From the 7400 foot peaks of the Blue Mountains, where the famous coffee is grown, Jamacia's terrain droips to foothills of banana groves and sugarcane fields and orchards of mango and limes. Brilliant flowers, vivid birds, exotic fruit, gentel people whose voices lilt as though they are singing – there are the charms with which this Caribbean beauty seduces her admirers. Jamaica, the land of reggae, is the quintessence of the Caribbean and offers diversity – in landscape and in lifestyle, culture and cuisine, sports and attractions – that few islands can match. There are waterfalls to climb, mountains to hike, trails to ride, golf, tennis, polo, diving, fishing, plus attractions that are unique to Jamaica. Jamaica was called Xaymaca, meaning land of wood and water, by the Arawaks who inhabited the island when Columbus arrived in 1494.

Montego Bay, or Mo Bay as it is popularly known, is deservedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world.
Montego Bay, or Mo Bay as it is popularly known, is deservedly one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. Over the years it has attracted the rich and the famous, and been the haunt of royalty. Many of their luxury villas still grace the hills with fabulous sea views. The bay offers wonderful beaches and the town has lots to offer. The town of Montego Bay is divided into two distinct areas, the residential and the tourist. The former is largely to the south of Sam Sharpe Square and west of St. James Street until its junction with Barnett Street. The main tourist part of twon, paced with vendors, stall, higglers and hustlers, is east of Sam Sharpe Square nearer the waterfront, and most of the main resorts and hotels are to the north, between the town and the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, or east of it.

Ocho Rios is the second major tourist town on the north coast with a wide range of accommodation, excellent beaches, airstrip and modern crusie facilities. Each year it attracts more than 700,000 tourist, about 350,000 of these from cruise ships, and a major initiative is under to way to upgrade visitor facilities with information booths, toilets, more signs and guides, and a promenade from Reynolds Pier to Dunns River. There has been a crack down on hustlers and illegal vendors, and residents and businesses are being encouraged to plant flowers and trees and properly maintain properties.

Negril is very popular and has grown rapidly in recent years. Most of this stems from the early 1960s when it was 'discovered' by the hippies who set up a colony.
Negril is the main resort area on the island's west coast, and extends from the nineteenth-century Negril Lighthouse in the parish of Westmoreland in the south, to Bloody Bay in Hanover Parish in the north. Negril is very popular and has grown rapidly in recent years. Most of this stems from the early 1960s when new roads and drainage canals were built, and it was then 'discovered' by the hippies who set up a colony. Their easy-going attitude remains today throughout the town that stretched for miles along the bay. Resort development is carefully controlled, and no building by law is allowed to be taller than the tallest palm. Apart from the beautiful beaches, the waters offer world-class diving and a wealth of watersports.

Kingston is the capital and the commercial, administrative and cultural heart of the island. It is the largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean, has the seventh largest natural harbor in the world, and lies on a wide plain with the sea to the south and the St. Andrew Mountain as its backdrop to the north. It was founded in 1692 after an earthquake devastated the capital Port Royal.

"The most exquisite port on earth" was the way American poetess Ella Wheeler Wilcox described Port Antonio. The town's twin harbours, jewel blue sea and verdant hillsides still ensnare the visitor. The story of this old port is the story of men who came, saw, and were conquered by its beauty. All of them, from Captain Lorenzo Dow Baker to movie star Errol Flynn and billionaire Garfield Weston sought to develop the town. All of them failed. Port Antonio, like Montego Bay, claims to be the cradle of the tourist trade, but unlike other resorts in the island, its tourism potential remains undeveloped and undamaged. And therein lies Port Antonio's charm, and the lure of the parish of Portland.

BEACHES:

There is an endless variety of beaches to be found and each area has it's own particular style from the uninhibited Negril to the undiscovered South Coast and the exquisitely turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio. Montego Bay is justly famous for its white sand and calm waters. The finest beaches are usually found at the resorts although there are public beaches who charge a small admission.

WATERSPORTS:

All manner of watersports can be found in each area of Jamaica including waterskiing andparasailing. Additionally there is rafting on a 30-foot bamboo raft down one of the many rivers...the most popular being the Rio Grande river in Port Antonio. A captain will guide you along using bamboo polls while you sit back and enjoy the lush scenery. Another place to enjoy rafting isThe Great River in Montego Bay where they have evening rides and the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay. Another unusual activity is waterfall climing which can be done at Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios. This is a guided climb of 600 feet through the splashing water. Because of its large waves, Boston Beach in Port Antonio is a popular site for surfing.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELING:

Dive operations are mainly found along the north coast from Negril to Port Antonio and need to be licensed. There are dives offered for all levels of experience. Wall dives, canyons, caves, reef dives and wreck dives can all be found. Marine parks have been established in Montego Bay and in Negril marine conservation is in effect. Coral reefs with great snorkeling are to be found in all areas of Jamaica. Especially enjoyable are the coral gardens at Montego Bay and the reefs off the cliffs at Negril.

FISHING:

Deep-sea fishing charters can be arranged for half or full days to go after gamefish such as marlin, tuna, bonito, sailfish and kingfish, to name a few. Port Antonio holds an annual Blue Marlin Tournament amd is a main area for this activity as is Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

GOLF:

Jamaica is one of the best places to golf in the caribbean. Just to name a few of the courses...a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course at Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club, an 18-hole championship course at Tryall, 18-hole courses at Ironshore and Wyndham Rose Hall...all of which are in Montego Bay. Other 18-hole courses are available in Ocho Rios and Kingston areas.

TENNIS:

Tennis courts can be found at the major hotels with lighted courts and tennis pros available.

HORSEBACK RIDING:

Chukka Cove, an equestrian facility in Ocho Rios, offers trail rides and instruction as well as international polo matches. There are many other stables in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios where you can ride along a river, on the beach or through the mountains.

BIRDWATCHING:

Guided tours can be arranged to view the 25 species and 21 sub-species of birds which are completely unique to Jamaica.

SPA FACILITIES:

An Aveda Concept Spa can be found in the Blue Mountains and at Negril plus there is a spa/wellness center at Round Hill in Montego Bay area.

EXPLORING:

The 600-foot drop of Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios can be climbed with a guide through cascading waters. Other Ocho Rios sites worth exploring are Harmony Hall, a restored 19th century sugar plantation housing the artwork of local artists and craftsmen; Firefly, the home of Noel Coward, which retains his memory in its furnishings and library; Fern Gully is a drive through a riot of tropical plants and vegitation climbing through a rain forest. A drive through the Blue Mountains is only for the extremely adventurous as it has precipitous drops and narrow rough roads through gorges. But the scenery is incredible and you can stop at a roadside stand to buy a bag of famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans. Alternatively you could get a taxi or take a guided tour and stop at one of the working coffee plantations. In Kingston you may be interested in the Bob Marley Museum which is a shrine for reggae-lovers and chronicles his life. One of Port Antonio's main attractions is the Rio Grande River where you can take a guided raft tour. The clear turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon drop to a depth as yet, unmeasured. In Montego Bay, Rose Hall Great House, built in 1778, has been restored and has a famous history filled with witchcraft and ghosts.

SHOPPING:

Crafts shops line just about every road and can be fun for a quick stop and look-see. Usual items are hand carvings, bananas and liquor although you may find a one-of-a-kind thing that's just perfect. There are craft markets in Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bayand Port Antonio where you'll find hats, baskets, etc. Blue Mountain coffee beans can be found at several stores. A huge selection of reagae music can be found at record shops in Kingston. Duty-free shopping can be found in Jamaica but be aware that there is a 10% tax on goods purchased.

NIGHTLIFE:

Jamaica is the home of reggae music and it can be heard all over the island in bars and nightclubs along with calypso and steel band music and jazz. There a number of light-night dance spots and discos in each area, mainly at the resorts. Sports bars are also popular gathering places.