Jamaica

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and it became an independent nation in 1962.  It is an island of wonderful beaches, mountain jungles, and waterfalls.  Kingston, the capital city, is on the south shore of the island.

Colorful Shops in Jamaica

Spanish settlers first came to Jamaica, then the British.  There were several slave uprisings over the years, but it wasn't until 1962 that Jamaica achieved independence from the UK.  Since then, it has developed one of the largest tourist industries in the Caribbean.

Home of reggae music, spicy food, and Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaica offers a host of retreats and activities for vacationers.  Popular beaches are found near Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril, where luxury mega-resorts draw many tourists.  Get special spa treatments, such as a massage, sugar-cane body scrub, or papaya-banana facial, or get your hair braided into cornrows.  Dine on cuisine developed from various countries' products and seasoned with "Jamaican spice," or try local food such as cow foot stew, goat head soup, or jerked meat.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular water sports, and divers will especially want to explore Port Royal, the city that sank into Kingston Harbor after an earthquake in 1692.  Other water activities include swimming with dolphins, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and fishing.  On land, watch cricket and polo matches or enjoy horseback riding, downhill biking, golf, or bird-watching.  Art lovers can visit Kingston's National Gallery of Jamaica or watch artists at work in Ocho Rios.

Jamaica Map

Click map to enlarge.

Jamaica Tourist Information

• Visit Jamaica
• Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association
• Frommers > Jamaica
• Geographia > Jamaica
• Lonely Planet > Jamaica
• Discover Jamaica

Jamaica