Jamaica is world famous for its pristine silver beaches that are lapped by the gentle waves of its turquoise sea; its verdant plains rising to a spectacular mountainous landscape; and the mesmerizing rhythms of his Reggae rhythm. Jamaica is a lush park in the tropics where the fun never ends! Jamaica’s diverse culture creates a lively and colorful atmosphere. Most of the population is of African descent, but there are also European, Chinese, Arab, and East Indian influences. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, at 146 miles long and 51 miles wide, and its highest mountain, Blue Mountain Peak, stands at 7,400 feet above sea level. Although English is the official language, the local population speaks patois, which is a mixture of African and English. In fact, newcomers to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica often find the language incomprehensible at first; but they soon pick it up.
Christopher Columbus was the first European to visit Jamaica, landing on the north coast in 1492. Of course, Columbus thought he had reached India, even though he couldn’t find the perfumes, spices, and silks he had been promised. to carry Queen Elizabeth. After Columbus came the Spanish settlers who started cattle ranching and sugar plantations. Over the next century, as Spain vied with England for power over the seas, the British mounted an expedition against Hispaniola (now the island of Haiti and the Dominican Republic) in 1665. When this expedition failed, the admirals invaded and conquered Jamaica and they added it to the list of colonies of Great Britain. Jamaica soon became the air of pirates looting merchant ships; Port Royal, its main settlement, earned a reputation as the wickedest city in the world. In the late 19th century, tourism replaced piracy as Jamaica’s main industry. Englishmen and Americans seeking the island’s warm climate and healthy breezes flocked to the many boarding houses that were opened to serve them. Now all inclusive Jamaica is one of the main tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
Jamaica has one of the most varied and impressive landscapes of any Caribbean island, with its springs, creeks, rivers and waterfalls flowing from forested mountains, through fertile agricultural fields, to white sand beaches and the sea. Visitors to Jamaica can enjoy waterfall climbing, river rafting, and horseback riding, as well as walk the beach and swing in a hammock. Montego Bay, on the northwest coast of Jamaica, is nestled among mountainous jungles and is surrounded by miles and miles of tropical beach. Most visitors to Jamaica land here before going on to other destinations. Mobay, as it is known, has excellent beaches, restaurants, bars, and a lively nightlife. There are endless activities to enjoy in this great city by the sea. Ocho Rios is the main port that caters to cruise ships and also offers something for everyone, from beach activities to polo or golf, from shopping to climbing the world famous Dunns River Falls. Negril is famous for its 7-mile long beach under rocky cliffs, for its beautiful sunsets, and for the luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. If you’re looking for the ultimate place for beach fun, Negril is it!