1010 Jamaica

Jamaica Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Resources

Jamaica guide to attractions, places to stay, restaurants and local resources - all designed to help you plan and enjoy a better vacation: has info about things to see and do, where to eat and shop and info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf.

Jamaica is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean and offers a multitude of vacationing options.

Welcome to Jamaica

Jamaica first came to the attention of Columbus when Cuban natives told him of Xaymaca - the land of wood and water. He set foot on the island in 1494 at Discovery Bay. A later expedition led to his ship running aground and leaving Columbus marooned on the island for about a year in 1503.

It's hard to imagine a better place to be marooned. With lush hills and valleys, plenty of fresh water, fruits and wildlife, getting stranded on Jamaica is something that would not take too much getting used to.

As the third largest island in the Caribbean chain, it is about 150 long and 50 miles.  From the summit of Blue Mountain, vistas of almost 100 miles are breath taking.


Updated - Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Jamaica

Several areas on Jamaica are true magnets for tourists. Generally far removed from the urban setting of Kingston.  

Regions

Ocho Rios
On Jamaica's North Coast and just NNE of Kingston, Ocho Rio was originally a mining town and many of the original structures exist lending charm to the area. Water, water everywhere with cascading waterfalls at Dunn's River Falls, a Dolphin encounter site at Treasure Reef, several botanical sites and a working plantation.

Montego Bay
One of the original settlements, MoBay and the surrounding area is studded with captivating coves and fine strands of beautiful beach. The airport at Montego Bay acts as a hub for many flights making trips to other islands.

Negril
The area of Negril on the western tip of Jamaica is home to famous seven-mile beach and a great location to observe the setting sun. This is the site where you see brave souls diving off cliffs into beautiful pools of water.  

Places to Stay

GoldenEye
Reopening in October (10-10-10), the Ian Flemming home where much of the James Bond novels were written. Located in Oracabessa in the Ocho Rios area. 

Attractions

Rio Grande Rafting
Climb aboard a bamboo raft and spend a few hours meandering the Rio Grande - a slow moving river of idyllic nature. In Port Antonio, East of Ocho Rios and due north of Kingston on the North Coast. 

Local Resources

Jamaica Tourist Board
64 Knutsford Blvd in Kingston. 


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