Travel Guide for Jamaica

Jamaica is a beautiful country filled with culture, flavorful food, and the most tropical scenery. From rainforest expeditions to hikes of their most famous mountains, there is so much to explore. Many tourists choose to stay at resorts (guilty as charged for my first time traveling there this winter) in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril, but the island has so much to offer far and wide. I underestimated how big this island actually was until I started mapping how far each destination was from one another, and also sat in two hours of traffic to get from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay after our excursion… Thankfully, the Rum Punch helped us pass the time. Whether you’re leisurely walking the Seven Mile Beach or through the busy streets of Kingston, there is never a day when you can’t find a new adventure or a beach to take a break on in Jamaica.  

Number of Days to Stay: 4-7 Days

Expenses: $-$$$

Best Time to Travel: Winter, Spring, Autumn

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Where to Stay: 

Montego Bay – Montego Bay is a busy tourist spot on the island, filled with numerous resorts and accommodations along with its own airport. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, it compares to even Kingston, the main city on the island. Positioned strategically between Negril and Ocho Rios, Montego Bay serves as an ideal midpoint for travelers looking to explore various cities and attractions across the island.

Resorts:

• RIU Montego Bay – My three girlfriends and I stayed here for six days, five nights, and although we would’ve liked just one more day for excursions, it was a great all-inclusive resort to stay at within our budget of $1400 (flights included!) The adults-only hotel only allows up to three people in a room, so we reserved two rooms and were upgraded to an ocean view upon arrival. This is a great option for travelers who look to save some money and stay at a nice resort with daily activities, shows, and a spa for true R&R. For more details about our stay, make sure to read our blog post (coming soon).

Negril – Negril stands out as the city on the island famous for beaches, restaurants, attractions, and distinctive accommodations, all thanks to its fascinating natural cave formations and stunning ocean vistas. While this area tends to offer more luxurious housing options, there’s an abundance of attractions and venues to explore without the need to stay at a resort or hotel. Whether you’re enjoying a holiday getaway or just a day trip, Negril promises a fully-packed itinerary for all who visit this sought-after destination.

Ocho Rios – If you’re cruising through the Caribbean, chances are you’ll make a stop in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It’s the island’s largest and busiest port, conveniently situated near numerous thrilling attractions. Positioned along the resort-lined coast, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options to choose from during your stay.

Kingston – The primary and most populous city on the island, it sits atop a mountain yet remains close to a beach! While it may be distant from some of the island’s more renowned beaches and attractions, choosing to stay in the city offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, and explore popular nightlife spots.

Where to Eat:

• Rick’s Café, Negril ($$) – Probably the most popular spot to grab something to eat on the entire Island. Rick’s was recommended by friends and many other blogs. You can grab a bite, swim, and cliff jump! (Really disappointed I didn’t get to go here) 
• The Steak House on The Verandah, Kingston ($$) – Great reviews of the forest and mountains!
• CHILLIN’ Restaurant and Bar, Kingston ($$) – Eat a traditional Jamaican box lunch here 
• Strawberry Hill Hotel Restaurant, Kingston ($$$) – If you are looking for fine dining that famous celebrities like Mick Jagger and Grace Jones have visited, then this is a great spot to grab traditional local food and enjoy an amazing view
• The Caves Restaurant, Negril ($$$$) – You can make a reservation here with a minimum spend of $150 per person for a romantic dinner cliffside side even if you are not staying at the hotel. You are dining in a cave formation, on the water, with the most spectacular view of the water
• 3 Dives Restaurant, Negril ($) – This restaurant is known for its jerk dishes and holds the Negril Jerk Festival every year in Jamaica! Come here at dinner time during sunset for mesmerizing views
• Rockhouse Restaurant, Negril ($$$) – This is one restaurant reviewers recommend you must dine at while visiting Jamaica
• Miss Lily’s, Negril ($$) – Rated one of the best spots to eat when visiting Seven Mile beach; dip your toes in the sand and enjoy some juicy jerk chicken
• Scotchies, Montego Bay ($$) – Known for their jerk chicken and pork dishes, very low-key and budget-friendly! 
• Margaritaville, Ocho Rios ($$) – Normally, I would never put a place like Margaritaville on my recommendations, but WOW was the food absolutely delicious here. Their jerk chicken was probably the best I had all vacation. Our excursion stopped here for food, and we were not disappointed at all! 
• The House Boat Grill Restaurant, Montego Bay ($$$) – Have a casual dinner on the waterfront or a more upscale dinner at the rooftop, this place is like no other to dine as you are right in the water! 
• Summerhouse, Ocho Rios ($$)
• EITS Café, Kingston ($$)
• Fromage Brasserie, Kingston ($$)
• Chilitos Jamexican Food, Kingston ($)
• Aunt May’s Fish Restaurant, Hellshire ($$)

Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations:

• Stush In The Bush, Freehill ($$) – Amazing view of the Jamaican landscape
• Marianna’s Kitchen, Kingston ($$) – Greek and Middle Eastern in Jamaica, WOW I need to try this next time I visit
• Just Natural, Negril ($) – Known for their vegetarian and seafood dishes
• Zimbali’s Mountain Cooking Studio, Negril ($$$) – Although expensive, if you are looking for a dining experience that is farm-to-table, then eating at Zimbali’s is a great choice! Reservations are essential as space is limited
• Belinda’s, Port Antonio ($) – Eat delish food riverside and cooked right in dutch ovens 
• A Vegan’s Utopia, Montego Bay ($$) – Highly rated vegan restaurant in Montego Bay!  
• DLE Café Mobay, Montego Bay ($$)
• Sweet Spice Restaurant, Montego Bay ($$)
• Pablo’s Restaurant, Negril ($$) 
• The Healthy Way, Ocho Rios ($$) 
• Mi Hungry, Kingston ($$)

What to Do:

Beaches

Since Jamaica is an island, there are an abundance of beach spots to park and enjoy the aqua blue waters and powdered sand beaches. Most of the beaches are reserved for resort guests only, but we listed some below that you can visit that are open to the public and loved by locals.

• Seven Mile Beach (Negril) – The most famous beach in Jamaica! The sandy shoreline stretches for seven miles and has some of the clearest waters 
• Bloody Bay (Port Antonio) – A great beach to enjoy the sun and explore the ocean, as it is great for diving. It is also less crowded than Seven Mile Beach and is still stunning
• Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay) – Montego Bay has been said to have some of the nicest beaches and swimming waters out of all the cities on the island. Doctor’s Cave Beach is the most popular, as the water is calm for safe swimming, and the beaches are organized
• Boston Bay Beach (Fairy Hill) – The beach with the highest waves on the island, which makes it great for water sports. If you are not into that, then you still have the opportunity to lie on the beach and come hungry, as Boston Bay is renowned for being the birthplace of jerk cooking
• Frenchman’s Cove (Port Antonio) – Once a hot spot for celebrities to visit, this beach is beautiful with white sand and a stunning view of the ocean spilling through the small gap of the trees. There have been a couple of movies filmed in this location as well
• Treasure Beach (South Coast) – If you are looking for a beach to relax, swim, and explore, then you must visit Treasure Beach. You can also see Floyd’s Pelican Bar from the beach and get a water taxi to have some drinks
• James Bond Beach (Oracabessa Bay) – In case you can’t guess why this spot is famously named James Bond Beach, the writer for James Bond came to Jamaica to write his books, and some of the movies were filmed here 
• Jamaica Inn Beach (Ocho Rios) – Unfortunately, this beach is only accessible by the resort’s guests, but if you are looking into staying at an all-inclusive and want a luxury feel for a beach, then the white sandy beaches of Jamaica Inn are perfect for your holiday
• Winnifred Beach (Port Antonio) 
• Round Hill Beach (Montego Bay)

Activities

• Hike Dunn’s River Falls & Park – This is the excursion that my friends and I did on our trip to Jamaica, and is one of the more popular ones if you are staying at a resort! The entire trip included a catamaran boat ride with snorkeling, stopping at the falls, and lunch at Margaritaville (which was surprisingly very good!) The hike to the waterfalls was a lot of fun and not too difficult. Make sure to bring water shoes or buy them beforehand

• Hike YS Falls – Another popular waterfall and swimming hike in Jamaica. It looks absolutely stunning, and there is even a rope swing! 
• Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay– This famous golfing spot has a long history of murder, scandal, witchcraft, and riches, making it a little fun to hit your hole-in-one. 
• Hike Blue and John Crow Mountains – Hiking is the most popular activity to participate in on this island, as there are many beautiful mountains filled with greenery and overall attractions! These are the most famous and historic mountains of Jamaica, and where the popular Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee gets its name from. 
• Bamboo Raft in Martha Brae River – Another popular yet exciting adventure in Jamaica. Bamboo rafting down Jamaica’s fresh water rivers is very popular as the water is clear and the sights are astonishing! You are fully immersed in the jungle and are one with the environment. If you are afraid of bugs, you may want to skip this excursion. 
• Swim in the Luminous Lagoon – If you have come across photos on the internet where the water is glowing in the dark at night and have wanted to swim or visit said water…well, good news for you because Jamaica is one of the locations in the world where you can visit this astonishing sight! You can go there on foot or take an excursion to swim and experience the natural phenomena. 
• Hike Reach Falls – Another beautiful hike to see natural waterfalls and take a dip in the swimming hole after walking upstream to the main attraction! Located between Port Antonio and Kingston, this waterfall in Ecological Park needs to be on your list of activities to do for all hiking lovers! 
• Green Grotto Caves – These caves remind me of excursions I have done in Mexico, where you hike to the caves and then get to swim in the chilly but mesmerizing waters within the cave! Although there is a rich history of the use of the caves dating back to the 18^th century, who wouldn’t want to swim in clear waters with gorgeous limestone formations! 
• Cool Blue Hole, Ocho Rios – The most famous swimming hole in Ocho Rios, where you dive into clear blue waters in the rainforest. 
• Appleton Estate – Attention golfers! Appleton Estate is one of the top golf clubs to spend the day at in Jamaica! 
• Swim in the mineral spring “Blue Hole” – Not to be confused with the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, this mineral spring is located in Negril and is one of the most refreshing dips you can take on the island. Located inside a cave, you can either hop in or take the ladder down to enjoy your time in natural waters.
• J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari – If you want to see a freshwater alligator, another native wildlife of this Caribbean Island, then the river Safari is for you! 
• Mystic Mountain Adventure Park– Ziplining, bobsledding, hiking, it has it all! A perfect spot to take the family for some thrills and adventure.
• Bob Marley Museum – What better way to learn about one of Jamaica’s most famous people than to visit Bob Marley’s Museum? 
• Floyd’s Pelican Bar – Sipping on cocktails in the middle of the ocean? YES PLEASE! The only way to get to this bar is by boat, and there are limited. There is really nothing like sipping on some Rum Punch in the middle of Jamaica’s bright blue waters. 

Nightlife

• Rick’s Café (Negril) – Although listed as a restaurant, you can also come here for drinks and bar vibes as well. It is open until 1 am! 
• Pier One (Montego Bay) – One of the best restaurants turned clubs in Montego Bay for locals and tourists right off the water! After 10 pm, the food is put away, and the music starts for everyone to dance
• The Jungle (Negril) – Rated as one of the best clubs on the island for tourists and locals to dance the night away
• Blue Beat Ultra Lounge (Montego Bay) – Jazz and Blues usually play, but also DJ and Latin music will play on other nights 
• John Crow’s Tavern (Ocho Rios) – If you are on vacation and missing a big game, make sure to stop at this sports bar
• Alfred’s Ocean Palace (Negril) – great spot for more dancing and good vibes
• Club Meca (Kingston) – Rated Kingston’s best nightclub, and will have themed parties throughout the week 
• Roots Bamboo (Negril) – Come here to listen to some live music 
• Kingston Dub Club (Kingston) – Another hot club to visit in the main city, and has made a name for itself on the island as a must go-to place to visit for partying 
• Bourbon Club (Negril)
• Janga’s Soundbar & Grill (Kingston)
• Holy Smokes (Kingston)
• Summit Kingston (Kingston)

Transportation:

Getting To Jamaica

Airport – There are three main airports in Jamaica you can land at: Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay), Ian Fleming International Airport (Ocho Rios), and Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston). If you are staying in Negril, your best option is to fly into Montego Bay, as it is the closest city and there is easy access to ground transportation.

While in Jamaica

Public Transportation

• Bus – There is only one major mode of public transportation on the tropical island of Jamaica, which is to catch a bus. There are many intercity buses and long-distance buses that will take you to the most popular places on the island, which are famously called minibuses. The mini buses, which are the most popular choice of transportation that locals take to get around the island, drive to cities like Kingston to Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios at an inexpensive cost. The only problem is that it will take a longer travel time as Jamaica is a big island. In Kingston, there are many “luxury buses” that will drive you around to the popular sites around the city. The Knutsford Express is the main bus line that has multiple routes around the island and stops at resorts; to plan your trip, check out their website here for more information.

• Ferry – Ferries are available to take as well, which travel to and from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril, but are quite expensive and do not travel that often. Most of the ferries are booked through third-party tourist websites.

Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service – Taking a taxi or private car service is the easiest and fastest way to get around the island, but it is also pricey. If you are staying at a resort, the front desk should be able to reserve a taxi for you to get to your destination. There is also an option of taking a route taxi, which is less organized. There are pick-up and drop-off zones where to can find the taxi at your location, and to hail one, you simply stick out your hand and wave. It is said that it is way easier to hail a taxi in Jamaica than in NYC.

Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters – Renting a car is popular in Jamaica if you are not staying at a resort. It is fairly inexpensive to rent a car, averaging between $15-$30 a day, but be cautious that they drive on the opposite side of the road than they do in the United States. You can rent a car through the agencies in the Montego Bay or Kingston airport, like AVIS, or find a rental company online that is in the city you are visiting.

The sparkling aquamarine waters, luscious green rainforest, and breathtaking mountains make Jamaica the most beautiful island I have ever traveled to in the Caribbean. Not to forget all the friendly smiles, kind hospitality, and blissful spirits Jamaican natives have towards all the tourists on the island. The sounds of reggae and the taste of everything jerk will forever be engraved in my brain of the week I spent getting some major rest and relaxation with my best friends and meeting some new ones along the way. Next trip, I will definitely be more of an explorer and stay off a resort to really embrace the gorgeous island and all of its beauties.

Inna Di Morrows,

Jamaica