Jamaica is a Greater Antilles island in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles south of Cuba and 120 miles west of the Hispaniola Island, where Haiti and the Dominican Republic are located. The island is 4,234 square miles with 634 miles of coastline, which is about the size of Connecticut. Jamaica has a tropical climate with scarcely any seasonal variation in temperature, making it ideal for winter visitors. In the coastal lowlands, the average annual temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit, while it's 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the Blue Mountains. Annual rainfall is 78 inches with rainy seasons running from May to June and from September to November.
Jamaica's glistening white-sand beaches are one of the main reasons to take a trip. Two of Montego Bay's best beaches are Doctor's Cave Beach and Negril Beach. Founded in 1906, Doctor's Cave Beach stretches for five miles of white, pristine sands with turquoise waters surrounding it. Tourists can enjoy various food stands and water activities, including snorkeling and waterskiing. Negril Beach, which is seven miles long and best known for its golden sands and remarkable sea views, offers open-air restaurants, clubs, bars and resorts for relaxing. Cornwall Beach is another popular Montego Bay beach. An excellent beach for families, this beach tends to be overcrowded. Boston Bay Beach is not as crowded as other beaches, and it offers swimming and sunbathing besides surfing lessons. Vendors offer Jamaican food such as jerk chicken and pork.
James Bond Beach, on the northeastern coastline, has white sandy beaches, Reggae music, sunbathing, kayaking, snorkeling and glass-bottomed boats for rental where tourists can view marine and coral life. Other beaches include Treasure Beach, on the southern coast, and Dunn's River Beach, where tourists can take pictures of Dunn's River Falls.
Regardless of what part of Jamaica you're visiting, there's something to do and see everywhere you go. Besides scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and hiking, golf is available, mostly in the Montego Bay area. One of the best courses in the Caribbean is the White Witch Golf Course, an 18-hole course built on what was once a sugarcane plantation.
Bicycling is a favorite sport in Jamaica. Tourists can bike independently or join others on the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour, which lasts for a full day.
Rich cultural traditions are offered, especially during Jamaica's annual events such as the Accompong Maroon Festival held in January.
Shopping is a good reason to visit Jamaica. Craft markets dot the entire island, featuring everything from art and specialty foods to unique Jamaican handicrafts. Tourists find duty-free goods like perfumes, watches, jewelry and designer clothes, as well as local crafts--all for good prices."Things Jamaican" in Kingston is rated one of the top markets to find Jamaican goods. For some of the best deals, the airports are also ideal for buying Tia Maria liquor, Jamaican rum and cigars.
There's no reason for kids to be bored on a Jamaican vacation, which is a good enough reason to go. Everything from water sports to cooking and craft classes are available for children. Reggae dancing classes can get your kids involved in the Jamaican experience. The Cultural School Exchange is a one-day school exchange where kids visit nearby schools, learning about Jamaican culture. Children enjoy animal adventure and nature walks, learning about local animals and plants. Swimming with the Dolphins is rated as one the top attractions in the world. Children can even sign up for language lessons.
