Jamaica Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide To Jamaica
Are you looking for the perfect vacation filled with beautiful places to visit, interesting people to meet, and fun things to do? If so, then Jamaica is the perfect destination for you.
Jamaica is the perfect vacation for you and your family not only because it’s beautiful and has a warm and inviting climate and gorgeous beaches. There are also inexpensive options for travel and lodging.
In this article, we will explore Jamaica’s top attractions, cost effective tips for flying, and the best places to stay. We will also share the top activities to engage in while visiting Jamaica.
Top Attractions in Jamaica
There are so many things for vacationers to do while staying in Jamaica. Of course, you’ll want to spend your time wisely and pick the top attractions to enjoy with your friends and family.
No matter what you choose to do, you will love it. Here are the top three attractions you must visit on your trip to Jamaica:
- Negril Beach and Negril Cliffs
- Dunn’s River Falls
- Blue Mountain National Park
Let’s explore these locations to find out why they are the top attractions.
Play at Negril Beach and Negril Cliffs
Also known as Seven Mile Beach, this stretch of white sand crystal clear aqua waters is closer to four miles long. Extending from Bloody Bay to Long Bay, this beach is home to some of Jamaica’s most luxurious resorts.
The view alone makes a trip to Negril beach worth it. A coastline fringed with coral and tucked within a smattering of coconut groves offers the perfect place to relax or have fun in the sand or the water.
If you’re into snorkeling, this is the beach to go to. You’ll be treated to vibrant coral and a rainbow of tropical fish swimming through clear water. The sunsets are an aesthetically pleasing treat in the evenings.
Majestic and wonderful, the Negril cliffs tower 40 feet above the pristine water of the Negril Beach.
Adventurous locals and visitors come to the cliffs for the thrill of diving from the cliffs down into the cool waters below. Even if cliff diving is not your thing, you can sit back, relax, and watch others.
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Rick’s Cafe. Located 35 feet above the water, it’s the perfect place to grab a tropical drink and enjoy live music
Enjoy Dunn’s River Falls
With 180 meters of cascading waters, one of the top attractions in Ocho Rios is Dunn’s River Falls. These falls, steeped with history, flow over rocks and limestone ledges into the ocean below. With a guide, you can climb the falls to the top to cool off in the pools at the base of the waterfalls.
The river and falls have been described as a self-regenerating entity because it draws from deposits of travertine rock, which forms from precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river as it travels down the falls.
Dunn’s River Falls is believed to have been the site of the infamous battle of “Las Chorreras” fought between the Spanish and English over the land in 1657. The word chorreras means waterfall.
If you like to stay active, you can also climb up the falls. There are two climbs:
- Dry climb
- Wet Climb
The dry climb is done outside of the water alongside the falls, while the wet climb takes visitors through the falls to the summit.
Hike the Blue Mountains
When most people think of Jamaica, they imagine relaxing on the beach, mixed drink in hand, soaking in the sun. But there are beautiful landscapes aside from the world class beaches. These include mountains.
The Blue Mountains are the longest chain of mountains on Jamaica’s east coast. At 7.402 ft (2,256 meters), the mountains are the highest point on the island, featuring gorgeous views for its hikers and campers.
There are day tours of the mountain that you can take from Kingston, led by a guide who will take you to all of the “must see” spots on the island which include:
- Natural springs
- Waterfalls
- Swimming holes
- Rastafarian Village
- Maroon Heritage sites
Experience Blue Mountain Coffee for Yourself
Blue Mountain National Park is home to several coffee farms. While Jamaica only produces 0.1% of the world’s coffee, it’s presence on the mountain is what has preserved the Blue Mountains’ identity and made it a national treasure.
While there, feel free to drop by the 98 year old coffee factory where among other activities, you can:
- Take a tour and learn about the history of the Jamaican coffee farms
- How Jamaican coffee beans are selected by hand
- Interact with locals who work on the farm
- Experience the coffee for yourself
Revel in the Beauty of the Natural Surroundings
The beauty in the native Blue Mountain plant and wildlife is unparalleled. There are over 1,000 species of plants on the mountain, with 27% of them being exclusive to the Blue mountains. Of these, 200 are flowering plants bursting with color. Some of the plants you see are:
- Blue Mahoe Flower
- Jamaican Rose
- A variety of orchids
- Jamaican Dandelion
Whether hiking or out for a leisurely stroll, you will spot exotic birds such as the:
- Green Tody
- Doctor bird
- Red-haired Jamaican woodpecker
- Jamaican blackbird
And don’t forget your fishing rod for some fly fishing. The Blue Mountain waters are home to both fresh and saltwater fish.
The Experience Flying into Jamaica Airport
Jamaica sounds fabulous. There is so much to see and do, but first, you have to get to the island. There are three airports in Jamaica.
- Norman Manley International is located in Kingston
- Sangster International is located in Montego Bay
- Ian Fleming International is located in Ocho Rios
All three airports are located near major attractions so that you can start your vacation as soon you step off the plane.
The following airlines offer direct flights to Jamaica:
- American Airlines
- Delta
- Southwest
- United
- jetBlue
- Spirit
- Caribbean
With a little bit of research, you find that there are a lot of options for flying to Jamaica. Let’s look at the best ways to get travel to Jamaica without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Jamaica
Here are three hot tips for flying to Jamaica cheaply without sacrificing comfort and VIP treatment.
The Best Days to Fly to Jamaica as Cheaply as Possible
Are you looking for the cheapest day of the week to fly to Jamaica? Then fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
If those days don’t work, according to all of the major travel sites, Monday and Saturday are your second best options followed by Thursday if you’re flying on a budget.
The most expensive days to fly to Jamaica are Friday and Sunday.
The same is true for flying out of Jamaica as well.
The Best Time of Year to Fly to Jamaica On a Budget
The cheapest month of the year to fly to Jamaica is August, which marks the end of the island’s first of two dry seasons of the year.
Conversely, November through January is the most expensive time of the year to fly to Jamaica. The island’s climate is best from November through mid-December, making it not too hot or too humid for tourists.
Take Advantage of the Airport VIP Services
The top rated VIP airport lounges in Jamaica are:
- Club Kingston
- Club Mobay
If you want to avoid the crowded terminals and relax, here’s what the VIP packages have to offer you. The table below summarizes the package price and amenities for VIP services at these exclusive VIP services.
Club Kingston
Located :
Norman Manley International
Price :
$26.67
Privileges & Amenities :
- Personalized host
- Fast-track through security and Immigration and Custom
- Access to arrival and departure lounge
- Unlimited beverages (alcoholic and non)
- Unlimited snackbar
- Wifi
- Free phone calls to the USA, Canada, U.K.
- Access to conference room
- Access to Jamaican cultural exhibits
Club Mobay
Located :
Sangster Airport VIP Lounge
Price :
$30
Privileges & Amenities :
Arrival Lounge Only:
- VIP meet and greet
- Assistance with immigration forms
- Escorted fast-track through customs and immigration
- Luggage retrieval
- Snacks and beverages
- Private restrooms
- Chilled towels
Departure Lounge only:
- Fast-track through immigration and security
- Snacks
- Beverages (hot, cold, alcoholic, non)
- Sound-proof children’s playroom
- Adults only lounge
- Wifi access
- Business Center
- Shower facilities
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
The most popular areas to stay in Jamaica are:
- Negril
- Montego Bay
- Ochos Rios
- Port Antonio
- Kingston
Negril is a great area to visit, especially if it’s your first time in Jamaica. You’ll stay on breath-taking beaches and will have access to many cultural attractions.
If a vibrant nightlife is what you are looking for, then Montego Bay is the destination for you. Gloucester Avenue, the city’s center, is home to a variety of resorts, restaurants, bars, clubs, and lots of other activities.
For families with children, Ocho Rios is the best destination. While you might not get the most authentic Jamaican experience, there are a variety of attractions that everyone will enjoy, such as:
- Theme park
- Animal exhibitions
- Scenic attractions
- Shopping
Without a doubt, Port Antonio is the coolest place to vacation. While less popular than other destinations, it features:
- Many historical sites
- Alluring downtown
- Lush vegetation
- Beautiful beaches
- Wildlife
If you are traveling on a budget, then Kingston is where you want to experience Jamaica. Kingston is a unique and diverse city that is home to 750,000 people.
Because of this, there is a variety of accommodations, attractions, activities, and shopping that will accommodate your budget and are close by.
Popular Hotels- The Best Places to Stay
Each of the places above has fabulous hotels. The table below summarizes the best hotels in Jamaica.
Negril
Prices depend on the number of guests and time of year but on average, rates range from $137 to 1170 a night.
Ocho Rios
Prices depend on the number of guests and time of year but typically start around $100/night
Port Antonio
Prices depend on the number of guests and time of year but range from $100-500/night
Kingston
Prices depend on number of guests and time of year but start around $125/night
Popular Air BnBs to Stay at During Your Visit
This table lists the most popular Air bnbs in the best parts of Jamaica to stay in while on vacation.
Negril
Studio Apartment at Negril Beach Club
$5/night, hosts 4 guests, studio, 2 beds, 1 bath, located on the beach
Montego Bay
Bright Montego Bay Studio Rental
$99/night, hosts 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Ocho Rios
OceanView Apartment
$79/night, hosts 3 guest, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 baths
Port Antonio
Mango at Mango Ridge
$57/night, tiny house hosts 4 guests, 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bath
Kingston
Cozy Studio Central Location
$52/night, hosts 2 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
Top Things to do in Jamaica
Visit the Bob Marley Museum
If you’re traveling to Jamaica, you can not afford to miss the museum dedicated to one of the country’s most revered citizens, the late and great Bob Marley!
You will get to view Marley’s prized possessions and memorabilia as well as grab a cup of coffee from the Legend Cafe. You can also explore Marley’s former recording studio, now turned exhibition hall.
Take a Dip in Fire Water Pond
This pond, located at Windsor Mineral Spring. About the size of a hot tub, it can make fire, due to a high concentration of sulphur in the water.
Explore the Sunken Pirate City
Located at Kingston Harbor, Port Royal was historically known as both the richest and most wicked city in the world. In 1692, a devastating earthquake caused most of the city to sink below the water level- up to 40ft (12m) deep in some parts.
Loaf in the Luminous Lagoon at Night
Located in Falmouth, Trelawny, the lagoon literally lights up at night due to phosphorescence given off by a microorganism in the water. There are only three like it in the whole world!
Have an Adventure on Mystic Mountain
The Mystic Mountain Adventure Park offers views of the beautiful city of Ocho Rios. You can also satiate your adventurous side with the following activities offered at the park:
- Chairlift
- Bobsledding
- Ziplining
Final Thoughts
Jamaica truly offers something for everyone. There are a variety of sites to see and places to stay whether you are on a budget or are planning a luxury vacation.
Once you’ve booked your flight and picked the perfect place to stay, you can sit back with a drink in your hand and enjoy the views, or you can plan adventures, tours, and fun-filled activities that will leave you wanting to return to Jamaica for more fun in the sun.
