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Bob Marley, bobsledding and Red Stripe beer – tell us you’re going on holiday to Jamaica without telling us you’re going on holiday to Jamaica…
An everything island
When you think of Jamaica holidays, you might think of white beaches, spicy jerk and reggae tunes. You’re not far wrong tbh – we’re here for all the Caribbean holiday clichés – but it’s also so much more, so stay with us… Its camera-ready coastline’s primed for your Insta feed with beach bars and swaying palms. But inland, it’s time to flip your crocs into sports mode and go chasing waterfalls, hiking mountains and river rafting. This island does both.
Daytrip destinations
Sun bums can thrive on Jamaica’s class conditions all year round, while other kinds of travel lovers can still get their holiday fix on other parts of the island. Stay in one place or hop around on a bit of a tour – daytrips mean you and the rest of your group can pick your own pace and just catch up at dinner later for a debrief. If you’re the outdoorsy type, make sure you check out the 180-metre cascade of Dunn’s River Falls, near Ocho Rios. Then, Montego Bay – AKA Mo-Bay – is where you can go river rafting and on Jeep safaris. There’s also Negril’s Kool Runnings adventure park, where you can ride waterslides, canoes and go-karts.
Chill in Negril
If your kind of holiday is all about kicking back and relaxing, Negril is where everything is just chill. With its peachy sunsets, ‘no worries’ attitude and famous Seven Mile Beach, it’s Jamaica’s go-to for some real relaxing. It also boasts the best All Inclusive resort in the Caribbean – Couples Negril. A bit further up the coast, Lucea lives the quiet life with its half-empty beaches. And as you’d expect from its name, Runaway Bay‘s another of Jamaica’s more secluded snorkelling spots, with a great coral reef just offshore.
Best resorts in Jamaica
A northwest hotspot, this beachy city is known for its luxurious hotels and world-class golf courses. Hit the ‘Hip Strip’ – Jimmy Cliff Boulevard – for the buzziest shops, restaurants and bars. Then, get your goggles on for the best snorkelling spots, like Doctor’s Cave Reef and Secrets Reef.
The island’s westernmost town is the beach bums’ fave. Seven Mile Beach is the kind of paradise you dream of, plus the seafood and sunsets – it’s a real winner. Rick’s Café is a Jamaican institution for a bit of a boogie and reggae rafting down the Martha Brae River is core memory material.
On the north coast, this stunning town claims the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, perfect for a hike to bathe in its pools. It’s a hub of active adventure, with watersports, zip-lining and you can even swim with sharks and stingrays at Dolphin Cove. Plus, the beaches are gorg.
Run don’t walk to Runaway Bay for Jamaica’s famous Green Grotto Caves – they’re the largest and most accessible caves on the island. You’re also nicely in between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, so you can stay here for something more chill, but still be close enough to the action.
This port town’s backed by green hills, halfway between Negril and Montego Bay. It’s got a buzzing market, multiple beaches and plenty of watersports. Fort Charlotte is also a popular attraction here – there’s lots to learn about its past in the sugar trade.
Trelawny’s pretty parish between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. You’ve got 10 beaches along this bit of coast, where waterside barbecue shacks serve up fresh fish, and the old town of Falmouth, where you can take a walking tour to learn about the slave trade.
Top Jamaica holiday deals
Samsara Cliff Resort
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 25 April 2025
Charela Inn Hotel
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 29 May 2025
Country Country Negril
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - Bed and Breakfast
Based on 2 Adults - 29 May 2025
Catalonia Montego Bay
Birmingham - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 29 April 2025
Decameron Club Caribbean, All Inclusive
Manchester - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 14 May 2025
Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 2 May 2025
Riu Negril
London Gatwick - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 25 April 2025
Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay
Birmingham - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 10 June 2025
Ocean Coral Spring
Birmingham - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 29 April 2025
Riu Palace Tropical Bay
Manchester - 7 Nights - All Inclusive
Based on 2 Adults - 4 June 2025
Why pick Jamaica holidays
JUST CHILLING
BEACHES FOR DAYS
SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
SPORTS MODE
Your guide to Jamaica
Jamaica’s history is full of art and music, so these aren’t your average historical sites…
- Bob Marley Museum, Kingston – For music lovers, a visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston is a pilgrimage. It’s Marley’s old home and offers a real look into his life, music and the overall history of reggae. You can even book a guided tour.
- Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay – A beautifully restored 18th-century Georgian mansion, famous for the legend of the ‘White Witch’ – the story goes that it’s haunted by the ghost of a plantation owner, Annie Palmer. By day, admire the architecture and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, or by night, brave the ghost tour… It’s the perfect mix of history and mystery.
- Devon House Mansion, Kingston – The architectural dream of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, built in 1881. Declared a national monument, it’s now all about family fun, full of shops and restaurants. Tour the house’s elegant rooms, filled with period furniture, and wander through its gardens. Then, try the infamous Devon House I-Scream, which is bigged up as Jamaica’s best ice-cream.
- Trench Town, Kingston – AKA, the birthplace of reggae music. Trench Town is one of Kingston’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods, where music legends, like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer lived and started their musical careers.
- National Gallery of Jamaica, Kingston – The island’s premier art museum, showcasing works from Jamaica’s most-celebrated artists, such as Edna Manley and Barrington Watson, and pieces from the pre-Columbian period to the modern day.
Jamaica’s got sand and sea, but inland, its rainforest and waterfalls set the scene for some real adventures.
- Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios – A visit to this iconic waterfall is one of the top things to do in Jamaica. Its cascades flow directly into the sea, and you can climb the falls on a guided hike to take a refreshing dip in its pools.
- Blue Hole, Ocho Rios – Also known as the ‘Secret Falls’, it’s part of a series of natural limestone pools that aren’t as well-known as Dunn’s River Falls. You can swim in the bright blue waters, dive from cliffs and explore hidden caves.
- Cockpit Country, Trelawny – A rugged, limestone landscape with hills, valleys and caves – it’s the largest remaining natural forest in Jamaica. It’s perfect for hiking, birdwatching and learning about the Maroons, who were escaped slaves. This land was their refuge and the site of two Maroon Wars against the British.
- Green Grotto Caves, Runaway Bay – Named after the green algae that covers its walls, these caves were used by the indigenous Taino people and later by pirates and runaway slaves as a hideout spot. Now, you can take tours to see and swim in their underground lakes – you might also recognise them as Dr Kanaga’s base from James Bond’s Live and Let Die.
Caribbean Island life means plenty of coastline and a prime pick of watersports.
- Snorkelling and scuba diving – Jamaica’s clear Caribbean waters and coral reefs make it a top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. In Negril, the reefs near Booby Cay Island and the Negril Coral Reef are perfect for spotting marine life – The Throne Room is an epic dive site. Then, Montego Bay’s Marine Park has even more protected areas to see tropical fish, sea turtles and colourful coral gardens.
- Rafting on the Martha Brae River – Floating on bamboo rafts down the calm Martha Brae River is a super serene experience. A local guide will steer you along the river, while sharing stories about Jamaica’s flora, fauna and history.
- Swimming with dolphins, Ocho Rios – At Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, you can swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, as well as other marine life, like sharks and stingrays. There are also jungle trails and loads of opportunities to learn about the local wildlife.
- Boat tours – Take to the sea in the day to explore coral reefs and scenic beaches or go out at sunset for golden-hour views, paired with music and drinks. Near Falmouth, there’s the Luminous Lagoon, where the water glows an electric neon shade. Check out this tour to see it – it even includes a free drink.
Did you even go on holiday if you didn’t pack your suitcase home full of souvenirs?
- Falmouth Market, Trelawny – Get Jamaican-grown fruit and veg for the best prices on Lower Street Parade, as well as homemade crafts – it’s buzzing on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Harmony Hall, Ocho Rios – This art gallery isn’t just good for admiring the works of over 100 Jamaican artists… the gift shop is full of locally made jewellery, beauty products, ceramics and artwork, of course.
- The ‘Hip Strip’, Montego Bay – This is the beating heart of Montego Bay. It runs along Gloucester Avenue and is lined with shops, clubs, restaurants and bars. You can browse everything from high-end duty-free boutiques to local trinket stalls while reggae’s played and rum punch and Red Stripes are handed round.
- Harbour Street Craft Market, Montego Bay – Easily walkable from the city, this market is open daily, 7am until 7pm, on Harbour Street and it’s all hats, musical instruments, wood carvings, jewellery and clothing.
Here are some of the popular festivals and events you can check out on a holiday to Jamaica…
- Reggae Sumfest – This iconic event is the biggest music festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean, and a must-visit for reggae lovers. It takes place every year in Montego Bay in July, with performances from local and international reggae artists, as well as food stalls and other events to celebrate the arts.
- Jamaica Carnival – Jamaica’s carnival is held one week after Easter, so can fall in either March or April. It’s a celebration that takes over the country with parades, dancing and amazing costumes. Join in the party on the streets or pick an event to go to, and you can bet the rum punch is flowing…
Like you didn’t already know Jamaica had amazing beaches… But here are some of the best.
- Seven Mile Beach, Negril – One of Jamaica’s most famous beaches, Seven Mile Beach is a seriously long stretch of cliché-white sand and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing and trying new watersports. It’s even popular with both families and younger party crowds – there are loads of beachside bars and restaurants to keep you there all day and the sunsets here are stunning.
- Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay – Along Montego Bay’s famous ‘Hip Strip’, Doctor’s Cave Beach has lovely, calm waters and soft sand. Many believe the water has therapeutic properties, which has boosted its rep. But its central location, close to restaurants and shops, is a big plus.
- James Bond Beach, Oracabessa – Named after the famous James Bond movies, particularly Dr No, which was filmed in the area. This beach is surrounded by lush hills and is a real tranquil spot to relax or try watersports, like snorkelling and paddleboarding.
- Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio – One of the most picturesque beaches in Jamaica, where a river meets the sea. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds, as it’s small but still very scenic, with freshwater and saltwater areas to swim in.
Jamaica holidays are full of street food you only wish you could make as good…
- Jerk chicken – Jamaica’s most famous food. Jerk involves marinating meat with a blend of spices, including allspice, Scotch bonnet peppers and thyme, then slow-cooking it over a pimento wood fire. The result is smoky, spicy and seriously good.
- Ackee and saltfish – As Jamaica’s national dish, you have to try ackee and saltfish. Ackee is a fruit with a mild, buttery flavour, then it’s cooked with salted cod, onions, peppers and tomatoes. It’s often served with dumplings, yams or fried plantains, and is typically a breakfast dish but you can order it whenever.
- Curry goat – A staple in Jamaican celebrations and Sunday dinners, curry goat is tender, slow-cooked goat meat in a rich curry sauce. You get it served with rice and peas.
- Jamaican patties – These savoury pastries are filled with spiced meat or vegetables and are the ultimate Jamaican street food.
Jamaica loves rum. It’s known for producing some of the best in the world, but it’s coffee and beer aren’t bad either.
- Blue Mountain coffee – These beans are world renowned. They have a smooth, rich flavour with a mild bitterness from being grown in the Blue Mountains at high altitude.
- Rum punch – Made with Jamaica’s world-famous rum, lime juice, sugar and sometimes fruit juices like pineapple or orange. Rum punch is deffo your go-to beach cocktail… Jamaican rum, especially from Appleton Estate, is considered some of the best in the world.
- Red Stripe beer – Don’t lie, you’ve had a can or two of this already… Well, it comes from Jamaica. This light lager is the perfect match for the island’s warm weather and spicy food.
It’s all festivals and beach bar vibes by day, then clubs and parties on the sand by night…
- Rick’s Café, Negril – This nightlife institution is known for its stunning sunsets, cliff diving and buzzing atmosphere. Rick’s Café is one of the most iconic spots in Negril and works as a relaxed hangout for swimmers and cliff divers in the day. But in the evenings, it transforms into a lively bar with reggae music and dancing.
- Pier 1, Montego Bay – One of Montego Bay’s top nightlife picks, with a mix of food, live music and club vibes. It’s on the waterfront and in the day, it serves seafood and local dishes, before clearing away a dancefloor until late. It’s famous Friday night party draws large crowds with its outside setting, live DJs and reggae and soca playlists.
- Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, Kingston & Montego Bay – Named after Jamaica’s legendary sprinter, Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records is a sports bar and lounge with locations in both Kingston and Montego Bay. It’s a great place to enjoy Jamaican food, watch live sports and then party at night with music and DJ sets.
Why we love Jamaica
Popular holiday types
Jamaica’s best beachy spots, like Negril and Montego Bay, have their waterfronts lined with big resorts for easy access to the sea. And, when in a world-class-rum-producing country, imagine the standards of the local spirits at the All Inclusive bar…
The Caribbean’s calm blue waters are perfect for young families and the mix of beach chilling and rainforest adventure means there’s something for everyone.
You might think it takes time to plan a long-haul trip, but the bigger the flight, the bigger the deal you can get if there’s a last-minute offer on. Always keep your eyes on our deals pages to see where you can go for less last min.
Think infinity pools, private beach access, swim-up bars. Island life already screams luxury, so why not go all out with a five-star stay in Jamaica? The Caribbean is big trip energy, so whether it’s your honeymoon pick, an anniversary treats or just your next bucket-list place… go BIG.
Recommended hotels
Jamaica FAQs
Most travellers, including citizens from the UK, US, Canada and the EU, don’t need a visa to visit Jamaica for stays of up to 90 days. But, you will need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity left when you enter the country – you can check you’re all set with our handy passport checker.
Please make sure you check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date information.
The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), but US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas. It’s a good idea to carry some local currency for smaller purchases, especially in more rural areas, but credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops – just check yours doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Jamaica holidays are all about warm weather, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear to enjoy the beaches, and comfortable shoes for daytrips and exploring. Don’t forget suncream, insect repellent and sunglasses, too. A small waterproof bag is also useful for beach and boat trips to keep your valuables safe and dry.
For those picture-perfect blue skies and balmy breezes, go for somewhere between December and April. Temps hover around 27°C and peak at a toasty 32°C.
Or, if you’re not fussed about a few raindrops, the rainy season from May to November is a good budget pick. In the Caribbean, rain often means quick showers followed by plenty of sun still, so you can always get in some beach time. Just watch out for Jamaica’s hurricane season from June to November – August and September are the worst months.
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Jamaica travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Jamaica, but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/entry-requirements.
It’s now mandatory that you complete the online passenger declaration form before checking in for your flight to Jamaica. Make sure your departure is smooth and hassle-free by completing the online Jamaica declaration form on https://enterjamaica.gov.jm before you head off for the airport.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica/health
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