Jamaica Reisgids

Oooh guys, I have been in paradise for a week and I can't wait to tell you all about it. That paradise is also known as Jamaica and honestly, you want to book a trip here. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations for Jamaica and it hadn't been on my bucket list for long, but in the spirit of ‘let yourself be surprised’, I boarded the plane and that turned out to be the best decision of 2022, because it is such a fun island. If you have a trip to Jamaica planned (lucky you) or want to plan one (do it!), then I have the very best tips for you.

Where to stay?

In Jamaica, you have two airports: in the capital Kingston and in Montego Bay. I flew into Montego Bay and I would recommend that too. This airport is located in the northwest of the island, Kingston more in the east. The capital is not always very safe and Montego Bay and its surroundings are very much geared towards tourism. Even if you don't stay in Montego Bay itself, there are plenty of beautiful villages and resorts nearby to stay in. Think of Negril in the west of the island, with beautiful beaches and wonderfully clear water. In terms of hotels/resorts, I would recommend an all-inclusive; since the restaurants are quite far apart, it's such a luxury not to have to leave your resort. I stayed at two locations of Sandals Resorts, which has a total of seven resorts on the island. Incredibly beautiful, luxurious, nice restaurants and what I always find really important: good beds.

Things to do:
– Visit the rastafari in their living environment
Like the Rastafari Indigenous Village near Montego Bay
They are such friendly people and they love to talk about their lifestyle. Good to know: it is not the intention to take pictures of the rastafari alone. They actually love to take pictures with you.

– Rafting on the Martha Brae river
It sounds intense, rafting, but it is anything but. It is a large raft that is steered by a local who made the raft himself. Fun fact: they use one raft for an average of six months, and then they make a new one in a few days, which is made of bamboo. It is really a fun experience – with beautiful views.

– Taste rum
Yes, you can't leave Jamaica without tasting their typical rum. I went to Hampden Estate where you can also see how the rum is made and of course you can taste a lot here. Be sure to take a bottle home because this rum is really good and much cheaper than in the Netherlands, where it is hard to find.

– Visit the YS Falls
You also have the Dunn’s Falls, but these are a bit less touristy and much prettier. You can swing into the water with a vine, and for the daredevils, there is a cliff to jump off (about two meters, I didn't dare). The surroundings here are also really beautiful and I was amazed at how clean it was here, both the ground and the water. Fun fact: you see the national bird a lot here, the red-billed streamertail. Be sure to bring your swim shoes, although you can also buy them here. Fun fact: you can also go ziplining here.
– Visit Treasure Beach
I did a bike tour around the area here, really fun (though warm), because this way you see the many beautiful spots around Treasure Beach. This beach alone is worth a visit.

– Snorkeling
Yaaa, of course you have to go snorkeling in Jamaica. I did this at Long Bay, near Negril. Here you also have a lot of beautiful beach tents where you can have lunch or grab a drink, so definitely plan a full day for this. Many boats have a glass bottom, so that is also a fun outing if you don't want to or dare to snorkel. The water is really so clear and the view over the beach from the water is very special. They often have gigantic inflatable trampolines here; there is plenty to do.
– Spotting crocodiles on the Black River
This river does not get its name from the black water (which is actually very clear) but from the fact that the bottom is black. This makes the water look black, until suddenly a crocodile swims by. The guarantee that you will see one is about a hundred percent, so be careful with your hands outside the boat. Otherwise, it could get ugly. It would be a shame if you don't take all your fingers home.

Most beautiful beaches in Jamaica
– Treasure Beach
– Doctor’s Cave Beach
– Seven Mile Beach
– Reggae Beach
– Ocho Rios Beach

Hotspots in Jamaica
Recommendation: book an all-inclusive hotel. I stayed at Sandals Resorts Royal Caribbean and Sandals Resorts South Coast, it was pure enjoyment. Both have a choice of about six restaurants and the food there was really good. Especially since it can be quite a drive before you find a nice restaurant for dinner, I found this to be the ideal solution.
- Pelican Bar 
This is really a concept on the island, if I may believe the locals. This is a bar where you go by boat, because it is located in the middle of the water. A must-visit if you are in Jamaica.
- The Houseboat Grill 
The name says it all a bit, but this is indeed a restaurant on a boat. Just like the spot above, it is really a special experience, and an absolute recommendation for fish lovers.
- Rockhouse Restaurant 
For daytime or for a romantic dinner in the evening: this is the place to be. It belongs to the hotel of the same name and it is really nice to make a reservation here, if only for the view you have from here.

General tips

– Renting a car is the easiest way to get around the island. Especially since the distances can still be quite a bit, this is a cheaper way than, for example, ordering a taxi.
– Make sure you have withdrawn dollars at the airport and have a credit card with you. You can't do anything here with a debit card, paying with a card is not possible everywhere and ATMs are not very easy to find.
– In Jamaica, they drive on the left.