Ian 
We were only able to spend a week in Jamaica, and definitely could have spent many more… It was a wonderful experience, a beautiful island, and wonderful people. We flew into Kingston and immediately drove over the blue mountains to Ocho Rios. If you want to skip the intro to our adventure click here.
Jamaica, an island paradise in the Caribbean, is a destination that enchants with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rhythmic beats of reggae music to the lush rainforests and pristine beaches, Jamaica offers an immersive experience that caters to every traveler’s desires. In this travel blog post, we’ll embark on a virtual journey to Jamaica, exploring its diverse attractions, rich history, and unforgettable adventures.
The Allure of Nature
Jamaica’s natural beauty is nothing short of captivating. The island is a haven for nature lovers, boasting a diverse range of landscapes that include mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. A visit to Dunn’s River Falls, a terraced waterfall that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, is a must-do activity. Climbing the falls hand in hand with fellow adventurers creates a memory that will linger for years to come.
For a taste of tropical paradise, Jamaica’s beaches are second to none. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is a pristine stretch of powdery sand and crystal-clear waters that invite sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts. The calm and vibrant underwater world is perfect for snorkeling and diving, allowing you to explore coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life.
Immersive Cultural Encounters
Jamaica’s cultural scene is a lively tapestry woven from its history, music, and people. The birthplace of reggae music and the legendary Bob Marley, Jamaica’s musical heritage resonates in every corner. A visit to Kingston’s Bob Marley Museum takes you on a journey through his life and legacy, offering insights into the power of music as a cultural and social force.
Sampling authentic Jamaican cuisine is an integral part of any visit. From the spicy jerk chicken to the flavorful rice and peas, each dish is a celebration of the island’s diverse cultural influences. Engaging with locals and savoring traditional meals at local eateries adds a personal touch to your Jamaican experience.
Adventures
For adventure seekers, Jamaica offers a plethora of thrilling activities that will get your heart racing. Zip-lining through the treetops of a rainforest canopy is one of the options that I really wanted, but we didn’t get the chance to do. We did get to go on a bamboo raft down the river. Which was nice and a bit comical. Our “captain” was a bit younger and not extremely experienced in navigating the raft. But we made our way slowly down the river despite the shouts from other captains. They ranged from encouragement to suggestions to heckling as we bumped our way along. It was an enjoyable adventure and we made sure to tip well and encourage him that he would be a master of the craft before he knew it.
Warm Hospitality and Relaxation
Jamaica is renowned for its warm and welcoming people, who radiate the island’s friendly spirit. From the moment you step foot on Jamaican soil, you’ll be greeted with smiles and a sense of community that’s as genuine as it is heartwarming.
If relaxation is what you seek, Jamaica’s luxury resorts provide the ultimate haven. Picture yourself lounging by an infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon, or receiving a soothing massage while listening to the gentle sounds of the ocean. Whether you choose to pamper yourself at a high-end resort or embrace the laid-back charm of a beachside cottage, Jamaica caters to your desire for relaxation.
Our stay
Before you go, it’s not a bad idea to go and get some Jamaican dollars. Many places will take american dollars, but it is best to have some of the local currency. You will often get change in Jamaican dollars, so if you just bring US currency you will probably be fine. But, Jamaica is a very cash based economy, and not a great place to get stuck in a tight spot. There were not many ATMs around. The conversion rate is about 150 to 1 at the time of writing this. The best way for me to do the math in my head was to just think that 300 Jamaican was $2.
The coffee farm was obviously friends of the taxi driver, this was not a place set up for tourists to visit. But they kindly showed us around the mountain where they had their coffee shrubs and beautiful views.
When We first arrived, we took a taxi immediately across the island northward to Ocho Rios. There are two ways to cross the island. You can go around the coast, which is flat, without many turns, enabling you to drive fast, but it supposedly takes the same amount of time. The blue mountains are beautiful, and there is some sort of enjoyment in driving directly up into the clouds, so we chose is to go directly across the island, driving over the Blue Mountains through switchbacks at upwards of 25 MPH during the rare stretches when you don’t have to aggressively use the steering wheel and horn.. (see our clip of the ride here). There were plenty of taxis waiting around the airport and Molly talked to one that agreed to take us to Ocho Rios with a stop by a coffee farmer that he knew and then to Somerset Falls. The trip took us almost all day and cost about $300… I am sure we could have negotiated a better price, but were not really interested in haggling over $10-$20 at the time.
The way we took… We stopped by a coffee farm and went to Somerset Falls on our way to Ocho Rios. It basically took all day.Coffee is generally an annual crop. However, Jamaica has a growing season that is nearly twice as long as Arabica beans. Coffee trees can be transplanted to a plantation 10 months after seedlings are bedded. It takes three years to produce the first coffee berries, and five years to reach full production. Coffee cherries mature for 10 months, rather than five, and are harvested between February and March and June. Coffee grows more slowly in Jamaica than usual because of heavy rainfall, dense cloud cover, and low temperatures. Coffee cherries typically are grown at altitudes of between 900 and 1,700 meters, in which the blue mountains fall comfortably within.
Conclusion
Jamaica is a destination that will enchant and captivate, a place where vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and hospitality create an unforgettable travel experience. From the rhythmic beats of reggae to the adrenaline-pumping adventures and serene moments of relaxation, Jamaica has something for everyone. As you dream of your next journey, consider adding this Caribbean gem to your bucket list – an island where vibrant culture, breathtaking nature, and warm smiles welcome you at every turn.
