Jamaica holidays are the real MVP of Caribbean getaways, with chilled island vibes, gorg beaches and a tropical climate all year round.
Highlights
Home to over 50 public beaches, so make sure you're flip-flop ready
Tropical temps all year round
Lagoons bluer than a blue raspberry slushy
Bangin' reggae festivals
Chilled island vibes
What are the best beaches in Jamaica?
Beach holidays in Jamaica are the stuff of dreams, with everything from the cute little bays you've seen on Instagram to bustling beaches just waiting to party. Whether you're looking to top up your tan, hit the surf scene or just plonk down a towel, check out these bangin' spots:
Seven Mile Beach – stretching across Negil and famed for its pure white sands and waters that are clearer than your mojito - ideal for a cheeky bit of snorkelling
Treasure Beach – the name says it all, you know you've hit the jackpot with this whopper of a beach (six whole miles of it), decked out with a mix of black and coral-coloured sands, beachfront cafés and calm swim spots
Frenchman’s Cove – an absolute gem in Port Antonio, recognised as one of the most beaut and Insta-worthy beaches around (you'll see why), with the Blue Mountains as your backdrop, vibrant water just begging to be dunked into, and a beach bar & grill serving snacks and cocktails
Half Moon Beach - a family-friendly stretch that's part of Negril's Marine Park, with calm, shallow waters perfect for paddling kiddos
Mahogany Beach - a lively beach that's a fave with the locals, thanks to its music-filled weekends with jerk-spiced grills and impromptu football matches
Doctor's Cave Beach - the most famous beach in Montego Bay, with waters so gorg you won't need any Instagram filters (but you might need a snorkel), soft white sands, shady palms, and - get this - you can even order drinks and snacks straight to your lounger! Talk about boujee.
What are the top hotels for your Jamaica holidays 2024?
These top hotels in Jamaica have totally nailed the chill-and-thrill combo. Whether you're on the hunt for some family time, a luxury getaway or a laidback all inclusive Jamaican break, check out these hotspots for your next holibobs:
Jewel Paradise Cove Resort All Inclusive - an adults-only resort decked out with three whirlpools, swim-up bars (because walking to the bar is so last year), and restaurants serving everything from sushi to pizza
Royal Decameron Montego Beach - a beachfront beaut that's totally nailed the pool/beach vibes, with a sauna and Jacuzzi and a disco bar for your late-night antics
Moon Palace Jamaica - this hotel couldn't be closer to the sea if it tried (peep the pics if you don't believe us), set right along the north coast with a choice of pools to dunk into, a wave simulator, an on-site spa and even a nightclub!
Iberostar Selection Rose Hall Suites - a family-friendly paradise with the beach on your doorstep, a lazy river on site, a load of restaurants to pick from, and plenty of activities for the kiddos
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa - everyone knows you can't go wrong with a cheeky Hilton, and this one's no exception, with its own private beach (very VIP), a whopper of a waterpark, and a choice of restaurants to tuck into
Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - smack dab along the sands of Runaway Bay (don't worry, nothing about this place will make you want to run away), this snazzy hotel has two pools calling your name, an activity club for the kiddos, and four bars where you can browse the menu and then order the same thing you always do
In Jamaica, the temperature is as hot as the local jerk chicken and twice as nice! Throughout the year, the mercury dances between 25-30°C, perfect for beach lounging, waterfall chasing or just jammin' to the beat of reggae.
But here's the real reggae rhythm of weather in Jamaica: there's no bad time to visit! Even when it cools down during the winter months (December to April), the temperature still hovers at a balmy 20-25°C. Who needs snow when you can have golden sand, right?
Now, the tropical climate likes to mix things up a bit with some rain from May to November. But, fear not! These are usually short, sharp showers followed by bright sunshine - nature's own remix!
So whether you're a sun worshipper, a reggae lover, or a jerk chicken aficionado, Jamaica weather is always on point to serve up your kind of paradise.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Jamaica?
It takes about 10.5 hours to fly to Jamaica from the UK/Ireland, but hear us out - that's enough time to watch a whole season of Friends and have time for a nap. Winner.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Jamaica?
Jamaica is 5 hours behind of the time in the UK/Ireland, so if you thought it was impossible to go back in time...think again.
What currency do they use in Jamaica?
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar. Which makes sense.
What language do they speak in Jamaica?
The official language spoken in Jamaica is English believe it or not, but Jamaican Patois is also widely spoken.
A bar that's literally in the middle of the sea and can only be reached by boat? That's about as VIP as it gets. This wooden shack ascends from the water on stilts, and it's one of the most unique bars in the world. It's even a hotspot for the local pelicans - hence the name! Boats leave daily from Black River, Treasure Beach and Parottee Point if you fancy a cold one at this quirky bar. Expect to fill up on fresh beer and delish seafood while you're there - sea views guaranteed. Obviously.
Escape to Konoko Falls
Recognised as one of the island's best kept secrets (we've never been good at keeping those), this park is home to a jungle-like botanical garden, a stunner of a waterfall and even a mini zoo with exotic birds, making it a great shout for a day out with the kiddos. This is also a top pick if you fancy a slightly less crowded and more affordable waterfall climb to Dunn's River Falls.
Bobsled down Mystic Mountain
If you REALLY want to see the best of Jamaica, you've gotta hit up Mystic Mountain and strap in for their bobsled ride. It's a 1,000-metre long suspended track that'll have you whizzing through the treetops, and the speed? Fully in your hands, with the handbrake tucked inside the sled. Good luck! Included with your ticket for this attraction, you'll also get entry to the full park - including a lookout tower and chair-lift ride. And if you're feeling peckish, there's an on-site restaurant where you can grab a bite. Although we recommend doing this after, not before...
Make some flippery friends at Dolphin Cove
The clue's kind of in the name, but Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios is *the* place to see some dolphins in their prime, loving life in the water. It's located right in front of Dunn's River Falls (so easy to tick two things off your list!), and is the perfect chance to swim and play with these happy little creatures. You can even swim with sharks and stingrays, if that's more your bag!
Get all artsy at the National Gallery of Jamaica
This gallery's been on the map since 1974 and it's one of the oldest museums in the Caribbean. History? Completed it, mate. Inside you'll find masterpieces from creators all over the Caribbean, all from different time periods. There are collections that contain a mix of paintings and sculptures, and the gallery offers guided tours, panel discussions, lectures, workshops for the kiddos, and - of course - a handy gift shop and coffee shop on site so you can grab a brew and a souvenir while you're there.
Become a human glow stick at Luminous Lagoon
Did you know there are only four of these luminous lagoons in the world? And, Jamaica has the brightest of them all thanks to its year-round bangin' climate. The sciencey stuff is that there's a specific type of plankton or algae in the water which glows once disturbed by boats, fish, and yes - people! Book yourself on a boat tour and watch how the water glows sapphire when you splash around. It's like a groovy underwater disco!
Jamaica's event scene? Always popping off. Whether you're looking to deep-dive into vibrant culture or keep it chilled with those dreamy Caribbean vibes, there's something for everyone with these events. Mark your calendar:
Accompong Maroon Festival (January) - kickstart the year by stepping back in time with a celebration of the heritage of the Maroon community, with traditional music and dancing to get your grooving
Bob Marley Birthday Bash (February) - soak up the reggae vibes in Negril, with a bangin' line-up of music, arts and crafts that all capture Bob Marley's colourful spirit
Jamaica Carnival (April) - a lively carnival that's a riot of colour, road marches, soca beats and flamboyant costumes as the streets turn into one big dancefloor
Portland Jerk Festival (July) - a foodie festival is our kind of festival, and this one in Portland celebrates all things Jamaican Jerk, with tastings, contests and cultural performances
Reggae Sumfest (July) - watch Montego Bay come alive with this premier reggae and dancehall festival, home to big names, epic performances and an electric atmosphere
Ocho Rios Seafood Festival (August) - seafood-lovers, this one's for you - a bank holiday celebration of the freshest seafood with delish feasts and a side of entertainment and crafts along the gorg Ocho Rios coastline.
Blue Mountain Music Festival (October) - music in the mountains? Tick. This eco-friendly fest is a mix of music, art and hiking in the misty heights of the Blue Mountains - because why not?
Restaurant Week (November) - the best restaurants across Jamaica dish out special menus for bangin' prices - it's a whole week of being able to indulge in the island's tastiest eats
Reggae Marathon (December) - mixing fitness with festivity, this Negril-based event sees locals and tourists take on marathons, half-marathons and 10k trails - with live music and refreshing coconut water stops along the way
Where’s the best nightlife in Jamaica?
Nightlife in Jamaica is like one big, non-stop dancehall party, with reggae beats, beachfront bars and neon-lit dancefloors. Whatever you're into, here's what you can expect once the sun goes down:
Fiction Nightclub - one of the hottest spots in Kingston, with international DJs, electric vibes and a dancefloor that's been known to attract a celeb or two
Pier 1 - an open-air bar and restaurant in Montego Bay that comes to life as a buzzing nightclub in the evening, with live music, DJs that keep the beats coming, and gorg views over the bay
Tracks & Records - Usain Bolt's sporty restaurant by day, bangin' party spot by night - serving up tasty grub, groovy music and themed nights in Kingston
Margaritaville Montego Bay - a lively beachfront venue where the party never ends - whether you're looking for chilled cocktail vibes or endless dancing with tropical vibes and catchy tunes
Quad Nightclub - you've got four whole floors to explore here (10 points to us for that triple rhyme), ranging from a chilled lounge to a hoppin' dancehall party - choose your vibe!
Rick's Café - famous for its cliff-diving during the day, this Negril venue transforms into a sizzling party spot come sunset, with reggae music, rum punch and late-night dancing
Jungle Night Club - a fave in Negril, with two lively dancefloors, themed nights and a returning local crowd who know just how to party
Redbones Blues Café - a more laidback spot, mixing jazz, blues and Caribbean tunes - perfect for enjoying some live music in a swanky setting
The Deck - mingle with the locals at this casual venue down in Kingston, with old-school dance hits and a low-key, friendly vibe
Ocean 7 Rooftop Bar and Grill - an open-air restaurant and sky bar that's all twinkly lights, rooftop vibes, rum cocktails, craft beers and gorg views overlooking the Caribbean
What's the food like in Jamaica?
When it comes to food on Jamaica holidays, expect jerk spices that pack a punch, tropical fruits for those pure vacay vibes, and seafood that's as fresh as it comes. Whatever you're into, keep your eyes peeled for these plates of deliciousness when you're out and about:
Jerk chicken or pork – the king of the Jamaican grill, marinated in more spices than KFC's secret recipe and cooked low-and-slow over pimento wood for a rich, smoky flavour
Ackee and saltfish – Jamaica's national dish - a tasty combo of local ackee fruit sautéed with salted fish, onions and tomatoes. Don't knock it 'til you try it!
Patties - flaky, golden pastry pockets filled with spicy meat, fish or veggies - perfect for an on-the-go bite
Bammy - Caribbean-style flatbread made from cassava (a woody shrub), often served grilled or fried alongside a plate of saucy seafood
Curry goat - a rich and hearty dish that's exactly what it says on the tin - goat meat simmered to tender perfection in a spicy, aromatic sauce
Escovitch fish - a sizzler of a dish made from freshly-fried fish topped with a medley of spicy, pickled veggies. It's tangy, fresh and delish.
Festival - sweet, fried dough that's crispy on the outside but soft on the inside - perfect for mopping up sauces or just eating on its own for a treat
Looking for somewhere to tuck into these flavour sensations? We know just the place(s). Check out these top restaurants in Jamaica for a meal you won't forget:
Scotchies – *the* place to try authentic Jamaican jerk, with a traditional laidback vibe (think straw-topped huts with open-air grills)
Gloria’s Seafood - famous for its fried fish and festival, this Port Royal-based restaurant serves up delish food with a side of ocean views
The Pelican Grill - an absolute must-visit in Montego Bay, with heapings of hearty Jamaican dishes and views of the bustling Hip Strip
Devon House I-Scream - if the name's thrown you off, it might make more sense when we tell you that this place is actually an ice-cream parlour, and its home to some of the best on the island (expect weird and wonderful flavours like rum and raisin, peanut and stout).
Flag City - a rustic restaurant in Negril with a warm, cosy atmosphere (complete with Jamaican music), a fresh seafood menu and an open-air vibe where everything is barbecued in plain sight
Bushbar - hit this place up if you've ever wondered what it'd be like to dine smack dab in the middle of a rainforest, with gorg leafy views in Portland, a killer cocktail menu and tasty Jamaican food
Places to visit
Dunn's River Falls
We like to nickname this one Nature's Waterpark, because it's that cool. It's a whole network of waterfalls and rivers, one of them flowing directly into the Caribbean like it's no biggie. Book a trip here and you'll be climbing the falls in a pair of super sexy water shoes, with the chance to dunk into the chilled lagoons and pools along the way. It's as popular with locals as it is with tourists, so you know it's a good'un. And if the waterfalls aren't doing it for you? There's a zipline that'll have you whipping through the trees like Tarzan, a splash park for the kiddos, and a beach for a bit of downtime. A beach that was featured in a James Bond movie no less (Dr. No), after Iam Fleming visited back in the day and fell in love with the place. We can't argue with that!
Bob Marley Museum
Whether you're a die-hard reggae fan or just someone who's guilty of belting out 'No Woman, No Cry,' in the shower (don't lie to us), the Bob Marley Museum is a real cultural hotspot in Jamaica. It's actually based in his former home and recording studio, so you'll get to peek at his old room, his favourite guitar, loads of trinkets from his personal life, and even the rock he used to sit on and meditate between jam sessions. You'll be diving deep into the roots of reggae culture, with bangin' beats along the way (obviously), a photo gallery, an 80-seat theatre and a café where you can grab a bite. We recommend the jammin' jerk nachos.
Rose Hall Great House
Pack your comfy shoes and head to this spooky but swanky 18th-century mansion, recognised as the home of the 'White Witch' - i.e. Annie Palmer, a rumoured mistress known for her dark magic and voodoo practices. Today, the house is packed with Jamaican history and ghost stories, with beaut gardens out back where you can go for a wander. If you fancy a visit, book onto one of the daytime tours - or - if you're feeling really brave, one of the haunted candlelit tours at night. Don't worry, you can stop by the Dungeon Bar for a 'Witch's Brew' cocktail when you're done. You'll probably need it.
Key facts about Jamaica
Flight time
10.5 hrs
Time Difference
-5 hrs
Currency
Jamaican Dollar
Language
English/Jamaican Patois
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Jamaica?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Jamaica?
Just a heads up that there's a departure tax of $35 USD (approximately £25) that you'll need to pay when you're heading back home from Jamaica. We recommend checking with your airline to see if this cost is included with your ticket.
Do I need documents for travelling to Jamaica?
As of 1st September, you will need to fill out an online passenger declaration form before your scheduled arrival. The form aims to streamline the entry process for people visiting Jamaica. You can find the form here.
