Are you seeking a romantic getaway? Looking for the ultimate island adventure? How about a fun family vacation? Then Jamaica--world famous for it's beautiful white sand beaches and pristine waters--may just be the perfect choice. It's host to a cavalcade of activities, events, restaurants, and hideaway gems that are bound to be a great fit. There are fabulous vacation deals available through airlines and online ticket purchasing websites. Once you've decided what hot deal best fits your budget and time constraints, you'll want to plan your sight seeing and activities. If you book a room at popular location, such as one of the Sandals Resorts, they will have a number of events planned on their grounds and buses to nearby Jamaican restaurants, shops, and hot spots. Sandals vacations are often the top choice for couples seeking a Jamaican island wedding or honeymoon and anybody desiring all of the comforts of home included with their tropical vacation.
So, what do you do once you arrive at your vacation destination?
- Horseback riding: Perfect for the family or as a romantic outing, horseback riding is a popular activity available. In Montego Bay you can visit the Double 'A' Ranch, Chukka Blue's Horseback Ride N'Swim, or the Rocky Point Stables at Half Moon. Check your local guide for the best companies in your area.
- Snorkeling: Jamaica is popular for it's great marine life and this is an easy access way of getting to know the underwater spectacles. A must-do for many tourists.
- Water-skiing: This is for the brave at heart. A fast-paced water sport, it requires some finesse on the part of the skier. Fun and worth the trip, make sure there's someone nearby to capture your experience for years to come.
- Spelunking: Go exploring in the many caves of the island. Make sure to find an expert as your guide if you are not trained in spelunking.
- Scuba Diving: To dive deeper into what the waters of Jamaica have to offer, you can book training and certification sessions with companies like Dolphin Divers. Whatever business you choose should provide you with all the necessary equipment, certification, and guidance you need for a safe and exciting experience. Because this is such a great island water sport, make sure to check around for the best training at the best prices.
- Fishing: Popular with both tourists and locals, fishing in Jamaica is a great way to pass the time for the solitary individual, a romantic couple seeking some quiet alone time, or a family looking for a unique experience. Just rent a boat and fishing equipment. Make sure to get a guide and life jackets for a measure of added safety.
- Strolling along the beach: What island vacation would be complete a beach stroll at dawn or sunset? Some popular ones include Doctor's Cave Beach and Negril Beach.
After all of the recreation, quenching hunger and thirst will be on the top of the list. There are many restaurants in Jamaica to choose from. Depending on your location, you can find down-home cuisine (like jerk chicken) or gourmet Jamaican fare of your choosing. Some hot spots to visit include:
- The Houseboat Grill: Listed as Montego Bay's Unique Floating Restaurant, this eatery has multiple levels for plenty of seating preferences. The menu is developed by Chef Richard Nurse and features quality meals that keep customers coming back for more.
- Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville: A great place for food and fun. Features water activities and sports bar.
- The Townhouse Restaurant: Features traditional Jamaican fare as well as International food.
- The Groovy Grouper: A Bar and Grill located on the waterfront, this restaurant has grilled foods and tropical drinks.
For sight-seeing activities you can travel to historical sites and buy some great souvenirs for the folks back home. Try these places out on your trip:
- The Royal Botanic Gardens: Located at Old Hope Road in New Kingston.
- Cranbrook: Flower Forest & River Head Adventure Trail.
- The Bob Marley Museum: Located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston.
- The National Gallery of Jamaica
Hopefully you have discovered some great events and activities you can explore on your vacation in Jamaica! Make sure to check with your hotel for seasonal updates.
Jamaica Quick Tidbits:
- Exchange rate: Generally $45 (Jamaican) to $1 (U.S.). Note that most shops take U.S. currency and price in U.S. currency. It's better to keep your USD than to exchange--you'll get better prices.
- Capital: Kingston.
- Population: Over 2 million.
- Languages: English Creole, English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish.
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