Columbus on beholding the island for the first time described Jamaica as “the fairest land…”. He has had company ever since. Jamaica, to many visitors epitomises paradise, a step above the ordinary. The island seems to have always attracted her share of visitors, and despite the small size has made wonderful memories for millions of visitors each year. Jamaica with only 10,991 square kilometres (4,244 square miles) is more than beaches and hotels; it is a phenomenon, an experience – best savoured by immersion or in small bits. We have broken down these bits as resort areas. These resort areas include Kingston, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, the South Coast, Negril, and Port Antonio.
Jamaica’s bustling second city, Montego Bay (MoBay for short) is considered the tourist capital of the island. Graced with a modern international airport (Sangster International) and cruise ship pier which can accommodate megaliners, Montego Bay is a thriving city abuzz with activities for every budget and preference.
The “complete resort”, Montego Bay has all the very best that Jamaica has to offer including five (5) championship golf courses, boutique and luxury hotels, themed restaurants and gaming lounges as well as picture-perfect white sand beaches. Montego Bay is home to the Hip Strip – a full mile of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, fun and excitement.
The resort area encompasses the town of Falmouth with its fine examples of Georgian architecture and the Jamaican Vernacular. The sleepy seaside town of Falmouth dates back to the early 1700’s and was served by piped potable water before many major North American cities, including New York.
Ocho Rios
Encompassing the garden parish of St. Ann, the resort area of Ocho Rios is the nature lover’s escape. Fabled to be watered by eight rivers (as its name suggests) Ocho Rios provides a lush landscape of caves, gardens, rivers and white sand beaches. The name Ocho Rios actually derives from “Las Choreras” meaning “waterfalls” and may be a reflection of the many waterfalls in the area. From the Fern Gully located in the remains of an old river bed to the tiered waterfalls of Dunn’s River, arguably, Jamaica’s most popular attraction, Ocho Rios draws thousands of visitors back to arguably the island’s most romantic, picturesque resort area.
The “centerpiece of Jamaica”, Ocho Rios provides a range of activities from golf to watersports to equestrian and soft adventure activities. The area is approximately equidistant between the island’s two cities – Kingston and Montego Bay, providing excellent access from both international airports. The birthplace of Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, Ocho Rios offers a variety of cultural experiences - Marley’s mausoleum at Nine Miles, ReggaeXplosion and Seville Heritage Park all help to chronicle Jamaica’s experience in story and song.
Negril
The quintessential “kick-your-shoes-off, do-as-you-please” resort area with its laid back atmosphere and picturesque sunsets, Negril is Jamaica’s most westerly of resort areas. Dubbed the “capital of casual”, Negril is a popular getaway for those who want an escape from the daily grind – it is the place to pack a bag and run to. Protected by law from large scale developments and high rises, the area has intimate bungalows on the beach beside sprawling all inclusives; pubs with live reggae music and local fare that cater to all budgets and tastes.
JAMAICAN HIGHLIGHTS:- Magnificent Dunn`s River Falls park,is a mix of modern facilities with the rustic charm of a nature park. Visitors can climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides or visit "the massage parlour" and experience the soothing effect of the water as it cascades to the sea. Sun lovers also can enjoy the beach.
- Rafting on the Martha Brae- The Martha Brae is the island`s No. 1 rafting attraction, and a trip down this picturesque river on a 30 ft. raft piloted by a skilled raft captain is an unforgettable experience -
not to be missed by visitors to the island.
- Montego Bay Marine Park Jamaica`s first national park protects the beautiful reef fish, corals, turtles and other marine creatures and their spectacular "underwater rainforest" habitats of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. For information on our scientific research, monitoring, regulations, education, outreach programmes and activities in the Park, visit our web site. Wet, Wild and Wonderful!
- Interact with a family of Bottlenose dolphin in an idyllic tropical retreat on Jamaica`s North Coast. Adjacent to the famous Dunn`s River Falls, Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef also offers, Interacting with Stingrays and Sharks, Mini Boat Rides, Kayaking in a lush tropical surroundings with a beach, waterfall and Jungle Trail.
- Green Grotto Caves - near Ocho Rios
Are located along the main road two miles east from Discovery Bay, they meander for about 6 miles and are abound in natural art forms of glistening stalagmites and stalactites. This cave system also features a subterranean salt water lake 120 feet below ground level.
- "Appleton Estate Tours"
A timeless journey through the soul of the finest rums in the world. The Appleton Estate has been blending rums since 1749 and the Rum Distillery is sited beside the Black River in one of the most beautiful valleys in Jamaica, south of Montego Bay. You can savour these award-winning rums after you tour the distillery and learn the details of the distilling process from sugar cane, molasses, sugar, to wine and rum. Bar, gift shop, souvenirs and snacks are available.
- Scuba Dive in the amazing shipwrecks and coral reefs
- Fantastic Yachting, Sport fishing and Windsurfing
- Explore by Helicopter the mountain ranges, gorges, valleys and
beaches
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Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Time Difference: GMT-5
Visa: None required for Irish Passport holders
Vaccinations:No compulsory Vaccinations
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