Jamaica is a Caribbean vacation paradise for both the adventuresome traveler seeking the many unique outdoor activities, which the island offers in abundance, as well as for those wanting to be pampered at the island's many luxury resort spas, or lavished upon at one of the all-inclusive Caribbean resorts which line the legendary Northern Gold Coast.
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Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and is the gateway to tourist activity on the north coast. The city sits in a bay with mountains rising in the background. It is a hub of shopping and dining and the beaches are lined with all-inclusive resorts. Here are just a few of the activities you will enjoy on your Jamaica Vacation:
"Things To Do"
Cycling - Mountain biking has tremendous potential on the island, but is till in the developmental stage.
Diving - Diving is not one of Jamaica's top attractions, but there are some good spots along the north coast.
Events - Carnival, music and cultural events are non-stop on the Jamaican calendar.
Fishing - Jamaican waters make for great deep-sea fishing.
Golf - The golf courses offered in Jamaica are as diverse, world class, and challenging as anywhere in the world.
Hiking - Rugged terrain makes for incredible hiking adventures and includes everything from birdwatching, to caving, and camping.
Horseback riding - Jamaica features some of the Caribbean's premier equestrian centers.
Kayaking - Jamaica has over 100 rivers, many of which have gone unexplored.
Places to eat - If Reggae was the greatest gift that Jamaica gave the world, then Red Stripe Beer and Jerk beef can't be far behind.
Shopping - There are 100 duty-free stores in Jamaica with the best shopping to be found in the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios areas.US citizens have a $600.00 duty-free allowance per person.
In general Jamaicans are friendly, outgoing and very proud of their nation. They enjoy humor, swapping stories (or liming as they call it), can be opinionated and are very talented. Jamaican artwork is highly sought after and the Reggae music that originated on the island is world renown. Though English is the official language it is fascinating to listen to "Jamaican Talk", or the local dialect spoken in a musical lilt- a mixture of English and African words (and some slang thrown in as well!). Jamaicans keep a positive and care-free attitude toward life, answering many questions or inquiries with a "No Problem Mon" or an "Irie" - believing that it's all going to work out and everything is OK!
If you want to experience the culture and the people first-hand, nothing beats a vacation package to Jamaica. Jamaica also runs a very successful and popular 'Meet the People' program that matches up families of similar interests. Contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at 800.233.4582. No Problem mon!
Entry requirements
US and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship. A passport is not required but highly recommended. Photo I.D. and birth certificate are acceptable. U.K. citizens must have a passport.
Airlines serving Jamaica from North America
American Airlines, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, BWIA, Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, US Airways
Airlines serving Jamaica from Europe
British Air
Intra-island air service
Air Jamaica Express to various cities on the island.
Air Service Tip
There are two major international airports on the island. Kingston in the southeast and Montego Bay on the northwest coast.
Kingston
is convenient if your destination is the capital city, the Blue Mountains or Port Antonio.
Montego Bay
is the "main" tourist airport and is convenient if your destination is Negril, Montego Bay, Tryall, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios (you can get transportation all the way to Port Antonio).
