Jamaica Holidays

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Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Jamaica?

Beach holidays in Jamaica are the stuff dreams are made of. Whether you’re looking to top up your tan or fancy hitting the surfing scene, these featured sands are worth keeping on your radar:

• Seven Mile Beach – This stunning beach is the longest in Jamaica and is packed with different activities for foodies or water sports enthusiasts.
• Treasure Beach – This south coast beach offers the authentic appeal of Jamaica, with six miles of coral-coloured beaches.
• Frenchman’s Cove – Known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, this famous, Insta-worthy beach is perfect for a dreamy beach day.
• Half Moon Beach – A family-friendly beach with calm and shallow waters, loved by locals and families alike.
• Mahogany Beach – This charming and quaint beach is a quiet spot for locals, perfect to relax, and it comes alive at the weekends.
• Doctor’s Cave Beach – Montego Bay’s most famous beach, with sugary sands, floating diving platforms, and deep, blue waters.

What are the top hotels in Jamaica?

Whether you’re in need of a relaxing break by the beach, a family holiday, or a luxury getaway, these hotels should be top of your list:

• Breathless Montego Bay – This adult-only hotel located in Montego Bay is a hotspot for couples, with wild parties and countless facilities.
• Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel – This adult-only five-star hotel on the beachfront boasts entertainment for every type of holiday-goer.
• Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – This beachfront adult-only hotel offers luxurious accommodation with endless things to keep you entertained.
• Half Moon – Located on a private beach in Jamaica, this hotel is the top choice for luxury living.
• Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Jamaica Resort & Spa – Get your relaxation on at the Grand Palladium with its top facilities and beautiful location.
• Azul Sensatori Jamaica – Five-star life is what this hotel is all about, with its beachfront location and range of high-class restaurants.

What's the food like in Jamaica?

Jamaican cuisine features a variety of cooking techniques, spices, and flavours influenced by the cultures of those who have inhabited the island over the years. When in Jamaica, be sure to check out:

• Jerk chicken – The star of the show when it comes to Jamaican cuisine, jerk chicken is a must-try.
• Ackee and Saltfish – The national dish, containing the ackee fruit sauteed with saltfish, is mainly served for breakfast.
• Rice and peas – A staple for Sunday dinners, rice and peas are the traditional side dish for stewed meals.
• Curry goat – A favourite on the island, curry goat is cooked differently from the Indian variety and is a little spicier too.
• Mannish water – Goat is a favourite meat in Jamaica and mannish water is a light soup made using its scraps.

Looking for places to dine in Jamaica? Here are some top eateries to consider:

• Scotchies (Kingston, St Ann’s Bay, and Montego Bay) – The number one place to try authentic jerk chicken, made the right way. With three locations to choose from.
• Aunt Merl’s Fish Place, Half Moon Bay, Hellshire Beach – A hub for the best fried food on the island.
• Bourbon Beach, Negril – The best place for nightly reggae concerts and authentic jerk chicken and pork dishes.
• The Pelican, Montego Bay – A top place for a fancy dinner on your trip, with a selection of refined dishes.

Where’s the best nightlife in Jamaica?

Jamaica’s nightlife is all about getting your groove on, with its reggae music and dance halls, here are the best hotspots to check out:

• Rick’s Cafe, Negril – Live reggae music, cliff jumping, and dreamy sunsets are three exciting reasons to visit. It’ll be a unique evening for all types of fun.
• Colette’s Bar, Negril – A place with heart and soul, brilliant drinks, and reggae music constantly playing, this bar shouldn’t be missed.
• Floyd’s Pelican Bar, Salt Spring Junction – Only accessible by boat, this bar is located in the sea and serves up drink after drink for a unique night in a tropical climate.
• Pier One, Montego Bay – Dance the night away and enjoy authentic rum cocktails at Montego Bay’s top nightclub. A must-visit for an evening of unforgettable live entertainment
• Margaritaville Sports Bar and Grill, Montego Bay – The famous Margaritaville chain has made its way to Jamaica and has the beach party vibe you’re looking for.

What events can I go to in Jamaica?

Holidays to Jamaica offer many exciting events. Here are some of the best festivals and events throughout the year:

• Rebel Salute Music Festival (January) – This annual, must-visit event is known as one of Jamaica’s greatest musical and cultural events of the year. It features a diverse musical selection including lots of live reggae music.
• Jamaica Rum Festival (February/March) – This rum festival showcases the country’s famous taste in rum, food, and music. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to enjoy all things rum.
• Kingston Curry Festival (May) – The heart of all good Jamaican food, this spring festival is where tourists and locals alike go on a gastronomic journey into the best dishes.
• Reggae Sumfest (July) – The place to be for live reggae music with all the summer vibes, and an annual festival that both locals and tourists adore.
• Ochos Rios Seafood Festival (August) – This annual food festival is all about combining the excellent food and music scenes. Held in August, it’s known as one of the best food festivals in the country.
• Grand Gala (August) – An annual gala on August 6th at the National Stadium showcases the colourful heritage of Jamaica in the form of song and dance with a quirky selection of costumes.
• Reggae Sunsplash Festival (December) – First staged in 1978, the Sunsplash festival is a lively and exciting festival featuring all the best reggae music.
• Christmas events (December) – Junkanoo are ‘scary costume’ parades that occur around the week of Christmas across the island. It’s the equivalent of Halloween parades in the USA.

Things to do in Jamaica

Snorkelling tour

Jamaica’s stunning deep blue waters are a must-see on your trip, whether you’re with your partner or family. Snorkelling tours are available to get close to the interesting marine life of the island from the wonders of Seven Mile Beach to the Pirate’s Cave.

Exploring waterfalls

Escape from the beach way of life at YS Falls near Treasure Beach. This seven-tiered waterfall is a unique attraction full of natural beauty and offers an opportunity to swim in the lagoon waters.

Bamboo Rafting down the Martha Brae River

For a quieter activity for all the family, and to explore the natural habitat of Jamaica, set your sights on bamboo rafting down the Martha Brae River. It’s located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Venture to the many beaches

Jamaica is home to over 50 beautiful public beaches, offering every type of beach day experience; from a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun at the Mahogany Beach to gearing up for water sport activities at the Seven Mile Beach.

Visit the Green Grotto Caves

Accessible from Montego Bay and Ochos Rios, the Green Grotto Caves are a unique place to visit. Once known as a stash for pirates and home to a nightclub in the 1980s, there’s lots of history to learn on a cave tour.

What's the weather like in Jamaica?

Jamaica is famous for its tropical climate all year round and is a key destination for hot weather.

Important Information about travelling to Jamaica

How long does it take to fly to Jamaica?

It takes about 9 hours and 45 minutes to fly from the UK to Jamaica.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Jamaica?

The UK is 5 hours ahead of Jamaica.

What currency do they use in Jamaica?

Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar as its main form of currency but US dollars are also widely accepted.

What language do they speak in Jamaica?

The official language spoken in Jamaica is English. However, the majority of the population speak Jamaican Patois, a creole language based on English with influences from West African languages.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Jamaica?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need a visa to travel to Jamaica?

British passport holders don’t need a visa to visit Jamaica, you are usually granted entry for a maximum of 90 days. Holders of other passports are advised to check with their national embassy for visa requirements.

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Jamaica?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation about how it affects travel. You can find out up-to-date information about travel to Jamaica on the FCO website.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

• Barbados
• Dominican Republic
• St Lucia
• Bahamas

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Jamaica for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.