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| City Information Special Events Family Fun & Attractions Book a trip! |
| Featured Vacation Spot: Montego Bay, Jamaica |
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 Jamaica’s cultural life is rich and varied, with its own unique music, art, and cuisine. Jamaica’s lush vegetation, scenic mountaintops,
clear waterfalls, and pristine beaches are among the highlights of this magical
island. Jamaica is the third largest, and certainly one
of the brightest, stars in the Caribbean constellation.
Montego Bay (Mo Bay), along with Ocho Rios,
are Jamaica’s north-coast pleasure capitals. The region's appearance in numerous Beach Boys’ tunes
is now ancient history, but
the fabulous beaches and resorts continue to enchant visitors and residents
alike. Montego Bay is Jamaica’s
second largest city, after the capital of Kingston, in terms of population,
but is the undisputed tourist capital of the island. The city is divided into
three parts: the city center, the hotel area, and the surrounding hills
with their picturesque villas. The city streets of Montego Bay are crowded and lively:
full of crafts and culture. The architecture is a mix of wood frame houses,
Georgian design, and modern office buildings. Not far from the city center are
the deep water piers where enthusiastic passengers disembark daily from visiting cruise ships.
Montego Bay offers attractions that
are both natural and manmade. The most famous of its beaches is the
Doctor’s Cave beach. The beach is said to be fed by healing mineral springs, and it has
some of the clearest and most sparkling water to be found at any beach in the
world. Visitors will also want to tour the local rum-producing estates for a
taste of Jamaica’s best. Just minutes away from the center of the city is the
Barnett Estate Plantation, home of the oldest plantation family in Jamaica. The
Belvedere Estate is also nearby. It encompasses thousands
of acres, and is still in operation. An evening on the Great
River is an experience not to be missed. The evening boat rides
along the river's torch-lit banks are spectacular.
Montego Bay's world-famous beaches
attract thousands every year. Some seek solitude in a phenomenal setting;
others are attracted to the feeling of romance and excitement that pulses
through the island's air. The sun shines on Montego Bay,
inviting visitors to experience the vacation of a lifetime. |
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| City Information: |
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Population:
2.5 million
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time
Language:
English
Government:
Independent. Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations
Jamaica and the rest of the
Caribbean archipelago are part of a mountain range, which in prehistoric times
probably formed a land bridge between what is now Mexico and Venezuela. The
island is about the size of Connecticut. |
Average
Temperatures:
Month |
High |
Low |
January |
86F |
67F |
February |
86F |
67F |
March |
86F |
68F |
April |
87F |
70F |
May |
87F |
72F |
June |
89F |
74F |
July |
90F |
73F |
August |
90F |
73F |
September |
89F |
73F |
October |
88F |
73F |
November |
87F |
71F |
December |
87F |
67F |
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When to Visit:
The weather is perfect all
year, and Jamaica is more and more a year-round destination. There is, however,
a high season running roughly from mid-December through mid-April. Hotels charge
their highest prices during this peak winter period, when visitors fleeing cold
north winds crowd the island.
Reservations should be made
2 to 3 months in advance for trips during the winter. At some hotels and resorts
it is necessary to book a year ahead for Christmas holidays or February.
The Hurricane Season:
The hurricane season, officially lasts from June 1 to November, but satellite
weather forecasts generally give adequate warning several days in advance so
that precautions can be taken.
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National Holidays:
New Year's Day Jan.1, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter
Monday, National Labour Day (late
May), Independence Day (a Monday
in early August), National Heroes Day (3rd Monday in October), Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Dec. 25 and 26.
A Word of Caution:
Travelers to Jamaica should be aware that despite the widespread presence of ganja or marijuana, its use is illegal in Jamaica.
Arriving:
There are two international
airports on Jamaica: Donald Sangster in Montego Bay (tel. 876/952-3124) and Norman Manley in Kingston (tel. 876/924-8452)
The most popular flights are
from New York and Miami. Remember to reconfirm all flights no later than 72
hours before departure.
Cruise Ships
Most cruise ships heading
for Jamaica travel at night, arriving the next morning at the day's port of
call, perhaps Montego Bay or Ocho Rios. In port, passengers can go ashore for
sightseeing, shopping, and a local meal. Prices vary widely.
Currency:
Jamaica has its own dollar, which is far less valuable than the U.S. dollar. In
all monetary exchanges, determine which dollar unit is being quoted in the
price, Jamaican or US.
All the major resorts and
first-class restaurants quote prices in U.S. dollars, so many visitors can go
through their entire trip without converting their currency into Jamaican
dollars. Its still a good idea to carry some Jamaican dollars:
If you have Jamaican dollars
left over at the end of your trip, you'll need to show exchange receipts from a
bank or other official bureau for the local dollars you purchased. This is a
rather cumbersome process. Exchange only the amount of Jamaican money you think
you'll actually need.
Getting Around
Jamaica is a large island
without a highly developed public transportation system. If you plan to stay in
the general area of your hotel or resort, a car is not necessary. If you plan
to explore the island, a rental car is a wise choice. Rental rates are high.
Be sure to deal only with agencies whose names are known in the US. Rentals are
available at both airports.
Taxis
can be flagged down on the street or summoned by phone. Rates are per car-not
per passenger-and 25% is added to the metered rate between midnight and 5am.
JUTA cabs are supposed to have meters, but most of them are not in working order.
Agree on the price of the trip before booking. Cab fares should be posted
inside the taxi; if you don't see them, you have the right to request a copy
from the driver. A 10% to 12% tip is usually added. Avoid pirate or unlicensed
taxis. Not only are they not metered-they are illegal and rarely carry
insurance. |
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| Special Events: |
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January
Accompong Maroon Festival,
St. Elizabeth.
Annual celebration of Maroons of Western Jamaica, with traditional singing and
dancing, feasts, ceremonies, blowing of the abeng (cow's horn), playing
of Maroon drums. 876/952-4546. January 6.
Jamaica Sprint Triathlon,
Negril. Hundreds participate in a three-part competition joining swimming,
cycling, and running in one sweat-inducing endurance test.
February
Tribute to Bob
Marley-Symposium in Music,
Ocho Rios. Seminars for students of music. 876/926-5726. First week in
February.
Bob Marley Birthday Bash, Montego Bay. An annual concert that celebrates a
local star. 876/978-2991. February 6.
Reggae Summerfest, Ocho Rios. Annual reggae bash, featuring top reggae
stars. Call 876/960-1904 for dates.
March
Montego Bay Yacht Club's
Easter Regatta.
Annual sailing event of several races staged along the North Coast over a 6-day
period around Easter. ( 876/979-8038). (March or April)
April
Carnival in Jamaica,
Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.
Weeklong series of fetes, concerts, and street parades.
June
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival,
Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. International performers play alongside Jamaican jazz
artists; other events include barbecues. 888/637-8111 or 876/927-3544 (www.ochoriosjazz.com).
Second week in June.
National Dance Theatre
Company's Season of Dance,
Kingston. Traditional and modern dance, as well as notable singers.
876/926-6129. June through August.
August
Reggae Sunfest,
Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. Annual 5-day music festival. 876/952-0889 (www.reggaesumfest.com).
First week of August.
September
Falmouth Blue Marlin
Tournament,
Montego Bay. Very popular locally. 876/954-5934. Late September.
October
Port Antonio International
Fishing Tournament. One of the oldest and most
prestigious sport fishing events in the Caribbean, with participants from Europe
and North America. 876/927-0145. Mid-October
November
Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues
Festival, Montego Bay. Series of concerts at Rose Hall Great House.
876/952-4425. Third week of November.
December
Motor Sports Championship
Series, Dover
Raceway, St. Ann. Prestigious championship event. 876/960-3860. Early December
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| Family Fun and Attractions: |
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Montego Bay:
This is the number-one destination for all of Jamaica, appealing to the widest
possible range of visitors. "Mo Bay," as it's known, has the best golf in the
West Indies, and four of the largest resorts on the island; and duty-free
shopping as well.
Negril:
Situated
near Jamaica's relatively arid western tip, Negril's Seven Mile Beach is one of the longest
uninterrupted stretches of sand in the Caribbean.
Mandeville:
Located in south-central Jamaica, Mandeville is the country's highest-altitude
town and is built in a style strongly influenced by the British.Coffee is cultivated here.
The
North Coast:
This region's primary natural attractions include its steeply sloping terrain,
the setting for panoramic public gardens and dramatic waterfalls. Set on a
deep-water harbor easily able to accommodate cruise ships, Ocho Rios boasts a
dense concentration of resort hotels and other vacation spots.
Runaway Bay:
Directly west of Ocho Rios is the satellite town of Runaway Bay, which boasts a
handful of resorts opening onto some good beaches and has the distinct advantage
of not being as populated by tourists as Ocho Rios.
Port Antonio:
The hub of eastern Jamaica, Port
Antonio still basks in nostalgia. Frequently photographed for its
Victorian/Caribbean architecture, it offers a change of pace from Negril, Ocho
Rios, and Montego Bay. Beaches such as San San are among the most alluring in
the country.
Kingston & Spanish Town:
Located on the southeast coast, Kingston is Jamaica's capital, largest city, and
principal port. It is a cosmopolitan city with approximately 750,000 residents
in its metropolitan area and serves as the country's economic, cultural, and
government center. Residents proudly call it the world's reggae capital.
Port
Royal: once
an infamous hideout for pirates and renegades.
The
Blue Mountains:
A land of soaring peaks and deep valleys with luxuriant vegetation, the Blue
Mountain range rises to the north of Kingston. Mountain roads wind and dip, and
are in bad repair. Tours from Kingston are a safer bet. You can book tours
throughout this region of coffee plantations and rum factories.
Appleton Express
Book with your hotel tour desk or 876-952-3692,
Hours: 8:30 am-4 pm, Tuesday through Thursday,
Admission charged. The
Appleton Express is an air-conditioned bus that travels from Mo Bay to the
Appleton Rum Distillery on the south side of the island. The tour also makes a stop at Ipswich Caves.
Plantations & Great Houses Barnett Estate
Granville Main
Road,
876-952-2382, fax 876-952-6342,
Open daily,
Admission charged.
“Barnett” and “Jarrett” are names well known on the island. Still among
Jamaica’s most powerful families, the Barnetts and Jarretts were plantation
owners and have owned land for many generations.
Belfield Great House
876-952-1709,
Hours: daily, 10-5,Admission charged.
This
restored historic house is open to visitors, with guided tours available before
or after dinner. Located on the 3,000-acre Barnett Estate near Montego Bay, the
site is also home to the Belfield 1797 restaurant, operated by Elegant Resorts
International.
Belvedere Estate
Chester Castle,
876-956-7310 in Montego Bay,
876-957-4171 in Negril,
Hours: 10-4, Monday-Saturday,
Admission charged
Look
back at the plantation days with this heritage tour. Belvedere was one of the
first estates to be burned during the 1831 Christmas Rebellion, so today most of
the sites on the plantation are ruins or reconstructed.
Croydon In The Mountains
Located 20
miles into the interior near the town of Catadupa
in St. James (take B6 out of town)
Hours: 8:30-5:30
daily; tours from 10:30-3:30,
876-979-8267,
Admission charged
This
132-acre working pineapple and coffee plantation offers half-day estate tours.
The property was the birthplace of Samuel Sharpe, a national hero on this
island.
Greenwood Great House
North Coast Hwy., 15 miles east of Montego Bay,
876-953-1077.
Hours: 9-6 daily,
Admission charged.
This
was once the home of the Barrett family (as in Elizabeth Barrett Browning).
Tours include a look at the finery enjoyed by the plantation families. Like Rose
Hall (below), Greenwood is a reminder of the turbulent period in Jamaica’s
history when wealthy plantation owners lived in luxury thanks to the profits of
the slave labor used to power sugar plantations.
Rose
Hall
North Coast
Highway,
876-953-2323,
Hours: 9-6 daily,
Admission charged. Rose
Hall is the best-known great house in the country and is an easy afternoon visit
from Montego Bay. This was once the home of the notorious Annie Palmer, better
known as the White Witch. Guided tours take you to the ballroom, dining room,
and Annie’s bedroom and grave.
Bob
Marley Experience
Half Moon
Shopping Village,
North Coast Highway,
Hours: 10-6 daily,
Free.
This
new attraction features a 68-seat theater where you can watch a documentary on
the life and works of reggae great Bob Marley. The film runs several times
daily. The largest part of the attraction is a huge shop filled with Marley
memorabilia – CDs, books, T-shirts. The shop claims to have the largest
collection of Marley gifts in the Caribbean.
Golf
Montego
Bay has the best collection of golf courses in Jamaica; most take full advantage
of the city’s location, offering gorgeous views of the sea and hills.
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