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Overview
The north coast is Jamaica’s tourist centre, and busy Montego Bay is its capital. From the city itself, beaches, resorts, golf courses and attractions stretch out in both directions along the North Coast Highway, from Negril in the west to Port Antonio in the east. Rootsy downtown is distinct from the more touristy “hip strip” on Gloucester Avenue, lined with shops and hotels, restaurants and bars and duty-free bargains.
Best Time To Go
High season is December to April; prices tend to fall during the other months
Language
English
Best Known For
Beaches, watersports, golf
Airport
Sangster International
Things To Do
An encounter with Rastafari
An encounter with Rastafari
Just outside MoBay, the Rastafari Indigenous Village is a working community living the lifestyle and beliefs of Rastafarianism. A must for anyone seriously interested in Jamaican culture.
A day at sea
A day at sea
Sailing, party cruises, sunset cruises, fishing trips, speedboat cruises – there are many ways of going to sea from MoBay. Plus water skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, and more.
Look for the white witch
Look for the white witch
Beyond the city, Rose Hall, an 18th-century plantation house, has been beautifully restored for visitors, with gardens, golf – and the ghost of one-time owner Annie Palmer.
Drive the north coast
Drive the north coast
Explore the other centres along the coast: Negril with its Seven-Mile Beach, Falmouth with its Glistening Waters, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios and Dunns River Falls.
What To Eat
Jamaica likes it hot
Jamaican jerk
The Jamaican signature dish. Chicken or pork rubbed and marinated in hot spices and smoked, traditionally over pimento wood. Very tasty, very hot.
The national dish
Ackee and saltfish is the Jamaican national dish. Ackee fruit and salt cod are cooked with onions, tomatoes, hot peppers and spices.
Jamaican patties
A great snack. Meat, vegetables or fish stuffed in a pastry casing. Similar in appearance to the pasties found in the UK and elsewhere, but a lot spicier.
Rundown
Tasty fish stew: a one-pot dish with fish and vegetables, onions and tomatoes, maybe yam, all cooked together in coconut milk.
Travel Tips
Currency
Jamaican dollar
Electricity
110-120v, 50 cycles
Passport
A valid passport is required, along with an onward or return ticket
Tipping
10-15% at your discretion for good service, though a service charge is usually included in hotel and restaurant bills
Driving
Book in advance if possible, or arrange through your hotel. Drive on the left. You must be 25 or over to rent a car, and show a valid driving permit from your home country
Public Transport
Taxis, route taxis, bus service
Would you like to book a car?
Would you like to book a hotel?
Business Hours
8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Saturdays. Banks 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Shopping plazas stay open later