Travel Guide to Jamaica

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Location

Jamaica is in the north west part of the chain of Caribbean islands just south of Cuba. To its west the next landfall is Mexico.

Shopping

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are good for shopping in the markets and stalls as well as the more modern shops. Virtually everywhere you go you will be able to buy arts and crafts especially wooden carvings. One of the local rums is a must to leave the island with.

Geography

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and has a varied landscape. The Blue Mountains rise dramatically from the coast in the mid and east of the island up to an elevation of 7,400 feet. The eastern side of this mountain range bears the brunt of all weather systems receiving 300 inches of rainfall per year.

History

As with many Caribbean islands, the first inhabitants were the Arawaks who spread to the islands from South America.

Columbus first landed on the island in 1494 at Montego Bay and visited several times over the next few years.

The first European settlers were the Spanish in 1510 and through fighting and the spread of disease wiped out the Arawak population.

In 1654 the British captured the island, but had to face resistance for the next 4 years from Spaniards who had fled to the hills. It was not until 1670 that the Spanish finally accepted British occupation.

In 1833 slavery was abolished following 2 years of slave rebellions.

In 1866 Jamaica became a Crown Colony.

In 1962 Jamaica gained its independence after 15 years of self governance.

Climate

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Av Temp (F)	86	86	86	87	87	89	90	90	89	89	87	87
Av Temp (C)	30	30	30	31	31	32	32	32	32	32	31	31
Sunshine Hours	8	8	8	7	7	7	8	8	7	7	7	8
Rain (inches)	1	1	1	1	4	4	1	4	4	6	4	1

The Caribbean is subject to a hurricane season which is officially from 1 June to 30 November. However 80% of the stormy weather activity occurs within the August-October period with its peak usually being early-mid September. The centre of most storms miss the region moving off to the north, with others causing only minor disruption to weather conditions. However, there are usually a few each year that will pass through the region in hurricane force wind conditions.

Basic Information

Language
English is the official language although Patois is also spoken.

Currency
Jamaican Dollar (J$) is the local currency although US$ are usually accepted as are credit cards in hotels and many restaurants and shops.

Electricity
110 volts AC 50 Hz.

Banks
Opening hours Mon-Thur 9am-2pm, Fri 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.

Driving
Driving is on the left. Main roads are well maintained but there are also many roads without tarmac.

Time difference
GMT -5 hours.

Tipping and local customs
10% is generally expected in restaurants and by taxi drivers and is often added automatically in restaurants and hotels.

Water
Bottled mineral water is recommended.

Tourist Board information
www.jamaicatravel.com

Visas
No visa is currently required for Irish passport holders. This should be re-checked on booking for any changes. Six months valid passport is required.

What makes it so special?

The friendly relaxed nature of the Jamaicans makes this a welcoming island. The huge choice of fantastic all inclusive resorts and the diverse scenery and choice of sites to see.

Where to visit?

Ocho Rios is great to visit for shopping and people watching

Climing up Dunns River Fall or just watching from the sidelines is great fun and enjoyed by many visitors

A trip to the Blue Mountains to see the spectacular scenery and flaura

Leisurely rafting on the river is a great way to laze away a few hours

Ricks Café in Negril is a lively spot – but be warned do not drink too much rum as you do not want to get carried away and jump the cliff with the locals – best just to watch!

Most popular tours

Blue Mountain Trip
Catamaran trip