Jamaica is a dream place for vacations that combine natural beauties, a relaxed atmosphere, lots of fun, and a profound richness in culturally-oriented, authentic experiences. Before you leave home, though, do consider the following insider tips for magnificent Caribbean endeavours and unforgettable moments.
Getting to Jamaica
The most convenient way to reach Jamaica is by plane. The island has three different airports serving hundreds of flights daily from across the world, namely:
- Norman Manley International Airport – It is your best option if you are planning to stay or visit Port Antonio, the capital of the island, or the imposing Blue Mountains. Located in Kingston, it is also home to tour operators, taxi services, and car rentals (located in the Arrivals Ground Transportation Hall) for your most efficient transport.
- Sangster International Airport – You will find it in one of the most touristy areas in Jamaica, Montego Bay, and is a more preferred port of entrance for travellers heading to Negril, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay. It also has a domestic terminal with regular flights to Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Negril, and Kingston. Again, multiple transportation options are available here to get to your final destination, from car rentals and hotel shuttles to taxis.
- Ian Fleming International Airport – It is the newest Jamaica international airport and is situated in the Ocho Rios resort region, very close to most of Jamaica’s renowned resorts and villas. Small aircraft usually prefer this airport, especially those flying to the north coast of Jamaica.
Another popular way to travel to Jamaica is via a cruise ship. The main cruise ports in Jamaica are Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay, which provide a wide range of facilities and services to the majority of cruise ships afloat.
Jamaica Lives in Island Mode
The Caribbean swings in a laid-back way of living, enticing everybody around it to follow along. Jamaica is, of course, no exception, and asks you to readjust your mindset and go with the flow for ultimate relaxation moments! Even if you are not prepared for this change of mind scenery, you will get into it the moment you step foot on the island as time will feel like unfolding slower than usual. It would be like someone is giving you even more time to experience the dreamy Caribbean vacations you wanted.
Clothing Etiquette
Wearing camouflage clothing is not allowed in Jamaica. In fact, it is considered illegal to fashion camouflage prints, and doing so can result in all your camouflage items being confiscated at the airport. The only ones allowed to wear such types of clothing are the local army.
Grabbing a Cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a Huge Must
Widely recognised as one of the best and most flavoursome coffees in the world, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee owes its massive popularity to its unique characteristics that stem from the island’s unusual growing climate. The coffee beans used for this type of coffee are cultivated on a steep slope north of Kingston, between 919 metres (3000 feet) and 1525 metres (5000 feet) above sea level. Grown in a dewy and cold environment, it takes 10 full months for this coffee bean to blossom and be ready for harvest.
What makes it even more special? The fact that it is super rare, considering that the designation Blue Mountain Coffee is applied only to a specific, small area mentioned above and not all the coffee grown in Jamaica. Also, 80% of the produced coffee (whose available amounts are already quite low compared to other coffees) goes to Japan. So, it is not a coffee that you can easily find.
Use Only Red Number Plated Taxis
One of the most common-sense safety rules is to never get into a taxi with a stranger or get in a vehicle that is not clearly marked as a taxi. The taxis in Jamaica have a red number plate. Therefore, any vehicle without this distinction should be avoided as a means of transport.
It is also important to note, taxi drivers often pick up friends and family members along with their customers to take them to places around Jamaica. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, then it’s best to seek another alternative, such as public transport or private transfer services.
Jamaica is Not an LGBTQ-Friendly Country
Despite the recent efforts to bring the rights of the LGBTQ community to the table and make them accepted by the local communities, homophobia is still rampant in Jamaica, at least up to the moment of this writing. This means that LGBTQ travellers need to be very careful in Jamaica because any sexual acts between men are considered illegal and could even lead to jail time or a hefty fine. Oddly, this is not the case with women engaging in homosexual acts. So, kindly refrain from expressing sexual orientation to people you do not know in Jamaica or displaying affection in public.
The Use of Marijuana is Illegal
This is one of the most common misconceptions about Jamaica lies. Although it has earned a reputation for being a marijuana haven, mainly because of reggae music and Rastafarianism, marijuana (the locals call it ganja) is not legal in the country. Also, possession of up to 56.6 grams (2 ounces) is now considered a petty offence. However, the cultivation of marijuana (between 1-5 plants), medical marijuana, and the use of cannabis, which is standard practice in religious ceremonies are legal.
Jamaica is Much More Than Exotic Beaches
Also referred to as the Land of Wood and Water, Jamaica is distinguished by a diverse topography, featuring the highest heights of the Blue Mountains (designated a World Heritage Site by the UN), bottomless lagoons, and waterfalls to the St. Elizabeth low-lying plains, and from a rugged coastline to deep rivers and powdery shores.
Here, you can have myriads of experiences suited to the level of adventure you seek, from trekking and hiking to camping, picnicking, bird-watching (Jamaica is home to more than 28 endemic birds and over 100 native bird species that are mainly seen in the National Park), underground cave exploring, and many more. All accompanied by lots of reggae music, profound visual and cultural heritage, and a unique sense of satisfaction and soul-fulfillment.
Jamaica is a dream place for vacations that combine natural beauties, a relaxed atmosphere, lots of fun, and a profound richness in culturally-oriented, authentic experiences. Before you leave home, though, do consider the following insider tips for magnificent Caribbean endeavours and unforgettable moments.
Getting to Jamaica
The most convenient way to reach Jamaica is by plane. The island has three different airports serving hundreds of flights daily from across the world, namely:
- Norman Manley International Airport – It is your best option if you are planning to stay or visit Port Antonio, the capital of the island, or the imposing Blue Mountains. Located in Kingston, it is also home to tour operators, taxi services, and car rentals (located in the Arrivals Ground Transportation Hall) for your most efficient transport.
- Sangster International Airport – You will find it in one of the most touristy areas in Jamaica, Montego Bay, and is a more preferred port of entrance for travellers heading to Negril, Ocho Rios, or Montego Bay. It also has a domestic terminal with regular flights to Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Negril, and Kingston. Again, multiple transportation options are available here to get to your final destination, from car rentals and hotel shuttles to taxis.
- Ian Fleming International Airport – It is the newest Jamaica international airport and is situated in the Ocho Rios resort region, very close to most of Jamaica’s renowned resorts and villas. Small aircraft usually prefer this airport, especially those flying to the north coast of Jamaica.
Another popular way to travel to Jamaica is via a cruise ship. The main cruise ports in Jamaica are Falmouth, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay, which provide a wide range of facilities and services to the majority of cruise ships afloat.
Jamaica Lives in Island Mode
The Caribbean swings in a laid-back way of living, enticing everybody around it to follow along. Jamaica is, of course, no exception, and asks you to readjust your mindset and go with the flow for ultimate relaxation moments! Even if you are not prepared for this change of mind scenery, you will get into it the moment you step foot on the island as time will feel like unfolding slower than usual. It would be like someone is giving you even more time to experience the dreamy Caribbean vacations you wanted.
Clothing Etiquette
Wearing camouflage clothing is not allowed in Jamaica. In fact, it is considered illegal to fashion camouflage prints, and doing so can result in all your camouflage items being confiscated at the airport. The only ones allowed to wear such types of clothing are the local army.
Grabbing a Cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a Huge Must
Widely recognised as one of the best and most flavoursome coffees in the world, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee owes its massive popularity to its unique characteristics that stem from the island’s unusual growing climate. The coffee beans used for this type of coffee are cultivated on a steep slope north of Kingston, between 919 metres (3000 feet) and 1525 metres (5000 feet) above sea level. Grown in a dewy and cold environment, it takes 10 full months for this coffee bean to blossom and be ready for harvest.
What makes it even more special? The fact that it is super rare, considering that the designation Blue Mountain Coffee is applied only to a specific, small area mentioned above and not all the coffee grown in Jamaica. Also, 80% of the produced coffee (whose available amounts are already quite low compared to other coffees) goes to Japan. So, it is not a coffee that you can easily find.
Use Only Red Number Plated Taxis
One of the most common-sense safety rules is to never get into a taxi with a stranger or get in a vehicle that is not clearly marked as a taxi. The taxis in Jamaica have a red number plate. Therefore, any vehicle without this distinction should be avoided as a means of transport.
It is also important to note, taxi drivers often pick up friends and family members along with their customers to take them to places around Jamaica. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, then it’s best to seek another alternative, such as public transport or private transfer services.
Jamaica is Not an LGBTQ-Friendly Country
Despite the recent efforts to bring the rights of the LGBTQ community to the table and make them accepted by the local communities, homophobia is still rampant in Jamaica, at least up to the moment of this writing. This means that LGBTQ travellers need to be very careful in Jamaica because any sexual acts between men are considered illegal and could even lead to jail time or a hefty fine. Oddly, this is not the case with women engaging in homosexual acts. So, kindly refrain from expressing sexual orientation to people you do not know in Jamaica or displaying affection in public.
The Use of Marijuana is Illegal
This is one of the most common misconceptions about Jamaica lies. Although it has earned a reputation for being a marijuana haven, mainly because of reggae music and Rastafarianism, marijuana (the locals call it ganja) is not legal in the country. Also, possession of up to 56.6 grams (2 ounces) is now considered a petty offence. However, the cultivation of marijuana (between 1-5 plants), medical marijuana, and the use of cannabis, which is standard practice in religious ceremonies are legal.
Jamaica is Much More Than Exotic Beaches
Also referred to as the Land of Wood and Water, Jamaica is distinguished by a diverse topography, featuring the highest heights of the Blue Mountains (designated a World Heritage Site by the UN), bottomless lagoons, and waterfalls to the St. Elizabeth low-lying plains, and from a rugged coastline to deep rivers and powdery shores.
Here, you can have myriads of experiences suited to the level of adventure you seek, from trekking and hiking to camping, picnicking, bird-watching (Jamaica is home to more than 28 endemic birds and over 100 native bird species that are mainly seen in the National Park), underground cave exploring, and many more. All accompanied by lots of reggae music, profound visual and cultural heritage, and a unique sense of satisfaction and soul-fulfillment.