OVERVIEW

  • Map of Jamaica
  • Useful Information

 

Whether your client is searching for adventure, romance or simply wants some rest and relaxation in paradise, Jamaica is the perfect destination.

As one of the most diverse places in the world, Jamaica is the ideal destination for family holidays, adventure holidays and weddings and honeymoons. As the third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is filled with a fantastic range of attractions and activities for all.

 

Map of Jamaica

Jamaica is located in the middle of the warm Caribbean Sea, just south of Cuba, and west of Hispanola (the island split between Haiti and Dominican Republic). Jamaica evolved from the arc of an ancient volcano which erupted out of the sea millions of years ago.

In terms of geography there are three regions: the eastern Blue & John Crow Mountains region; the central valleys and plateaus, and the coastal plains which includes Negril, Monetgo Bay and the South Coast. Half the island is over 300 metres in elevation with the Blue Mountain Peak being the highest point at 2500 metres.

Tainos were the first inhabitants of Jamaica and the name Jamaica is derived from the Taino word Xyamaca which means land of wood and water. Xyamaca is an appropriate name as the island has over 120 rivers and streams, many waterfalls and tropical rainforests.

Useful Information

Jamaica is a great year-round destination which welcomed over 225,000 visitors from the United Kingdom in 2019. There are direct flights from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Birmingham and Manchester to Jamaica which makes the destination a favourite with the UK traveller.

 

Capital City: Kingston

Flying time: 9.5 - 10 hours

Main gateways: Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay

Time zone: UTC/GMT -5 and -6 during daylight savings

Currency: Jamaican dollar but the US dollar is widely accepted. Dual currency ATM machines are available in resort areas.

Official language: English, but Patois (the local dialect pronounced PAT-WAH) is also spoken

Visa details: Most EU citizens do not require a visa. Holders of a valid UK or European passport can travel to Jamaica if their passport has validity to cover the period of travel.

Population: 2.8 million

Climate: It’s warm in Jamaica, year round with little variation. Coastal temperatures average 25-30°C, and in the interior it’s 15-22°C

Best time to go: Jamaica is a year-round destination but busiest during winter months

Opening hours: Banks open Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 2:30pm and on Fridays 8.30am to 4.00pm. There are also exchange bureaus at airports, cruise ship piers, and in most hotels. Most shops open 8:30am to 5:30pm

Doctors: Many resorts have a doctor on call

Dialling Code: The area code for Jamaica is +1 876

Electricity plugs: Most resorts use the standard electrical voltage of 110, as in the USA.