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Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea and the undisputed land of reggae, rhythm and sway. With its colourful culture, engaging activities, diverse and breath-taking landscapes and the warmest, most welcoming smiles, Jamaica Tourism has much to offer you.
Christopher Columbus who discovered the island considered it to be ‘the fairest isle that eyes have beheld’ and even today, travel
lers can’t have enough of this beautiful Caribbean land. Here, lush green hills are beautifully juxtaposed against transparent turquoise waters and blossoms that are a fusion of colours.
If you’re looking for adventure and nature at its very finest, then Jamaica tourism certainly won’t disappoint. Diving, snorkelling, caving and hiking opportunities can be found almost anywhere. As far as music goes, beats and bass are the country’s groove and a signature of Jamaica tourism, so get set to dance. And if you like all things wild, then you’re in for a surprise for Jamaica tourism is unexpectedly rich in wildlife. Get set to spot American crocodiles, hummingbirds, dolphins, sea turtles and much more. For those who love their food and drink, this is paradise. Blue Mountain coffee, Devon ice cream, the sizzle of authentic jerk chicken and local rum – Jamaica tourism has all this in store.
Situated south of Cuba, and west of Haiti, is the island country of Jamaica – one of the treasures of the Caribbean Sea. Pristine white sand beaches, eye-catching waterfalls, mountainous terrains, bustling city life and the quietest roadside towns – as per the Jamaica Travel Guide - co-exist here.
Spread across an area of 10,992 square kilometres, Jamaica is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean and the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles. According to the Jamaica Travel Guide, it was formed from an arc of ancient volcanoes that rose from the sea, millions of years ago. The country can be divided into three parts – the central mountain chain, the limestone hills and the low-lying coastal plains and interior valleys. Port Royal Cays are smaller islands that inhabit the south coast of Jamaica.
The highest area in Jamaica is the Blue Mountains and a hike to its summit to view the sunrise is highly recommended, when you read any Jamaica Travel Guide. In Jamaica, you’ll also witness Karst formations – the erosion of limestone in solution. In fact, the Jamaica Travel Guide says that the rugged terrains of the Cockpit country are one of the world’s most dramatic examples of karst topography.
Jamaica’s climate can be described as tropical – warm temperatures with high levels of precipitation. Influenced by the sea and the north east trade winds, the nation enjoys all-year steamy weather, as per the Jamaica Tourist Guide. While coastal areas remain within the 21 - 30-degree range, inland regions and elevated regions plummet slightly in temperature. The southern coast and northwest coast are the driest plains of the country. When it comes to the best time to visit Jamaica, one will have to consider the conditions of each season, according to the Jamaica Tourist Guide. The months of May to November are rainiest, with June onwards being hurricane prone. December to April is blessed with dry weather, deeming it the most comfortable time to traverse.
When you think of Jamaica, how can you ignore its colourful culture! The religion, norms, values, lifestyle and most importantly reggae music! You could say this is the background music of the island nation. In fact, the two big music fests here are a tribute to the love the islanders have for reggae – Reggae Sumfest held in Montego Bay and Rebel Salute held in St. Ann.
The culture here is mixed, with an ethnically diverse society. The Spaniards originally brought slavery to Jamaica, and they were later overthrown by the English. Jamaica got independence from the English in 1962. After the abolition of slavery, Chinese and Indian migrants came in as workers to Jamaica, bringing with them ideas from the Far East. This resulted in a diversity that affected the language, music, dance, religion, and social norms and practices of the Jamaicans.
Thanks to the endless blues in Jamaica, snorkelling, scuba diving, cliff diving and beach partying are a part of the chilled vibe. In Kingston however, you can expect the party to be wild and lively. Expect to see street dances where two dancers face-off against each other. Food is integral to the culture in Jamaica – the land of jerk chicken and coconut rum.
Language Spoken
English and Jamaican Patois
Currency used:
Jamaican Dollar JMD
The motto of Jamaica’s people which is ‘out of many, one people’ sums up what you can expect. The most significant part of Jamaica tourism is its diverse population who call the island their home. Friendly smiling faces and a natural sense of hospitality, lined with loud, joyful laughter and bordering with effervescence. From Bob Marley to Rihanna, Harry Belafonte to Usain Bolt, the best storytellers, song writers, musicians, sprinters, social activists, beauty queens hail from this magical land that is one of the most culturally diverse tourism havens.
The largest religion in Jamaica is the Christian faith. As per tourism guides here, you’ll find Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Baptists, Seventh Day and the Church of God here. Above and beyond, this is the land of the Rastafari movement - a derivative of the larger Christian culture, but its origins were influenced by rising consciousness of Africa, and an awareness of political events in that continent.
In Jamaica, English is the official language, obviously because the island nation has been influenced mainly by British English. Therefore, if you are interested in tourism in Jamaica, you should have no problem getting around with a basic understanding of English. Having been colonized by the British, the British grammar and spelling is the English standard in the country. However, the exposure to American English has also influenced the Jamaican English. Tourism in Jamaica involves a lot of English, as does commerce, education, government, media and religion. The language is also associated with affluence, social class, and achievement.
