Jamaicans are laid-back people, but be mindful that you respect their culture; common courtesy is a two way thing. Respect them and their feelings and you will receive it back tenfold. Ask permission before taking photographs of the locals; it’s disrespectful and rude if you don’t. 

Accommodation on Jamaica varies from Guesthouses, intimate hotels, self catering Villas and apartments, to the upmarket Resorts which are all inclusive. There is sure to be something to suit everyone’s financial budget.

Dining in Jamaica consists of various cuisines, from local traditional dishes to International cuisine such as Chinese, Italian and more. Restaurants are in abundance around the Island with many in the big Resorts.

Nightlife on Jamaica includes customary street dances and steel bands in almost every Town. Limbo dancing, fire-eating, torch-lit steel band shows are widespread in most places. Jamaica is renowned for Reggae music and Bob Marley. Nightclubs (ranging from indoor clubs to beach bashes), feature jazz, soca, reggae and other styles of music. On the whole, the liveliest late-night venues all over Jamaica are in the major resort hotels, with the widest selection of spots most likely available in Montego Bay.

The Island street markets provide a memorable experience with their vibrant ambience. The market vendors selling allsorts of products can be somewhat intimidating in their sales pitch and will seldom take no for an answer. You will need to be firm but polite if you are not interested in purchasing. There will probably be street entertainers and calypso bands playing, with an array of enticing sounds and smells to capture your attention.

There is more to Jamaica than just glorious beach resorts; the Island presents a superb chance to observe the stunning beauty of Caribbean flora and fauna. The island offers a great diversity of open-air activities, ranging from hiking in the remarkable Blue Mountains to spelunking along the caves of Cockpit Country. Water sports such as diving, snorkelling, white-water rafting, fishing charters are widely available. There are some amazing dive sites to suit all levels of expertise around the Island.

Jamaican deep-sea fishing is tremendously popular with visitors, and the Island is famous for its annual fishing tournaments. The waters surrounding the Caribbean islands attract many types of fishing since there are vast differences in the underwater landscapes of the region. Jamaica is home to the large sport fish of the deeper waters that attract deep sea fishing enthusiasts travel from around the world.

The Northern waters of Jamaica are well-known for deep-sea and sport fishing. Jamaica also hosts two International fishing tournaments, the Jamaica International Fishing Tournament and Jamaica International Blue Marlin Team Tournament, which occur in September and October. Sport fishing boat charters are expensive, half-day and full day excursions are available, but include the captain, crew, bait, tackle and usually soft drinks.

Jamaica has a number of outstanding golf courses, including the Caribbean's oldest – the Manchester club in Mandeville. The majority of the courses are positioned in and around the Resorts. Most are 18-hole courses, but for a more relaxed 9-hole course there is the Grand Lido Braco Golf Club near Discovery Bay on the north shore or the Manchester Club inland in Mandeville.

Tennis courts can be found in many of the hotels and big resorts, with many of them are floodlit to allow you to play in the evenings. Also some private villas also have tennis courts these days. The Island’s major matches are played at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston.

Visitors to Jamaica should be aware that crime is prevalent in some areas of the Island, making them ‘No Go’ areas, therefore you should check with your Country’s Government’s travel advice for up to date information prior to travel.

Marijuana or Ganja as its known locally, is illegal throughout Jamaica. Marijuana can be found practically everywhere on the Island and there is a high possibility that you will be offered some (or other drugs such as cocaine) at some stage of your visit. A polite but firm ‘No thank you’ normally sends the seller on their way. Ganja crops are grown in fields throughout the Island and the farmers are intensely defensive of their crop. If you intend exploring off the beaten path, make sure you know where you’re going. Speak with local guides and tourist offices about your plans to prevent yourself from inadvertently ending up in or near any of these Ganja fields. The consequences could be very dire indeed.

Drug penalties are becoming tougher, and drug prevention measures stricter. Customs screen bags of passengers on leaving and entering the country and sniffer dogs are commonly used.  Drug offences result in mandatory prison sentences (prison conditions are harsh) and large fines, possession of even small amounts could lead to incarceration.

Getting around Jamaica is probably best by taxi, as the roads can be very challenging. Tourists are advised to use Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) approved taxis or minibuses for excursions, airport transfers and sightseeing.  It is not recommended to hail taxis in the street. Most hotels and resorts have designated JTB drivers who carry photo ID and display a prominent blue JTB sticker on the front windscreen.

Getting married is one of the most special days of your life, so why not have your wedding day somewhere special too. Jamaica has some exquisite locations to hold your wedding and regardless of whether it will be a large event or a more intimate celebration, weddings in Jamaica will be both beautiful and memorable.

Marriage Licences- Visitors can acquire a special licence after a 24-hour period on the Island. You must produce your passport and two witnesses. If either party has been divorced or widowed, necessary documents must be produced to assure their current status. Young people under 21 years of age must produce written permission from a parent, signed by a notary public. *This information was correct at time of publishing, always check prior to planning your wedding with the relevant authorities*

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Kingston

Port Antonio

Ocho Rios

Montego Bay

Negril

Mandeville

St Elizabeth

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