Jamaica holidays

Things to do

Explore your destination

Dunn’s River Cruise
An exciting cruise to the cascading waters at Dunn’s River Falls, followed by sunbathing and snorkelling at Crystal Reef, this day is sure to be filled with fun, sun, rum and, of course, the soul-lifting rhythm of reggae music.

Prices from approx. US$70pp (adult)

Black River Safari
See the real Jamaica and its unspoilt south coast. You’ll tour a rum factory, with the chance to sample some local produce, swing like Tarzan at the beautiful YS Falls and meet some of the region’s friendly crocodiles!

Prices from approx. US$89pp (adult)

Dolphin Cove
You can see dolphins in a natural cove surrounded by lush tropical forests on this magical trip. These awe-inspiring creatures never fail to impress, with their affectionate and playful nature. Lucky visitors may even receive a kiss!

Prices from approx. US$29-198pp

River Tubing
Experience the ultimate relaxing ride as you float down the White River in a tube, gazing up at the sky and feeling the swirl of the water around you. A truly unique way to travel, this is an experience you’ll never forget.

Prices from approx. US$53pp (adult)

Please note: for further details, please speak to your Representative in resort. This is an example guide only and excursions and prices will be subject to change according to season, availability and demand.

Highlights

• Cooling down at the stunning YS Falls in Black River, while on your holiday in Jamaica, where you’ll find seven waterfalls hidden away among the lush tropical landscape
• Discovering the legend of Annie Palmer, the famous white witch, who’s said to have killed her three husbands and buried them at her home, Rose Hall in Montego Bay
• Climbing into the saddle for a horseback ride through historic St Ann and to Chukka Cove’s private beach
• Rafting on the Rio Grande like the legendary actor Errol Flynn, gliding past tropical scenery and Lovers Rock, and stopping to swim and eat lunch on the riverbank
• Taking a trip to the Bob Marley museum in the capital, Kingston, which used to be the reggae star’s house and recording studio
• Conquering Jamaica’s famous Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, climbing up the rocks as refreshingly cool water plunges into a pool at the bottom
• Enjoying a dip in the beautiful Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, a fantastic Jamaican holiday experience
• Learning about Martha’s gold; legend says it’s hidden in a mysterious cave, which can be discovered rafting on the Martha Brae, near Montego Bay
• Moving and grooving to Jamaica’s infectious reggae beats in one of Montego Bay’s funky clubs
• Teeing off on one of the islands brilliant golf courses, including Half Moon Golf Club near Montego Bay, with the sun shining down on the glorious green fairways, on holiday in Jamaica

Food and drink

Jerk-spiced cuisine is Jamaica’s speciality; chicken, pork or even seafood are smothered in a fiery spice, made from Jamaican Pimento and Scotch Bonnet peppers, and grilled over charcoal.

Rice n’ Peas is another staple served with most dishes, and curried goat is served up on special occasions. If your tummy fancies some more familiar food, there are plenty of international restaurants in and near the main resorts, so you can munch down a pizza or a steak.

Jamaica’s most popular tipples are its world-famous rum, local Red Stripe® beer and Tia Maria®, made from the island’s Blue Mountain Coffee Beans. For something truly exotic and non-alcoholic, try refreshing coconut water, straight from the shell.

Evening Flavour

Jamaica is a funky island, so you may feel the need to get your groove on; the favourite places to head are MoBay, Ocho Rios and Negril, where you can have a bite to eat in a restaurant, a drink in a bar and a boogie in a club.

Rick’s Café in Negril is one of the island’s best bars, where you can watch romantic sunsets and cliff divers jumping off dare-devil high platforms.

Since its first ever bar opened in Montego Bay, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville has opened all over the States and added bars to the resorts of Negril and Ocho Rios, with attractions varying from waterslides to over-water trampolines.

Shopping

Get a real taste of Jamaica and take home some the island’s famous drinks, like Blue Mountain Coffee, rum (including the famous Appleton Rum) and liqueurs, like Tia Maria®.

MoBay has good shopping centres including Holiday Village Shopping Centre, City Centre and Montego Freeport. For some real Jamaican holiday goodies, head to the craft markets downtown, where you can pick up jerk seasoning, Jamaican jams, chutneys, baskets, dolls and Bob Marley T-shirts.

Shoppers flock to Ocho Rios with empty bags and full wallets to hit duty-free shopping centres like Ocean Village, Coconut Grove and Pineapple Place.

Dates for the Diary

For one week during the summer, the island’s Reggae Sunsplash Festival showcases well-known and local talent. It’s been held in different resorts over the years and is great for getting a real taste of Jamaican culture.

For the Family

• Have a whale of a time playing beach games, riding banana boats and waverunners and checking out the underwater world on a glass bottom boat at the AquaSol Theme Park in Montego Bay.

• Splash about at Negril’s Kool Runnings Water Park and have fun on the Jamaican Bobsled ride.

• Fancy a swim with sharks? Well, the brave can at Dolphin Cove. Or, if you’d rather play it safe, you can take a dip with the friendly bottlenose dolphins.

Information

Language: English. Currency: Jamaican Dollar. Jamaica Tourist Office: 1-2 Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BZ. Tel: 020 7224 0505. Fax: 020 7224 0551. www.visitjamaica.com

{For essential information on visas, departure taxes, vaccinations and other issues please click on 'info' at the top of the page.}

Travel money

Jamaican Dollar

You can get commission-free foreign exchange on currency notes and travellers cheques at most First Choice Travel Shops and Holiday Hypermarkets.