2011 marks the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley's death on 11 May 1981, with many celebrations expected in honour of the iconic Reggae singer.

The Caribbean's third-largest island, Jamaica is also one of the most vibrant and colorful. Idyllic white sand beaches and exotic tropical blooms sit against a backdrop of blue mountain peaks. As the adopted home of the Rasta, Jamaica is also a riot of red, gold, and green. Renowned as the birthplace of Bob Marley, if reggae is the island’s musical heart, then Rice-and-peas, rum, coffee and cricket are its soul. Local pastimes center on verbal traditions, such as discussing an idea to exhaustion, often over a fiercely fought game of dominoes on a veranda or front porch.

Excellent tourist facilities and attractions range from leafy parks to handsome colonial towns and neon-lit nightlife. Negril and Montego Bay are Jamaica’s two main coastal resorts, attracting a mix of tourists with exquisite sands, lively clubs, fine restaurants and world-class golf. Laid-back Negril boasts an 11km (7-mile) beach lined with funky beach bars painted in bubblegum hues. Known to one and all as Mo’ Bay, sizzling Montego Bay has a reputation as a party town, but is also a paradise for shoppers.

Journey a short distance along the coast to discover ‘the real Jamaica’, amidst street markets of ackee, yam and breadfruit and vendors hawking kulu kulu rum. Explore the quaint fishing villages of Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa, sleepy retreats that offer a glimpse of Jamaica’s quieter side.

Music is inherent to Jamaica, be it roots, rock, reggae or reggaeton. In historic Kingston, the island’s spirited capital, grand Georgian plazas and elegant mansions are serenaded by soca rhythms and the pulsating buzz of the city. The Tuff Gong and the Bob Marley Museum celebrate Jamaica’s musical heritage and African roots.

 

2011 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
09-Mar	Ash Wednesday	06-Aug	Independence Day
22-Apr	Good Friday	17-Oct	National Heroes Day
24-Apr	Easter Sunday	25-Dec	Christmas Day
25-Apr	Easter Monday	26-Dec	Boxing Day
01-Aug	Emancipation Day

 

2011 EVENTS

CARNIVAL
Jamaica's 15th annual Carnival takes place from mid February until the end of April, with most of the big  events happening  during Easter week. The climax is the parade which takes place on the last day of carnival

 

 

Geography
With an area of 4,244 sq miles, Jamaica is the largest island of the Commonwealth Caribbean and the third largest of the Greater Antilles, after Cuba and Hispaniola. A largely mountainous terrain reaches 7,402ft at the Blue Mountain Peak in the east, descending westward in a series of ridges and forested ravines. Over 621 miles of coastline offers fine beaches in the north and west. The island is half the size of the Scottish Highlands, at its longest, 146 miles, its width varying between 22 and 51 miles.

 

Climate	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average Temp (C)	30	30	30	31	31	32	32	32	32	31	31	31
Average Rainfall (mm)	23	15	23	31	102	89	89	91	99	180	74	36

 

GMT -5 (GMT -4 in Summer)

Dunn's River Falls

These spectacular waterfalls are arguably one of Jamaica's most popular and famous attractions, offering 600 ft of climbing in the most stunning surroundings. Near Ocho Rios.

Appleton Estate Rum Tour

Appleton Estate Rum Tour gives the visitor an inside look at the rum making process. Visitors watch resident donkey demonstrate how juice was extracted from sugar cane in the 18th century. From there the tour takes visitors to the Distillery & Aging House where the different methods of distillation are shown. Visitors are then able to juice their own cane and sample white rum.

Bob Marley Museum

Birthplace and final resting place of reggae icon, Robert Nesta Marley. Visit the humble beginnings of this legendary artist in the hills of St. Ann.

Rafting on the Martha Brae

Rafting on the Martha Brae is Jamaica's premier rafting attraction. A skilled raft captain on a 30ft. bamboo raft takes visitors on a romantic adventure into the scenic and tranquil beauty of the island. This unique experience encompassing over 3 miles of beautiful and picturesque river should not be missed by any visitor.

James Bond Beach

Located just 20 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocho Rios James Bond Beach is spectacular, beautiful beaches surrounded by crystal clear water on three sides and an amazing backdrop; the lush mountains of St. Mary reaching straight down to the sea. James Bond Beach is well known for the fabulous fresh fish and seafood served at the two-storey Moonraker Jamaican Bar & Grill. The fish is so fresh we let you pick which one you want to eat! If you are looking for a little excitement James Bond Beach also offers the ultimate experience - Guided wave runner tours. The tours ride past the famous Golden Eye, where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels then on to pass UB40's home and some of the most breathtaking views that can only be seen on a personal watercraft.

Y. S. Falls

YS Falls is a nature-based attraction nestled in the foothills of the cockpit country of St. Elizabeth. Enjoy an intimate experience with a spectacular 7-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. A tractor drawn jitney takes you through a working thoroughbred horse and cattle farm to the hidden valley - home to the waterfalls. Indulge yourself in a "nature pool" fed by underground and above ground springs.

Traffic drives on the left. Only one third of the road network is tarred.

Jamaican Dollar (J$)= 100 cents. Jamaican law requires that local currency be used when paying for all goods and services, though that law is followed very loosely and the US Dollar is accepted almost universally.

Medical care standards vary dramatically across the country's 16 public and six private hospitals. Health insurance is strongly advised; medical treatment is often expensive and cash payment is often required, sometimes in advance.

Most Jamaican hotels and restaurants add a service charge of 10 %; otherwise 10-15 % is expected. Chambermaids, waiters, hotel bellboys and airport porters all expect tips. Taxi drivers receive 10 % of the fare.

Mains water in key tourist areas is normally chlorinated and is considered safe to drink. However, elsewhere water quality remains poor and should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.

There is reliable bus service in Kingston and Montego Bay, less reliable for trans-island travel. Not all taxis are metered, so it is best to check standard charges prior to the trip. Route taxis, with red licence plates, cost about US$1 every 5 miles or so. The driver will keep adding passengers until the car is full. Private taxis cost US$15-20 per hour.

Mon-Thurs 0900-1400; Fri 0900-1200 and 1430-1700, with 24-hour ATMs in major cities and resort areas.

Electrical outlets do not follow a standard and vary from 110 volts to 220 volts AC (50 Cycle), depending on your location.

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