Jamaica Holidays

Jamaica holidays are the real MVP of Caribbean getaways, with chilled island vibes, gorge 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

3 Fun Facts About Jamaica 🎉

Jamaica is the birthplace of reggae – You can thank this island for legends like Bob Marley.
Home to the fastest man alive – Usain Bolt? Yeah, he’s from here, too.
The real question is how much is a beer? A pint in Jamaica would cost you around €3 to €5. So, whether you're chilling at a local bar or a fancy resort, you won’t break the bank for a cold one!

Getting Around Jamaica 🚗

🚌 Buses

Reliable, cheap, and perfect for zipping between spots like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston. Just remember, those rural routes might be on “island time,” so patience (and a snack) is key!

🚖 Taxis & Car Hire

Fancy being the boss of your own adventure? Renting a car is the way to go. Hidden waterfalls, secret beaches – they’re all waiting for you, so buckle up and hit the road!

🚴‍♂️ Bikes

Ready to burn off those jerk chicken calories? Hop on a bike, cruise along the coast, and let the wind do its thing while you soak in those epic views!

Where to Stay in Jamaica

💑 For Couples

Negril’s got romance written all over it. Stroll hand-in-hand along Seven Mile Beach, catch jaw-dropping sunsets at Rick’s Café, and finish the day with a candlelit dinner by the sea. You’re basically starring in your own rom-com.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

Ocho Rios is family fun central! Splash around at Dunn’s River Falls, zip-line through the treetops at Mystic Mountain, and let the kids burn off some energy while you soak up the views. Adventure and excitement for all ages, guaranteed!

👯‍♂️ For Groups

Montego Bay is where the party kicks off! Chill on the beach by day, hit the bars by night, and don’t forget to hop on a Martha Brae River boat for some next-level group bonding. Your crew will be talking about this trip forever!

What are the best beaches to visit on your Jamaica holidays 2025?

Beach holidays to 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
Boston Bay Beach - you come for the waves that are begging to be ripped on a trusty surfboard, but you stay for the mouth-watering jerk chicken, in fact, we'd go so far as to say that this is some of the best on the island.
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 to stay at on your holidays to Jamaica?

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, a laidback all inclusive Jamaican break, or you're looking for a cheap holiday that won't cost the earth, 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!
Breathless Montego Bay - nothing but Suites, six delish dining spots and stunning spa facilities among a tonne more make this the perfect pick for anyone seeking out a luxury holiday to Jamaica
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

Jamaica Holidays 2025 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Jamaica for families

Looking for a sizzling family holiday with sun, sea, and loads to keep the littleuns' entertained? Jamaica’s got you well and truly covered with everything from splash-filled days at top-notch waterparks to chill days on the beach, this Caribbean gem will have you raving about it all the way back home until you're jetting out again.

Take the fam to Dunn’s River Falls for an adventure of thrills and chills – climb the falls, splash about in the pools, and take in the lush greenery around you. For beach days, Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay is a cracking spot for everyone to enjoy calm waters and loads of sandy fun. And if you’ve got some animal lovers in the group, Jamaica Zoo and Dolphin Cove will be sure-fire hits with encounters they’ll be buzzing about all holiday long!

❤️ Things to do in Jamaica for couples

A couples holiday to Jamaica? Say no more – this place is basically romance on tap, whether you’re sipping cocktails with your toes in the sand or dancing the night away under the stars.

We reckon you should start with a dreamy sunset cruise along the coast – Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is as romantic as it gets for an evening stroll hand in hand. Don't just take our word for it, though, get yoursens down. And, of course, no romantic trip to Jamaica is complete without a visit to Frenchman’s Cove, one of the island’s most beautiful, secluded beaches. Top it all off with a candlelit dinner by the beach and you're onto a winner, heck, you might even have a ring by the end of your jolly.

🥳 Things to do in Jamaica for groups

Got the squad together for an unforgettable group holiday to Jamaica? Well those vibes are pretty much guaranteed from the moment you press book – from beach parties to epic adventures, you’ll be creating memories (and Insta-stories) in no time.

Rick’s Café in Negril is the spot to hit for sunset views, cliff jumping, and a few rum punches. If you're feeling brave, join in on the cliff diving – adrenaline rushes don't come much thicker or faster than this! For some daytime group bonding, grab a boat and cruise down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft, or get stuck into a group hike up Blue Mountain. And if your group’s all about the nightlife, Montego Bay’s Hip Strip is popping off with bars and clubs that’ll keep the party going ‘til the early hours. Trust us, Jamaica knows how to bring the party!

🍽️ Things to do in Jamaica for foodies

If you’re a foodie, prepare yourself for a whopper of a culinary adventure in Jamaica. This island serves up some seriously bangin’ flavours, from jerk chicken and pork to the freshest catch of the day straight from the sea.

Kick things off with a visit to Boston Bay – home of the world-famous jerk. Watch the masters at work as they grill up spicy, smoky meats that'll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgement here!). Don’t forget to try the fresh lobster in Port Royal or hit up a local food market for some true Jamaican bites – ackee and saltfish for breakfast, anyone? And if you’re into a cheeky tipple, check out a rum distillery tour at Appleton Estate. Rum tasting in paradise? Bosh!

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular Jamaica hotels

Stunning Jamaica resorts

Weather in Jamaica

JAN

29^°C

FEB

29^°C

MAR

29^°C

APR

29^°C

MAY

29^°C

JUN

30^°C

JUL

30^°C

AUG

30^°C

SEP

30^°C

OCT

29^°C

NOV

29^°C

DEC

28^°C

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 reggae 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.

FAQs

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.

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.

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar. Which makes sense.

The official language spoken in Jamaica is English believe it or not, but Jamaican Patois is also widely spoken.

Find out more about:

All Inclusive Jamaica

Pop over to the bar in the middle of the ocean

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 on your Jamaica holidays. This wooden shack ascends from the water on stilts, and it's one of the most unique bars in the world - yeah, that's right, we said world, so you know you gotta check it out. 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 the island on your holidays to 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 - 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 - we won't be joining, but you do you!

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. Some collections 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 on your Jamaica holidays and watch how the water glows sapphire when you splash around. It's like a groovy underwater disco!

Fine-tuning your sightseeing checklist? Check out our 7 must-see sights in Jamaica.

What events can I go to in Jamaica?
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 on holidays to Jamaica, so check out these events and mark your calendars:
- 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 you 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 Rum Festival (March) – Raise a glass (or four) at this boozy bash celebrating Jamaica’s finest rum! Expect tastings, mixology demos, tasty bites and cultural performances for a day that’s as smooth as the drinks themselves. Cheers to that!
- 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 gorge Ocho Rios coastline.
- Blue Mountain Music Festival (October) - music in the mountains? Tick. This eco-friendly fest is a mix of music, art and (you're reading right) 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 on your Jamaica holidays:
- 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!
- Blue Beat Ultra Lounge - a more sophisticated jazz and blues spot, but that doesn't mean it isn't bringing the late-night vibes with live music and delish cocktails, and hey, anywhere that's open til 5 AM is the perfect place to wind down after a party night (except Sunday's, obvs)
- 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 your 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 to try on your holidays to 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).
- Rockhouse Restaurant - if you find yourself in Negril, then this clifftop spot is definitely not one to miss, offering a fusion of Jamaican and International cuisine all served up with an absolutely bangin' view - curried seafood and grilled lobster anyone?
- 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 Ian Fleming visited back in the day and fell in love with the place. We can't argue with that, so make sure this is on the to-do list for your Jamaica holidays!
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 to visit on your holidays to 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 - a two-for-one kinda vibe that adds a bit of spice to your Jamaica holidays - and better yet, it's packing beaut gardens out back where you can go for a wander if it all gets a bit too creepy. If you fancy a visit, book 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.

We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.

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.

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.

Jamaica Holidays

Highlights

3 Fun Facts About Jamaica 🎉

Getting Around Jamaica 🚗

Where to Stay in Jamaica

💑 For Couples

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

👯‍♂️ For Groups

What are the best beaches to visit on your Jamaica holidays 2025?

What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Jamaica?

Jamaica Holidays 2025 Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do in Jamaica for families

❤️ Things to do in Jamaica for couples

🥳 Things to do in Jamaica for groups

🍽️ Things to do in Jamaica for foodies

More Caribbean holidays:

Popular Jamaica hotels

Stunning Jamaica resorts

Weather in Jamaica

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Jamaica?

What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Jamaica?

What currency do they use in Jamaica?

What language do they speak in Jamaica?

Find out more about:

Pop over to the bar in the middle of the ocean

Escape to Konoko Falls

Bobsled down Mystic Mountain

Make some flippery friends at Dolphin Cove

Get all artsy at the National Gallery of Jamaica

Become a human glow stick at Luminous Lagoon

What events can I go to in Jamaica?

Where’s the best nightlife in Jamaica?

What's the food like in Jamaica?

Places to visit

Dunn's River Falls

Bob Marley Museum

Rose Hall Great House

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?

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Jamaica?

Do I need documents for travelling to Jamaica?