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Jamaica is an island country in Central America (Caribbean region). Together with Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico, Jamaica is part of the Greater Antilles archipelago of the West Indies.

The southern coast of Jamaica is heavily dissected, has good harbors that once served as a refuge for pirates, but is fringed by reefs. The northern coast of the island is rocky; in its central part there is a narrow strip of beaches - the so-called Jamaican Riviera. Most of Jamaica's territory is occupied by a hilly limestone plateau; in the east of the island the Blue Mountains rise to 2256 m.

Jamaica is characterized by high seismic activity.

Airports in Jamaica

Kingston Norman Manley International Airport

Kingston Tinson Airport is a local and business aviation airport in Kingston.

Montego Bay Sangster International Airport

Jamaica hotels 1 - 5 stars

Jamaica weather

Tropical trade winds with steady easterly winds, moderate clouds and dry weather. In summer and winter the temperature is almost the same, on average +26 degrees C. Sometimes tropical cyclones pass here.

Jamaican language

Official language: English

The local version of the language is quite different from standard English, since many words are of Spanish or African origin. Therefore, this dialect is often called “Patois” or “Ayri”.

Currency of Jamaica

International name: JMD

In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Jamaican dollars, coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents and 1.5 dollars. At the same time, there are coins in circulation from two main series (80s and 90s) and a large number of commemorative ones.

The American dollar is also circulated in Jamaica. Many tourist centers and shops accept traveler's checks (they are also recommended to be purchased in American currency) or credit cards from the world's leading systems: Visa, American Express and some others.

The official currency exchange rate is not maintained everywhere. The most favorable rate is at banks and exchange offices.

Visa

Facilitated entry regime

Citizens of Russia and the CIS countries do not need to obtain a visa in advance to travel to Jamaica if the period of stay on the island does not exceed 30 days and the purpose of the visit is tourism or transit to a third country. The visa is issued upon arrival in the country at the offices of the Jamaican Immigration Department.

Customs restrictions

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited; local currency is prohibited. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, up to 1.3 liters of strong alcoholic drinks (excluding rum) and up to 1.3 liters of wine (for passengers over 18 years old), up to 150 grams of perfume, 340 ml of eau de toilette, and gifts up to J$40.

The import of narcotic, poisonous and explosive substances, firearms, fresh flowers and plants, honey, fruits, non-canned meat and vegetables, as well as coffee (in any form) is prohibited.

It is prohibited to export exotic animals and birds, antiquities, especially those found at the bottom of the sea, as well as fur and leather products not specified in the entry declaration, without the appropriate documents. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are exported freely and without quantity restrictions.

Mains voltage

Tips

Tips at the hotel are already included in the price. In restaurants where the cost of services is not included in the bill, a tip (10-15%) is given.

Souvenirs

Most often, tourists bring wooden sculptures, embossing, products made of semi-precious stones, household appliances, as well as the famous Blue Mountain coffee and excellent Jamaican rum, especially brands such as Appleton and Myers.

Safety

Outside of resorts, extreme caution should always be exercised when interacting with local residents. The standard of living of the bulk of the country's population is extremely low, which cannot but leave an imprint on their attitude towards tourists.

You should not appear outside the resort areas alone - only in groups. Be careful when responding to an invitation from a local resident to “show the real Jamaica” - most likely it will be a banal brothel or a hangout of local “informals” “overloaded with marijuana”.

Code of the country: +1876

Geographic first level domain name:.ja

Medicine

The country has a fairly high level of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS. Mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects pose some danger. Repellents are required.

Under no circumstances should you eat unwashed fruits and vegetables. The milk is pasteurized and the dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meats, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat, but many local dishes taste unusual and may cause stomach upset.

The pearl of the Greater Antilles - Jamaica - was discovered in 1494 by Christopher Columbus. However, for the vast majority of people, Jamaica is associated with the most famous native of the island - Bob Marley. In his homeland, this musician became a people's prophet and spiritual leader, and his birthday was even declared a national holiday. Marley's global fame, lush tropical greenery, sandy beaches and ragga rhythms attract about 1.5 million tourists a year to Jamaica.

Geographical location of Jamaica

Jamaica is a small state in the West Indies, on the island of the same name in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Greater Antilles. A significant part of the surface is occupied by hills and mountains. A strip of coastal plains is separated from the sea by a limestone plateau about 500 m above sea level. m. In the east of the island rises the Blue Mountains, composed of crystalline rocks, where the highest peak of the country is located - Blue Mountain (2206 m). The river network, especially developed in the southern and eastern parts of Jamaica, consists of short and fast rivers, the largest of which are the Black River, Minho and White River with Dame Falls. The island of Jamaica also has many mineral springs.

Jamaica Climate

The climate of Jamaica is influenced by its geographical location, prevailing winds and the altitude of the area above sea level. Northeast trade winds blow throughout the region, which, sweeping over the warm waters of the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, are saturated with moisture and shed it on the mountain slopes. In other words, Jamaica is located in a humid and hot tropical climate zone. The island receives about 2,000 mm of precipitation per year (up to 7,000 mm in the northeast). Moreover, their monthly quantity is subject to significant seasonal fluctuations. At the same time, the average monthly temperature in Jamaica stays within 25-28C all year round. On the island of Jamaica, two seasons are clearly defined: dry and rainy, and during the rainy season there are two maximum precipitation - in May-June and September-November. Jamaica's favorable climate allows diving and sailing all year round. An equally exciting form of active recreation is rafting, or rafting down fast rivers (for example, the Rio Grande) on bamboo rafts.

Nature of Jamaica - jungle, savannah and mangroves

About 20% of the surface of the island of Jamaica is forested. On scarce lateritic soils, an evergreen tropical forest with a predominance of lianas and palm trees has been preserved
, dalbergia, logwood and bamboo. In the west and southwest, savannah vegetation, thickets of cacti, thorny bushes (chaparral) and forests that shed their leaves in the dry season are common. Along the banks of the rivers of Jamaica stretch the so-called. "gallery forests" Powerful ocean waves reach Jamaica only during fierce storms, so the mangroves typical of this area grow in shallow coastal waters, protected from the open sea by coral reefs. Trees and shrubs here grow on marshy, sandy-silty soil, dampening high waves in a dense network of intertwined roots. Tidal waves flood trees up to the crown, and at low tide their trunks and aerial roots are exposed. Fertile silt settles between the roots, which feeds a myriad of living creatures, including sea acorns (or balyapus), sea ducks and various mollusks.

About 40 species of reptiles and amphibians live in Jamaica, but most of all, the island of Jamaica is famous for its avifauna, numbering about 600 species, with 25 species and 21 subspecies found nowhere else in the world. The Caribbean region is famous for the fabulous wealth of the fish kingdom. This is where many popular species of aquarium fish live, including the black-bellied limia. Typical inhabitants of coral reefs are parrotfish, surgeonfish, West Indian snapper, seahorses and moray eels.

Attractions

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is a resort area in the northwestern part of the island, where the second largest city in Jamaica is located. Her
The advantages are a large selection of hotels of various categories, endless beaches, restaurants and lively nightlife. Nearby there is an underwater diving park and a golf course. The annual summer reggae music festival attracts thousands of guests.

In the vicinity of the resort, interesting places to visit include Fort Montego, St. James Church (1778), the old Cage prison (1806), Burchell Memorial Church (1824), Blue Hole Museum, magnificent Rose Hall, Indian Art Gallery, Art Havens Gallery, Greewood Great House Museum with a fine collection of antique furniture, musical instruments and maps, Montego Bay Marine Park, Mo Bay Underwater Park, as well as the luxurious beaches of Mosquito Cove, Cornwall, Doctor Cave.

Negril is famous for its wide white sand beaches and picturesque nature. Here, large and busy hotel complexes coexist with small, cozy hotels. During the day, tourists can enjoy all kinds of water sports or take a walk to the nearby waterfalls, and in the evening take a short catamaran trip to admire the mesmerizing colors of the sunset.

The luxurious seven-mile Calico Jack Beach, Bloody Bay, 18 magnificent reefs and islands in Booby Bay, the mysterious Yas Falls, Joseph's Caves, Anansi Park, Roaring River Park, picturesque fishing villages and the colorful town of Appleton with its distilleries are attractive here. , who produce the famous Jamaican rum.

This is one of the most environmentally friendly resorts in the world - there is not a single industrial enterprise around, buildings here should not be higher than the treetops, and local residents are making quite active efforts to protect the environment. South of Negril along the coast you can visit the deserted but amazingly beautiful Alligator Pound.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is a resort area in the north of Jamaica, surrounded by tropical gardens, its coastline is a series of bays and beaches. Tourists can visit the art gallery, play golf
, ride horses and admire the most famous Jamaican waterfall - Duns River. Ocho Rios has a wide choice of evening entertainment: you can dine in one of the many small elegant restaurants along the coast or spend the night at a disco.

If the resorts of Negril and Ocho Rios are mainly reserved for tourists, then in Montego Bay, exotic lovers can immerse themselves in the colorful atmosphere of the native quarters.

Castleton Botanic Garden

TAlso known as the Royal Botanic Garden. It was founded in 1860 and is located at the crossroads
connecting Annoto Bay and Kingston. Castleton is home to more than four thousand varieties of plants brought from the famous English Botanical Garden at Kew.
At the moment, on the territory of this unique garden you can see very rare species of Jamaican vegetation that have survived to this day. In addition, those interested will be able to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the flora of the adjacent countries, as well as hear interesting stories from guides about the development of the flora of Jamaica.
Situated on the hills of St. Mary's, the botanical garden is a real paradise for all wildlife lovers - a quiet, cool place, perfectly relaxing. In addition, park visitors are given the opportunity to purchase some of the plants grown here.

Cashu Ostrich Park in Lacovia

This park is located in the city of Lacovia, in the small area of ​​Slip. The park contains about twenty African
ostriches, there is a large orchard, a zoo where donkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, swans and many other animals live.

This place is ideal for a family holiday. Here you can ride on a bird with long legs, such an exciting activity that both adults and children will certainly enjoy. The wonderful orchard will amaze visitors with sixty types of fruit trees and fifty different types of Jamaican medicinal herbs.

Right on the territory of the park you can organize a picnic, play badminton, tennis and beach volleyball, you can take a dip in the pool, next to which there is a bar, and there is a well-equipped playground for children.

Bob Marley Museum
The museum welcomed its first visitors to the singer's home in 1985 and is one of the most visited places in Jamaica. Reggae fans come from all over the world to Kingston to honor the memory of Bob Marley, who is the most famous reggae artist in the whole world.

On the territory of this museum there is a monument to the musician, and the Ethiopian flag flies above the entrance.

In the Marly Museum, where the singer lived since 1975, today there is an extraordinary atmosphere - practically nothing has changed here since then: the walls are covered with newspaper clippings and photographs of the singer, his platinum and gold discs, an unusual star-shaped guitar, the lyrics of his songs and even a bullet mark left after the assassination attempt on Bob in 1976. Everyone will be able to watch a documentary about the life and last days of Marley.

Fort Charles Maritime Museum

The Fort Charles Maritime Museum is an interesting museum reflecting all the historical maritime events of the island of Jamaica.
It is located near Kingston - Port Royal, in a building that used to be the headquarters of the Royal British Navy, where the English admiral Horatio Nelson served in his military service in 1779.

As for Port Royal, it is a small town built in the seventeenth century, presumably in 1665, and proclaimed the pirate capital. In 1962, as a result of a powerful earthquake, Port Royal was almost completely destroyed.

Today, most of the city has been restored, and the surviving building of Fort Charles has been converted into the Charles Maritime Historical Museum, whose entire exhibition tells the story of the “glorious” everyday life of the pirates of Port Royal. In the museum you can see huge models of the fort and pirate ships of bygone eras.

DunnsRiver Falls

They represent the most beautiful creation of nature - cascading water descends almost 182 meters from high mountains and falls straight into the sea. This is one of the most beautiful natural places not only in Ocho Rios, but on the entire island.

Having climbed to the very top of the waterfall, walking along the road through ferns and a bamboo grove, tourists can follow the entire path of the waterfall from beginning to end. And then enjoy the rays of the sun on the seashore and swim in the pleasant aquamarine waters.

In addition, in the nearby shops you can buy original souvenirs and gifts that will remind you of conquering the cascade of waterfalls.

Yas Falls

Located in the secluded Cornwell Valley, off the South Coast of Jamaica, it is next to a horse farm. It is 120 feet high and cascades over seven levels.

The cascade's transitions are lined up so that visitors can enjoy the stunning views without getting wet. Everyone will be able to swim in the natural pools of the waterfall, which are located on each level (of course, not without the supervision of an instructor).

If you prefer a more active holiday, you should definitely head to one of the bungee pools, which are over 20 feet deep. Those who enjoy relaxing swimming will enjoy the shallow pool at the foot of the waterfall, which is fed by natural springs.

Blue Mountains are part of the national park, founded here in 1992 and considered a globally important natural site on the planet. Unique plants grow here
varieties of broad-leaved trees and flowering plants, as well as rare and endangered species of animals and birds.

Today, the park is under the vigilant protection of local authorities who protect the park boundaries. The high slopes of the mountain range are covered with forest, and on the lower slopes there are excellent conditions for growing the famous Jamaican blue coffee variety.

The Blue Mountains consist of two ranges, the highest point of which is BlueMountainPeak at 2256 meters. If you wish, you can climb the hiking trail to its top. A guide will accompany you along the route. At the very top of the mountain there is an observation deck, from here you can see a magnificent view of the northern and southern coasts of the country, and in clear weather you can even see Cuba, neighboring Jamaica.

located in the capital of Jamaica, is part of the University of the West Indies. His collections are considered the finest in the West Indies.

Like a natural history museum, it houses an exhibition of various flora and fauna, including a much larger number of exhibits. It contains more than 200,000 items collected over 90 years by university staff and students.

The marine and entomological collections are represented by various species of insects, mollusks, fish and reptiles and are the largest in the museum.

Jamaican cuisine

Only in Jamaica can you try traditional dishes,
in which the components of Indian, African, Chinese, English, Indian cuisine are intertwined, where African motifs still prevail. The island's cuisine has a huge variety from simple to the most sophisticated. It is filled with exoticism and harmoniously combines spice, sweetness, pungency and subtlety of aroma. Unusual dishes made from dried meat, fish or poultry were invented by runaway Maroon slaves, and breadfruit and nutritious root vegetables used to prepare local dishes have long been practiced by Jamaican planters. For these purposes, most crops were brought from Africa. There are also excellent restaurants in Jamaica for lovers of European cuisine.

Resort areas of Jamaica

The largest resort area in Jamaica is the city of Montego Bay.
There are a huge number of excellent hotels and magnificent beaches here. A country golf course is available for tourists. The city itself has a huge amount of entertainment for every taste, and the main component that characterizes a holiday in Montego Bay is its vibrant and fun nightlife. Although the same can be said about all other cities in Jamaica. Each of them has excellent conditions for vacationers.

Shopping in Jamaica

In addition to relaxation, shopping in Jamaica is also important. Here it will become luxurious and unforgettable for you. When going out shopping, it is recommended to take small bills with you, as the prices here are low and you will be very pleased. There is a huge network of duty-free shops spread across the island, where you can get a discount on your travel documents (taxfree). In the island's shopping centers, prices are fixed, and in small shops you can safely bargain when buying local souvenirs.

Hotels

Jamaica has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. Hotels offer a high level of service and comfort. Every
the hotel has its own specialization: family holidays with children, for active recreation or for entertainment lovers, etc. Here you can also find the largest hotel complexes, luxury villas or small hotels stylized as Indian villages. The hotel rooms are spacious and clean. The service staff is very attentive and friendly towards vacationers and quickly, and most importantly, efficiently performs their duties. Thanks to this, everyone here can feel like the most important guest.

On the island of Jamaica, you will not only have a great vacation, but also bring home bright, colorful photographs that will remind you for a long time of the wonderful time you spent there, and of the fabulous and picturesque nature of this island.

Customs

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited; local currency is prohibited. Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams are imported duty free. tobacco, up to 1.3 l. strong alcoholic drinks (excluding rum) and up to 1.3 liters. wine (for passengers over 18 years old), up to 150 g. perfume, 340 ml of eau de toilette, as well as gifts worth up to 40 Jamaican dollars.

The import of narcotic, poisonous and explosive substances, firearms, fresh flowers and plants, honey, fruits, non-canned meat and vegetables, as well as coffee (in any form) is prohibited. It is prohibited to export exotic animals and birds, antiquities, especially those found at the bottom of the sea, as well as fur and leather products not specified in the entry declaration, without the appropriate documents. Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are exported freely and without quantity restrictions.

Money

Jamaican dollar (JD or J$), divided into 100 cents. The banknotes in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 100 dollars, as well as coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 cents, 1 and 5 dollars. At the same time, coins from old issues and a large number of commemorative ones, often of very unexpected shapes, are in circulation.

Transport Flights to the Caribbean islands are carried out in transit via Frankfurt, Amsterdam or London with Lufthansa, KLM or British Airways, respectively.

The main type of transport in the country is buses. Often badly worn out, they operate with little or no schedule between major cities.
It is not recommended for a foreigner to travel on them - it is better to use special flights organized by hotel complexes. In most cases, the conductor accepts the fare money.

Public transport in cities is represented by buses, express buses (run on a schedule between certain points), minibuses (run on certain routes and are very inexpensive) and taxis. The cost of travel in city transport is low; most municipal vehicles operate extremely irregularly, although buses of large companies strictly adhere to the schedule.

Roads and driving rules
When driving on local roads, you should exercise maximum caution - the driving style of local residents is quite extreme, everyone drives as they please. In the provinces, pets may be walking along the road, children may be playing, or locals may be talking in a close circle; often, some handicrafts are being sold right on the side of the road. Often the lighting equipment in the cars of local residents does not work (the technical condition of most cars is generally quite deplorable) and they show all their lane changes on the road with gestures, sticking their hand out of the window. Everyone uses horns without hesitation and in any conditions, and for some reason instead of brakes.

Speed ​​in cities is limited to 35-50 mph, on highways - 80 mph. Driving is on the left. Road signs are virtually non-existent, especially in inland areas. The road sign layout is similar to that used in the USA. The main roads are in good condition, but you can often find washed out or dilapidated roads. Provincial roads are often just a well-trodden track.

Medicine

No vaccination is required unless yellow fever areas have been visited within the last 6 months (Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago).

Medical care is paid. In tourist areas, the level of medical personnel is quite high; in other areas, the qualifications of medical workers are clearly insufficient. Large hotels have doctors on call 24/7. International medical insurance is recommended.

Need to know

The majority of the population is Christian (about 60% are Protestants, 6% are Catholics, etc.). However, the influence of traditional beliefs of the African continent is strong, often mixed with Christian norms.

The security situation is quite ambiguous. Within the boundaries of large tourist areas, you don’t have to worry about personal safety - the work of its own security services is quite well established here and special police units operate. Outside of resorts, extreme caution should always be exercised when interacting with local residents. The standard of living of the bulk of the country's population is extremely low, which cannot but leave an imprint on their attitude towards tourists.

You should not appear outside the resort areas alone - only in groups. Be careful when responding to an invitation from a local resident to “show the real Jamaica” - most likely it will be a banal brothel or a hangout of local “informals” “overloaded with marijuana”. You should especially be wary of smartly dressed young Jamaicans who quite obsessively demonstrate their omniscience of everything and everyone - usually these are banal scammers. Women must be doubly careful. Despite the abundance of police officers on the streets, one should not expect much help from them, since almost all of them are members of local communities, and therefore are not always impartial.

In tourist centers, price tags usually indicate US dollars. In stores for ordinary Jamaicans, price tags are usually displayed in local dollars, but they also take American dollars without any problems. You can exchange currency on the black market - the rate there is usually 10 percent more favorable, but such operations are associated with great risk, since local scammers have long mastered the technology of deceiving tourists.

Public holidays and weekends in Jamaica
January 1 - New Year.
January 6 - Epiphany.
beginning of February - Wednesday of Lent.
February 13 is the Day of Repentance.
March-April - Easter and Good Friday.
May 23 - Labor Day.
end of May - beginning of June - Feast of Corpus Christi.
August 1 is Emancipation Day.
August 6 - Independence Day (usually celebrated on the first Monday of August.

October 21 is National Heroes Day.
December 25-27 - Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, Jonkanoo celebrations are held, accompanied by masquerade processions and musical performances. Kingston hosts Carnivals (February and April). In July and August, the luxurious Reggae Sunsplash Carnivals take place in Ocho Rios and the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay. The Pineapple Cup Regatta (Miami - Montego Bay, 800 km) takes place every February.

Official language

English. The local version of the language is quite different from standard English, since many words are of Spanish or African origin. Therefore, this dialect is often called “Patois” or “Ayri”.

Work of institutions

Banks and currency exchange offices are open from 9.00 to 14.00 from Monday to Thursday. On Fridays, banks are open to customers from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 17.00. At Montego Bay and Kingston airports, currency exchange offices are open 24 hours a day.

Shops are usually open from 9.00 to 17.00 from Monday to Saturday, on Wednesdays or Thursdays (depending on the area) they are open until 14.00-15.00.

Electricity

The voltage in the electrical network is 110 V, frequency 50 Hz. As a rule, any hotel provides all necessary household appliances.

Visas to Jamaica

Washed by the delicate silk of the Caribbean Sea, the fabulous island of Jamaica attracts tourists and travelers who want to enjoy the fabulous beauty and mild climate. The liquid gold of the sun, which generously bestows upon travelers and natives all year round, the sea of ​​lush greenery in which local villages are drowning, the endless expanse of the year-round warm sea... The dream of anyone who loves a comfortable and emotional vacation!

This fabulous island has been sung by poets more than once and has long been recognized as the pearl of the Caribbean. And for good reason! Just look at the incredible beauty, magnificent, exotic nature. Here is a paradise for those who want to reunite with the most mysterious flora of the planet, dissolve in indescribable beauty, and inhale the enchanting aromas of flowers.

Jamaica on the world map with hotel prices

Jamaica Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-). Caribbean islands on the map

You just need to see the geographical location of this fabulous corner, and you will already want to visit here. Even on the map the island looks like a piece of paradise. Surrounded by the water element, covered with emerald greenery, it captivates at first sight.

Holidays in Jamaica can be either quite comfortable or somewhat “savage”. Excellent hotels are hospitable for those who do not want to part with comfort. For lovers of extreme conditions, local residents will offer bungalows just on the seashore. The lack of comfort is compensated by the opportunity to watch how the solar disk sinks in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, so that very soon it will rise again and give people a new day of life in a paradise on the planet.

Nature of Jamaica

Perhaps the most famous and desirable for tourists and travelers on the island are the magnificent flowers, of which more than 3,000 species grow here. By the way, orchids – delicate flowers, many of whose species are previously unseen by Europeans – evoke indescribable delight.

For lovers of hiking, tropical forests with impassable thickets open their arms. In the thickets of bamboo and eucalyptus you can meet a funny panda. On the branches of the loge tree and the Caribbean pine, colorful sweet-voiced birds sing the song of life in every possible way. Fairytale land!

The beaches are located on a narrow plain stretching along the entire island. Snow-white sands, coral reefs, the satin surface of the sea... All this is flooded with the light of the brightest sun in the world. There is no such gentle and caressing warmth in any corner of the world!

Sights of Jamaica

Holidays on this wonderful island are attractive not only for those who like to laze on the beach. There are quite a few interesting and fascinating places here, a visit to which will give you a lot of most pleasant impressions.

Popular for tourists and travelers are:

• Sun Valley Plantations. Fans of exotic delicacies will enjoy walks through plantations, where they can taste the delicious fruits of local plants;
• Blue Mountains. Anyone who conquers their peak will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view - the capital of the island nation of Kingston looks amazing from a bird's eye view;
• River Martha Brae. Local residents are happy to organize a trip on a bamboo raft. Truly a most exciting adventure! Admiring the beauty of nature and local attractions will leave indelible memories;
• Ocho Rios. The main pride of Jamaica. Here you will be invited to walk through fern forests and listen to the sound of the Duns River waterfall;
• Black River. Lovers of thrills and crocodiles safaris who simply bask on the shore should definitely go here. Those who do not want to hunt reptiles will be offered a trip on a rented boat;
• Bob Marley Mausoleum. All tourists should definitely visit this place. The natives adore this artist. After all, he is one of those who sang the praises of this paradise island.

Jamaica is a very unpredictable and ambiguous country.

Translated from Indian, the word “Jamaica” means “ land of springs».

However, throughout its history, Jamaica was more likely to be a source of material wealth for its mother countries - first for Spain and later for Great Britain.

The state gained independence only in 1969.

Today, Jamaica, largely thanks to foreign investment, is a major tourist center offering a wonderful holiday not only to young people, but also to adults, as well as families with children.

Climate and weather

Jamaica has a tropical climate. Northeast winds blow here most of the year. The air temperature depends on the altitude of the area and practically does not fluctuate throughout the year. In the summer, the air in Jamaica warms up to +33 °C during the day and up to + 21 °C at night. The coldest (so to speak) month in Jamaica is January, when the air temperature drops to +30 °C. In mountainous areas it is somewhat colder: during the day there is no more than +20 °C, at night - about +15 °C.

The rainy season in Jamaica lasts from May to October. Sometimes tropical hurricanes occur on the island during this period, but most of them do not affect Jamaica.

The water temperature in the Caribbean Sea, where the island is located, is +26 °C throughout the year.

Nature

Jamaica is famous for the diversity of its ecosystems. These include low-growing mountain forests, desert sandy areas, and savannas. There are mountains in the eastern part of the island. Here it is Blue Peak, whose height is 2220 m. This is the highest point in Jamaica.

The fauna of the island is quite poor. The reason for this is the development of the territory by humans. However, mice, rabbits, turtles, iguanas and snakes still live here. Local crocodiles, sadly, are on the verge of extinction: hunting for them has not yet been banned.

Mongooses, which were brought here from India in 1872, are widespread in Jamaica.

Manatees and mullet are found in coastal waters. Crayfish can be seen in freshwater bodies of water.

Attractions

Jamaica is often called the best resort in the Caribbean. This is largely due to the huge number of attractions.

History buffs and simply connoisseurs of beauty will be delighted by the Belvedere estate. Everything here is stylized as the 17th century - in those days the slave system reigned on the island. In Belvedere you can see a dam built by slaves more than 300 years ago. Tourists also have access to sugar cane plantations, where slaves once worked for the benefit of the British crown. The estate tour includes a traditional Jamaican lunch and live music.

You might also be interested in visiting Spanish Town- the first capital of Jamaica. The architecture of the city is designed in the style of the 17th century. Even new buildings are built here in the old manner, so they do not stand out from the general background. Spanish Town is home to the Rodney Memorial, which has a fascinating history. In 1792, a joint French-Spanish invasion of Jamaica was planned. But the British army, led by Admiral Sir George Bridges Rodney, was able to defend the colony in a prolonged naval battle. In 1801, a memorial was carved from Italian marble to honor Rodney's victory. On the sides of the memorial there are cannons from which a salvo is fired annually in honor of the victory. According to legend, these guns were taken from the French as a trophy in that very battle.

St. Catherine's Cathedral, one of the oldest architectural monuments in Jamaica, is very popular among visitors. The cathedral has been preserved since the Spanish rule of the 17th century. Despite the considerable age of the building, its wooden carvings and clay stucco moldings are perfectly preserved.

One of the most famous attractions in Jamaica is the Bob Marley Museum. The Ethiopian flag flies above the museum, and inside is a monument to the legendary reggae artist. Personal photos of the performer and his musical instruments are also stored here.

Mansion Rose Hall attracts with its mystery. This place is known as the home of the legendary Anya Palmer, often called the White Witch of Jamaica. By the way, the epithet “white” is associated exclusively with the color of this woman’s skin. Legend has it that Palmer, who possessed Voodoo magic, killed her husband to become the sole owner of the huge estate. Afterwards, she began to seduce her slaves, whom, however, she killed immediately after passionate nights of love. They say that she also killed the housekeeper, whom one of her slaves fell in love with. This girl's grandfather strangled the White Witch. Anya Palmer's body is buried in the eastern part of the mansion. In 1965, a couple bought the house and turned it into a museum. Museum employees say that at night the ghost of a white woman wanders around the house, and they can also hear screams and slamming doors.

Adventure lovers can visit Port Royal- an ancient town of the 17th century. The settlement is known as a pirate base. Here is the Maritime Museum, the defensive Fort Charles, as well as a unique building - a house standing on stilts located at an angle of 45°.

Nutrition

The island has a huge number of cafes and restaurants that offer both exotic Caribbean cuisine and more familiar European cuisine. The menu of Presley's Bar & Grill cafe includes national Jamaican dishes. Here you can try jerk, which is so common on the island, which is marinated meat baked on the coals of capsicum stalks. The cost of lunch will be from $14 to $20. Adherents of European cuisine will also Find a place to suit your taste. Lunch at the Italian restaurant Evita's Italian Restaurant will cost from $3 to $30.

Accommodation

There are many hotels in Jamaica offering accommodation to suit every taste and budget. A day in a small guest house Citronella will cost $85. Larger hotels offer cheaper options. For a night's stay at the Catcha Falling Star Gardens hotel you will have to pay about $60.

As in any major tourist center, in Jamaica you can stay in a luxurious five-star hotel. The cost of a room per night here will be approximately $445.

For people traveling in large groups, it is possible to rent a house. Renting a house with 8 beds will cost $540 per week.

Entertainment and relaxation

In Jamaica, people with very different preferences can organize their leisure time. And at any time of the year. Water activities are especially popular here.

The island offers excellent conditions for rafting. Here you can go down the river on a bamboo raft, while exploring the beauty of the banks. Sea cruises are also popular in Jamaica, during which one of the coral bays is certainly visited. In it, anyone can swim underwater with a mask and a breathing tube and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea.

One of the most attractive places in Jamaica - dolphin bay. Here you can not only play with animals or swim with them. In addition, you can take a boat trip around the bay in a glass-bottomed boat.

In the town of Ocho Rios there is a beautiful botanical garden where anyone can swim in a waterfall or thermal spring.

Music lovers travel to Jamaica in the middle of summer. In July the island hosts reggae festival. Traditionally it lasts about a week.

The Miss Jamaica beauty pageant usually takes place in September and is a colorful show. The contestants here not only find out which of them is “cutest” of all, but also demonstrate their talents by performing folk songs and dances.

Of course, you can’t lose sight of the sailing regatta that takes place in December - a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

And, of course, nightclubs and bars. Bright shows, music and exotic cocktails - in Jamaica, all this is available to vacationers around the clock.

Purchases

You can shop in Jamaica both in developed shopping centers (of which, by the way, there are a huge number) and in markets. There are duty-free shops throughout the country offering jewelry, watches, gemstones and rhinestones at relatively low prices.

At local markets you can buy not only food, but also souvenirs. However, it should be remembered that bargaining in Jamaica is not just a custom, but, if you like, an established tradition. So, when purchasing souvenirs for family and friends, do not forget to reduce the price. By the way, the most popular souvenirs here are carved wood products and original jewelry. An original gift will be an interior detail made of bamboo. The colorful Rastafarian hat is, perhaps, a classic, a symbol of Jamaica. Such a souvenir will cost you from 5 to 30 $, depending on whether the product is machine-knitted or hand-knitted.

Local rum is famous throughout the world for its excellent quality. Here the price is significantly lower than in other countries.

Transport

Alas, There is no direct flight from Russia to Jamaica. Transfers will have to be made either in Europe or in the USA. International airports are located in the capital and in Montego Bay.

The country has a fairly well developed automobile network. However, in the center of the island the roads are too narrow, and the asphalt here is not of the best quality.

Public buses ply around the country, which have an undoubted advantage over taxis - they are much cheaper. So, for a bus trip over a distance of 200 km you need to pay $10. The same distance by taxi will cost $150-200.

Cars are available for rent in Jamaica. A holder of an international driving license who is over 25 years of age can rent a car.

Traffic in the country is on the left.

Connection

Major mobile operators support roaming in Jamaica. The island is located within the coverage area of ​​the GSM-900 standard. There are Internet cafes in large cities.

Safety

Jamaica cannot be called safe for tourists. Here, unlike other Caribbean countries, the crime rate is quite high. Theft from hotels and street robberies are likely risks for any visitor to the island. It is strictly not recommended to visit the suburbs of Montego Bay and Kingston in the evening; it is also advisable not to walk along the beaches.

You should beware of strangers at airports, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Do not display expensive items and jewelry in public places.

In addition, it is worth taking into account the specifics of the population on the island: among its inhabitants there is a high percentage of drug addicts. You do not need to have any vaccinations or vaccinations to visit Jamaica, but be aware that the country has a very high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

Business climate

Jamaica has been attracting foreign investors for decades. It provides for various types of tax breaks under certain business conditions. The only problem is that registering a business on the island is not a very long process, but it requires visiting a huge number of authorities and collecting a number of documents.

The most popular areas of business on the island are organizing water activities and extreme sports. However, keep in mind that “squeezing” into this niche will be problematic.

Gambling business has been legalized in the country. However, to open your own casino here, you will have to invest at least $1.5 billion, as well as build a hotel with at least 2,000 beds. In addition, it will be necessary to obtain a license to conduct a gambling business from a specially created commission.

Real estate

Non-residents of the country can buy real estate in Jamaica. To do this, you must deposit the entire amount necessary for the purchase of real estate into an account specially opened by the Central Bank of Jamaica. Legal support of the transaction will cost approximately 2% of the cost of the property. Another 9% of the purchase price will have to be spent on compulsory property insurance. As for real estate prices, they vary greatly in Jamaica. A one-bedroom apartment in a chic modern house costs from $140,000, a four-bedroom villa with sea views can cost $1,500,000-$2,000,000. The cost of the object is significantly influenced by its location and the view from the window.

In Jamaica, the purchase of coral and tortoiseshell items is illegal, so souvenirs made from these materials should not be purchased.

On the island, it should be detained from pronouncing aloud the words “Negro” and “Racis”, as well as from the greeting of “Hello”. Instead of “hello”, “thank you” and “goodbye”, the universal “respect” is used here. And don’t be surprised by the “Yo, man” call if you’re a girl. Patois is a local dialect that distorts most American words - it is a unique form of protest, the language of rappers.

Visa information

To visit Jamaica for the purpose of tourism for a period of no more than 30 days, Russian citizens do not require a visa. If you plan to stay in the country for longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa. To do this, you need a foreign passport, which will be valid at the time of departure from the country, return tickets, as well as confirmation of your hotel reservation. The consular fee is $20.

The Embassy of Jamaica in Russia is located at: Moscow, st. Koroviy Val, 7, apt. 70. Phone: (+ 7 095) 237-2320.