Overview

Columbus on beholding the island for the first time described Jamaica as “the fairest isle mine ever eyes beheld…”. Spectacular land and seascapes set the scene for any visit to Jamaica, where the capital city of Kingston is built around the seventh-largest natural harbor in the world. A little exploration will unveil spots of extraordinary beauty that serve as a magnet for nature lovers, hikers, golfers, divers and addicted vacationers, who return repeatedly to this magnificent Caribbean island.

Jamaica abounds in scenic beauty. There are white sand beaches and rivers, large expanses of plains and mountains where the flora and fauna provide an attractive kaleidoscope of island life. For those who are inspired by nature, the island offers 252 species of birds (27 are endemic), 200 native species of orchids, 500 species of true ferns and about 50 species of coral.

Jamaica has plantation tours & great houses, dolphin parks and nature reserves, museums, galleries and soft adventure tours. There are also numerous craft markets and duty-free stores for goods, both bargain and luxury.  Jamaica also offers excellent facilities for tennis, golf and equestrian sports. Water sports of all sorts are available.

The island’s cuisine has been shaped by the people who have made Jamaica their home.  Jamaica has many fine restaurants which offer an array of dining styles in Jamaican, American, Continental, East Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisines, among others. Each November, the annual Restaurant Week activities encourage locals and visitors alike to sample offerings at special prices in the island’s most renowned dining establishments.

There is a wide variety of festivals and entertainment events year round including community and international festivals. Jamaica’s native music – reggae – is celebrated in many festivals including Reggae Sumfest and Reggae Sunsplash, while the annual Festival of Arts highlights the island’s heritage in music, dance, drama, traditional folk forms and drama. Community festivals are constantly being added to the island’s calendar of events. A number of clubs, theatres and playhouses all add to the many options for Nightlife Island wide.

Jamaica has a number of hotels, large and small. These vary from high rises to hotels in elegant old world style, and small modern hotels. The hotels offer a range of plans with dining and recreation options from All-inclusives to European Plans. Many cater to specific niche needs of groups and meetings, families, couples or sport/adventure.

There are also villas, apartments and guesthouses. These intimate small-scale properties provide visitors with greater opportunities to “create their own vacation”. The offerings include a combination of self catering and/or bed and breakfast facilities and provide viable options for the discerning traveler. All accommodation offer modern conveniences, excellent services and good value for money.

The island is served by many of the world’s major airlines both scheduled and chartered.  Connections to Jamaica can be made from major cities in the Caribbean, Canada, United States of America, United Kingdom and Europe. The vessels of the world’s largest cruise line companies all make landfall in Jamaica throughout the year. Cruise passenger terminals are found in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Port Antonio and Kingston. Ground transportation is readily available on island. The options range from luxury coaches, limousines and taxis to rental cars. Transport companies also provide a range of services including customized tours.

“Once you go, you know!’

Kingston – Montego Bay – Negril – Ocho Rios – Port Antonio – South Coast