see in the Jamaica

Kingston is Jamaica’s capital and the epicentre of Jamaica’s arts and cultural landscape, Kingston is always abuzz with a robust vibrancy befitting the island’s political, economic and social capital.

Runaway Bay is in the heart of the north coast and an excellent base for those who are looking for a little more than a beach holiday. Runaway Bay and lies between the two resorts of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Runaway Bay is quieter and more relaxed than the neighbouring resorts and caters well for families and couples of all ages.

Montego Bay is deservedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Over the years it has attracted the rich and the famous and has been the local haunt of royalty.

There are many sports to choose from and there are many operators so you can shop around to find the one to suit you.. You can hike in the mountains, scuba dive on the offshore reefs and walls or deep-sea fish, mountain bike, surf, windsurf and run marathons. The island has many excellent golf courses

For the really adventurous you can try bamboo river rafting and tubing, climb and swim in waterfalls, ride horses, go on a canopy tour in the tropical forest.

For the days when you want to try something other than relaxing on the beach or part-taking in the many activities on offer, there is the old architectural beauty and faded Georgian grandeur in the towns and beautiful plantations set in fantastic countryside to explore.

And of course, this is not to forget that Jamaica is the home of reggae, and so you can follow that too, in the bars and clubs around the island. If you are lucky you might see a world famous artist playing in front of a small home crowd.

Weather, flight and travel information in and around Jamaica

Jamaica lies in the Caribbean ‘hurricane belt.’ Officially the hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30; August and September are peak months.

One of Jamaica’s greatest attractions is its idyllic tropical climate and coastal temperatures average a near-constant 26°C to 30°C all year. A ‘rainy season’ starts in May, June to November, December, with the heaviest rains in September and October. Rain can fall at any time of year, however, and normally comes in short, heavy showers, often followed by sun.

Jamaica’s international airports are in Montego Bay and Kingston and the majority of visitors to Jamaica arrive at Donald Sangster International Airport about 3km north of Montego Bay and the adjacent terminal serves domestic flights.

Money; £1 = 129 Jamaican Dollars (JMD)

Time; GMT/UTC -5

Telephone; 00 or + (1 - 876)

Last updated; March, 09