Jamaica — Rhythms of the Island, Roots of the Soul
Travel guide by Bonne Vacances Travel Agency
1) Introduction
Jamaica is more than reggae, beaches, and rum punch. It’s a living rhythm — mountain breezes scented with pimento, waves rolling against cliffs, and laughter that feels like it was waiting for you. Visitors come for the turquoise water, and return for the warmth of the people and the stories that unfold in every corner of the island.
What sets Jamaica apart is its soul. From Rastafarian drums echoing in the hills to kids playing football on golden sands, the island pulses with authenticity. Every Bonne Vacances traveler we’ve sent comes home saying the same thing: “Jamaica feels alive in a way few places do.”
2) When to Visit
- High Season (Dec–Apr): Dry, sunny, lively. Perfect beach weather in Montego Bay and Negril; expect higher hotel rates and buzzing nightlife.
- Summer (May–Aug): Hotter with brief showers. Festival season and family travel value.
- Hurricane Season (Sep–Nov): More rain/occasional storms, but prices drop and crowds thin. Flexible plans recommended.
3) Getting There & Local Transport
Airports
MBJ — Montego Bay: Gateway for resort corridors (MoBay/Negril).
KIN — Kingston: Best for culture trips and Blue Mountain day tours.
OCJ — Ian Fleming: Smaller field near Ocho Rios; boutique arrivals.
Transfers
We prearrange private vans or sedans (meet-and-greet, chilled water). Shared shuttles are cheaper but slower with multiple stops.
Local Options
- JUTA-licensed taxis & drivers: The standard for safety and reliability.
- Route taxis/minibuses: Cheapest but crowded; for experienced/adventurous travelers.
- Self-drive: Left-hand traffic; roads can be narrow. We generally recommend private drivers for first-timers.
4) Top Attractions & Traveler Picks (8–10 by Style)
Family
- Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios)
- Mystic Mountain bobsled & ziplines
- Aqua parks at major resorts
- Dolphin Cove experiences
Couples
- Rick’s Café sunset & cliff views
- Private beach dinners in Negril
- Blue Lagoon swim (Port Antonio)
- Pelican Bar boat trip at sunset
Solo
- Blue Mountain coffee farm tours
- Bob Marley Museum & Trench Town
- Market strolls + jerk tastings
- Surf lessons in Boston Bay
Groups
- Appleton Rum Estate tastings
- Rose Hall Great House night tour
- Black River safari + YS Falls
- Catamaran snorkel cruises
5) Culture & Experiences
- Live reggae sessions in Kingston and Negril beach bars
- Rastafarian community visits — cooking, drumming, storytelling
- River rafting on the Martha Brae
- Hikes to Catherine’s Peak in the Blue Mountains
6) Food & Drink
Jamaica’s cuisine is bold, smoky, and soulful — scotch-bonnet heat, pimento spice, and coconut comfort.
Restaurant Suggestions
- Budget: Scotchies (MoBay), Juici/Tastee Patties (nationwide), roadside jerk stands.
- Mid-range: Miss T’s Kitchen (Ocho Rios), Pushcart (Negril cliffs), beachfront grills in Treasure Beach.
- Luxury: Rockhouse Restaurant (Negril), Sugar Mill at Half Moon (MoBay), Trident Hotel dining (Port Antonio).
7) Where to Stay — Areas & Hotel Picks
Best Areas
- Montego Bay: Close to MBJ, golf, nightlife.
- Negril: Seven Mile Beach + cliffside romance.
- Ocho Rios: Waterfalls and adventure parks.
- Port Antonio: Eco-luxury and quiet coves.
By Budget
- Budget: Reggae Hostel (Kingston), simple guesthouses in Negril/Portland.
- Mid-range: RIU/Iberostar corridors near MoBay; boutique villas in Runaway Bay.
- Luxury: Half Moon (MoBay), Jamaica Inn (Ocho Rios), GoldenEye (Oracabessa), Rockhouse (Negril).
Booking Tips
Ask about airport transfers, club-level perks, spa credits, and late checkout. Shoulder seasons unlock upgrades and value adds.
8) Day Trips & Excursions
- Port Antonio & Blue Lagoon: Quiet, cinematic lagoons and coves; pair with Boston Bay jerk.
- Black River & YS Falls: Crocodiles, mangroves, and limestone cascades.
- Appleton Estate: Rum history and tastings in the countryside.
- Rio Grande Bamboo Rafting: Romantic float through rainforest — best early/late for soft light.
9) Practical Tips & Traveler Due Diligence
Essentials
Currency: JMD; USD widely accepted.
Language: English; Jamaican Patois common.
Tipping: 10–15% standard unless service already included.
Costs (ballpark)
- Street jerk: $5–7
- Nice dinner: $25–40 pp
- Private driver: ~$150/day
Etiquette & Safety
Greet warmly, ask before photos, use licensed drivers/guides, and stay street-smart in busy urban areas. Keep valuables minimal at the beach.
Packing & Apps
Reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes (falls), light layers, a small dry bag. Apps: Google Maps, XE Currency, WhatsApp.
Accessibility
Resorts are often step-free; natural sites vary. We arrange accessible rooms, transfers, and adapted routes on request.
Insurance
Highly recommended in rainy/hurricane windows and for adventure activities.
10) Sample Itinerary — 7 Full Days (Morning / Afternoon / Evening)
- Day 1: Arrive MoBay • Resort check-in • Sunset beach walk & jerk dinner
- Day 2: Dunn’s River Falls climb • Ocho Rios craft market • Catamaran sunset sail
- Day 3: Blue Mountains coffee farm • Kingston street art • Reggae night
- Day 4: Seven Mile Beach day • Cliffside spa • Rick’s Café sundowners
- Day 5: Port Antonio coves • Blue Lagoon swim • Private beach dinner
- Day 6: YS Falls cool-off • Appleton Estate tasting • Countryside supper
- Day 7: Leisure morning • Souvenirs in MoBay • Departure assistance
11) Traveler Inspiration
“The good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” — Bob Marley
On screen: The Harder They Come, Cool Runnings; in your ears: a roots reggae playlist for the road along the coast.
12) Image Gallery
Ready to experience Jamaica?
From luxury resorts to hidden gems, we’ll craft an itinerary that fits your style and budget — and runs smooth from airport to beach.