Ocho Rios ©beach 04deveni/Flickr

Jamaica is one of the coolest destinations in the whole Caribbean; it is exotic, it is beautiful, it has got nice people, the perfect beach vacation spot. Although the high travel season lasts roughly from mid-December to mid-April, with its always mild weather the island is becoming more of a year round destination.

As you will probably go there by flight, so here is a short guide to the top 3 airports in Jamaica to help you out. Now you only need some cheap tickets to one of them and you can depart to a most perfect Caribbean getaway.

Norman Manley International Airport (KIN)

Kingston airport ©dubdem sound system/Flickr

Named after Norman Washington Manley, a Jamaican national hero, Norman Manley International Airport (IATA code ‘KIN’), serves the country’s capital, Kingston. You can easily find tour operators, taxis and car rentals at the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall of the airport, but you can also find means to get to Kingston’s domestic airport, in case you are heading to another part of the island.

Over 130 flights depart from Norman Manley Intl every week as the airport is a hub for Caribbean Airlines and Skylan Airways. KIN airport is also served by numerous other airlines, such as American Airlines, WestJet, Spirit Airlines, Air Canada and many others.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ)

Caribbean Airlines plane at MJB ©dubdem sound system/Flickr

The airport primarily serves the Montego Bay, but it is also the main entry spot for visitors going to Negril or Port Antonio. Nearly 40 airlines operate flights from and to Sangster International Airport, Delta, JetBlue, US Airways, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic being only some of them.

The largest of the top 3 airports in Jamaica has got several international terminals as travelers from abroad make up more than 90% of the total number of passengers. Two taxi companies can be found at the airport, both right in front of Customs exit. Car rentals (Avis, Thrifty, Budget and more) can be found at Arrivals Hall as well as Ground Transportation.

Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ)

Ocho Rios beach ©04deveni/Flickr

Formerly known as Boscobel Intl, Ian Fleming International Airport is in the heart of the Ocho Rios resort area. It is a smaller airport with one terminal and is served only by the Kingston based airline company, Jamaica Air Shuttle that operates flights to the United States as well as to other domestic airports like Kingston – Tinson Pen and Montego Bay airport.

Montego Bay, ©Sarah_Ackerman/Flickr

You are welcome in Lucea. Lucea is a nice coastal town in Jamaica and capital of Hanover. Lucea takes pride in great parks, different clubs, historical sight and museum. The designation gives Lucea some privileges and let us to look at the pleasure resort’s planning innovate, that other towns are receiving and so Lucea can join Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril,  as profoundly planned pleasure resort centers.

In Lucea easy to find buses, minibuses and taxis, which arrive and depart from the open ground facing the market. Lucea is a central terminal point for the vehicles which are taking between Negril and Montego Bay, and you need to change automobile here.

Fort Charlotte

At eighteen century Fort Charlotte named Lucea Harbour’s entrance in 1778 to respect George 11’s Queen Charlotte. Before to that year it planned as Lucea Fort and the construction was finished in 1745. It was raise shielding of the harbor. In 1862, the English office from the war relocate the barracks and Charlotte as a reward to the Executive Committee.

Lucea Harbour

Montego Bay, ©Sarah_Ackerman/Flickr

It is well known as the most excellent in the island. Even though it is small, ships from Montego Bay and Kingston was a safety place for the duration of the hurricane of 1951, as it was measured one of the safest shelter. It is absolutely cut off from the sea, just being linked by a thin channel at its entrance.

The Old Court House

Located in the middle of the town, is call today as Lucea Town Hall.

Sunset at Lucea, ©antisocialtory/Flickr

Blenheim

Situated in Hanover Hills, which is four miles far of Lucea. This is Sir Alexander Bustamante, the National Hero’s birthplace. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust acquired this three-acre property and the birthplace of our National Hero. It was renovated and rebuilt from descriptions of the original belongings given by a boyhood friend of Bustamante. The  birthday anniversary is a celebration of every year which is held in the plaza in Lucea and in his house. His home can be visited by tours, it is a National Monument.

Lucea Beach,©Virtual BCM-Bobb & Company Marketing/Flickr

Lucea Parish Church

The major structure of the Parish Church building from Lucea dates back in 18^th century. This church was built in 1725. This is the oldest church of Hanover. People said that a tunnel show the way from below the church to close Fort Charlotte, that is just about one quarter of a mile away.

Grand Palladium resort, ©daryl_mitchell/Flickr

Hanover is a rural parish enclosed with green vegetation, and has mountainous terrains and remarkable places. Sir A. Bustamante, first Prime Minister of Jamaica and furthermore a national idol was born in Hanover. Mr. Bustamante’s home in Hanover is formed into a museum and tradition site and is a admired tourist interest.

Hanover is perhaps one of the most long-established parishes, at the moment still practices various of Jamaica’s most antique dance moves. Practices Kumina’s and other spiritual practices may moreover be seen in Hanover. The parish is well-known for its eventful agricultural activities, and is predominantly note for it’s huge range yam production.

The Capital City

Lucea is the capital city of Hanover’s, and when you take a short journey, you will realize soon that it is historic with a remarkable agricultural presence. The parish is well-known for its eventful agricultural activities, and is predominantly note for it’s huge range yam production. The parish has a rocky terrain, with the shores marked by coves and bays.

Lucea resort, ©antisocialtory/Flickr

Hanover’s surface area is 430 km². Dolphin’s Head is the highest point in the parish, which serves as a milestone for ships at sea. The parish has several coves, such as the Davis Cove named after a prominent Hanover family and three small waterfalls, by the side of it’s shore and large caves. There is an outstanding clock tower, which is in the centre of Lucea.

Tourism

Even though Hanover isn’t one of Jamaica’s most important tourist areas. Tourist resort is placed in the village of Hopewell, approx. 24 km (15 mile) east of Lucea. This area has great hotels Round Hill, Eastern Hanover, Tryall (distinguished for it’s golf course), the Grand Palladium resort and spa.

Grand Palladium resort, ©daryl_mitchell/Flickr

Sharing the Negril line with Westmoreland – Couples, Grand Lido, Negril Cabins, Sandals and Beaches.

Agriculture

Hanover is well-known as the fabrication of yams, pimento, sugar cane, rice, ginger, breadfruit, turmeric and arrowroot. Hanover is famous for it’s fine breeds of farm animals. Furthermore there is a rearing of goats and pigs.

Negril Sunset, ©Vox Efx/Flickr

Attractions

• Hanover Museum
• Fort Charlotte
• Waterfalls at Paradise
• The Hanover Parish Church
• The Ruins at Kenilworth
• The Cabaritta River
• Kempshot and Dry Hill
• Tryall Golf and Country Club
• Kool Runnings Adventure Park

Portland Point Lighthouse at sunset, ©sskennel/Flickr

Did you ever think what a big help could be a lighthouse for a captain in a dark storm? The lighthouse is a structure upstanding to carry lights for guidance or warning of ships and airplanes. The most lighthouses are located in or nearby to navigable waters. It is made that way so at the daytime serves as visual guides and at nighttime provides a light to warn the mariners about the danger and to help them chart a safe course. By day sailors can easily identify the lighthouse because they see the structure of it. Identification at night time is by the flashes of the light. Numerous lighthouses controlled in connection with other navigational aids such as light buoy and flashlight.

Portland Point Lighthouse

The highest tower in the Island is Portland Point Lighthouse, 145 feet height. This is located at latitude on the spire of the Portland Ridge near the southern point of the Island. White light is flashing in every 15 seconds

Portland Point Lighthouse, ©Dougtone/Flickr

Folly Point Lighthouse

This Lighthouse built in 1888. The Tower made by masonry. Folly Point Lighthouse is fireproof. White light is flashing automatic in every 2 seconds at the darkness time-span followed by 8 seconds. The light is visible for far distance of about thirty kilometers.

Galina Lighthouse

Galina Lighthouse built of concrete and it is white. This Lighthouse also flashes white light in every 1.2 seconds. At darkness is followed by 10.8 seconds. The Lighthouse generates the power by solar energy.

Morant Point Lighthouse

The Morant Point Lighthouse is a heritage of Jamaica. It was built in 1841. That means this lighthouse is the oldest one in the island. It made of cast iron tube. It is placed in easterly point of the Island.

Morant Point Lighthouse, ©Edu-Tourist/Flickr

Plumb Point Lighthouse

It is located close to the entrance of the Kingston Harbour. Plumb Point Lightohouse built of cast iron and stone. White light is flashing of ½ seconds time-span at darkness followed by 7½ seconds.

Negril Point Lighthouse

The Negril Point Lighthouse is located at Negril Point at the western end of the Island. This Tower is painted white. White light is flashing automatic in every 2 seconds.

Lovers’ Leap Lighthouse

This Lighthouse built in Jamaica. It is the newest lighthouse built in the country. The specialty of Lovers’ Leap Lighthouse is that powered by three different sources: a set of batteries, generator and electricity.

Portland Point Lighthouse at sunset, ©sskennel/Flickr

Jamaica trip, ©04deveni/Flickr

Most of the people who think about a vacation on Jamaica have some pictures in their mind the example: resting on the beach lying on the sunshine, enjoying the fresh and salt air. It is much different when you travel with kids. The truth of the matter, you can also enjoy your vacation with your children you just need to find a Child Friend area. On appropriate area where your kids are in safe and they have a variety of activities they need, in this way the parents also can rest and enjoy their family time. The Caribbean island offers you many activities that are fitting for families with one or more kids. Keep your children engaged and entertain them with following fun family activities in Jamaica.

Activities on the Beach

For sure, the beach is where your family can have a relaxing time, playing in the warm sand, collecting shells, swimming in the cool ocean and snorkeling. After you got tired of some amazing activities there are more beach-based adventures you can enjoy.

Take care not to lose the adventure that the island’s aquatic wildlife can offer. It could be unforgettable the swimming with the dolphins, giving some food to a shark, these are experiences that you and your kids will keep in their mind for this lifetime.

Boat trip at Jamaica, ©runkalicious/Flickr

It’s worth to try the sand and surf on horseback. Many horseback riding companies work in the resort areas of the beaches, most can offer beach rides that take you into the water. Can you imagine the experience riding with your whole family through the jungle and down to the beach? You can have this and some other amazing experiences just come and have a vacation in Jamaica!

Enjoy the Nature

There are many benefits if you choose to have your family vacation at the Caribbean. Example it’s giving your family members the opportunity to see the rain forest. Jamaica has a wonderful flora and fauna and an amount of rare bird, the most of the family activities in the center of Jamaica is exploring nature.

It’s worth to try for families the canopy zip line tour traveling most of all with older children. There are tour groups where the children have to be at least 10 years old, but I’m sure those families that suit the requirements will absolutely get pleasure from riding a zip line. Some tours combine a zip line experience with a jungle trek, including adventures such as crossing a swinging bridge and sampling the fresh fruit of Jamaica.

Jamaica trip, ©04deveni/Flickr

Where the kids are too young for a zip line tour and soaring from trees to trees it seems too adventurous, maybe a tour by jeep might work much better. You easily can travel off the normal road to see the island and all of the natural beauty of it away from the touristic world.

Experience the Culture

The Tourist Board from Jamaica offers a great and unique chance to meet the native people face to face, left behind the beaches and resorts. This program Meet-the-People permit visitors to team up with Jamaican people, actually hosts who have common interests.

Vacation at Jamaica, ©runkalicious/Flickr

The Jamaican react, talk and behave as a host and tour guide, they show to the guests the island also the culture from another perspective the way insider’s see it. The program to Meet-the-People it’ not for money you don’t have to pay for it. If your family is interested, you can just sign up for this program.

photo by Dubdem Sound System on Flickr

Ocho Rios, fondly referred to as Ochi, is a very popular destination for tourists and for cruise ships alike. Ocho Rios is always teeming with life, and tourists flock to it almost all year round. And since tourists are fickle creatures who like to try as many new things and experiences as possible, the dining scene in Ocho Rios is diverse enough to keep everyone happy. Ochi has restaurants for luxury travelers who dine only a gourmet meals, as well as for budget travelers who want a taste of authentic Jamaican cuisine for affordable prices. Whether you just want to fill your stomach or have some fun trying out various local and international specialties, here are the best restaurants in Ocho Rios that will do the trick.

Almond Tree

The Almond Tree gets its name from the huge tree growing through the two storied restaurant, which instantly gives it points for the setting. When you are hungry for French and Jamaican cuisine, you will have a lovely time sampling the amazing menu of the Almond Tree. Try French specialties like bouillabaisse and beef bourguignon, but the roast suckling pig, the Jamaican rice and other dishes are equally delicious. The wine list is quite good, and you can have a cocktail while sitting in comfy swinging chairs.

Coconuts

photo by Mr. Thomas on Flickr

When the cruise ships stop at Ocho Rios, the oceanfront gate of Coconuts opens to the crowds, while on other days you will have to navigate a bit through the streets of Ocho Rios to reach it. Coconuts is popular with locals, many of whom are regulars,  which means that its food is worth coming back to. In addition to the array of flavorful cocktails, there are lots of local or locally-inspired dishes like tamarind-glazed shrimp, Cajun fish filets, Jerk chicken and others.

Little Pub Restaurant

The Little Pub Restaurant is the most popular pub in town, as well as one of the best restaurants in Ocho Rios. Whether you just want a pint, or a full course meal, this is the place to go. The decor is pleasant and welcoming, and the food is simple but really delicious. Try the grilled kingfish, barbecued chicken, the fresh lobster or other seafood dishes.

Ocho Rios Village Jerk Center

photo by Simon Welsh

Jerk meat is one of the most beloved specialties in Jamaica, and it involves a typical Jamaican spice called jerk. The Ocho Rios Village Jerk Center has a great reputation and known to serve the best jerk in the region in a very laid back ambiance. The menu is written up on a chalkboard, and everyone is very casual, except the food, which is downright extraordinary.

photo by ejimford on Flickr

Ocho Rios is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jamaica, one of those varied and multifaceted places that any kind of traveler can enjoy, from solo travelers to couples and families. Although there are many attractions in Ocho Rios that are perfect for everyone, one of the most notable sights in the area are the Coyaba Gardens and Mahoe Falls. The gardens and falls complex is the perfect place to escape from the crowds and to enjoy the beauty of nature. Walk around the exquisite gardens, walk up to the Mahoe Falls, learn about Jamaican culture and history at the Museum of Island History and take in the breath-taking views of Ocho Rios Bay. If you need to relax and wind down, discover the Coyaba Gardens and Mahoe Falls.

Coyaba Gardens

photo by pixculture on Flickr

Coyaba Gardens, the beautifully landscape park near Ocho Rios, is located on a former estate, Shaw Park Plantation, dating back to the earliest days of the British colonial period. The name of the park comes from Arawak language, and it means paradise – and a more fitting name for the park couldn’t be found. The park is a wonderful alternative to the noisy and modern theme parks in the area. The park carefully combines untouched natural beauty with subtle artificial arrangements that enhance the calm atmosphere of the park. There are winding wooden  walkways leading from the estate house to the tropical forest and the edges of Milford River that passes by the edge of the complex. One of the highlights of the garden is Yssasi’s Lookout Point, named after the last Spanish governor of Jamaica, from where you can see spectacular views of the bay.

Mahoe Falls

Mahoe Falls are located on Milford River, which passes through the park, and although it can be visited as a separate attractions, most people see it as a natural extension of the gardens. The many tiered waterfall is a beautiful play of rocks, vegetation and water that can be viewed from several vantage points, You can swim and splash around at the base of the waterfall, or in the pools at the upper tiers.

Island History Museum

photo by Jason Riedy on Flickr

The museum in Coyaba Gardens is not overly large, but it is very interesting and it provides an excellent introduction to the history of Jamaican’s native inhabitants. When you discover the Coyaba Gardens and Mahoe Falls, take half an hour to visit the fascinating exhibits on the pre-Columbian history of Jamaica, and the nearly forgotten culture of the Taino and Arawak natives. Shop for some souvenirs at the nearby shop, and if your visit has made you tired, sit down at the cafe and sip a cup of Blue Mountain coffee.

Jamaican boa, photo by StuBez on Flickr

Like other Caribbean islands, Jamaica is a tropical paradise where countless species of plants and animal thrive. For an amateur naturalist, or for someone who likes spending their time watching nature documentaries, Jamaica has infinitely more to offer than beaches, nightlife and city attractions. There are several wildlife refuges in Jamaica where you can see rare or elusive species, but even a walk in the wild can be an opportunity to come face to face with a few interesting critters. Here is a guide to wildlife in Jamaica for those who want to meet a few of the animals who roam this beautiful island.

Jamaican Alligator

Jamaican corcodile, photo bu alfredmoya on Flickr

The Jamaican alligator is actually a type of crocodile, not alligator, and it dwells in Jamaica’s marshes and mangrove swamps. The Jamaican crocodiles are of the American crocodile species, the most widespread of the four types of crocodiles in the America. Since these huge lizards can reach truly impressive sizes (crocodiles can grow to as much as six meters), these are not the kind of animals that you want to encounter during a walk. However, if you book a professional tour that can take the necessary safety precautions, you can see these ‘Jamaican alligators’ in several interesting places in Jamaica.

Sea turtles

Hawksbill turtle, photo by avlxyz on Flickr

Jamaica’s beaches are often habitats for sea turtles who come to lay their eggs. If you are in Jamaica during the egg laying season, you can contact a wildlife refuge or a turtle conservation programme and arrange a tour. Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Logger-head turtles are found in the waters surrounding Jamaica. During scuba diving or sailing trips, you might get lucky and see a few turtles swimming alongside you.

Jamaican Hutia

The Jamaican Hutia, also known as the Jamaican coney, is one of the endemic species in Jamaica. This cute little furry creature looks similar to a guinea pig, but its numbers are dwindling because it is often hunted for food. The hutia lives in rocky and forested area, and while its habitats are not difficult to find, the hutia is nocturnal and you won’t find it during the day. If you travel to the Blue Mountains, you might catch a glimpse of the hutia at night. Like other endemic species, the Jamaican Hutia is endangered.

Jamaican Boa

Another of Jamaican’s fascinating endemic species that must be included in any wildlife guide to Jamaica is the Jamaican boa. The boa, like other snakes in Jamaica, are very rare, and it takes a lot of luck to see one, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. Also called yellowsnake, the boa is part of wildlife conservation breeding programmes that might one day help the boa population spread around the island once again.

photo by mhowry on Flickr

Doctor’s Cave Beach Club is without doubt the most famous beach in Jamaica, and one that many travelers who want to mingle with the cream of the crop of Jamaican vacationers want to see. With  a name like this, and considering the fact that the club was been established over a century ago, there is more than a slight aura of eccentricity and exclusivity surrounding it. However, anyone from Jamaica and abroad who doesn’t mind paying the $5 entry fee can enjoy the sandy beach and the supposedly curative waters of the sea. If you love spending time at the beach, you really have to set aside a day at the Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club during your trip.

About the club

photo by mhowry

Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club has a funny history: it was the idea of an eccentric doctor, who in 1880 founded a sanatorium in Montego Bay. The beach of the sanatorium was untouched, sheltered, and could only the reached through a cave, which sadly doesn’t exist anymore. While beach belonged to the doctor, access to the beach was by invitation only; but in 1906, the good doctor donated his beach to the community, and a private beach club was created. Since then, the bathing club has been one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, thanks to its beautiful soft sand and very clam, turquoise waters that were said to cure any ailment.

What to do

Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club has the qualities that good beaches should possess, especially when it comes to the water. The sheltered waters are incredibly calm, and very clear, so even the most inexperienced swimmer can practice safely. The facilities of the beach have improved a lot over the decades, and now you can take advantage of the three gift shops, a logo shop and a sundries shop, as well as a cyber cafe. You can rent umbrellas, lilos and beach chairs, and either lounge or have fun in the water.

photo by mhowry on Flickr

Swimming is one of the most popular activities at the beach, but many people choose to explore the wonders under the calm waters. Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club is located within the Montego Bay Marine Park, and scuba divers can discover a large variety of colorful corals and tropical fish in the reefs.

A day at the Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club is great fun whatever you do, but members of the clubs do actually get some perks that are not available to regular visitors. The clubhouse is a scenic, airy building,  with a spacious verandah and various facilities like a spa, pool tables, meeting rooms and a fitness center. If you like the beach so much that you will be returning to it time and time again, it’s not a bad idea to pay the yearly membership fee (around $150) to benefit from all the nice things they offer.

photo by Christina Xu on Flickr

Jamaica has all the ingredients for a perfect vacation: sun, palm trees, beaches and resorts for those who want to laze around, and great cultture, exciting natural sights and interesting geography for those interested in more active pursuits. And although Jamaica is officially a tropical paradise, few would say that it is a shopping paradise as well. Jamaica has no Paris or London, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t give you a fun-filled shopping expedition or two. There are several places in Jamaica where you can buy souvenirs, local crafts, art, or some additions to your wardrobe or library. So if your fingers itch to spend some money while you’re on holiday, check out some of the best shopping destinations in Jamaica.

Harmony Hall, Ocho Rios

If you want to go home from Jamaica loaded with beautiful art pieces created by local artists, then you must visit Harmony Hall, an art gallery where some of the best artists in Ocho Rios and all over Jamaica come to display their work. Although there is always some great stuff on display, the art gallery really shines during its Christmas, Easter and mid-November fairs.

Jamaican Agricultural Society Shop, Port Antonio

photo by Christina Xu on Flickr

If you want to support Jamaican economy in some way, or if you simply want to bring home to Jamaican goods but you’d rather not get them from supermarkets or shopping centers, visit the shop of the Jamaican Agricultural Society, which has been championing the rights of small Jamaican farms for over a century. Buy Blue Mountain coffee, honey and other local products at very reasonable prices.

Coronation Market, Kingston

This busy market in the Jamaican capital is not only a great place to shop, but also to witness day to day Jamaican life at its most brilliant. You can buy vegetables and fruit from all over Jamaica, but the tasty produce is just a small part of the wares on display. You can find anything from handcrafted tools to electronics, decorations and bric-a-brac.

Ocho Rios Craft Park

photo by Sharese Ann Frederick on Flickr

Stalls and stalls of interesting local crafts and small objects can be found at the Ocho Rios Craft Park, if you want to buy some interesting and unique souvenirs to bring home to friends and family. Since most of the objects being sold are made by local craftsmen, you can think of your shopping spree as supporting the local economy.

Treasure Beach Women’s Group

The Treasure Beach Women’s Group is a great local initiative that promotes women’s advancement, health and community development. The group has several interesting projects, and they sell all sorts of beautifully crafted objects at the The Treasure Hunt Craft Shop. You get to support local artisans and bring home some great gifts!