Jamaica

Montego Bay

Located on the northwest coast, Montego Bay is nestled amid mountaintop jungles and framed by miles of tropical beaches. Most visitors to Jamaica fly into MoBay at Sangster International Airport and then transfer to their final destination. Known for its beautiful beaches, many restaurants and bars, and vibrant nightlife along the MoBay Hip Strip, there’s something for everyone in this lively Island city.

Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is the main cruise port to the Island, and offers a vast array of activities for people of varied interests. There’s great shopping, picture-perfect beaches, golf, polo and of course, the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls just waiting to be climbed. Just west of Ocho Rios, you’ll find the resort town of Runaway Bay, one of Jamaica’s most popular destinations, and home to Breezes Runaway Bay.

Thing To Know

Airlines and Airports

Most major airlines have service to Jamaica. Here are some of the carriers:

Air Jamaica, Delta, Spirit Airlines, US Airways, Air Canada, American, British Airways, and Northwest.

Airports

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ)

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements:

As of January 23, 2007: Passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). Click here to learn about our Passports Included offer!

Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold sufficient funds to cover period of intended stay, as well as an onward or return ticket to country of permanent residence and documents required for next destination.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Departure Taxes

Jamaica has a departure tax that is payable in cash only at the airport upon your departure. Currently, the tax is JA$1000 or US$27 (or equivalent in foreign currency). Cruise ship passengers also are subject to a departure tax of US$15. Most airlines include the departure tax in the ticket price.

Health / Security

No vaccinations are required to enter the country unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have visited: Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.

There are several hospitals throughout Jamaica, with the majority located in Kingston.

What To Bring

Clothing

Lightweight tropical clothing is best suited throughout the year. On the beaches shorts and swimwear are acceptable. A light sweater is suggested for evening, especially in the winter months. Some hotels require casual eveningwear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities are available.

Miscellaneous

Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the country. Film, camera, sunscreen, hat and beach cover up, remember it is a tropical climate and you can burn easily in the sun.

Financial Matters

Currency

Jamaican Dollar

Tax Free Status

A 1981 treaty between the United States and Jamaica makes expenses for a meeting or convention held in Jamaica tax-deductible.

Tipping

Most hotels will include a 10 to 15% charge on your bill. These charges are not automatically included in restaurant bills, so tipping is suggested.

Gambling

There is no casino gambling in Jamaica, although a number of resorts have game rooms with slot machines. The only legal betting is on horse racing at Caymanas Park Race Track in Kingston.

Utilities

Voltage

110 volts/50 cycles is standard. 220 volts used at some hotels. Adaptors are available at some hotels, although hair dryers and irons work without adapters.

Water

All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods.

Communications

International cables and inland telegrams can be sent from most hotels and post offices. Direct international telephone service operates 24-hours a day. There are three daily newspapers and five weekend newspapers. E-mail, telex, fax, radio and local/cable/satellite TV are also available.

Transportation

By Cab

Taxis have predetermined rates between one location and another. All cabs have red PPV plates (Public Passenger Vehicle) along with regular license plates. Limousines, air-conditioned coaches and local bus service also connect all villages, cities and towns.

By Rented Car

In Jamaica you drive on the left. The speed limit is 30 MPH in towns and 50 MPH on highways. To rent any vehicle, visitors may use a drivers license (valid for 12 months) for up to a 3-month period. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age to rent a car and must post a bond to meet insurance regulations with cash, major credit card, or travelers checks. Service stations are open daily and will only accept cash.

Things To Do

Your Breezes hosts want to share the beauty of their islands with you we suggest you become acquainted with these magical lands for yourself. Excellent tours are available, with experienced, friendly guides and can be arranged by the Concierge at your hotel.

Dunns River Falls Tour

Experience the beauty of the world famous Dunns River Falls located in Ocho Rios. Climb the fall in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause at the massage parlor and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades to the sea. View the activities of the more daring from the “safe” vantage point of the terrace or deck. Most tours include transfers and admission

Horseback Riding

Feel the wind in you face while riding down the sandy beach and enjoy the beauty of the mountain while riding along the trails. Horseback riding is available in different locations on the island.

Rick’s Cafe

Watch the sun set at this popular Negril cliff side restaurant and bar. See the local brave divers dive from the high cliffs.

Deep Sea Fishing

Want to catch some exotic Caribbean fish? Let an experienced Captain take you out on his boat and show you the wonders of the sea. Most tours require a minimum of 24-hour notification.

Dolphin Cove

Located outside Ocho Rios, this magnificent property has a natural cove which is surrounded by 4 acres of lush tropical rain forest and is the Caribbean’s newest and Jamaica’s only dolphin attraction. Visitors can swim with the dolphins, have a dolphin encounter, touch the dolphins or relax on glistening white sand, enjoy the setting or browse for souvenirs at the Gift Shop.

ATV Safari

At the Rose Hall Estate, located on the north coast, your adventure begins with a short safety and tour briefing, followed by a demonstration on the use of the bikes. Once everyone has been given their helmets and are comfortable having ridden in a practice ring, you start on your fully guided journey to the 700 feet above sea level to the beautiful Mount Zion.

Canopi Tour

This unique tour consists of a series of decks and platforms mounted in the trees of the forest. Your Canopy Tour Guide will assist you in using the high-angle equipment and techniques to move from platform to platform.

Port Antonio Rafting and Blue Lagoon

Arriving at the river you will be given a brief orientation and safety tips. The guests will be assigned tubes at the waters’ edge. Attentive Tour Guides are available to show guests how to paddle and where to go while on the river. The rapids speed up just enough to increase the excitement… There is interesting commentary along the river highlighting a great deal of the River’s natural beauty, which usually remains unseen.

Catamaran Cruise

Take a sail along the coast on a catamaran. Stop along the way to snorkel and soak up the sun. Catamaran Cruises are also available for sun set cruises.

Shopping

Shopping tours can be arranged to Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Stroll down the local market and find local crafts and souvenirs.

Parasailing

Want to explore Jamaica by air? Why not be brave and try parasailing.

Water Rafting

Feel like an adventure? Enjoy exciting white water rafting down the Great River, which winds through an ancient rain forest in high-performance, inflatable boats.

Appleton Estates

See how Jamaicas famous rum is made from sugar cane to final product. A “tasting” concludes the tour – sample all the many rums and rum creams produced at Appleton Estates. Appleton Estate is the oldest and most famous of all of Jamaica’s sugar estates. It is nestled in the fertile Nassau Valley on either side of the Black River in the Southwest of Jamaica.

Mountain Biking

Experience a downhill bicycle tour through villages and meadows to a privet beach cove for swimming and snorkeling.

Mobay Undersea Tours

Explore the underwater world of the Montego Bay Marine Park on board the semi-submarine the Coral See. This is Jamaica’s first marine sanctuary and from the submarine one can enjoy panoramic views of the underwater world.

Mayfield Falls

Located in the Dolphin Head Mountains in Glenbrook (Southwest of Montego Bay), Mayfield Falls offers mini-waterfalls and numerous pools, for swimming, diving, “Jacuzzi” type massages, and more. It is very much a wet and active tour.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Adventure

Experience breathtaking vistas starting from 5,600 feet up in the misty Jamaican Blue Mountains, the Caribbean’s highest mountain range. Your scenic descent will take you through lush mountain flora, over bridges and vestal waterfalls, through the region, which is home to the renowned Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.

Bob Marley Museum

Located outside Kingston, the Bob Marley Museum reveals the life and achievements of this legendary Rastaman through artifacts, writings and photographs.