Shopping in Jamaica is an experience in itself and the key to a good shopping experience is being prepared to bargain. Some areas impose fixed prices such as City Centre, Half Moon Shopping Village and Holiday Village Shopping Centre, all in Montego Bay, but if you enjoy the thrill of finding a good bargain then the island’s markets are the place to head. Native goods to buy include local crafts and paintings, Jamaican rum, hand-made fabrics, wood carvings, coffee and woven crafts.

Activities

As there are so many activities to experience on the island visitors are advised to review their options before travelling to ensure they don’t miss out on what the island offers.

One of the most popular activities is exploring some of the island’s 200 mile stunning coastline and beaches, several of which offer activities such as watersports and entertainment. As examples Puerto Seco Beach in Discovery Bay and Cornwall Beach at Montego Bay offer a variety of beach activities and watersports such as parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, surfing and jet skiing, while James Bond Beach near Ocho Rios, features live music.

As much as Jamaicans love their music they love their festivals. One not to be missed is the island’s annual carnival, held in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay in April and in Negril in May. The streets are filled with music and dancing and the atmosphere is electric. Between July and August there is a four-day Reggae Sunsplash event which features local and well known musical talent.

"Another great way of seeing the island in style is to take a boat tour. Boats can be rented (with or without a captain) or organised as part of a package. Rafting and boating offers a great way of seeing quieter parts of the island which offer some diverse scenery and wildlife."

If being at one with nature is more your thing try diving or snorkelling. There are a number of licensed operators on the island offering certification courses otherwise if you’re diving or snorkelling for fun, the miles of coastline and clear waters offer an opportunity to see the marine life, coral reefs and wrecks.
If you fancy getting fit and seeing the island on foot a guided hiking tour is a great experience. Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, Rio Grande Valley and John Crow National Park offer walks for all ages and abilities and the chance to see some beautiful views. Likewise, horse riding is another popular activity and a great ways of seeing what the island has to offer. Rides vary from an hour on the beach through to mountain trekking for days at a time.  

Culture

Jamaica’s past is as colourful as the personalities of its people and there will always be someone willing to engage in historical conversation. Jamaicans are passionate people and like a good debate – even if it’s talking about subjects which most would find inappropriate. People from all ethnic backgrounds live and work on Jamaica, and the islanders are comfortable with their outward racial differences as it’s part of what makes their culture unique.
Although the official language of Jamaica is English many locals speak with each other in their own linguistic style, which will vary depending on location. It is not uncommon for Spanish, African, English, including Irish, British and American idioms, and even Rastafarian to make an appearance in conversation.
Jamaican culture is also richly flavoured by its cuisine with one of the most popular dishes being jerk, a spicy marinade sauce. Other popular menu choices include seafood, stews and soups.