Very accommodating fares, the prices are fixed by The nd of wood and wat Come to the Government and are non- invented the ‘all negotiable. Jamaica is a stunning country filled with beaches, mountains, culture, and all beautiful things in Jamaica inclusive’ concept. We have a huge range of world-class between. If you’re planning a break from the hustle and bustle of life, then you’ve found the perfect Bus – This is a great way to get Getting here accommodation that caters around, and will see you hanging place. A place full of warmth and smiles where you can chill and let the ‘real world’ melt away. to any taste and budget. out with the locals. They can get We have three international a little crowded though so might airports: Sangster International For example, if you don’t want not be ideal for long journeys. A brief history These days Jamaica is home Airport in Montego Bay, Norman a typical resort holiday, we have to a vibrant mix of people from Our first inhabitants were the Manley International Airport villas, B&Bs, small luxury hotels, Private driver – This option is all over the world. Our official Arawak Indians from South in Kingston and Ian Fleming as well as hotels in cliffs and much more comfortable, but of language is English, but Patois America. They named our International Airport in Boscobel. mountains where you can stay course more pricey. For driver (our local dialect) is also spoken island ‘Xaymaca’, meaning for a more laid back feel. recommendations in different by the majority of the population. Direct flights from the UK usually “land of wood and water”. parts of the island check out the take nine and a half hours, or you This brochure will give you all local forums for the area where In 1494, Christopher Columbus can fly via the U.S. It’s only three the reasons why the next visitor On e you’re based, or ask at your hotel. sailed from Spain in search of hours from New York and 60 to our little slice of heaven Make sure you negotiate with the a route to the East. Instead he minutes from Miami. Speedy. should be you. Read on. ground driver before your journey begins. stumbled across our fair land, If you’re travelling on a European JUTA and JCAL are the official which quickly became a strategic Getting around passport and are here for less names of the licensed taxis. port for military and trade. than three months, you won’t Local Taxi – Always check that The English, Spanish and French need a visa to come and visit. your taxi is licensed by JUTA fought over Jamaica for years Just get yourself a return ticket, or JCAL. It’ll say so on the door until 1655 when the English finally turn up and enjoy, but do check and the licence plate will be won. British rule lasted until 1962, travel details before you visit, red. Check the fare with locals when national independence just in case. before you jump in. Like bus was declared.

The y of e nd

Let’s take a little look around. Here are some interesting little tidbits about Jamaica.

Population Weather wise Flora and Fauna Located right in the middle of the It’s always warm in Jamaica, Even though we’re a reasonably beautiful Caribbean Sea, we have and year round there’s not much small island, we still have areas a population of 2.7 million (as of variation. In the lowlands we of remote and untouched 2013), which makes us the world’s average 25 to 30°C, and up higher beauty. In the plant world 137th most populous country. it hits around 15 to 22°C. It only you’ll discover everything from Kingston is our capital and is really gets cooler than that at coconuts, pineapples, mangoes home to just over a million people. the peaks of the Blue Mountains. and bananas, to coffee, yams and sugar cane. Geology and geography Green minded Wildlife is equally as varied. Our island, along with the other We Jamaicans are extremely Prepare to discover tropical islands of the Antilles, evolved respectful of our environment. butterflies, hummingbirds and from an arc of an ancient volcano Green issues are given high the majestic sea turtle, as well that erupted out of the sea priority and are an integral as the much wilder crocodiles, millions of years ago. We can part of the progression of our iguanas, and mongooses. split the island into three regions: country. Natural areas like The the eastern mountains, the Blue and John Crow Mountains central valleys and plateaus, National Park are highly valued, and the coastal plains. protected, and cared for. When you visit, we’d love it if you did the same. G amongst it

There’s a multitude of things to do in Jamaica. From chilling on one of the stunning beaches, to climbing the mountains, to relaxing in one of the hundreds of bars and restaurants. Have a little look and see what you fancy.

Hit the beach Our beaches offer a truly classic Treasure Beach, South Coast – Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios – tropical experience. Grab a juice Spread out, relax, and enjoy the Check out this ‘staircase or a cocktail, get your swimwear dramatic seascape as impressive waterfall’ that cascades down on, and get in for a day of waves crash onto the beach. to the beach. This 600-foot utter relaxation. Follow up with a cheeky cocktail waterfall can get really crowded at the Jack Sprat Beach Bar. on certain days in high season Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego though, so try and get there nice Bay – The reason for Montego Boston Bay Beach, Port Antonio – and early. Bay’s fame. Expect white sand, White sand, clear water, big surf, crystal clear water, and a beach and jerk-pork stands. Swim. Surf. Martha Brae’s Rafters Village, bar called The Groovy Grouper. Bathe. Eat. Repeat. Falmouth – The most incredible river rafting experience you Seven Mile Beach, Negril – The great outdoors could wish for. Sit on a raised dais A golden sand family favourite, on bamboo logs, and watch the this stunning seven mile stretch There’s so much to discover scenery unfold. of beach is the perfect place to beyond the beaches. Rivers, relax and work on the tan, or mountains, caves, waterfalls, The Black River, South Coast – grab a drink at Margaritaville. and plantations. Get exploring! Get in touch with your inner Tarzan, amidst mangrove trees and crocodiles.

Green Grotto Caves, Ocho Rios – A fantasy limestone world of stalagmites and stalactites, this cave network has seemingly A few extra endless chambers and an eerie grotto lake that you can bits & pieces visit by boat.

Canopy Tours – Enjoy the ride Horseback Riding, Montego Bay – Lady Godiva’s Dive Shop, Port National Gallery of Jamaica, Business Hours Doctors of your life as you take a zip line Gallop along trails and see your Antonio – Everything you Kingston – Here you’ll find Banks are open Monday to Friday Many resorts will have a Doctor adventure through the tropical horse swim through the waves in could possibly need in the way the oldest and largest gallery, 9:00am to 2:00pm, although they on call, but if you need any rainforest. These tours operate this unique horseback ride and of equipment for dives and with modern and contemporary are often open later on Friday. particular medicine or treatment, out of all major resorts. swim tour. snorkelling off the beaches of art from all over Jamaica and bring evidence such as a letter Port Antonio. the Caribbean. Most shops open at 8:30am from your home Doctor. The Blue Mountains, Portland – and close at 4:30pm or 5:00pm This is the biggest, wildest and Monday to Friday. These hours Feeling arty Museums and history DialLing Code greenest park in the Caribbean. vary though. Some shops open Take a stunning five to six hour The art of Jamaica is beautifully There’s a world of exciting culture Saturday until noon. Shops in The area code for Jamaica hike through vegetation to reach unique. Check out the galleries in Jamaica that’s worth checking resorts, however, are open daily. is +1 876. the summit. and see creativity with a out. From museums to music to distinctively island flavour. natural history, it’s all waiting to Banks Electricity plugs North Coast Marine Sports, be discovered. Montego Bay – Go diving amongst Harmony Art Gallery, Ocho The Bank of Jamaica has exchange Most places use the standard breathtaking coral reefs with Rios – Situated in a beautifully Bob Museum, Kingston – bureaus at all International electrical voltage of 110, just like the best scuba diving company restored mid-19th century Airports, at cruise ship piers, in the U.S. However, some places What better place to have a and in most hotels too. operate on 220 volts, 50 cycles. in the area. Methodist mansion. dedication to the King of than in his former home? The The currency is the Jamaican Negril Scuba Centre, Negril – Hi-Qo Art and Framing Gallery, house is located in the heart dollar, but US dollars are also Hands down the best-equipped Kingston – An esteemed art of Kingston on the famous widely accepted. dive facility in all of Negril, with gallery featuring diverse work Hope Road. lovely staff to boot. by diverse artists. Hip Strip. You’ll get copious servings of soca, calypso, Dates to r’ ’ b and reggae. Serious reggae fans should head to one of Here’s a run down of what’s going on around the island throughout the year. Just make sure you Kingston’s sound system check before you travel because some dates vary from year to year. dancehalls for the real deal.

Eat Carnival in Jamaica, Kingston, Ocho Rios & Montego Bay – In the August Of course, you can’t go to January first week of April, see a week Jamaica without sampling the long series of fêtes, concerts, and The Appleton Temptation Isle (ATI), Accompong Maroon Festival, St Negril – In early August summer wonderful jerk chicken, curried street parades. Elizabeth – Early January comes to is in full force with this event goat and ackee & saltfish. You’ll life with this annual celebration filled Treasure Beach Off-Road Marathon, that features about a dozen find all this and more in the with dancing, traditional singing, Treasure Beach – Late April sees the enormous parties. restaurants around the country. feasts, and ceremonies. south coast buzz with sporty people Roadside stalls serve chicken, from all over the world. Smirnoff Dream Weekend, Negril – pork and lobster, or you might Jamaica Sprint Triathlon, Negril – It’s around the same time that In late January hundreds of like to try something a bit May you’ll find party lovers enjoying competitors get together for a food, drink, reggae, and parties that different. Escoveitch is one of our swimming, cycling and running prized local dishes made from Calabash International Literary stretch right through the night. extravaganza. Festival, Treasure Beach – See 30 fried fish pickled with peppers authors and musicians from across The National Independence Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, and onions. the world reading and performing. Float Parade and Grand Gala, Falmouth – Enjoy a series of Kingston – At the start of August, concerts, featuring a range of both Love is in the air StyleWeek Jamaica & Fashion Block, we also see the most significant international and local artists. A Kingston – At the end of May, this celebratory event in our calendar. What better place to get married must see for any Jazz and Blues fan. three day fashion festival brings The celebrations take place on the than Jamaica? You can even tie creativity and design to the forefront streets around Kingston. Expect your honeymoon into the trip in Kingston. floats, costumed groups, music and share the paradise with your February trucks, classic cars, and marching family and friends. Also, you can bands. Keep your eyes peeled for Week, Kingston – Reggae June tie the knot just 24 hours after street fêtes too, because this is concerts, movies, arts & crafts, and Kingston on the Edge Urban Art a time when the locals party to arriving in Jamaica. Bob Marley Mausoleum, The Mystic Pavilion, Ocho Rios – food. All things Marley related. Festival (KOTE), Kingston – From celebrate Jamaican Independence. mid June until the end of the Nine Mile – Nine Mile is where Not only can you enjoy a display GoldenEye, Oracabessa – Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Montego Bay– month you can enjoy this cultural Marley came into the world, and of sporting memorabilia from Intimate and romantic, this is Early February sees an annual concert explosion, with plays, concerts, S‘ t’ b it’s also his final resting place. Jamaica’s greatest sporting that pays tribute to the great man. the location where Ian Fleming multimedia shows, an art auction, Falmouth Blue Marlin Tournament, It’s here that you can check out moments, but you can ride a created James Bond. Rock stars and exhibitions. the reggae master’s original rainforest bobsled too. and celebrities are constantly Montego Bay – Huge news with the guitars, awards and photographs. spotted here. March Caribbean Fashion Week, Kingston – locals, this is all about who can land th Falmouth – This 18 century port From early to mid June you can the big one. March Spring Break – All over Firefly Estate, Oracabessa – town is full of historical buildings, The Blue Lagoon, Port Antonio – mingle with influential Caribbean Jamaica, Uni students from America This used to be Sir Noël Coward’s and The Good Hope Great House Made famous by the film with fashion designers and models alike. flood in for their Spring Break holiday home but is now a listed is nearby. the same name, you can enjoy Octob holiday. Get set to party, especially Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, National Heritage Site. The estate a swim in this enchanting Port Antonio International Fishing Greenwood Great House, around Montego Bay and Negril. Ocho Rios & Montego Bay – is now a government-sponsored pool surrounded by a natural Tournament, Port Antonio – One Check out world class Jazz with museum dedicated to the Montego Bay – One of the finest The Inter Secondary Schools Boys of the oldest and most prestigious amphitheatre. The water’s a combination of International and best restored of the former and Girls Championships (CHAMPS), sport fishing events in the Caribbean, English author. cool depths are said to have and home-grown artists. plantation homes, it’s well worth aphrodisiac powers. Kingston – See the future sprinting with participants from all over Discovery Bay, St Ann – This is a look. The house is filled with and athletic stars of tomorrow as the the world. where Columbus landed in 1494, antiques, paintings, rare books, Reich Falls, Manchioneal – best of the best of Jamaica’s youth and it’s here that you’ll find and furniture from the 1800s. Just east of Port Antonio you’ll go head to head. This event changes JuŒ dates each year depending on when Columbus Park. It includes an find one of the most photographed Little Ochi Seafood Carnival, Easter falls. Dec’ beR open-air museum with a wide Get down areas in the Caribbean. Enter a Alligator Pond – In mid July every range of historical artifacts and virgin rainforest for a cooling dip form of seafood is on offer, along Motor Sports Championship Series, information about the area. Music and nightlife in Jamaica under the falls. with live music and events. St Ann – A prestigious championship are as eclectic and fun as you’d April event that takes over the Parish. Natural History Museum of expect. For example, hit one of Lovers’ Leap, St Elizabeth – Montego Bay Yacht Club’s Easter National Dance Theatre Company’s Jamaica, Kingston – This is the the multitudes of beach bars, A stunning lookout that tells the Regatta – Enjoy an annual sailing Season of Dance, Kingston – Sit back oldest division of the Institute like the ultra raffish Alfred’s story of forbidden love between event off the North Coast over the and soak up traditional and modern of Jamaica. It grew out of Ocean Palace in Negril. two slaves who supposedly leapt four days of Easter. dance from July through to August. the Science Museum and was to their deaths in order to remain Dance on the sand at parties Reggae Sumfest, Montego Bay – The established in 1879. together forever. true essence of summer comes to in Negril and Montego Bay’s life on stage for a five day festival. HOTEL, INNS, GUEST HOUSES & FACILITIES IN JAMAICA

Further information If you would like to find out more about our beautiful island: Visit: www.visitjamaica.com Telephone: 020 7225 9090 Email: [email protected] or find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/visitjamaicauk or on Twitter: @visitjamaicauk