Whether you’re looking to relax or be a little more adventurous, Jamaica is worth taking the time to explore. Jamaica is made up of reggae music, sugary beaches, friendly faces, natural wonders and diverse cuisine.
Jamaica is divided into three historic counties ~ Middlesex, Surrey and Cornwall. Fourteen parishes are divided between these three counties. Jamaica’s capital city Kingston, as well as Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, are the most visited destinations on the island. Located on the southeastern coast, Kingston is a busy city (the largest on the island) most famously known for its many reggae nightclubs and the Bob Marley Museum. Loaded with all-inclusive resorts, duty-free shopping and the seaside hip strip, Gloucester Avenue, Montego Bay in Cornwall County, a cruise port destination is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Negril is known for its seven miles of white sand beaches and laidback atmosphere. Ocho Rios, a cruise ship stop for various cruise lines is located on Jamaica’s northern coast, and is home to both large resorts and smaller family owned hotels. Vacationers come here for the beautiful natural falls and world class scuba diving.
Jamaican cuisine is an exciting blend of spices and fresh, sustainable products. With a countless array of fine dining establishment and roadside jerk huts, Jamaica’s art of food offers much more than the national dish of Ackee and salt fish. For an interesting place to dine in Ocho Rios, check out the Almond Tree Restaurant where you will find an actual tree growing through the roof. A common favorite there is the lobster thermidor or roast suckling pig. For famous Jamaican jerk chicken and pork right on the beach, head over to the Pork Pit in Montego Bay. This casual lunchtime favorite of both locals and tourists and for an upscale restaurant with international flair, try the Palm Court in the Kingston Hilton.
Jamaica’s two largest airports are Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston, and Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. Both of these airports service major airlines and connect to smaller airports in other parts of the island, such as Negril and Ocho Rios. As one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, Jamaica has three cruise ports which all run along the northern coast. Montego Bay’s port, is just outside the city and is swarming with shuttles, taxis and buses to take tourists on the five minute ride into the heart of the city. Ocho Rios is the busiest of the ports and is only a five minute walk into town. Falmouth is another cruise port with visits from select cruise lines. Though Port Antonio can only accommodate smaller ships, it’s the ideal cruise stop to explore the nearby Blue Mountains. For navigating around the island, local buses and licensed taxis are the best option.
With little seasonal variation, Jamaica has a tropical climate that produces warm weather year round. Though temperatures are slightly cooler in areas with higher elevations, the majority of the island has an annual average temperature of around 82° F. Rainy season can occur any time between June and November, though the most rain usually hits in September and October. Although Jamaica is common for a humid climate, it can tend to feel a bit cooler when the trade winds come through. Peak season is during the winter and spring months of December through April. This is when the temperature drops a few degrees and visitors and prices tend to increase in most tourist friendly areas of the island.
Sharon at Sea