General Information

The Jamaica national anthem speaks of "the land we love." We do, and we love to share it. The island in the sun is a place of spectacular natural beauty from mighty waterfalls cascading off jungle mountaintops, Tropical rain forests filled with exotic birds and plants, to our extraordinary white sand beaches with their fabulous resorts.

Jamaica is a vacation Mecca for the world. A land of friendly loving people and a place that delights the senses and sooths the soul. The beaches and crystal-clear water say, "Feel me." The rich Caribbean-cuisine and seafood say, "Taste me." The steel drums and reggae music say, "Hear me, dance with me”.

The moment you arrive in Jamaica your heart will be begin to beat to the slow-paced, go with the flow Jamaican rhythm. There is so much to see and do here and we want to help you see and feel it all. Let us show you how to discover the exceptional travel package values and all inclusive resort vacations that will make your time in paradise perfect. Let us share the land we love because we know you will love it too.

The three (3) main tourist areas in jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril & Ochos Rios. These areas are described below...

Montego Bay

Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city. With a population of 94,347 (1999) it is located on the Northwest shoreline of Jamaica overlooking the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. There are more accommodations and hotels in this city than any other in Jamaica and it is also home to the Sangster International Airport.

Montego Bay was originally called Manteca Bay by the early Spanish explorers and is now called "MoBay" by the locals and many tourists. Activities are practically endless in this large island city and there is truly something for everyone. You can enjoy a day in the sun on boats of any shape or size and then watch it disappear beneath the horizon on an evening cruise.

On land you may want to visit the Rose Hall Great House and hear the tale of Annie Palmer, the White Witch, or perhaps visit the Parish Church built in 1795 in nearby Falmouth. Either way visiting Montego Bay will leave you with memories that you will not soon forget.

RIU Montego Bay Resort, Montego Bay, Jamaica In harmony with island architecture, the newer RIU Montego Bay is located along a long beach surrounded by nearly 450,000 square feet of lush gardens. With an on-site spa & golf nearby. On the beach, 10 minutes from the airport & 10 minutes to downtown Montego Bay.

Click on the RIU Montego Bay Resort for more info & pricing.

Negril

Negril, Jamaica with an estimated population of 4,040 (2000) is located on Jamaica's western tip. Its 7 mile white sand beach extends from Bloody Bay in Hanover to the Negril lighthouse in Westmoreland. It is rich in history, from the capture of the infamous pirate Calico Jack in 1720 to the filming of the Walt Disney movie Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

Activities in this seaside resort include horseback riding, bicycling on its many bluffs and of course a wide variety of water sport activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving and skiing. For the more relaxed Negril also offers excellent shopping and dining choices. Topped off with a relaxing sunset stroll on the beach you wont ever want to leave.

RIU Negril Resort, Negril, Jamaica The Hotel RIU Negril offers its guests all the top rated amenities & facilities they have come to expect from the RIU. On a stunning stretch of white sand beach, perfect for relaxing. Located in Negril, next door to RIU Tropical Bay, 5 minutes from downtown Negril & 70 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport.

Click on the RIU Negril Resort for more info & pricing.

RIU Palace Tropical Bay, Negril, Jamaica On one of Jamaica's most beautiful beaches, the Victorian style RIU Palace Tropical Bay is set in a Caribbean paradise. Enjoy a variety of activities as well as complete relaxation in a breathtaking atmosphere. Located in Negril, 5 minutes from downtown Negril. 1 hour from Montego Bay Airport.

Click on the RIU Palace Tropical Bay for more info & pricing.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Population 16,300 (1999) resides on the islands northern coast, the weather is warm and sunny with gentle breezes blowing off of the ocean. This city is famous for its stunning waterfalls, white sand beaches and the numerous fern gardens that surround it. One in particular is appropriately named "Fern Gully", a three mile winding roadway.

Activities include many street markets, craft fairs and Jazz festivals. World renown musicians including George Benson and Roberta Flack meet here annually for the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival.

For the more adventurous at heart you can choose from river rafting, horseback riding, offshore fishing or snorkeling. Whatever your plans may be you will surely be able to do it in Ocho Rios.

RIU Ocho Rios Resort, Ocho Rios, Jamaica The RIU Ocho Rios is a spectacular resort complete with extensive dining options and services. It is located on a magnificent beach close to the famous Dunn's River Falls. Beachfront, located on Mamie Bay in Ocho Rios, 1 hour & 40 minutes from the Montego Bay Airport.

Click on the RIU Ocho Rios Resort for more info & pricing.

Jamaica Weather Info

Jamaica's average annual temperature is 80°F / 27°C. The average yearly temperature range is between 78°F and 85deg;F. Extreme temperatures range from a low of 65°F to a high of 95°F.

There is a fresh sea breeze by day and a gentle breeze from the mountains by night.

The high season in Jamaica is the winter season from December 15 to April 14. The winter season is when Jamaica is windiest. The winter season is the most popular time to visit Jamaica and the most expensive also requiring the greatest amount of pre-planning. You should make your reservations 2 or 3 months prior to your desired winter season visit to assure that you can get your desired accommodations.

During the summer season temperatures are only a couple of degrees warmer than in the winter. The summer season resort rates drop 20-50%.

The rainy season is usually during the fall. Usually brief showers followed by sunshine. Overcast days are rare.

Getting Married in Jamaica

To be legally married in Jamaica the following information applies:

• Original or certified copies of birth certificates
• If either party is divorced, original or certified copies of divorce papers.
• If either party is widowed, original or certified copies of spouse's death certificate.
• Couple must be in Jamaica at least 48 hours (2 business days - weekends don’t count) - to qualify for the granting of a marriage licence & also to conclude the necessary - wedding arrangements.
• No Weddings are performed on Sundays.