Jamaica, the Heartbeat of the Caribbean, Is the third largest island with FIVE main tourist regions – Montego Bay, Negril, Mandeville and The South Coast, Port Antonio and Ocho Rios.  Jamaica is surely one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations.

The scenery offers everything from fish-filled coral reefs and white-sand beaches to breathtaking waterfalls and cloud-shrouded rainforests. The music is infectious, and the people represent one of the most diverse populations in the Caribbean, drawing from African, Chinese, Indian, British and German heritage

Located in the heart of the Caribbean Basin, with  fewer than 3 million people living on the island, the most populated areas are in the cities of Kingston and Montego Bay, but in just 4,244 square miles, Mother Nature has packed one of the most interesting combinations of flora, fauna and physical geographical features.

Jamaica is a land of mountains, plateaux and plains, dominated by a series of mountain ranges that run across the centre of the island. Almost half the island is above 1000 feet (300m), and the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, rises 7402 feet (2,256m) above sea level. Many of Jamaica’s 120 rivers originate in these highlands, watering the land on their way to the Caribbean Sea.

The climate varies from tropical on the coastal plains, to temperate in the highlands of the interior, and the flora is a highly diverse combination of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation. There are 635 miles (1,022 km) of coastline; reef-protected white sand beaches characterize the north, while the coastline of the south has predominantly black sand beaches.

ESSENTIAL FACTS:

LANGUAGE:  The official language of Jamaica is English, although most Jamaicans speak a local patois influenced by a combination of several different languages. It may take some time for you to become accustomed to it. When that happens, though, you’ll have fun trying the local expressions

CAPITAL CITY: Kingston     
    
SIZE: 4,411 square miles. Slightly smaller than the state of Connecticut.

AVG TEMP: 82° F

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S., Canadian, U.K. and passport holders of other European Union countries nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport. Other nationalities should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.

CURRENCY: You don’t need to get Jamaican money before you get to the island. In all resort areas, licensed cambios and bureaux de change are easily and readily accessible, and just about all currencies can be exchanged in banks. The official rate of exchange varies daily, so it’s not a bad idea to shop around for a rate that suits you before changing large amounts of cash. Many Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus and Plus logos, and banks give credit card advances, change traveler’s cheques and offer other financial services. At the end of your trip, you may take Jamaican currency with you (for your next time in Jamaica!) or you may exchange it at the airport.

DEPARTURE TAX: Departure tax from Montego Bay and Kingston airports (not for intra-island flights) is US $25.

ELECTRICITY: The electrical supply in Jamaica is 110 volts/50 cycles standard, and electrical appliances use plugs that are two-pronged and flat (such as those used in the United States and Canada). If your appliances do not use 110 volts or flat two-pronged plugs, bring the requisite adaptors and converters with you. Although adaptors and converters are available in Jamaica, they may not be easy to come by. Most laptop computers have built-in converters and can be used with an adaptor. If the idea of lugging all this equipment around seems daunting, leave it behind. Most hotels have hair dryers, alarm clocks, radios and clothes irons available, and in any case you probably won’t need many appliances. You are, after all, on vacation.

WHAT TO BRING: For these tropical climates, lightweight cottons or linen are recommended, with rainwear needed from September to December. Dress is informal unless formal dress is specifically requested. As a gesture towards the islanders themselves, it is preferable not to wear scanty clothing or beachwear in towns or villages.

POLITICS: Jamaica is an independent country, completely self-governed since 1962 when the island ceased to be a British colony. After Independence, Jamaica chose to be a part of the British Commonwealth, and to keep the Queen of the United Kingdom as the constitutional monarch, the titular head of the country. The Government of Jamaica was patterned on the Westminster model of government, and is composed of the Queen as head of state, and a bicameral Parliament. In Jamaica, the Governor General, who is appointed by Her Majesty upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, represents the Queen.