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Jamaica Information
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The 4,400 square mile island of Jamaica is completely ringed by the Caribbean Sea. Lying 90 miles south of Cuba it is the third largest island in the Caribbean. Each area of this vast island is completely different...from the dramatic Blue Mountains in the eastern interior to the limestone caves on the west coast. The one thing in common, north, south, east and west, are the sandy beaches. With so much to choose from, most people find one area and settle in, but if you wish to explore, the variety of the scenery is a treat...grassy farmland, jungles, waterfalls, plantations, rainforest, a bit of everything can be found on this lush island.
Island Inns specializes in luxury hotels and villas throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
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INFORMATION ABOUT JAMAICA
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BEACHES: There is an endless variety of beaches to be found and each area has it's own particular style from the uninhibited Negril to the undiscovered South Coast and the exquisitely turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio. Montego Bay is justly famous for its white sand and calm waters. The finest beaches are usually found at the resorts although there are public beaches who charge a small admission.
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SNORKELING AND DIVING: Dive operations are mainly found along the north coast from Negril to Port Antonio and need to be licensed. There are dives offered for all levels of experience. Wall dives, canyons, caves, reef dives and wreck dives can all be found. Marine parks have been established in Montego Bay and in Negril marine conservation is in effect. Coral reefs with great snorkeling are to be found in all areas of Jamaica. Especially enjoyable are the coral gardens at Montego Bay and the reefs off the cliffs at Negril.
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WATERSPORTS: All manner of watersports can be found in each area of Jamaica including waterskiing andparasailing. Additionally there is rafting on a 30-foot bamboo raft down one of the many rivers...the most popular being the Rio Grande river in Port Antonio. A captain will guide you along using bamboo polls while you sit back and enjoy the lush scenery. Another place to enjoy rafting isThe Great River in Montego Bay where they have evening rides and the Martha Brae River in Montego Bay. Another unusual activity is waterfall climing which can be done at Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios. This is a guided climb of 600 feet through the splashing water. Because of its large waves, Boston Beach in Port Antonio is a popular site for surfing.
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SPA FACILITIES: An Aveda Concept Spa can be found in the Blue Mountains and at Negril plus there is a spa/wellness center at Round Hill in Montego Bay area.
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BIRDWATCHING: Guided tours can be arranged to view the 25 species and 21 sub-species of birds which are completely unique to Jamaica.
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TENNIS: Tennis courts can be found at the major hotels with lighted courts and tennis pros available.
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FISHING: Deep-sea fishing charters can be arranged for half or full days to go after gamefish such as marlin, tuna, bonito, sailfish and kingfish, to name a few. Port Antonio holds an annual Blue Marlin Tournament amd is a main area for this activity as is Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
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HORSEBACK RIDING: Chukka Cove, an equestrian facility in Ocho Rios, offers trail rides and instruction as well as international polo matches. There are many other stables in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios where you can ride along a river, on the beach or through the mountains.
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GOLF: Jamaica is one of the best places to golf in the caribbean. Just to name a few of the courses...a Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course at Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club, an 18-hole championship course at Tryall, 18-hole courses at Ironshore and Wyndham Rose Hall...all of which are in Montego Bay. Other 18-hole courses are available in Ocho Rios and Kingston areas.
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EXPLORING: The 600-foot drop of Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios can be climbed with a guide through cascading waters. Other Ocho Rios sites worth exploring are Harmony Hall, a restored 19th century sugar plantation housing the artwork of local artists and craftsmen; Firefly, the home of Noel Coward, which retains his memory in its furnishings and library; Fern Gully is a drive through a riot of tropical plants and vegitation climbing through a rain forest. A drive through the Blue Mountains is only for the extremely adventurous as it has precipitous drops and narrow rough roads through gorges. But the scenery is incredible and you can stop at a roadside stand to buy a bag of famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans. Alternatively you could get a taxi or take a guided tour and stop at one of the working coffee plantations. In Kingston you may be interested in the Bob Marley Museum which is a shrine for reggae-lovers and chronicles his life. One of Port Antonio's main attractions is the Rio Grande River where you can take a guided raft tour. The clear turquoise waters of Blue Lagoon drop to a depth as yet, unmeasured. In Montego Bay, Rose Hall Great House, built in 1778, has been restored and has a famous history filled with witchcraft and ghosts.
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SHOPPING: Crafts shops line just about every road and can be fun for a quick stop and look-see. Usual items are hand carvings, bananas and liquor although you may find a one-of-a-kind thing that's just perfect. There are craft markets in Negril, Ocho Rios, Montego Bayand Port Antonio where you'll find hats, baskets, etc. Blue Mountain coffee beans can be found at several stores. A huge selection of reagae music can be found at record shops in Kingston. Duty-free shopping can be found in Jamaica but be aware that there is a 10% tax on goods purchased.
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NIGHTLIFE: Jamaica is the home of reggae music and it can be heard all over the island in bars and nightclubs along with calypso and steel band music and jazz. There a number of light-night dance spots and discos in each area, mainly at the resorts. Sports bars are also popular gathering places.
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All contents of this web site are copyright (c)2002 by Island Inns LLC. All rights reserved.
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