Jamaica: The Beat of the Caribbean

Jamaica is one of the island nations in the Caribbean. Perhaps most well-known for the diverse music it has contributed to the world, such as reggae and ska, and the birthplace of Bob Marley, Jamaica is one of the premiere beach destinations in the Caribbean, second only to the Bahamas.

Tourist Destinations

Dunn’s River Falls is a very scenic spot marked by 600 feet of cascading spring water on the rocks towards the ocean. Historically, it was the scene of one of the bloodiest wars between the English and the Spanish in 1657, as the Spanish troops, led by the famous General Ysassi, fought valiantly to maintain control of the island. Climbing the falls is also one of the staple activities of any Jamaican vacation.

For the fans of reggae music, Bob Marley’s birthplace and (subsequently) mausoleum can be visited in the hills of St. Anne. A plus is that you might also get lucky enough to see the famous reggae superstar’s mother or old friends during one of your visits.

The Green Grotto Caves are a series of interconnected chambers and passageways, stalagmites, stalactites, and light holes. Using boats, visitors can experience the awesome silence and eerie mystery of these natural formations. The final touch is the eerie Grotto Lake found in the middle of the subterranean caverns.

What to Do

Bird watching in Jamaica can be very rewarding, as Jamaica has a diverse collection of bird species. It has more indigenous birds than any other island in the Caribbean, and there are more during certain seasons.

You can also try the rare experience of swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove (Tips on how to swim with Dolphins). The place is one of Jamaica’s most famous tourist attractions and has won the Jamaica Tourist Board Members’ award for “The Most Distinguished Service 2001.” It also won “Best Attraction 2001” from the Association of Jamaican Attractions.

What to Remember

Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road. All drivers are required to have valid driver’s licenses, and certain tourists and visitors can use their country’s driver’s license. The duration, however, depends on the country.

American visitors may use their license for three months, while United Kingdom visitors can use theirs for twelve months. Japan nationals have one month to use their license. Also, it would be good to remember that Jamaica uses 110v electrical supply, so if your appliance uses 220v, bring along the converters.

A trip to the Caribbean is not complete without visiting the birthplace of reggae and ska music, Jamaica. With the exotic and refreshing tropical air, Jamaica is a place that should always be on any tourist’s Caribbean vacation list. Do you know that Jamaica is listed no.4 in the list of the Top Ten Best Spring break destinations.