Travel in Jamaica: super beautiful and varied - INTI Tours

Much more than Rastafari and Reggae

Jamaica - who doesn't immediately think of Bob Marley and hot reggae rhythms?  The third largest island of the Antilles certainly fulfills this cliché, but it also surprises its visitors with a diverse and beautiful landscape.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Jamaica captivates with lush tropical forests, vast coastal plains, interesting cities and an exciting history.

When traveling in Jamaica, explore the Blue Mountains as well as the highlands by round trip and enjoy the dreamlike coast with magnificent coral reefs. Fine sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs await you while snorkeling or diving. Be fascinated by the flora and fauna - Jamaica is a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. Get to know the Jamaican Rasta culture and discover the couisine of the Rastafari. You will enjoy all this in a pleasant climate all year round.

Bienvenidos a Jamaica!

Country information Absolutely worth seeing Facts and figures Traveling in Jamaica Addresses

Our types of travel in Jamaica

Examples of individual desire journeys on Jamaica

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Country information about Jamaica: "Reggae, dreadlocks and good coffee".

Located 145 kilometers south of Cuba and 160 kilometers west of Hispaniola with the states of Haiti and Dominican Republic, Jamaica is the third largest island of the Greater Antilles. 635 kilometers from the westernmost tip of Jamaica is the Central American mainland. The main island of Jamaica occupies an area of almost 11,000 square kilometers. Off the southwest coast is Pedro Bank, an undersea rise that has a water depth of less than 100 meters over an area of 8,000 square kilometers. The bank contains the Pedro Cays, a group of islands with a total area of 23 hectares. In addition to the main island and the Pedro Cays, Jamaica's territory also includes the Morant Cays archipelago, located about 60 kilometers to the southeast. The atolls Serranilla Bank, Bajo Nuevo and the submarine reef Alice Shoal are located in the marine area jointly administered by Jamaica and Colombia. Jamaica lies on the northern edge of the so-called Caribbean Plate, an oceanic tectonic plate that slides under the North American Plate just offshore. The proximity to the plate boundary repeatedly causes earthquakes. The west and center of the island are dominated by layers of limestone several hundred meters thick, covering about two-thirds of the surface. In the center, they form mountain ranges up to 900 meters high. Deep valleys and caves with underground river courses have formed in the soft rock. Jamaica can be divided into three ecoregions: Dry forest along the coast, wet forest in the high-altitude interior, and mangroves along some coastal sections. Many animal and plant species unique to this remote island have evolved.
Before Spanish settlement, large areas of Jamaica were covered by dense forest. Today, many of these areas are used for agricultural purposes. Only regions on the north coast, Cockpit County and Pedro Bank, and the highest regions of the Blue Mountains are largely preserved in their original state. Through tourism, an increased environmental awareness developed in Jamaica. Since 2000, there has been an independent Ministry of the Environment. About 9% of the land area is protected, in addition to several marine protected areas around the Pedro Cays and on the coral reefs.
The Caribbean island state of Jamaica is a member of the Commonwealth and is therefore a parliamentary democracy based on the British model. In the regional organization of the Caribbean Community, which includes all English-speaking states of the Caribbean basin as well as Haiti, Jamaica traditionally plays a leading political role and is also characterized by a pronounced multilateral commitment beyond the region.

Capital Kingston:

Kingston is located in the southeast of the island and was founded in 1693. Kingston is the economic center of Jamaica. With its overseas port and airport, it establishes international trade relations. However, about 30% of all inhabitants are unemployed. The rural exodus has caused Kingston to double in size since 1960, and today the city has about 650,000 inhabitants. About 22 % of the people from Kingston are employed in agriculture. The main crop is sugar cane, along with yams, rice, batata and many other agricultural products. Jamaica's capital is far from the tourist hotspots on the north coast of the island. The city stretches from the coast to the Blue Mountains.

Absolutely worth seeing:

• Jamaica without Bob Marley? - Not possible. That's why a visit to the Bob Marley Museum is, so to speak, obligatory. And for those who like it even more intense, a visit to the Culture Yard Museum is interesting. The Trenchtown Community Project shows the history and culture of the district, which is predominantly inhabited by poor people.   
• Close by is the now sleepy fishing village of Port Royal. This is where the pirates had their headquarters in the 17th century, from where they set out on their raids through the Caribbean to South America. The leader and most daring among them was Henry Morgan. Endowed with powers on behalf of the English crown, he destroyed one Spanish ship after another. Port Royal attracted pirates from all over the world. Here they partied extensively and ate exquisitely. In 1692, a violent earthquake swept away a large part of the headland. The survivors looked for a new place to live in Kingston.  
• The white Devon House was built in 1881 for the first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Built in the neoclassical style, the beautiful mansion in Kingston now serves as a museum.   
• The view of Kingston's sea of lights from Skyline Drive is intoxicating. Reggae fans from all over the world meet here every Wednesday and Sunday evening.
• The National Heroes Park commemorates Jamaican heroes who, among other things, rendered outstanding services in the fight against slavery and for Jamaican independence.
• In Kingston there is the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean, the Hope Botanical Garden, where many tropical plants can be admired.
• Emancipation Park is a beautiful city park that sometimes hosts reggae concerts.

Jamaica's East:

The east is dominated by the Blue Mountains, a mountain range that stretches from northwest to southeast for about 100 kilometers, with numerous foothills to the north and south. Here is the highest point on the island, Blue Mountain Peak, which is 2,256 meters high.

Absolutely worth seeing:

• One of the most scenic regions of Jamaica is located in the northeast in Portland Parish. The foothills of the Blue Mountains come close to the coast here. Port Antonio, with its 14,000 inhabitants, is the center of the northeast coast and still has a bit of the flair and nonchalance of a Caribbean port. The city is a good starting point for excursions in the region, e.g. the Blue Lagoon. Famous Hollywood movies like "Cocktail" with Tom Cruise and "The Blue Lagoon" with Broke Shields have been filmed there.             
• A few kilometers east of Port Antonio is Dragon Bay. Only about 200 meters from the mainland, Monkey Island rises out of the sea there. There is a small sandy beach with crystal clear water. The interior of the mini island is difficult to access. Boat tours are offered.
• Boat or rafting tours can be taken on the Rio Grande.
• About 40 km from Port Antonio are the so-called Reach Falls in the middle of the jungle. They are considered an insider tip for hikers and adventurers. The trail leads through primeval landscape with pools, small waterfalls, moss-covered stones, ferns and twelve natural pools that can be swum through. 
• Of course, there are great beaches in the northeast, such as Frenchman's Cove Beach, Turtle Bay, Long Bay Beach, Holland Bay.        
• Morant Point Lighthouse is the easternmost point of Jamaica. The lighthouse there is still in operation, dates from 1841 and is about 30 meters high.

Jamaica's north:

The mountains drop steeply to the sea in some places in the north, over 500 meters. Called MoBay for short by the locals, Jamaica's second largest city is located on the north coast.

Absolutely worth seeing: 

• Ras Natango Galery and Garden is a small art gallery located in the middle of a beautifully landscaped botanical oasis with stunning panoramic views and about 15 minutes from Montego Bay. The Ras Natango Gallery features original art paintings done by artist Ras Natango, his son Ayale and local artists.    
• In the hills just above Montego Bay is the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. For bird lovers, the short trip to the bird paradise is worthwhile. With a beautiful view you can sit on the terrace and feed the hummingbirds with sugar water. 
• The YS Falls are among the most beautiful on the island and they are located inland about 1 hour from Montego Bay.
• For those who enjoy hiking, Mayfield Falls is the place to be.                 
• Falmouth was once an important port on the island. Here the sugar cane was transported away. Today, the small town offers a great market day twice a week. Along the thoroughfare, stone and wooden buildings are grouped in Gregorian style. Nearby is the former Courthouse, dating from 1815 and considered one of the finest Gregorian buildings in Jamaica. Not far from here is also the Good Hope Great House, built in 1755 in the Gregorian style. From here you can take a boat ride in the evening to the "Glistening Water" where you can bathe amidst glistening microorganisms.
• Croydon Plantation is immaculately maintained and one gets a good look at how pineapples, sugar cane, star fruit, mangoes and lychees are grown.
• The port city on the north coast is Ocho Rios, making it a popular port of call for Caribbean cruise ships. This means that when a ship is anchored, many passengers come to town on a shore excursion. Nevertheless, the surroundings of Ocho Rios have a lot to offer. For example the Dunns'River Falls, probably the most famous sight of Jamaica. The waterfalls, which are about 300 meters high, are spectacular mainly because of their terraced arrangement with several steps. At the bottom, the falls flow directly into the sea. Because of their extremely picturesque location, Dunn's River Falls have been the backdrop for several movie shoots. About 15 minutes outside of Ocho Rios, Konoko Falls offers a quieter alternative.      
• Annotto Bay is a small quiet and pretty place where you can experience the more pristine Jamaica.
• Nine Miles is the birthplace of Bob Marley. Here is the Bob Marley Mausoleum, where you can visit the house where he was born, as well as his coffin in the chapel.     
• Dolphins Cove is a natural cove surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. Here you can swim together with dolphins.    
• Fern Gully is a gully covered all over with dense ferns. There are about 500 species of ferns in Jamaica, 300 of which grow in Fern Gully.   
• Harmony Hall is built in traditional Caribbean architecture and houses a small gallery of works by contemporary Jamaican artists.
• The Green Grotto Caves are a stalactite cave system with unique rock formations. The highlight is an underground lake that can be navigated by boat.
• The interior:
• Jamaica's interior is dominated by the Blue Mountains, which rise not blue but lush green and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The smell of coffee is in the air in many places in the region. Remote coffee plantations can be visited here in the misty forest. Crystal clear streams, waterfalls, colorful butterflies, tropical fruits and plants - nature lovers and adventurers will absolutely get their money's worth here. 

The interior:

Jamaica's interior is dominated by the Blue Mountains, which rise not blue but lush green and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The smell of coffee is in the air in many places in the region. Remote coffee plantations can be visited here in the misty forest. Crystal clear streams, waterfalls, colorful butterflies, tropical fruits and plants - nature lovers and adventurers will absolutely get their money's worth here. 

Absolutely worth seeing:

• In Holywell National Park in the Blue Mountains, hummingbirds buzz around hikers on the trails that wind through the 1.2-square-kilometer park.    
• The non-profit organization Strawberry Hill Foundation takes care of various social and nature conservation projects. The Strawberry Hill Hotel, beautifully situated at an altitude of around 1,000 meters in the middle of the Blue Mountains, contributes to the funding. 
• Jamaica's best bean is the exclusive Blue Mountain Coffee. This rare coffee variety only grows in the Blue Mountains in the middle altitudes and is correspondingly expensive. During a visit to the Craighton Estate, you will learn all about the complex production process and can of course taste the coffee.
• In the Cinchona Botanical Garden you can experience the special flora and fauna of the region in an impressive way.     
• The Blue Mountains are a wonderful hiking paradise with about 30 trails. The most popular tour leads up to the highest peak of Jamaica, the 2,256 meter high Blue Mountains Peak.  
• Ambassabeth Eco-Lodge is a unique ecotourism attraction for nature lovers in Portland, nestled between the John Crow Mountains and the Blue Mountains in the upper Rio Grande Valley.  

Jamaica's south:

In the south, the slope to the sea is flatter and it is the driest region of Jamaica. The lowlands in the south are dominated by savanna bushes and the coastal regions by coconut palms and mangrove forests. On the south coast, along Treasure Beach, you will find fishing villages and natural beaches as well as warm hospitality and a tranquil, relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are partly rocky, some have fine dark yellow sand and offer an ideal setting for beautiful beach walks.

Absolutely worth seeing:

• Black River is a small town on the south coast that inherited its name from the pitch-black river of the same name. A boat trip upstream on the black waters through mangrove forests is unique.
  The famous Pelican Bar sits on a sandbar like a large piece of driftwood. It is said to be the best bar in the world - whimsical at best.         
  Lover's Leap is a lookout point above Treasure Beach. From the top, you can hike along a winding path all the way down to the ocean.     
  Manatees live in the mouth of the Alligator Hole River, eating the reeds of the banks. You can be rowed to the mouth of the river to track the manatees, which can grow up to four meters long. 
  For reggae fans, the Peter Tosh Monument is a must-see. The visit can be combined well with the beach of Bluefield.
  In the far southwest, Negril offers beaches, water sports and a relaxed reggae party atmosphere at sunset. The West End of Negril is a little quieter. It is situated on rocky cliffs above the sea and most of the accommodations offer a fabulous view. The underwater world invites divers and snorkelers.
  A few kilometers inland from Negril is the Royal Palm Reserve, a swamp area with a large population of royal palms. You can explore the area on boardwalks and climb an observation tower.

Facts and figures Jamaica:

Land area: 10,991 sq. km 
Population: 2.9 million - about 91% of the inhabitants are descended from African slaves, 1.3% came from other Caribbean countries, 0.2% each are of European or Chinese origin
Capital: Kingston with about 650,000 inhabitants
Highest mountain: Blue Mountain Peak, 2,256 meters above sea level
Form of government: parliamentary monarchy in the Commonwealth
History: In the 7th century B.C., the first Taíno, originating from South America, reached the island. During the 15th century, small groups of Caribs arrived in Jamaica. When Christopher Columbus became the first European to land on Jamaica in 1494 during his second voyage, there were about 100,000 people living there. From 1509-1655 the island was a Spanish colony, then a British colony until 1962. Independence from Great Britain was achieved on August 6, 1962, followed by membership in the United Nations on September 18. Jamaica has been a free member of the Commonwealth of Nations since then.
Economy: Jamaica is one of the more prosperous countries in the Caribbean. Until the 1940s, the export of agricultural products was the country's only source of income. Since then, tourism and the mining and processing of mineral resources have become the most important sectors of the economy. The most important mineral resource is bauxite, whose deposits are located east of Montego Bay and west of Kingston in the island's interior. Gypsum and marble are also mined.
Currency: Jamaican dollar
Language: English, but in a special form of expression called patois
Festivals: For music lovers, sports enthusiasts, gourmets or art lovers, many events take place throughout the year. For this you should inform yourself locally, when, where, what is going on.
On February 6, 1945, the reggae icon Bob Marley was born. In his honor, the Jamaican government has officially declared February "Reggae Month". Everywhere on the island, especially in Kingston, the "King of Reggae" is commemorated with lots of live music.
Every year in April, the Liguanea Arts Festival takes place in Kingston's Liguanea district. Food, art and music are the strong points of the festival that attracts hundreds of art lovers.
In early December, Negril hosts the Reggae Marathon. Countless loudspeaker trucks and sound systems along the route provide background music and a rousing atmosphere. After the finish, the party continues at the Beach Bash.

Travel in Jamaica:

Entry Requirement: At the time of entry, the valid passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the intended stay. German citizens do not require a visa for entry and stay of up to 90 days for tourist purposes or up to 30 days for business purposes.
Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for direct entry from Germany. For entry from a yellow fever area, proof of a yellow fever vaccination may be required. This also applies to transit/stopovers for changing planes in endemic areas regardless of the transit time! This is not required for direct entry from Germany. As travel vaccinations are recommended vaccinations against hepatitis A, in case of long-term stay or special exposure also against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies.
Climate & travel time: Jamaica can be visited all year round. With few exceptions, the climate is always pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 28-32 degrees Celsius. The climate is tropical with high humidity. At the seaside, the warm and humid air is moderated by a constant wind breeze. There are no seasons in Jamaica, a distinction is made between the rainy and dry seasons. The dry season is usually from December to March and from July to August. The best time to travel is usually from November to April.  The Blue Mountains are a mountain range rising up to 2,300 meters. The Blue Mountains form a weather divide and divide Jamaica into two weather zones. The northeast trade winds rain mainly on the slopes in the north and east. The southwest remains the driest over the year and is more sparse in landscape. The northeast has more rainfall, so is always tropically green. In Jamaica, hurricane season is from July to the end of September. Overall, Jamaica is geographically very favorably located below Cuba and has only rarely been hit by a hurricane, and even then only partially.
Local time: CET -6 hrs. CEST -7 hrs.

Addresses:

Embassy of Jamaica
Schmargendorfer Straße 32
12159 Berlin
Tel. 030-85 99 45 0
Fax 030-85 99 45 40
info@jamador.de
http://www.jamaican-embassy-berlin.de