Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, 234 kilometres (146 mi) in length and as much as 80 kilometres (50 mi) in width situated in the Caribbean Sea. It is about 620 kilometres (385 mi) northeast of the Central American mainland, 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 190 kilometres (120 mi) west of the island of Hispaniola, on which Haiti and the Dominican Republic are situated.
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and the most populous English speaking island there. The island of Jamaica is home to the Blue Mountains inland, and is surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Most major towns and cities are located on the coast. Chief towns and cities include the capital Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and Montego Bay.
The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although higher inland regions have a more temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are relatively dry rain-shadow areas.
One of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world, Jamaica enchants tourists with its amazing beauty and serenity. It offers splendid vacations for honeymooners and nature lovers. The tour packages for Jamaica are sure to excite any globe trotter to pack bags and get set for the fascinating land.
A wide variety of accommodation from basic to luxury self-catering bungalows with a walking distance to the beach welcome tourists with charming warmth, hospitality and excellent service. The environment and culture of the island make everyone feel good about their stay in Jamaica. In Jamaica you will not only experience exotic tropical climate but also enjoy diverse cultures, exotic cuisines, music, clothes and lifestyle
The diverse terrain of Jamaica offers many active options for island explorers.
Beachgoing
Deep Sea Fishing
Charterer a boat
Cruises
Diving
Golf
Beachgoing is one of the most popular outdoor activities for Jamaica’s visitors, but hiking isn’t far behind. And Jamaica hooks many visitors interested in diverse sporting opportunities. Travel on horseback, or swim with dolphins. One thing in certain, no matter which how you choose to explore Jamaica, adventure awaits. Luminous Lagoon also offers a variety of water sports activities including parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, snorkeling tours. Deep sea fishing is also a possibility for the Jamaica Vacations
Deep Sea Fishing
The vast crystal clear water that surround the Caribbean islands are home to several types of fishing because of the vast differences in the underwater landscapes of the region. Some fish favor the shallow island edges; others are the bright fish of the coral reefs that have grown over centuries along the edges of some volcanic islands. Jamaica is home to the large sport fish of the deeper waters that sportsmen travel from around the world to capture.
Jamaican deep-sea fishing is then extremely popular among travelers, and the island’s annual fishing tournaments are renowned. The Caribbean Sea offers exciting adventures with marlin, trophy size king fish, fighting barracuda, sailfish, wahoo, and a host of other species. Experienced Captain and Crew will guide you to all the HOT spots providing you to with a quality, fun filled fishing experience, designed to provide excitement that will bring you back for more.
Travelers visiting Jamaica, however, will need to plan ahead if they intend to set sail during their island adventure in order to make the most of their fishing or chartering experiences.
Jamaica’s Northern waters are well-known for deep-sea and sport fishing. Anglers will hook a large number of fish, including mahi mahi, wahoo, blue and white marlin, sailfish, tarpon, barracuda, and bonito. Jamaica also hosts two international fishing tournaments, the Jamaica International Fishing Tournament and Jamaica International Blue Marlin Team Tournament. Both tournaments take place in the early fall, September and October, so travelers interested in fishing may want to take this into consideration.
Due to the popularity of fishing on the Northern side of Jamaica, most major hotels are home to deep-sea fishing facilities and have plenty of boat charter options.
Bonefish are the region’s shallow water fish and are said to be the best fighters of all fish, pound-for-pound. Their species includes Jamaica’s popular tarpon, wahoo and barracuda. Bonefish can be caught from the beach or from a small boat in many of the area’s shallow waters. Fishing from the shore can be less costly for budget-conscious travelers because there is no need for boat rental.
Jamaica’s deep sea and game fishermen will have the most to enjoy with Jamaica’s plentiful populations of marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and sailfish. There are many varieties of these deep-water fish just off the shores where the sea floor drops down, so visitors may fish as close to a quarter of a mile from the islands.
Although reef fishing is not widespread in Jamaica, live bait such as conch or squid is the best bet for reef fishermen looking to catch some very interesting fish. The most common fish in these areas are grouper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and jack crevalle.
So, when you’re visiting Jamaica, let the urge for adventure take you out to the water’s edge to find out if you can hook one of the feisty bonefish, or let it draw you out onto the deep ocean where mighty game fish fight to the end.
Bonefish are the region’s shallow water fish and are said to be the best fighters of all fish, pound-for-pound. Their species includes Jamaica’s popular tarpon, wahoo and barracuda. Bonefish can be caught from the beach or from a small boat in many of the area’s shallow waters. Fishing from the shore can be less costly for budget-conscious travelers because there is no need for boat rental.
Jamaica’s deep sea and game fishermen will have the most to enjoy with Jamaica’s plentiful populations of marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and sailfish. There are many varieties of these deep-water fish just off the shores where the sea floor drops down, so visitors may fish as close to a quarter of a mile from the islands.
Although reef fishing is not widespread in Jamaica, live bait such as conch or squid is the best bet for reef fishermen looking to catch some very interesting fish. The most common fish in these areas are grouper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and jack crevalle.
So, when you’re visiting Jamaica, let the urge for adventure take you out to the water’s edge to find out if you can hook one of the feisty bonefish, or let it draw you out onto the deep ocean where mighty game fish fight to the end.
Charterer a boat
Fishing might not be on the top of your list, but you may still want to spend time at sea. If this is the case for you, relax, boats can be chartered from Jamaica by vacationers searching for an escape from dry land. You will be able to set your own path and go where you please, which is a must for some island adventurers. However, before you embark on a seafaring adventure, get to know these pointers about boat chartering services. There are several ways in which you may charter a boat, so that the experience fits you best.
If visiting the sea is only a small part of your island plans, it’s possible to take short trips with smaller charters or there may be sailing vessels available through many resorts. These may be taken out for short picnic or sightseeing trips. For travelers more interested in staying dry, this may be the best choice for their vacation, offering a brief taste of the beautiful ocean surrounding Jamaica without making a long-term commitment to the sea.
Crewed charters are the yachts for the rest of us. They allow passengers to sit back and relax, though they may also set the itinerary themselves or with the help of the knowledgeable captain and crew. No experience is necessary, but in this case finding the right crew is important. The crew is generally a small group of people who sail charters part of the year, and sail for themselves the remainder. They will know the best sites in the area for whatever you want to do. However, they will also be your living companions for the length of your charter in Jamaica, so it is imperative to find a crew that you feel comfortable with.
First-time charterers, especially, may wonder how they could possibly find the right vessel or crew for them. It’s been made surprisingly simple when you work through a charter broker. Charter brokers are paid by the boat’s owner or company to help attach the right boat or crew to the right vacationer to ensure that everyone has the best time possible. They are, essentially, paid to know the best of the best in the region and set you up with what they think your first choice would be, at no cost to you. Many of the larger yacht chartering companies do not directly offer the services of a broker but have experienced personnel to work with you. If you don’t intend to book with a large company, a broker can be the best way to go.
There are many wonderful sights that can only be seen from aboard a boat in the Caribbean. Chartering a boat can grant you unparalleled acces to the fishing, diving, and sailing experiences afforded by the gorgeous waters off the coasts of Jamaica.
Cruises
No vacation in Jamaica can be complete without a cruise on the brilliant azure waters. Leave all your worries behind and enjoy a day of fun and excitement.
Your tour begins with the friendly crew welcoming you on board the spacious 53 ft catamaran. After a brief introduction to the crew and the amenities on board the Dreamer, the music flows, the sails unfurl and you depart for your snorkel site.
At the snorkel site you have the opportunity to observe the marine life surrounding coral reefs within the Montego Bay Marine Park. All snorkeling equipment included and for beginners or non-swimmers, a guide and instructions are provided.
Once you’ve had your salt water dip in the Caribbean Sea, your bartender is ready to refresh you with an assortment of drinks from the Open Jamaican Bar, which includes Red Stripe Beer on tap, Rum and Vodka drinks, Rum Punch, Fruit Punch and assorted sodas.
From the snorkel site you head on over to Jimmy’s Buffett Margaritaville (weather permitting) where you can feel like a kid sliding down their waterslide that spills directly into the sea, or bounce around on their water trampolines.
After that brief stop, you will sail along Montego Bay’s coastline, which boasts white sand beaches and sea side cliffs, all back by lush verdant hills. Picture Postcard Perfection!
Heading back to port, the crew will teach you the latest dance moves before docking and being transferred safely back to your hotel.
Diving
View the fascinating underwater world of Jamaica’s first and only marine protected area. Explore Montego Bay’s marine sanctuary aboard the semi-submarine, ‘Coral Sea’.
The crystal clear Caribbean water provides spectacular viewing of underwater life. The tour shows breathtaking views as you glide over brilliant coral formations and see a variety of colorful fish and other exotic sea life.
Scuba divers will be there to point out exotic marine life while you enjoy the panoramic view from the air-conditioned cabin, as well as live and educational narration by marine life experts to give you a better understanding of what lies beneath!
Jamaica’s dazzling waters invite divers to experience underwater exploration at its most exciting. Diving and snorkeling excursions throughout the island let vacationers enjoy their Caribbean surroundings, where caverns and caves host a myriad of sea life.
Diving sites throughout Jamaica offer guided tours so you can get the most from your diving experience. In Negril and the surrounding area, you will find peaceful diving conditions, with crannies to explore and experience, preferably armed with a good underwater camera. The Throne Room, located 65 feet below sea level, presents explorers with a 40-foot-wide cavern filled with wall-to-wall yellow sponges. The Arch offers excellent photography opportunities for red sponges.
If you seek more lively company while you’re diving, visit Rock Cliff Reef and swim with eels in their natural habitat. Even more exciting is Sharks Reef, which lives up to its name serving as a home for nurse sharks in abundance.
Montego Bay, another diving haven, offers sites within the Montego Bay Marine Park. The park was created in 1990 to preserve the natural underwater beauty of Jamaica’s surrounding sea area. The most famous site in Montego Bay is Widowmaker’s Cave, 80 feet below sea level, with twists and turns up a 10-foot-wide chimney that sits 35 feet below the surface. You’ll feel almost as if you’re riding a roller coaster as you shimmy and wiggle your way into this water wonderland. For a larger scale tour, visit the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, where you can explore the northern coastal area.
Less experienced divers may want to stay closer to shore until they gain more confidence. Visit Runaway Bay, where you can have a truly amazing experience not far from the beach. Spanish Anchor and Shipwreck Reef and Canyon are great locations for observing sponges, sea whips and a variety of coral. Ricky’s Reef, at 90 feet deep, is a fantastic spot for photographing gorgonians and lettuce coral.
Make Ocho Rios a stop on your diving vacation for a stunning site at the man-made sunken reef. The artificial reef site was created when Fantasy Divers, the National Resources Conservation Division and the Port Authority worked together to sink a non-working old minesweeper to create a habitat for fish and coral, and to protect the local beaches.
The sunken city of Port Royal, which fell into the ocean after the earthquake of 1692, requires special permission from the Jamaican government for a diving permit. Best obtained from local dive operators, the permit allows divers to experience a truly magnificent underwater adventure. Rules regarding this dive site may change, so be sure to check with local operators for the most current information.
Diving in Jamaica promises to provide some wide-eyed wonder and gorgeous images to commemorate a great vacation. Suit up and dive in-you’ll find the water is quite fine.
Golf
Like most leisure activities on Jamaica, golfing provides another opportunity for the island’s unique character and personality to shine through.
Golf in Jamaica has its own set of added benefits, and it’s not just in the course designs or the grass. Each course-there are ten in the country-has its own personality and character that shine through as soon as you arrive at the links. The beauty of the island shines through at these course that offer something a bit different from your typical golf experience in the United States.
Each golfer receives individual attention from his or her own caddie, unlike busier golf locations where caddies may be serving one or two golfers at once.
One of Jamaica’s most serious golf locations is the Tryall Golf Club, about an hour west of Montego Bay. Founded by Texans in the 1950s, the resort is a collection of upscale homes owned by North Americans and Europeans. Tryall is a private resort area, and many golfers are also renters or owners of the resort’s villas. If you opt out of staying at Tryall, a visit to their course may be arranged through hotel concierges. Staying at Round Hill Hotel, a small upscale hotel just east of Tryall, increases the ease with which such a visit can be arranged.
Another main golfing area in Jamaica is the hub of Negril’s all-inclusive resorts. Be warned, though, when considering golfing in Negril, the predominant players here are not expert golfers. Rather, you’ll encounter many first-timers, or once-a-year types. Regardless, golf at Negril Hills Golf Club is a rare and novel experience, as you travel up and down the elevated tees to the valley fairways, twisting and turning around the guango trees.
Some of the best golf on the northern coast of Jamaica is at the Sandals Golf and Country Club. This golf area, formerly known as the Upton Country Club, was in a sad state of disrepair until about two years ago, when Sandals purchased and revamped the area.
Manchester Club is home to the Caribbean’s oldest golf course. This golfer’s treasure is found in the city of Mandeville on Jamaica’s South Coast. Only nine holes, it is set in luxurious rolling hills and is worth a visit for aficionados.
Other resorts in Jamaica, such as Half Moon and Ironshore in Ocho Rios, Wyndham Rose Hall (also known as the”White Witch” course), Breezes, and Sandals, include challenging and fun courses and cater to the golfer with a family. These resorts are all-inclusive and will include, among other things, water-sports, meals, and spa time for family members less interested in golf.
Golfing on the island of Jamaica is a relaxed activity that generally does not require reservations or advanced booking. Making an impromptu decision to hit the links should be easy and can help open your leisure-activity options.
The Caribbean’s oldest golf course is located at Manchester Club, found in the city of Mandeville on the south coast of the island. While only nine holes, the course is set amid rolling hills that are lush and green, offering a nice experience for aficionados.
If you’re traveling with the family in tow, and you want to have plenty of opportunity to tee it up, then stay at one of the island’s all-inclusive resorts. Half Moon and Ironshore in Ocho Rios, Breezes, Sandals and Wyndham Rose-known as the white witch course-all offer great courses that will give you a challenge and a good time all in one. The resorts cater to families and offer a myriad of other activities for the non-golfers, including watersports, meals and spa services for the ultimate in relaxation.
Tryall Golf Club, located about an hour west of Montego Bay, is one of the more serious golf locations in the country. The resort was founded by Texans in the 1950s and is now home to many North Americans and Europeans and is a private club. Many of the golfers are also owners of the resort’s villas, or are renting a villa for vacation. If you want to golf at Tryall, but are staying somewhere else, contact your hotel’s concierge to arrange a tee time.
On the north coast of Jamaica, you’ll find Sandals Golf and Country Club. Formerly the Upton Country Club, the course has gone from being in serious disrepair to being one of the best courses available.
As you tour the island sampling all the courses, one thing that will stand out is the exceptional service. Caddies in Jamaica receive expert training and are very familiar with their specific courses. Each golfer receives individual attention from his or her caddie. Golfers will find the relaxing environment, the beauty of the surroundings and the service irresistible. Most courses do not require reservations or advance booking, so if the urge to hit the links does overpower you, getting in a game should be no problem.
