Montego Bay, Jamaica's second largest city, offers tourists plenty
of options from exciting nightlife to world-class golf. The beautiful
white sand beaches and majestic mountain ranges are matched only
by the unique charm and easy-going nature of the people. Music
flows freely though the bustling open-air markets, where visitors
can discover handmade souvenirs and sample jerk cuisine.
Negril, Jamaica
Negril, famous for 7 miles of white sand beach, is located at
the western tip of the island of Jamaica. Negril is actually a
state of mind, giving new meaning to casual and fun-in-the-sun.
It is famous for a carefree ambiance and beautiful sunsets. Visitors
will enjoy a wide range of water sport activities such as snorkeling
and scuba diving.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Ocho Rios, located on Jamaica's north coast,
boasts white sand beaches, fantastic waterfalls and lush gardens.
Tall green mountains also make this a perfect vacation hideaway.
The town offers visitors a chance satisfy their passion for shopping
at craft markets and local shops. Ocho Rio's most popular attraction,
Dunn's River Falls, offers visitors a chance to refresh in a 600
foot high waterfall.
The Jamaican dollar is used. The local exchange rate fluctuates
daily. When US dollars are given for payment, Jamaican dollars are
usually given back.
Language
The official language is English. Patois, a mix of English and African
is also spoken.
Proof of Citizenship
Acceptable forms of proof of citizenship for U.S. citizens traveling
between the U.S. and our International Destinations are a valid passport,
OR a certified , state issued birth certificate with raised seal
along AND a valid government photo ID, (i.e. a driver's license)
a naturalization/citizenship certificate. It is the traveler's responsibility
to provide proper documentation. Married women traveling with any
documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license
(a copy is acceptable).
How do I get around?
Taxis are abundant, but they are not metered. Be prepared to bargain!
Bicycle and moped rentals are also available.
Make your day
with a unique, exhilarating and enchanting beach ride! Come with
us! We will travel in air conditioned comfort from the cruise ship
pier or hotel, bypassing the quaint and historic town of St. Ann's
Bay, on to Chukka Cove.
Then
the real fun begins! Leaving Chukka Cove on horseback,
we will ride through Richmond and Llandovery, two of the oldest
sugar estates on the island. The latter is now a dairy farm;
but you can still see the chimney stack and ruins of the old
sugar mill on the way to the beach. Look out for the breadfruit
tree! It's one of the original breadfruit trees brought to
Jamaica by the infamous Captain Bligh of the sailing ship "Bounty".
We'll ride along the seashore to Chukka Cove's private
beach where we'll enjoy light refreshments and prepare for a
truly unique experience ~ Riding bareback in the sea! This is
indeed the adventure of a lifetime! After this exciting ride,
relax while the guides re-saddle the horses for the return trip
to the stable. We'll return to the ship/hotel refreshed,
exhilarated, with unique memories of Jamaica!
Experienced guides accompany all rides. Riders' cameras, towels
and other personal belongings are taken by van to the beach.
Duration of the Ride: 3 Hours plus Transportation.
What to Bring: Sunblock, Cameras, Beachwear and Towels,
Sunglasses
Take a 30 minute
drive through the unspoiled hilly interior of Ocho Rios to the
17th Century landmark "Spanish Bridge" where your expedition
starts. Our tubing guides will take you on a breathtaking journey
down the White River. We will give you a short safety briefing
before you set off with the guides on your three mile voyage. You
will pass through coconut plantations, bamboo groves along the
river bank, and locals in their riverside homes. Stop at the "Rasta
man" for a taste of "Jamaican Jerk" and swing
on the rope into the river, while you enjoy the sanctuary of Jamaica's
natural beauty.
This is
fun for the whole family, and is the best kept secret in Jamaica.
What
to bring: Towel, Swim Wear & Aqua Shoes
Duration of Tour: 3 ½ hours Age Limit: 6 years & upwards
Experienced Drivers/guides on all tours
Complimentary Refreshments
Discover the real Jamaica. Take an invigorating and scenic
mountain bike ride from the hills to the valleys: high in
the mountains of St. Ann down through woodland and meadow.
From the quaint village of Mount Zion to a thirst quenching
stop at the Spicey Grove Tavern.and, finally, to the picturesque Chukka
Cove, carved by nature out of a rock to form a serene
and beautiful pool, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
After
the swim, relax with a cold Red Stripe beer and return to
the ship/hotel refreshed, exhilarated, with unique memories
of Jamaica!Experienced guides accompany all rides. Bikers'
cameras, towels and other personal belongings follow the
ride by van.
Duration of the Tour: 3 Hours plus
Transportation.
A unique opportunity
to visit the birthplace of the "King of Reggae".
This
tour takes you from your ship/hotel through some of the most
breathtaking scenery in Jamaica, traveling via Higgin Town
and Claremont to the village of Nine Mile, a quaint
little place in the beautiful mountains of St. Ann. It is
here on the 6th of February 1945 the legendary "King of
Reggae" was born and it is the very same place he was
later laid to rest.
A
tour of Nine Mile is a family affair as many of Bob's close
family live there, including his mother, affectionately known
as Mother B and Uncle Lloyd, who tell tales of Bob's childhood.
The
tour takes you through the house Bob lived in as a young
boy and your Rastafarian guide will share with you little
known insights into Bob Marley's childhood and musical career.
Stand on "Mount Zion Rock" where Bob used to meditate
and rest your head on "the pillow" made famous in
the song "Talking Blues". Finally, walk through the
mausoleum, which is his final resting place.
The
return trip is a continuation of your excursion through rural
Jamaica, as you wind your way through picturesque Muirhouse
to Brown's Town market, famous for its produce and back to
the North Coast.
A
must for all Bob Marley and Reggae music fans. "ONE LOVE!"
Duration of Tour: 4 ½ hours
Experienced Drivers/guides on all tours
Complimentary Refreshments
Travel along
the coast-line then into the hills and down the valley
in our "Zebra Stripped Jeeps" and
experience the real Jamaica.
Drive
through the famous "Fern Gully",
taking a peek at the 200 different ferns, and view the lush
vegetation of mountainous country. We will take you up to
the highest viewpoint "Murphy Hill",
2000 feet above sea level, where you will see a panoramic
view of Ocho Rios with a glimpse of the Blue Mountains and
even Cuba on a clear day. You will
then pass coffee plantations, old churches, local markets
and a statue of Christopher Columbus. During
this tour you will visit one of Jamaica's largest estates
seeing a working Cattle Station and
a small Coffee Plantation. Learn
our history and taste our fruits.
Next,
we will visit the exotic and colorful Cranbrook
Flower Forest where you can hike to the headwaters
of the river and take a dip or tour the gardens and see the
many varieties of flowers, plants and birds. Finally, drive
through the famous Chukka Cove Polo Club on
your way back to the Ship.
Yeah
Mon!! You have just seen the best Jamaica has to offer.
What to Bring: Sun Glasses, Towel, Swim Wear, Aqua
Shoes & Camera
Duration of Tour: 5 hours Age Limit: 6 years & upwards Capacity: 8 per jeep
Experienced Drivers/guides on all tours
Complimentary Refreshments
Dunn's River Falls & Park
Expert guides lead you up 600 feet of gently terraced cascades for climbing.
River Rafting/Martha Brae
Take a leisurely bamboo raft ride down the Martha Brae River located along
the beautiful North Coast, near the historic town of Falmouth. Your expert
raftsman will detail the colorful folklore of the region and you can stop
to explore the lush tropical river banks.
Black River Safari
Experience the non-touristy, untouched South Coast on this exciting tour. Refresh
yourself in the falls, then take a boat ride on the Black River and say "hi" to
a friendly crocodile.
Events
January
Accompong Maroon Festival
February
Bob Marley Birthday Bash
UWI Carnival
Polo Tournament
March
Spring Break Events
Montego Bay Yacht Club Easter Regatta
April
Spring Break Events
Carnival
May
Negril Carnival
June
Ocho Rios Jazz Festival
August
Independence Day
Reggae Sumfest
Reggae SunSplash
Portland Jamboree
October
James Bond Festival
Jamaica Open Golf Tournament
Octoberfest
Caribbean Heritage Festival
Coyaba River Garden and Museum
Daily guided tours of the botanical garden and museum are offered.
Fern Gully
This 4-mile stretch of road built on an old riverbed runs through a verdant
valley with more than 600 varieties of ferns.
Prospect Plantation
One of the most satisfying plantation tours on the island.
Seville Great House and Heritage Park
The site of Jamaica's first settlement by the Spanish. Take a tour and
see centuries-old artifacts, an ancient Spanish church, ruins and other
fascinating relics.
Shaw Park Gardens
This botanical refuge has hundreds of species of tropical birds and flowers.
A beautiful waterfall is excellent for photo opportunities.
Runaway Bay
Circle B Farm
Take a tour and see ruins of the island's first sugar mill.
Columbus Park
The location where Columbus first set foot in Jamaica with an open-air
museum.
Green Grotto Caves
Take a boat ride and marvel at rock formations and caves that drop more
than 100 feet!
Craft markets, roadside stands and street vendors are sprinkled
throughout the island, a shopper's paradise. Vendors sell everything
in the way of local art, crafts, pottery and hand-made jewelry.
Be prepared to bargain and get great deals on souvenirs! Shopping
centers and malls can be found near the larger resort areas. These
stores offer an interesting and infinite array of merchandise including
clothing, cologne, jewelry, crystal, coffee and liquor. Visitors
from the US are allowed to take items valued up to $400 back home
with them duty-free once every 30 days provided the items are properly
declared to customs and the traveler has been out of the US for
at least 48 hours. Jamaican law requires all duty-free purchases
to be made in foreign currency, preferably US dollars. For complete
details, a helpful booklet titled "Know Before You Go" is available
free of charge courtesy of the US Customs Service.
Dining
Pull up a chair and get ready to sample some of the best foods in
the world. Jamaica is known for its excellent cooks and tasty entrees.
Jamaican cuisine is generally spicy and sometimes hot, seasoned with
Scotch Bonnet peppers, onion, garlic, nutmeg and allspice. For a
taste of the authentic, try jerk pork with pumpkin soup or pepperpot
stew. Ackee and saltfish is the national dish and combines scrambled
egg-like ackee (a yellow island fruit with a subtle taste) with shredded
saltfish and cooked with onions, peppers, tomatoes and spices. Saltfish
(cod which has been salted and dried) is also made into batter-fried
fritters called Stamp and Go. Jamaica also grows an abundance of
fresh produce which includes luscious tropical fruits and vegetables:
breadfruit (a versatile green fruit with a bread-like consistency),
callaloo (similar to spinach), cho cho (a white squash served boiled
and buttered), star apple (a soft green or purple fruit served in
a dessert called 'Matrimony') and sweetsop (similar to the soursop
but sweeter). If you don't like it spicy, there are plenty of other
dining options around the island from gourmet restaurants to mom-and-pop
eateries serving American, French, Italian and Oriental cuisine.
Recreation
Tennis
Boating
Snorkeling
Scuba Diving
Wind Surfing
Parasailing
Swimming
Horseback Riding
Fishing
Nightlife
The spectacular Jamaican sunsets give way to evenings filled with
fun and excitement. Whether it's a midnight stroll, a colorful floor
show, dancing the night away at a local disco or a date with lady
luck at an area casino, the island evenings serve up something for
every mood and taste. Many resorts plan nightly entertainment where
the public is invited and feature limbo dancers, live steel band
and reggae music or the occasional fire-eater, just for starters.
Nighttime is the right time in Jamaica, where the atmosphere radiates
with tropical rhythms and energy.