Jamaica . . . Out of Many, One People
Detailed Jamaica Travel Information
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Airport

Sangster International Airport, Norman Manley International.

Resort Areas

Montego Bay, Negril, Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Kingston, Spanish Town, and Mandeville

Travel with Minors

Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport

Banking

Banking hours: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, and then 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Friday.

Currency:

Jamaican Dollar

Drinking Water

All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Bottled water is available.

Duty Free Shopping

Duty free is available in the airport, U.S. citizens can return with goods up to the value of $150, including 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 2 litre of spirits, 2 litres of wine.

Climate

Jamaica, about 235 km (146 mi) long and 82 km (51 mi) at its widest point, is bisected by highlands, bending east and west, that cover 80% of the island. The highest elevations are in the Blue Mountains to the east. The coastal plains are widest and most arid to the south. Most of the soil of the island, particularly in the central section, contains a high percentage of limestone, making cultivation difficult. Rainwater does not remain near the surface but percolates through the limestone soil to unusable depths. The island has few large rivers; only the Black River is navigable. The mean annual temperature is about 27° C (80° F) on the coast. Annual rainfall averages 1,955 mm (77 in), but it reaches 5,080 mm (200 in) in some mountainous regions. Jamaica has a great diversity of vegetation, although many areas have been cleared for agriculture. The climate is tropical all year, temperate in mountain areas, it may tend to get a little cooler in the evenings. The rainy months are May and October, but showers may occur at any time.

Electricity

110 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase.

Gambling

There is no casino gambling in Jamaica, although a number of resorts have game rooms with slot machines. The only legal betting is on horse racing at Caymanas Park Race Track in Kingston

Innoculations

No vaccinations are required to enter the country unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have visited: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.

Language

English

Location

Jamaica, a nation in the West Indies, occupies the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Located south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola, Jamaica is slightly larger than the island of Hawaii. Kingston is its capital.

Proof of Citizenship

Valid U.S. passport, or state issued birth certificate with raised seal and photo ID backup.

Golf Courses

Montego Bay

The Half Moon Golf Course is a Par-72 championship course designed in 1961 by renowned course architect, Robert Trent Jones. Sculpted from the foothills of the western Jamaican coastline, the course has an international reputation for being challenging and beautiful. A member of Jack Nicklaus's "Great Golf Resorts of the World," Half Moon has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments. With four tee markers on every hole, scratch golfers and beginners will find an enjoyable challenge as they tackle Robert Trent Jones's design and the ever-present trade winds. The Half Moon Club also offers a full service Golf Shop and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

The Ocean Course at Wyndham Rose Hall is renowned for its imaginative layout and historic site, with a bedeviling Par 4 8th hole only 322 yds from the rear tees, but ominously close to the Caribbean along its left-hand side. This challenging, recently renovated 18-hole Par 72 course stretches to 6,590 yards, with breathtaking views of Jamaica's Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea.

The White Witch Golf Course winds through the mountains of Jamaica's historic 4,000 acre Rose Hall Plantation, along 200 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside, with panoramic views of the ocean, mountains and island. Located at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, this 6,800-yard 18 hole Robert von Hagge design is set along 1,500 feet of beachfront, with multiple tee locations and dramatic elevation changes.

Tryall Golf Course is a 6,221-yard, Par 72 course widely considered among the finest in the Caribbean. Tryall attracts the game's leading players and prestigious international events, like the Johnnie Walker World Championships, Mazda Champions, Jamaica Classic and Shell's Wonderful World of Golf. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the course's sculpted fairways and manicured greens meander through forest-green hills, between stands of coconut palms and fruit trees, round lily-padded ponds, down to a one-and-a-half mile long shoreline.

Ironshore is an 18-hole, Par 72 course noted for a challenging layout with a number of intriguing blind holes and a total of 6,633 yards. This is a links-type course, with well-bunkered greens requiring accuracy and steely-nerved approaches.

Negril
Negril Hills is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 6,333 yards, with gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and lush vegetation. Located in the lush green hills high above the white beaches of Negril, this sporty course offers the challenging topography and natural beauty that characterizes the great golf courses of the world. A tennis court, restaurant, pro-shop and club house are all on the property.

Runaway Bay
The Superclubs Breezes Runaway Bay Course is a Par 72, 18-hole championship course offering an exhilarating experience for beginners and accomplished golfers alike. Designed by Commander John Harris, the course was opened in 1960 and features sand bunkers, long rolling fairways, and large flat greens protected by grassy mounds. The host of many championship events, the course measures 5,389 yards and is slope rated 117 from the forward trees. From the back it measures 6,870 yards and is slope rated 124. The course is well trapped, protecting it from certain errand shots and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Guests of the resort receive unlimited greens fees and complimentary entrance to the on-site golf school.

Ocho Rios
Sandals Golf & Country Club is an 18 hole, Par 71 course with a total of 6,311 yards, located two miles from Ocho Rios, amidst verdant hills 700 feet above sea level. This is one of Jamaica's most scenic courses, noted for majestic trees, rolling fairways, constant breezes, a plantation clubhouse and a 10th hole offering a spectacular view of the Caribbean.

Dress

Lightweight tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On the beaches shorts and swimwear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in the winter months. Some hotels require casual evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities are available.

Car Rental

To rent a vehicle, the driver must be 25 years of age. A valid drivers license, valid for 12 months, may be used for up to a 3 month period. The driver must post a bond to meet insurance regulations with cash, major credit card, or travelers checks. Rentals are available from many different companies.

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time/No Daylight Savings

Wedding Requirements

Original or certified copies of birth certificates. If either party is divorced, original or certified copies of divorce papers. If either party is widowed, original or certified copies of spouse's death certificate. Couple must be in Jamaica for 48 hrs.

Weather

Jamaica's average annual temperature is 80°F / 27°C. The average yearly temperature range is between 78°F and 85°F. Extreme temperatures range from a low of 65°F to a high of 95°F.

Sightseeing

Appleton

This inland town is the home of Appleton Estate, where one of Jamaica's leading rums is made. You can tour the distillery, watch a video showing how sugarcane is transformed into rum and sample the goods. Several tour companies offer excursions that include the Appleton Estate. The tours usually include a buffet lunch. You can see the estate on your own, as well, but if you are not going as part of a group and wish to have lunch, you should call ahead to make arrangements.

Just west of Appleton are the Y S Falls. You get to the cascade by taking a tractor-drawn trailer ride across pastureland. There's also a place to swim and a fantastic tree house - kids will love it. 35 mi/56 km west of Montego Bay.

Black River

Located on the southwest coast, Black River makes a convenient place to stop if you're traveling between Kingston and Negril. The main attraction is the Black River Safari, a short trip through the largest remaining crocodile refuge in Jamaica. Have a drink at the bar of the Bridgehouse Inn, or try their local cuisine, which is reasonably priced.

Just 20 mi/32 km west of Black River is Bluefields, a lovely beach used mostly by Jamaicans. Development may be in the plans - this unspoiled area should be seen sooner rather than later.

North of Black River is the town of Middle Quarters, where you can buy hot peppered shrimp from roadside vendors. But beware: They're very peppery! Just east of Middle Quarters is Bambu Avenue (Highway A2), where trees arch over the road and form a picturesque tunnel. 100 mi/160 km west of Kingston.

Blue Mountains

Famous for their namesake coffee, these mountains form one of the highest continuous mountain ranges in the Caribbean. They have a fragile ecosystem: In recent years, the range has suffered extensive damage from hurricanes, floods and landslides as well as deforestation and development.

In a recent effort to spur preservation, about 200,000 acres/81,000 hectares of this rugged territory have become part of a preserve, the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (the John Crow Mountains are east of the Blue Mountain range). It includes several mineral springs, old plantation houses and hundreds of flowering plants and ferns, more than half of which grow only in Jamaica. It is a treasure trove for bird-watchers (look for the doctor birds, which are hummingbirds with amazingly long tails, and large buzzards known as "John Crows"). Hiking trails abound.

Other attractions in the mountain range include Hollywell Forest Park (picnic grounds, spartan cottages, hiking trails) and lots of waterfalls. The coffee plantations that produce the tasty and expensive Blue Mountain coffee can be toured. From September to February you can watch the beans being picked and processed. The Blue Mountains begin 12 mi/20 km northeast of Kingston.


Discovery Bay

Located on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay may be the spot where Columbus first came ashore in 1494, though nearby St. Ann's Bay is another possibility. Today, Discovery Bay's main point of interest for travelers is Puerto Seco Beach, which is nicely maintained, with changing rooms, clean toilet facilities and a snack bar. Calm waters and a shallow shelf make this protected bay a popular weekend destination for families from as far away as Kingston. The beach is rather narrow, but there are lots of picnic tables shaded by coconut trees - grab one as soon as you arrive, because they go fast. The parking lot is fenced and secured. 73 mi/112 km northwest of Kingston.

Falmouth

This former sugar port is past its prime but remains a charming, unspoiled example of a Jamaican fishing village. It is busiest during the Wednesday market. One of Falmouth's most popular attractions is the Martha Brae River, which is toured aboard a Bambu raft. Contact River Raft Limited, which runs daily trips 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The one- to two-hour trips costs about US$40 per two-person raft.

Another boat tour takes you to visit a phosphorescent lagoon, which is best seen on moonless nights. The trips depart from the Glistening Waters restaurant.

Back in Falmouth itself, highlights include the Victorian market and the parish church (built in 1796). You'll see several examples of Georgian architecture along Market Street west of the town center (near Water Square), including the mansion built in 1799 by the family of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Attractions in the surrounding area include tours of the Good Hope Plantation and Caribatik, a studio, shop and gallery where you can watch batik cloth being designed. 90 mi/144 km northwest of Kingston.


Mandeville

There's not a lot to do in Mandeville, but this pretty town some 2,000 ft/610 m up in the mountains offers relief from the heat of beach resorts. It's an important center for bauxite and alumina mining, which takes place outside town. Spend a day walking around town to see the colonial architecture, some of it dating from the 1700s. Marshall's Pen is a cattle plantation and bird sanctuary. You can take a tour of the restored 200-year-old estate house. On weekends, be sure to see the colorful Mandeville Market (handicrafts, clothing, produce) in the center of town. Golfers will enjoying playing at the Manchester Club, said to be the oldest golf course in the Western Hemisphere. 60 mi/96 km west of Kingston.

Montego Bay

Known fondly as "MoBay," Montego Bay (pop. 92,000) is the second-largest city in Jamaica and the country's rowdy center of tourism: Cruise ships frequent its port, and most of the visitors who arrive in Jamaica by plane land just east of the city. The waterfront is lined with white-sand beaches and hotels. Because it's a much larger city than Jamaica's other tourist areas, it offers more in the way of sightseeing and nightlife. But size has also magnified Montego Bay's shortcomings: It can be somewhat dirty in places, and it has the highest concentration of street vendors and hustlers in the country.


Negril

Negril is probably the best place for visitors to meet Jamaicans on their own turf. While it's certainly a resort area, its carefree, unhurried atmosphere is quite unlike that of the other tourist towns, making it popular with Jamaicans as well as visitors. It's located an hour's drive southwest from Montego Bay along pretty coastline and through picturesque villages.

The town is best known for Negril Beach, a 7-mi/11-km stretch of white sand on Long Bay that's considered one of the best in the Caribbean. There's another nice stretch of sand along Bloody Bay, north of Negril Beach. (A single road runs along the shore, so finding your way between the town and the beaches poses few problems.) The beaches are great places to relax, sunbathe, swim and watch spectacular sunsets. The water is calm and shallow enough that children can enjoy it. And Negril is the best place on the island for windsurfing. The public beaches are patrolled by guards to keep vendors from hassling visitors.

Or you could while away the day at one of the all-inclusive resorts. Even if you're not a guest, you can purchase a day pass that grants you access to the hotel, the beach, all you can eat and drink, plus most of the water sports. Some of the resorts offer topless and clothing-optional beaches.

For a particularly scenic view, visit the Negril Lighthouse, perched on high cliffs just southwest of town. Beneath it, snorkelers and divers can explore caves. Another good dive site is the Gallery (near Booby Cay), with steep ledges and canyons where scorpion fish and large sponges can be seen.

If you're in town on Sunday, be sure to attend the local talent show in the town's small park. Nature lovers will want to visit the Great Morass swamplands to see birds and plants. They stretch to the northeast of Negril. 153 mi/246 km west of Kingston.

Whether you're a fan or not, the drive through unspoiled countryside is well worth the effort. The miniature chapel that marks Marley's burial place is painted in red, green and gold Rasta colors and has a stained-glass window depicting the Lion of Judah. Nearby, you can visit the house Marley grew up in. 48 mi/77 km northwest of Kingston.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios offers the island's best shopping, varied nightlife and fairly good (though often crowded) beaches. It sits on the edge of the jungle in a sheltered bay with a mountainous backdrop - truly lovely. Ocho Rios is Jamaica's most-visited cruise-ship port, while many noncruisers frequent the all-inclusive resorts in the area. Our only regret is that, as Ocho Rios continues to develop, it is losing the charm that made it so popular in the first place.

Port Antonio

Once a banana port, Port Antonio became a tourist destination in the 1940s, after actor Errol Flynn bought Navy Island, just offshore, and began hosting parties that were attended by Hollywood celebrities. The most easterly of the north coast resort areas, Port Antonio has a sleepier feel than Montego Bay and Ocho Rios but has all the prerequisites for a vacation spot: beaches, golf, deep-sea fishing and a lovely mountain setting. Its laid-back atmosphere will likely please those who are put off by the commercialization of some of the north coast's other hotspots.

Runaway Bay

Another of the resort areas lining the north coast, Runaway Bay is home to lots of hotels. The primary travel attraction is Runaway Caves and Green Grotto. Miles of passages in these caves are said to have served as hideouts for pirates, runaway slaves and the Spanish colonists who were being pursued by the English after the British invasion of the island. The caverns have extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites. At the eerie Green Grotto, you can take a boat trip across a deep underground pool. 66 mi/106 km northwest of Kingston.