Located in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean after Cuba and Hispaniola (incorporating the Dominican Republic and Haiti), measuring 146 miles x 51 miles, covering an area of 4,244 square miles.  Originally populated by Arawak Indians, it was Spanish for a while, until it was captured by the English in 1655, and is still the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean.  Jamaica achieved independence in 1962. 

The island is a lively, energetic place, and an excellent place to travel around.   Sporting activities abound ~ scuba dive on the offshore reefs and walls or deep-sea fish, surfing, windsurfing, bamboo river rafting and tubing, or go on a canopy tour in the tropical forest.

But Jamaica also has more to offer its visitors. Old architectural beauty, Georgian grandeur, beautiful plantation buildings set in fantastic countryside. You can visit sugar, tropical fruit and coffee plantations, take a tour to a rum distillery or watch birds, enjoy botanical gardens, art galleries and museums. 

And of course, let's not forget that Jamaica is the home of reggae, and Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet can be heard in the bars and clubs around the island. If you are lucky you might see a world famous artist playing in front of a small home crowd.  Every July, the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is held over five days in Montego Bay.

Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the main tourist areas, whilst at the western tip of the island, lining a truly spectacular beach and some equally pretty cliffs, Negril has a completely different feel, and Port Antonio is set in a pretty countryside location.  In between these main towns, on the north coast you will find Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay, and on stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast, the towns of Treasure Beach and Bluefields.  The capital, Kingston, is extremely lively.

Apart from inclusive tour charters, the two main non stop airlines are British Airways  and Virgin Atlantic. The choice of carrier depends on the deal. Both of these airlines offer us a good choice of flights to other Caribbean islands.

Details of their schedules are:

Top things to do or places to visit:

Calico Pirate Cruise ~ Montego Bay. Step back in time aboard Jamaica's only pirate cruise.  You can swim, suntan, dance or just relax while creating photo moments, pirate style.  Snorkel in the Montego Bay Marine Park (equipment provided), or sail with fellow shipmates to raid and capture Margaritaville.  Unlimited pirate's punch, sodas, beers and fruit punch are served on board.

Canopy Tour ~ Montego Bay.  Your journey through nature will be via a series of decks and platforms, connected by traverses mounted in the trees of the rainforest.  Hear and see the rushing waters below of the Great River and a 150 year old Dam. This amazing experience is a must see-must do tour on every Jamaican vacation.

Ultimate Kayak Adventure ~ Montego Bay.  Starting with riding the currents down The Great River, a short hike, traversing over 150 ft through the forest, swing rope, or just simply take a swim in the refreshing, calm, Jamaican river, before tackling the final cascades.  At the end , you can feed your appetite with jerk chicken or pork.   

River Tubing Safari ~ Montego Bay.  Navigate the rushing rapids of the Great River in your tube, then sit back, relax, and enjoy Jamaica's natural beauty as you go.  Experience the thrill brought on by the different moods of the Great River as she changes pace along this magical, unspoiled thoroughfare.

Zion Bus Tour ~ Ocho Rios.  An authentic Jamaican Country Bus, the 'Zion Bus Line' will take you on a unique tour from Island Village in Ocho Rios to the birth and final resting place of the King of Reggae, Bob Marley.  Specifically designed for Reggae enthusiasts and Bob Marley fans, you will hear about the life and times of young Bob and how he grew up in the hills of  St. Ann.  You will stop at the local Jerk Centre for an authentic Jamaican lunch treat of Jerk Pork & Chicken, Rice & Peas, Festival and 'Belly Wash' Lemonade.

ATV Safari ~ Ocho Rios.  On your tour you will encounter a river bed, lush forests and tropical foliage, before stopping at the Village of Chester, where you can oserve the children of Chester All Age School in their learning environment and enjoy stories of the school and community's colorful history.  Journey deeper into the scenic country side, beneath the jungle canopy, across river beds and hillocks.  Finish with a dip in the deep blue water in a private cove, carved by nature out of rock to form a perfect pool. 

Lime Cay ~ from Kingston.  Hop aboard the Sir Henry Morgan I boat for a frolic to Lime Cay, and sunbathe on the powdery white sand shores or take a swim in its crystal clear waters.  Morgan's Harbour Hotel & Marina offers daily packages to the beautiful laid back Lime Cay which includes  round trip transportation, breakfast or lunch, and roundtrip boat transfers to Lime Cay.

Dining suggestions:

Jerk Centres ~ Jerk Centres are eateries where you can get 'jerked' (Caribbean spiced) food.  Very informal dining and usually open-air, with seats around the barbecue area.  Paid for in advance, you're given your BBQ'd chicken, pork, sausage or fish on presentation of your ticket.  A uniquely Jamaican experience!

Margaritaville ~ Montego Bay:  The place to party!  Big screen TV's for sport-watching by day and in the evening, the venue swings to the sounds of the in-house DJ and partygoers strut their stuff on Karaoke, Latin and Pyjama Party theme nights. 

Chillin' ~ Montego Bay:  A winter wonderland in tropical Jamaica!  Ride, drive or ski as hard as you want, shoot hoops or pool in this fun-filled fantasyland, amidst falling snow and pulsating lights and music. An authentic ski lodge bar as well as a hand-crafted Ice Bar (coat and gloves are provided). 

Blue Beat Jazz Club ~ Montego Bay:  Excellent jazz club, offering the most eclectic blues and jazz on the island.  Live music, cocktails, snacks and monthly events make this an excellent place to spend an evening. 

Mama Marley's Jammin' Bar and Grill ~ Ocho Rios:  Popular roots, rock and reggae sports bar.   

Scotchie's Jerk Pit ~ Ocho Rios and Montego Bay:  Favourite for locals and tourists alike, listen to the reggae while enjoying all the treasures of the pit: jerk pork, jerk chicken, jerk sausage, you name it.

Rick's Café ~ Negril:  You can do it all here …  sunbathe, cliff-jump, watch the sun set and listen to live music, as well as enjoy the food and drink at this raucous and unique venue.