Ja-makin me crazy man!!

Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up; it’s bobsled time!!! Welcome to Jamrock, where you can feel the sun rays kissing your skin and the ocean breeze giving you a gentle high-five. Ah, the aroma of fish frying and chicken jerking – can you smell that coconut rum? Jamaica, though small in size at just under three million people packed into 10,990 square kilometres (4,240 sq mi), is bursting at the seams with culture.

The Jamaican motto is “out of many one people.” It’s like spicy, flavorful sex on the beach of ethnicities, all leaving their mark on this vibrant island.

Now, when’s the best time to visit? Well, that’s like asking which reggae song is the best – it’s all a matter of taste! We have hurricane season from June 1st to November 30th, and our carnival is known worldwide and is a must-see spectacle. So just mark your calendar the first Sunday in April and last several days so grab your water and sunscreen because it’s going to be hot hot hot !!!! And prepare for road march full of people, fun and music.

During the winter months, you have the snow bugs escaping from their home, so prices tend to be slightly higher. However, you might experience fewer kids if that is your preference. Dream weekend and their all white party will definitely appeal to a particular crowd looking to get down and dirty with it and party all night long so I would say maybe stay away from Montego Bay and Ochi Rios during August if that is not your scene.

Embrace the Spirit of Culture

Sure, Jamaica may be small, but it packs a punch with more than two cities to explore. You might want to check out the ISSA Boys and Girls Championship in March to see how our athletes are developed from a young age, who knows you might spot the next up-and-coming Olympic champion or even catch a glimpse of Usain Bolt cheering his high school on as well as Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce.

After you have done that and are still in Kingston, why not check out the Bob Marley Museum for a little one-love inspiration and finish with one-of-a-kind locally produced ice cream at Devon House. The ice cream is so good that National Geographic named it the fourth best place in the world to have ice cream. There’s a flavour for everyone with staples like chocolate and coffee but also mango, stout, and seasonal treats like sorrel.
After your sweet treat, how about a stroll at Hope Zoo or the University of West Indies Mona campus, which is now a prestigious university but was once a slave plantation. In need of some relaxation and healing, check out the Rockfort Mineral Bath in Kingston to wrap up your trip to the nation’s capital.

Exploring Jamaica’s Water Wonders

Are you the next Michael Phelps? Then get ready for all the adventures you can have on the island. If you want to swim with the dolphins, it is no big deal; just be sure to check out Dolphin Cove. If you’re not your type of fish, you may be more of a Jacques Cousteau. Your girl has you covered. You’re ready to dive deep into the world of scuba and snorkelling. And for those who prefer to stay dry while still getting wet, well, let’s go kayaking.

Are you the kind of person who takes relaxation to the extreme? Well, river rafting might just be your ticket to bliss; let someone else do the work. All you have to do is sit back, soak up the moment, remember your sunscreen, and don’t forget that rum punch. And whatever you do, don’t take a tumble—life vests are not included!

Now, let’s talk about must-visit spots. Rick’s Cafe has been hailed by countless travellers as a top destination. While I’ve yet to make the leap myself, rumour has it that the cliff diving is legendary. Imagine sipping a cocktail, savouring delicious food, and soaking in breathtaking sunset views – sounds like the perfect recipe for vacation bliss!

Another honourable mention that is getting all the rave is Dunn’s River Falls. It has been around for as long as I can remember. Many of my childhood escapades involved trying to defy gravity as I clambered up those cascading waters.

Insider tips for Exploring Jamaica

The world is a dangerous place, and crime and violence are everywhere, so I advise you to exercise caution in all that you do. Most vacation packages being advertised and sold are all-inclusive packages, and the hotel will offer airport pick-up and drop-off. They will also offer bus tours to these popular locations, and sharing these bus trips with fellow adventurers from around the globe adds an extra layer of fun!

Tourism is the bread and butter of the Jamaican economy. It makes sense that despite travel advisories from countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the number of tourists continues to increase yearly. When asked why they take the risk not once for some but several times for most they talk about the food that tantalises taste buds, the vibrant culture, the warm-hearted people, and that unmistakable island vibe that makes you feel right at home.

Now, let’s address a serious matter – KFC. Forget everything you thought you knew about Colonel Sanders’ secret recipe because Jamaica’s KFC is in a league of its own. Locals swear by it, and trust me, after sampling KFC in three different countries, I can confirm – it’s finger-lickin’ good! So, if you find yourself on this sunny island, do yourself a favour and indulge in some mouthwatering Jamaican fried chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!

A journey into History

Any history buff in the house? Your girl got something for you, not a history fanatic. That’s ok. You will also enjoy this little tidbit that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Pirates of the Caribbean scene. Let’s talk about Port Royal, the swashbuckling epicentre of the 17th century, where pirates roamed the high seas and mischief was the game’s name.

Port Royal was named “the richest and wickedest city in the world.” But before it became a pirate’s paradise, it was once home used by the Tainos for fishing. When the Spanish rolled in, they saw its potential and turned it into a bustling hub for ship maintenance and mischief.

Then came the British invasion 1655, and Port Royal’s fate took a wild turn. The Brits wasted no time fortifying the place and recognizing its strategic location. Soon enough, it became the unofficial capital of Jamaica, attracting buccaneers and pirates from far and wide.

Now, let’s talk about some of the infamous names tied to Port Royal—Sir Henry Morgan, Calico Jack, and the notorious Blackbeard Teach. These swashbucklers didn’t just sail the seas; they brought boatloads of treasure looted from the Spanish Main, making Port Royal the place for any self-respecting pirate. I wonder if they were friends with Captain Jack Sparrow? I wonder, I wonder!!!

But alas, all good things must come to an end. In 1692, a devastating earthquake shook Port Royal to its core, sending a large chunk of the town sinking into the sea. And just like that, Port Royal became the only authentic sunken city in the Western Hemisphere, forever frozen in time beneath the waves.

Jamaica has something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen, grab your sense of adventure, and prepare to make memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Drop your girl a comment, let me know if you have been to the island and what excited you most about Jamaica.

Did I miss out on any great spots? Let me know; hoping to go home in November. Did I make you want to visit the beautiful island of Jamaica? Don’t forget to subscribe and see where our passport takes us next, XOXO.