Is the Jamaica Island a More of African than Caribbean?

The island of Jamaica is perched on the Caribbean Sea’s core, but the majority of the people here more closely resemble Africa. This is because its history says that many African traditions were followed and are still preserved here and that the slaves who were here were from Africa. Jamaica is the only Caribbean island that is related with Africa in this way. Besides, this island does not go hand in hand with the remaining Caribbean archipelago. Whatever Caribbean prevails here is some soaking sunny beaches, sandy seats, and indulging resorts. Ya, that’s all!

Jamaica offers you a long varied list of attractions – world’s best coffee cup, diving reefs, hiking trails, clean waterfalls, modern towns, and swamps of extinct crocodiles and manatees to name a few.

Jamaica Tourist Attractions

We could explore only two cities namely, Kingston and Ocho Rios.

• Bob Marley Museum:
  Located in Kingston, the museum is the most famous attraction dedicated to Bob Marley who was a singer-cum-songwriter and made reggae music popular. The plain clapboard house is the resident of Marley where he recorded his music, now a memorabilia of Marley. Opened from Monday to Saturday between 9.30 am to 4 pm, we entered at fees of $20 (foreign adults) and $10 (children of 4-12).
• National Gallery:
  Situated in Kingston, this gallery displays the nation’s art collections including the works of talented artists – Edna Manley, the 19th century sculptor and consort of a former prime minister and a bronze statue of reggae singer Bob Marley. Open from Tuesday to Thursday between 10 am to 4.30 pm, Friday 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, fee is J$100 (adults).
• Devon House:
  This is among the well-maintained historic structures in Kingston. Built in 1881 by the wealthy George Stiebel, there are craft stalls, restaurants, and a bakery and pastry shop. Do not miss the famous delicious ice cream served here. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 9.30 am to 5 pm. The admission fee is J$300 for adults and J$100 for children under 12.
• Hope Botanical Gardens:
  Located in the core of downtown Kingston, this is a beautiful sanctuary offering pleasant trails, manicured lawns, and calm gardens along with a cactus garden, orchid home, a forest garden, and a decorative pond. They are open daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm with a nearby zoo – 10 am to 5 pm. The admission is free, but for the zoo, it is J$20 for adults and J$10 for children of 4-12.
• Blue Mountains:
  This makes you feel completely different such that you might feel as if you are not on Caribbean because of the sheer hike via a national park mountain range, streams, waterfalls, a botanical paradise, and coffee plantations. The coffee of the Blue Mountains is world famous that is cultivated and blended here. From sea level up to the misty peaks, climbers can spot a run of ecosystems. The Blue Mountain Inn is among the famous restaurants here. Further, the Strawberry Hill resort at Irish Town is popular for stay and food. If you do not want to hike, do not be disappointed. You can still have a scene of the mountains at Holywell National Recreation Park nearby open from Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm.
• Jablum Coffee Company:
  This is a century old company located at the Blue Mountain settlement of Mavis Bank that arrives at the trail to the Blue Mountain Peak. We studied the process of producing coffee and also took a sample here for its mind-blowing taste. It is open from Monday to Friday – 9 am to 11 am and 1 pm to 3 pm. However, you need to pay $8 for its visit, but it’s worth it.
• Dunn’s River Falls:
  Located some 3 km west of the Ocho Rios’ core, this is the famous beach and waterfall whose waters come from the Dunn’s River. The most enjoying part here is to climb through cold and clean mountain waters until the top of the walls. Cascading down 600 feet, the waterfall’s base holds cool pools on the slippery rocks. Here, there is a restaurant too below. Climbs are done with a help of a guide daily between 8.30 am and 4 pm. Fees here are $15 for adults and $12 for children of 2-11 years.
• Dolphin Cove:
  This is just besides the Dunn’s river Falls where you can grasp the wonderful opportunity to swim with Bottle Nose dolphins. Ringed by verdant tropical rain forest, the natural cove also houses many other marine species and tropical birds – rays, eels, sharks, and macaw (bird). You can even find a gift shop selling souvenirs. You can swim daily between anytime from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm. In addition, you can also watch Dolphin programs daily at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Admission fees are $45 (adults) and free for children below 6. Other fees are Touch Encounter Program – $67, Encounter Swim Program – $129, and Swim with Program – $195.
• Green Grotto Cave:
  This is the key natural attraction in the north between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. A giant complex limestone cave is some 5,003 feet long housing stalactites, stalagmites, ceiling pouches, myriad chambers, light holes, and a subterranean lake. In history, these caves came into picture when the Arawak Indians took shelter here. Entry is from 9 am to 4 pm daily with a charge of $20 for adults and $10 for children of 4-12 years. With a guide, it will take you around 45 minutes to explore the cave.
• Firefly:
  This is a beautiful cottage located on the cliff over Port Maria at 32 km east of Ocho Rios. It was a holiday residence of the famous British writer and composer, Sir Noel Coward. Designated as a national monument, the house is well maintained in its original condition with two big pianos using which he made some popular melodies. In the garden, Coward is resting in its final place under a marble tomb. It is open from Mondays to Thursdays and Saturdays – 9 am to 5 pm. The admission fee is $10.

Best Time to Visit Jamaica

Although an all round year choice, the peak season is the winter season from early-December to mid-April.

Jamaica Accommodations

• Sunset Jamaica Grande at Ocho Rios – $222 – $318
• Club Ambiance in the North Coast at $170 – $270
• Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort All-Inclusive at Montego Bay Area – $250 – $420
• Four Seasons Hotel at Kingston – $80 – $110