Welcome to Jamaica

Jamaica is the Caribbean country that comes with its own soundtrack. Groove to its singular rhythm as you explore beyond the beaches and all-inclusives.

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Jah’s Garden

Even in a region as crammed with jewels as the Caribbean, Jamaica is a powerfully beautiful island. Jamaica begins with crystalline waters flowing over gardens of coral, lapping onto soft sandy beaches, then rises past red soil and lush banana groves into sheer mountains. Rushing waterfalls seem to erupt out of nowhere. Jamaican culture can be a daunting subject for foreigners to understand, but ultimately it’s a matter of appreciating this great green garden of a land and how its cyclical rhythms set the pace of so much island life.

Adventure Playground

While Jamaica's beaches are certainly alluring, this is a country to dive into, literally and figuratively. Beneath the waves there's great scuba diving and snorkeling, and you can float on the water too with lazy bamboo-raft trips (let someone else pole). The adventurous can go caving, or get their hiking boots on to explore the remote crags and forests of this crumpled landscape. You don't even need to be as fit as Usain Bolt to enjoy the hike through lush mountains to the top of Blue Mountain Peak.

Island Riddims

With Bob Marley, Jamaica gifted us the first global superstar from the developing world. But he didn’t spring from nowhere – this tiny island has musical roots that reach back to the folk songs of West Africa and forward to the electronic beats of contemporary dancehall. Simply put, Jamaica is a musical powerhouse, a fact reflected not just in the bass of the omnipresent sound systems, but in the lyricism of the patois language and the gospel sounds from the island’s many churches. Music is life in Jamaica, and you’ll soon find yourself swaying along with it.

Caribbean Flavors

Like many aspects of Jamaican culture, the food is a creole, born somewhere between the Old and New Worlds. African spice rubs have evolved into delicious jerk, while yam, rice and plantain form the basis of rich stews, and fish abound in local waters. Throw in the astounding array of tropical fruits that seem to drip from the trees, washed down with a shot of rum, and you can see (and taste) how the Jamaican cultural story retains its original voice while adapting to the setting – and of course, rhythms – of the Caribbean.

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Jamaica activities

$20 Transfers & Ground Transport

Montego Bay Roundtrip Airport Transfer

Whether you’re traveling individually, as a couple or in a group, your ground transport needs are covered by this shared round-trip transport service between Montego Bay airport and hotels in north Jamaica.After landing at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport at the start of your vacation, meet your friendly and professional driver at the terminal. Then, skip any long lines for cabs and hop aboard your air-conditioned shuttle vehicle to travel to the following accommodation: hotels in Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay and Trelawny, and the Tryall, Round Hill and Grand Palladium hotels.The transfer service is just as convenient when your vacation finishes. When the time comes, meet your driver at your hotel and relax as you’re whisked back to the airport in time for your flight departure. It’s a hassle-free, two-way service that gives you great peace of mind both before and during your vacation.When making a booking for this shared round-trip transfer from Montego Bay airport to your north Jamaica accommodation, you will need to provide your arrival and return flight details and your hotel details. Your round-trip transfer will be confirmed instantaneously and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Approximately 24-48 hours prior to your arrival in Montego Bay, you will be required to reconfirm exact pickup time and place (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).
$30 Transfers & Ground Transport

Jamaica Sangster Airport Lounge Access and Fast-Track Lines

Arrival Lounge (not applicable to Departure Only bookings): When you get off your plane at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, head to the Club Mobay meeting point, where your VIP Representative will be waiting to greet you. Fill out your immigration forms (your representative can help if needed), and breeze through customs and immigration with your fast-track access. Your host will help you retrieve your luggage at baggage claim and escort you to the Club Mobay arrival lounge. Spend as much time as you’d like in the arrival lounge, where you can use the high-speed Wi-Fi, catch up with the news on the flat-screen cable TVs, enjoy snacks and beverages, read the provided magazines and newspapers, freshen up in the private restroom and cool off with a chilled towel, all while the lounge’s relaxing reggae music puts you in the island spirit. When you’re ready, you’ll be escorted to whatever type of airport transportation you are taking to your hotel. Departure Lounge (not applicable to Arrival Only bookings): After checking in for your flight at Sangster International Airport, make your way to the Club Mobay information booth, next to the entrance for security and immigration. Check in for your lounge access here, and then expedited service through security and immigration, through a dedicated VIP line.  Head up to the mezzanine level to enter the Club Mobay departure lounge, next to Gate 12. Spend as much time as you’d like in the lounge to unwind before your departing flight. Snack on the provided fresh fruit, sandwiches, tapas and other light fare, and sip on a refreshing cold drink, cup of coffee or even an alcoholic beverage (your vacation isn’t officially over yet!). Sit back with a magazine or newspaper, use the high-speed Wi-Fi, freshen up with a shower or even enjoy a manicure or other mini treatment at the Mango Spa (spa treatments at your own expense). Your kids can play in Pickney Place, a sound-controlled playroom, or if you are sans kids, hang out in the adults-only lounge. If you must catch up on work before returning to the real world, take advantage of the fully equipped business center.   When it’s time for your flight, you’ll board your plane refreshed and relaxed.
$89 Outdoor Activities

Canopy Tour

Your Jamaican nature adventure takes you over a series of decks and platforms, connected by traverses, mounted in the trees of the rainforest. You’ll begin with a safety briefing and demonstration of techniques conducted by certified canopy specialist guides who will stay with you throughout your adventure. Then the fun begins with your first traverse (zipline) as you soar over the Great River.Your journey continues with eight additional zipline traverses coupled with intermittent nature walks. Each traverse and platform is unique with colorful names such as 'Limestone Cliff', 'Threesome Stop' and the highlight of the tour, the 1000 ft (300 meter) long 'Inter-parish Express'.This Jamaica zipline tour offers a variety of experiences that highlight the diversity of Jamaica's landscape and history. Hear and see the rushing waters below as you traverse up to 35 miles (55km) an hour across springs, the Great River and a 150 year old dam. This amazing experience of gliding silently through a tunnel of trees is the closest you will ever get to feeling what it's like to be a jungle bird!
$119 Tours & Sightseeing

Dunn’s River Falls, Bob Marley's Nine Mile Tour with Transport

Get the ultimate Jamaican experience on this combo tour! Take a day trip from Ocho Rios, Montego Bay or Negril and visit the birthplace and final resting place of reggae music legend Bob Marley. Then, explore one of Jamaica's most famous natural wonders, Dunn's River Falls! After complimentary pickup from your hotel, head out to the village of Nine Mile by comfortable coach. Tucked away in the beautiful mountains of Jamaica in the parish of St Ann, this village was the birthplace of the legendary ‘King of Reggae.’ As you explore the area, learn about the interesting life of Bob Marley from your local guide. Stand on Mt Zion Rock, Bob's meditation spot, and rest your head on the ‘pillow’ made famous in the song ‘Talking Blues.’ After touring Nine Mile, enjoy a simple Jamaican lunch before continuing your drive to the island's famous Dunn's River Falls.With the help of your guide, hike to the top of Dunn’s River Falls, a remarkable natural wonder. These sparkling terraced waterfalls cascade 600 feet (180 meters) down smooth tiers, leading down to the beach and its facilities. As you make your way to the top on a moderate hike, stop and swim in the refreshing rock pools. When you reach the top, admire breathtaking views of the Jamaican scenery below. After your trip, you’ll be transported back to your hotel.Luminous Lagoon Option:This option includes another one of Jamaica's most famous attractions - Luminous Lagoon! Shortly after sunset, walk to the the launching point, board a small boat and head out onto the lagoon with your expert guide. Learn about why the lagoon glows as you cruise to the center of the lagoon, which is less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep, and enjoy a complimentary beverage. As the water gets disturbed, see an eerie light illuminating from below.If you're feeling adventurous, take a swim in the glowing water, one of only a few like it in the world! Don’t worry -- the lagoon’s eerie-looking water is actually completely harmless.
$59.99 Day Trips & Excursions

Dunns River Falls and Ocho Rios Shopping Tour

Your 6-hour tour starts with hotel pickup for the scenic drive to Dunn’s River Falls, about 60 miles (97 km) east of Montego Bay along Jamaica’s North Coast Highway. During the 1.5-hour drive, look out the window to admire views of the Caribbean and the rural countryside, and pass by the historical town of Falmouth and Columbus Park, where Christopher Columbus first landed on the island.When you arrive at this popular natural attraction — known for its lush setting and for its roles in the Tom Cruise movie Cocktail and the James Bond movie Dr No — learn a bit about its characteristics, most notably how it’s one of the only waterfalls on Earth that empties directly into the ocean. Then get ready to climb up to the top! Before you begin your ascension of the 600-foot (180-meter) terraced falls, put on non-slip water shoes (available for rental if you don’t bring your own) and hold hands with the people next to you. Then carefully follow your guide up the ‘steps’ formed by the naturally chiseled rocks. Stop along the way to swim in one of the small pools that have formed on the different levels, and when you reach the top, finally out of the trees, you’ll be rewarded with a nice view. Climbing the falls is optional; if you’d rather relax, just hang out on the deck located near the river to admire the falls, go swimming in the natural lagoon at the bottom or relax on the adjacent beach. Shopping option (an additional three hours):If you choose the shopping option, you’ll visit the town of Ocho Rios before heading to Dunn’s River Falls. Spend time at a shopping center and craft market to pick up gifts and souvenirs. There are plenty of requisite T-shirts and shot glasses to be found, as well as native wood carvings and other artwork, jewelry, and local rum and coffee. You can also enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants located around the area (own expense). Your day trip ends with the return drive to Montego Bay.
$125 Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Black River Cruise, YS Falls, and Rum Estate Tour from Negril

Your tour starts with hotel pickup in Negril by comfortable coach for the 50-mile (80-km) drive southeast to the parish of St Elizabeth, where the Black River — one of Jamaica’s longest — flows toward the Caribbean Sea.Upon arrival, hop aboard a pontoon boat with your local guide for your 1-hour journey along the slow-moving river, bordered on both sides by trees, bushes and other vegetation that create a lush, tropical setting. Watch for native birds like herons and egrets, and as you cruise past the mangrove marshes, keep an eye out for the river’s most notorious inhabitants — crocodiles!After your boat ride, enjoy a traditional Jamaican lunch of chicken, fish or pork before making the 30-minute drive north to YS Falls. When you arrive at the 120-foot (37-meter) waterfall, where water from the YS River pours down seven tiers of cliffs, use the changing rooms to put on your swimsuit, and then you’re free to enjoy the falls however you wish. Take a dip in the cool waters, walk along the river pathway or just relax on the riverbank and enjoy the scene.Finally, return to your coach for the 25-minute drive to your last destination, Appleton Estate, one of Jamaica’s oldest distilleries, which has been producing high-quality rum for more than 250 years. Tour the property to see Appleton's copper pot stills, which give the rum a distinctive flavor, and get a look at the oak barrels, where some of the premium rums age for up to 30 years. You’ll also learn about Appleton’s prestigious history and fermentation process, during which water naturally filtered by limestone is combined with sugar cane molasses and a special yeast culture, which results in its much-lauded flavor. Once you’ve discovered how and where Appleton rum is made, enjoy a tasting! Try different types of Jamaican rums and rum liqueurs, and then head back to Negril, where your tour ends with hotel drop-off.
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