Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and whether its activity or tranquillity you’re after, Jamaica has it all. There are numerous exclusive hotels suiting all tastes and the beaches in Jamaica are made up of powder soft white sands which are gently caressed by the tropical blue Caribbean waters. Negril boasts the famous 7 mile beach and a relaxed Caribbean ambience with several restaurants and reggae bars. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are much busier with lots of shops, restaurants and an abundance of nightlife. There are also secluded resorts such as Runaway Bay and there are plenty of things to explore on the island.
Things to see and do in Jamaica:
Attractions: Situated just outside Ocho Rios, Dunn’s river falls are one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations and thousands of visitors each year come to play and swim in the waterfall’s pools. Alternatively, you can climb up the falls with or without a tour guide or simply chill out on the beautiful beach. Not far from Dunn’s falls is the spectacular and also very popular Blue Hole, which offers 20 feet of cascading waterfalls and deep blue waters; perfect for cliff jumps and dives for the more adventurous visitors. If you’re visiting the capital city of Kingston, make sure you take a trip to the Bob Marley Museum – which is a fitting tribute to Jamaica’s most famous export – who lived in Kingston until his death in 1981. Here you can take a guided tour around his modest house and see his recording studio, stage outfits and photo gallery. For lovers of 007, make sure you visit James Bond Beach, just up the road from where Ian Fleming wrote his 007 novels and also the scenic location for the Dr No film. Even if you’re not a James Bond fan, you’ll still enjoy the lovely views and walks along the powdery white sand.
Events/festivals: It will come as no surprise that Jamaica has a lot going on! Before you visit, make sure you check out the events that are taking place as you wouldn’t want to miss a Jamaican party! In January, the island hosts its Jazz & Blues Festival, which attracts international soul and jazz stars. The following month, February, sees the island’s Jamaica Carnival, with live music, colourful costumes and lots of dancing. In June, fashionistas will love Caribbean Fashion Week where top designers display their latest collections. Also in June, Ocho Rios hosts its annual Jazz festival. July is perhaps the biggest month for partying during the Reggae Sumfest, when local and international reggae and pop stars (including 50cent, Usher and Beenie Man) perform for the expectant crowds. The Jamaicans celebrate Emancipation and Independence Day in August when the island comes alive with dancing, music, parties and a Gala parade in Kingston.
Sports: The Jamaicans are big cricket fans (it’s their national sport) and if watching cricket’s your thing and you’re visiting in April, try to catch the Jamaica Cricket Festival, which promises lots of exciting matches. Jamaica is also of course home to a raft of elite sprinters, including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. If you are a watersports fan, there are endless opportunities in Jamaica to join in the fun, whether you’re looking for scuba diving, snorkelling or deep sea fishing, you will never be bored!
Nightlife: Jamaica has a great choice of nightlife. With a reputation of having more rum bars per capita head than anywhere else in the world, you will never find yourself far from a rum cocktail or two! Montego Bay and Ocho Rios offer a large choice of nightlife options plus lots of restaurants, whereas Negril has a more relaxed atmosphere with mainly smaller reggae bars and restaurants.
Eating/Drinking: Jamaican cuisine is renowned the world over and has a tendency to be on the spicy side. Jerk chicken (or pork) is almost an institution in Jamaica, and is made by marinating the meat in a mixture of peppers, herbs and hot spices. The national dish is ackee fruit and salt fish and is often eaten for breakfast or brunch. (For the less adventurous, most resorts offer a wide range of International cuisine too!) Popular drinks include rum punch (and other rum cocktails), Blue Mountain coffee, Coconut milk and Red Stripe Jamaican Lager.
Shopping: Popular items to take home include Jamaican crafts, wood carvings, spices, and rum. There are various places across the island to shop including malls, markets and craft halls.
When to go
Jamaica enjoys warm tropical temperatures all year round. The best time to visit is between mid-December and mid-April when the weather is at its driest. However, this is peak season and you may consider travelling during May and June when the weather is similar but the island is not quite so busy. The summer months and up to November tend to be hot and humid and during this time the island is most at risk from hurricanes and heavy rain – however, many of the island’s best events and festivals happen over this time, particularly in midsummer.
Exclusively for couples and nestled in charming Negril, upon Seven Mile Beach, this hotel offers the ideal tropical escape.
Learn MoreJamaica's original all-inclusive hotel, a couples-only resort offering scenes of natural beauty, ideal for a romantic getaway.
Learn MoreThis prestigious hotel offers a true Caribbean getaway, set within 400 acres of manicured grounds and on a stunning crescent beach.
Learn MoreLocated in Ocho Rios, this hotel is renowned for its understated timeless elegance and is ideal for a romantic escape.
Learn MoreThis former plantation offers a magnificent blend of low-key luxury and timeless elegance, ideal for both families and couples.
Learn MoreThis waterfront resort is a great all-rounder, ideal for everyone. It's also set in the centre of Montego Bay so close to all the action.
Learn MoreSituated in Ocho Rios on the lush north coast, resting on two pristine beaches, this luxury hotel offers seclusion for couples.
Learn MoreSituated in Negril, this intimate couples all-inclusive property offers a tropical and tranquil experience, with a true Jamaican vibe.
Learn MoreWhy choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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KarenBryant
Lynette has been very accommodating it meeting all of our requests and changes and also with her suggestions. Price was good too.
Posted 14 hours ago -
Chuk
I had never heard of eshores till I decided to plan a multi-stop holiday in Turkey some weeks ago. The decision to use eshores was based on a quick internet search for any help I could get with this. So, i wasnt really expecting much. As the planning was at relatively short notice...and we had never travelled to Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at the support I had from Rachel at eshores who listened to what I wanted and was patient to go back and forth with me till I had the exact holiday I wanted (Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya). I always had a response with every query(and I had quite a few!!). The travel itself worked like a dream...both international and domestic flights were straightforward, but even more surprising was how reliable the multiple taxis to and fro airports were, even when picking up at 0330!! Overall, the experience has been very positive and I would be very happy to use the service again
Posted 1 day ago -
carol
We have just booked a two centre holiday in the Caribbean through eshores. This was the first time we've used this company them and found them to be GREAT. Lynette helped us find the perfect holiday, she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you.
Posted 3 days ago -
Stephen
To be honest, I had not used eShores before, however, after arranging our holiday plans with Michelle, I will certainly be back. Very helpful and knowledgeable and we are delighted with the advice received and all the travel arrangements, choice of hotels and flight times. Thank you so much.
Posted 4 days ago -
Michaela
Booking was great and easy with Rachael. She was polite and listened to our requirements. I am positive the experience will be a fantastic holiday in October !
Posted 4 days ago -
Carole
Just booked a two centre Caribbean holiday through eShores and Rachel was extremely helpful. She listened to our needs and nothing was too much trouble for her. Her pleasant and friendly manner made it easy to discuss our requirements and made the whole process so easy.
Posted 5 days ago -
John
I found eShores efficient and helpful. Dave Felton found me good times, prices and hotels for a twin trip to Krakow & Warsaw and dealt effectively with any concerns I had. Definitely recommended.
Posted 5 days ago -
Debbie& Mick
Nick arranged a 2 week trip to Argentina & Brazil for us in March. We were happy with the itinerary he put together and his choice of hotels. We had a good level of contact from taxi companies for collections at airports & hotels. On our return he checked everything had gone smoothly which was a nice touch. I mentioned that I was looking for a beach holiday in a couple of months and he put together some hotels at a good price so I’ve booked again with him. I would definitely use Nick, EShores, again and recommend them to friends.
Posted 6 days ago -
Claire
Travel consultant Laura was very friendly and helpful and found us the itinerary we were looking for and made slight changes for us very happily and was always contactable to discuss any queries, thank you Laura.
Posted 1 week ago -
AmandaVictoria
Our second holiday booked with eshores and also recommended to friends and family who have also booked their holidays. Always a great service and lots of patience ensuring right choices made for a perfect holiday. Definitely recommend and thanks again Michelle for helping organise another amazing trip for next year 😊
Posted 1 week ago
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