Cheap Holidays to Jamaica

Are you looking for sun-soaked beaches, cocktails on the sand and brilliant blue lagoons? Well, look no further. Jamaica holidays are the perfect option for those who want to chill out and soak up the endless Caribbean sunshine on powder-soft beaches. This exotic island is the home of reggae, Bob Marley and mouth-watering jerk chicken and with so many beaches to choose from (all with beautifully equipped resorts) your hardest decision will be which one to pick! Montego Bay is the vibrant tourist capital of Jamaica and plays host to top-quality hotels, entertainment, shopping and nightlife while Negril beach has been voted one of the world’s top ten beaches – so it’s no surprise that some of the best hotels are located along its seven-mile stretch. This island of waterfalls, caves, cliffs and lush rainforests will amaze and the mixture of couples-only and family-friendly resorts have something to offer everyone. Jamaica has got tropical and semi-arid climatic zones, however the best time to visit Jamaica is from November to mid-December when the entire island is pleasant and it’s easier to find budget hotel accommodations.

The nearest airport to Jamaica is Sangster International Airport at a distance of 10 km from the city centre. Holidays in Jamaica offer amazing variety and those totally tropical vibes that will have you flying back to those faraway shores in no time.

Places to Go and Things to Do

Bask on the Beach

Jamaica's soft white sands and gloriously blue waters are heaven for water babies who like to scuba, snorkel and swim all day long. There are a huge array of tropical fish to see and with beautiful coves to explore you'll be hard pressed to leave the beach. Hotel beaches have a fun vibe with beach bars lining the sand.

Enjoy Stunning Waterfalls

A visit to Dunns River Falls is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions with 600ft of glorious cascading waterfall flowing through the jungle. Climb up the falls before relaxing in one of the tropical lagoons amid the lush rainforest. Swim beneath the falls and grab some amazing snaps of this natural beauty before heading to Dunns River Beach for more fun.

Take a Sailing Trip

Like many of the Caribbean islands, Jamiaca is blessed with white sands and turquoise sea so get out and explore the coves and bays on a catamaran and sailing cruise! See more of the island by taking a day trip to secluded coves and private beaches or enjoy a romantic sunset cruise as the sun melts into the horizon.

A Glow In The Dark Lake!

Take a trip to Falmouth one evening and see this rather unusual spectacle. Glistening Waters’ luminous lagoon is one of only three of its type in the world, where microscopic organisms in the water glow at night when disturbed to create a naturally-lit phosphorescent lagoon. Night cruises are the best way to get out on the water and experience enchanting views from your boat.

Enjoy the All Inclusive

Jamaica has some of the best hotels in the Caribbean and there is nothing better than heading to the swim-up bar and enjoying a cocktail in the sun. Hotels have great night life and entertainment on the island and the beaches are clean and safe. Better still, many hotels include non-motorised watersports in their packages so you can sail, kayak and snorkel to your heart's content. A great way to get all the family involved.

Beach Bars and Bites

The Hip Strip or Gloucester Avenue is the place to be seen in Montego Bay during the day and night, with over 60 shops and 35 restaurants and bars lining the street ranging from local arts, crafts and cuisine to more familiar branded restaurants and bars. Jamaica is famous for its melting pot of local and lively flavours, foodies can enjoy national favourites jerk chicken and pork, to goat curries, salt fish, beef patties, pepperpot soup and conch stew. The callaloo and pickled mackerel salad is also worth sampling. Once satisfied, spend the evening in Rick’s Café, an island institution founded in 1974 that's widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to catch the sunset, drawing a large crowd daily to catch its stunning views.

Secluded Sands

Not all of Jamaica's beaches boast lively attractions and busy sands, if you're after a more secluded spot there are plenty of places to put up your umbrella in peace. Frenchman's Cove Beach is a picturesque stretch with clean sand, azure waters and a cocktail service on the shore, perfect for those wanting a relaxed afternoon. Sitting pretty just off the coast of Kingston is the small and uninhabited island of Lime Cay – there are no facilities on the island (a 15-minute boat ride from Port Royal) so be sure to bring your own snorkel and a picnic. Sundays see many locals visit the island. Or step off the tourist trail at Treasure Beach, it's low-key sands great for an afternoon of lounging.

Visit Bob Marley’s House

You won’t be able to visit Jamaica without hearing the familiar sounds of Bob Marley played in bars and on beaches, so a visit to the Bob Marley Museum is well worth it. Designated a Jamaican Heritage Site, his original house has been preserved just as it was. Visit his recording studio, see a selection of his favourite clothing and get a glimpse of all of his gold and platinum awards from around the world. In the adjacent theatre, performances are screened from his ‘One Love Peace Concert’ in 1978.

Essential Information

Getting Around

If you want to get out and about to explore Jamaica, ensure you get your hotel to book a reputable taxi company or head out on a pre-booked excursion. Arrange the fare before you get in cabs, as meters are often broken. Buses can get very busy. You can also hire your own driver, who will take you wherever you want to go, or hire your own car, but rental can be expensive.

Travelling by bus or car

Public buses are the cheapest mode of transport in Jamaica but they can be unreliable. Tourists are advised to stick to group and pre-booked excursions when exploring the island.

Jamaicans drive on the left-hand side and car hire is available but be aware that road conditions vary, signage can be poor and driving can be erratic. As most hotels have entertainment and

Passports and Visas

Brits don’t need a visa to holiday in Jamaica, and usually have permission to enter for up to 90 days. Passports need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months. For more information and advice, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/entry-requirements or the Foreign Office at www.fco.gov.uk/en/

Health and Safety

Make sure that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before you travel to Jamaica, which will protect you while away – including any watersports cover needed. For more info, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/health

Vaccinations

There are currently no specific vaccinations required for a holiday in Jamaica, but double check with your GP before you go. Routine boosters should be up to date. Always check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for up to date travel and health advice. See www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/health

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