On the paradisiacal island of Jamaica, there is something like a “magic triangle”: reggae, rastafari and rum! But it’s not just the hot rhythms, the unusual hairstyles and the alcoholic beverages that attract guests from all parts of the world to this tropical region. Rather, it is the wonderful beaches, the warm sea in all seasons and the fascinating underwater world on the coral reefs on Jamaica’s doorstep. But the sound of reggae will remain in the memory of many holidaymakers long after they have been caught up in everyday life. A bamboo raft in Jamaica, Image: ajlatan / shutterstock Jamaica – this is a happy island under a mild Caribbean sun with some big neighbors: Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Reggae seems to be in the blood of the islanders. And not only since the legendary Bob Marley spoke with his songs of the longing of people to return home to the roots of their lives, to Africa. “Soulful town – soulful people,” Bob Marley breathed into the microphones. It was his very special declaration of love to Jamaica that laid the singer to rest in a mausoleum in Nine Miles and created a place of worship for the Rastafarians. On a round trip through Jamaica, the visitor repeatedly encounters refreshing waterfalls in a landscape that resembles a jungle. But there are also the impenetrable mangrove forests on the coasts and the hills of the Blue Mountains. In this environment, the Englishman Ian Fleming created the role of the legendary James Bond with his novels. Some of these films were made in Jamaica. Also in the Swamp Safari Park in Falmouth, where it was reserved for a stuntman to slip into the role of Roger Moore and fled over the back of a crocodile in the film “Live and Let Die”. A typical fruit stand in Jamaica, Image: LBSimms Photography / shutterstock The explorer Christopher Columbus anchored at Montego Bay on May 4, 1494. According to historical writings, he was opposed by almost a hundred thousand Indians from the Aruak tribe. Today, this is the hub of the “Gold Coast” with a wide range of water sports, first-class golf courses and the resorts of the seaside resort of Doctor’s Cave and White Sands. It is mainly a holiday resort for families with their children. Seven Miles Beach is the most beautiful of all Jamaica’s beaches in the eyes of many travelers. Surely this has something to do with the picturesque sunsets that can be experienced here. Holidaymakers will find accommodation for every budget and to everyone’s taste on this island. And almost everywhere it is only a few steps from the friendly resorts with their tropical gardens to the pristine white sand of the beach on the doorstep.
Seven Mile Beach – This beach in Negril is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. It stretches for 7 miles and offers numerous activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Doctor’s Cave Beach – This beach in Montego Bay is famous for its crystal clear waters and white sand. The beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
Frenchman’s Cove – This beach in Port Antonio is one of the most picturesque beaches in Jamaica, with white sand, turquoise blue waters, and green hills in the background.
Blue Lagoon Beach – This beach in Port Antonio is another picturesque beach known for its turquoise lagoon and crystal clear waters. The beach also offers opportunities for snorkeling and boating.
Treasure Beach – This beach in southern Jamaica is known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere. The beach is a popular place to relax and also offers opportunities for snorkeling and fishing.
Travel information Jamaica
Capital Kingston
Form of government
: Parliamentary monarchy
Currency
Jamaica Dollar (JMD)
Area
approx. 10,991 km²
Population
approx. 2,900,000 (as of 2017)
Languages
English
Power supply
110 Volt / 50 Hz
Country calling code
+1 (876)
UTC-5 time zone
Holidays in Jamaica: The most important information
The most important tourist resorts & excursion destinations
Montego Bay: Known for its beaches, resorts and the Hip Strip district.
Negril: Famous for its Seven Mile Beach and spectacular sunsets.
Ocho Rios: Home to Dunn’s River Falls and a popular destination for cruise ships.
Kingston: The capital offers cultural attractions such as the Bob Marley Museum and Emancipation Park.
Port Antonio: Known for the Blue Lagoon and Frenchman’s Cove.
Treasure Beach: A quieter alternative with beautiful beaches and authentic Jamaican culture.
Blue Mountains: Great for hiking and known for the famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
Important telephone numbers
Emergency call (police, fire brigade, ambulance): 119
Police: +1 876 927 7681
Fire Department: +1 876 922 2523
Ambulance: +1 876 927 7681
German Embassy in Kingston: +1 876 920 4240
German Doctors
Dr. Peter Vogel: Fontana Pharmacy, 6-11 Fairview Shopping Center, Montego Bay, +1 876 953 0593
Dr. Claudia Egger: The Winchester Medical Center, 3A Winchester Road, Kingston 10, +1 876 920 3414
Opening hours
Shops: Usually Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., some shops are also open on Sundays.
Supermarkets: Usually daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Restaurants: Lunch from 12:00 to 15:00, dinner from 18:00 to 22:00.
Banks: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Airport
Sangster International Airport (MBJ): The main airport in Montego Bay.
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN): The main airport in Kingston.
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ): Near Ocho Rios.
Post / Stamps
Post offices: In all major cities and towns. Main post office in Kingston.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stamps: Available at the post office and in some kiosks and supermarkets.
Costs for letters and postcards to Germany: Standard letter up to 20g: approx. 130 JMD (approx. 0.80 EUR); Postcard: approx. 130 JMD (approx. 0.80 EUR)
Safety
Crime: Some areas, especially in Kingston, should be avoided.
It is advisable to check current travel advice and observe common precautions, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.
Emergency number: 119
Current
Voltage: 110 volts
Sockets: Type A and B (adapters for European plugs are required)
Tip
Restaurants: 10-15% of the bill amount is customary if no service charge is included.
Taxis: Round up the amount or about 10%
Hotels: $1-2 per day for cleaning staff
Customs
Allowances: Personal belongings are duty-free.
Alcohol: Maximum 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine.
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
Other items: Goods with a total value of up to $500 are duty-free.
Destinations
Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios): A famous waterfall that visitors can climb up.
Blue Hole (Ocho Rios): A natural water pool with waterfalls and Tarzan swing.
Rick’s Cafe (Negril): A famous spot for cliff jumping and spectacular sunsets.
Bob Marley Museum (Kingston): The reggae star’s former home, now a museum.
Blue Mountains: A paradise for hikers and nature lovers, known for its coffee.
YS Falls (St. Elizabeth Parish): A series of seven waterfalls with natural pools.
Appleton Estate: One of the oldest sugar plantations and rum distilleries in Jamaica.
Luminous Lagoon (Falmouth): A unique place where the water glows at night.
Rose Hall Great House (Montego Bay): A historic property with a spooky history.
