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Welcome to Jamaica

The Jamaica Guide is your complete resource for planning an island vacation.  As a place of intense natural beauty, Jamaica is known for its balmy weather, stunning tropical beaches and misty blue mountains that run the length of the island.  Furthermore, Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae, the modern all-inclusive resort, and much more.

 

With warm sunshine and cool breezes, Jamaica is known for it's consistently beautiful weather. While temperatures along the coast only fluctuate a small amount, the mountainous areas of the island's interior are quite a bit cooler.  Though there is a remote chance of a hurricane or tropical storm disrupting your plans during the summer season, our detailed month-by-month guide to Jamaica's weather will help you plan ahead...

January May   September
February     June October
March July November
April August    
December
   

 

Your dream vacation is closer than you think. Our planning tips will help you with everything from creating a budget to deciding the best time to visit.  With our planning guides, you can make your dream of the perfect Jamaican vacation a reality...

When to go

To escape the crowds, plan your trip to Jamaica during the off-season, which occurs between the months of April and December.  Hotel and restaurant prices are often reduced during this time as well...

Clothing and Attire

Because rain can occur suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, it is recommended that visitors bring a waterproof jacket or an umbrella with them on their Jamaican vacation.  More. . .

 

Before you travel to Jamaica, take some time to learn about the island beyond the most affordable resorts and exciting activities. Jamaicans are a dynamic group of people with a storied past. Learning about the island's history, culture, religion, and economic state will assist you in understanding Rastafarians and other intriguing people and things you will encounter on your vacation...

History

Jamaica was home to the Arawak Indians long before 1494 when Christopher Columbus introduced the introduced to the rest of the world to the island he deemed the “fairest isle mine eyes ever beheld.” From that point forward, the peaceful island faced constant hardship and upheaval.  Slavery was eventually replaced with freedom and independence...

Economy

For much of Jamaica's history, sugar cultivation was the top industry on the island; Jamaica was even the top producer of sugar in the world during the 18th century...

Crime

Portions of Jamaica experience some one of the highest crime rates in the Caribbean. Learn which areas to avoid, and how to protect yourself and your belongings during your vacation by reading our guide to Crime in Jamaica...

 

Currency and Credit Cards

Jamaican law specifies that the Jamaican dollar is the only form of currency to be accepted on the island, however, many local shop keepers are known to bend the rules...

Customs

If you plan to pick up a few souvenirs on your Jamaican vacation, keep in mind that they must pass through customs before returning home with you. Find out everything you need to know about entry and exit requirements here...

 

Driving Passports
Electricity Postal Serives
Embassies Telephones
Health and Medical Time Zones
Hours of Operation Tipping
Languages Tourist Offices

 

Adventurous travelers who prefer to take their time, travel on their own schedule, and enjoy independence as they explore have three options: bike, scooter, or car rental. Bicycle rentals are a great option for travelers whose hotel are within the city and want a quick and efficient way to get around town...

Ferries and Boats

Travelers who would like to visit Navy Island from Jamaica have but one choice of transportation, which is to take a ferry. A ferry trip to the island takes only seven minutes, and vessels leave Jamaica around the clock...

Buses

For a true cultural experience, consider using Jamaica's public transportation system as your means of traveling throughout the island...

Taxis

Taxis are not only the most popular method of transportation in Jamaica, but the most reliable as well. Official taxi drivers are members of the Jamaican Union of Travelers Association, or JUTA, and their cabs sport red license plates with the initials PP or PPV printed on them...

 

Find the best hotels and resorts for your vacation in Jamaica. From the luxury of an All-Inclusive resort to the independence of a rental villa or condo, you're bound to find the perfect accommodations. Campgrounds and national parks even offer several options for those interested in eco-tourism...

 

 

There are very few limits to the ways you can reach the island of Jamaica: airplanes, cruise ships, sailing and yachting are some of the most popular options that intrepid travelers should take care to learn more about...

 

Find the perfect hotel using our powerful advanced search tool.


 

Culinary Styles

Visitors who enjoy diverse and unique food will be thoroughly impressed with Jamaica's cuisine. The local fare consists of fresh meats and seafood, vegetables, jerk seasonings, and curries. While the distinctive local ingredients are a must-try, immigrants and visitors from Africa, China, East India, and Great Britain have influenced the flavors of other dishes available throughout Jamaica...

Restaurants

Visitors will find a wide variety of dining options, ranging from traditional road side vendors to four-star dining rooms offering international flavors as well as local delicacies. The restaurant listings in our comprehensive dining guide are organized both alphabetically and by type of cuisine...

 

There have been many captivating events in Jamaican history, including a period of Spanish rule, a British takeover and the struggle for independence. This rich mix of historical circumstances has resulted in a plethora of interesting sites to see, including colonial architecture, centuries-old artifacts, and many different historic sites. Visitors will find many of these popular landmarks in the general vicinities of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston...

Beaches

Each of Jamaica's lustrous beaches has it's own distinctive features and personality. To find the perfect beach for you, you may just have to try them all...

Casinos

Many of Jamaica's large resorts include an on-property casino. While slots are the most popular gambling mechanism, visitors looking to take a chance should try a game of Caribbean Stud Poker...

 

Diving and Snorkeling

The gorgeous waters surrounding Jamaica are world-renowned for their excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.  Discover what lies beneath...

Events and Festivals

Whatever your interest, be it jonkonnu or other dance, music (including reggae and ska) or just a great party atmosphere, one thing is certain: the locals know how to stage some terrific cultural events, including the famous Heritage Fest and numerous music festivals, such as International Reggae Day. Read more, if you're thinking about timing your vacation to coincide with one of these scheduled events or festivals...

Sports

Though the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled Team put Jamaican athletics on the map, there are plenty of other sports to watch and participate in while vacationing on the island...

Nightlife

From Negril to Kingston to Montego Bay, there are countless places to experience the island's amazing party scene...