Jamaica Destination Information
Out of Many, One People
An Island Is A Little Like Love.
When The Right One Comes Along, You Know It.
Jamaica Reservations Toll-free 1-877-380-4142
They came to Jamaica in search of a treat and a treatment
Jamaica is not only easy to fall in love with, it's easy to get to. There are daily flights from major cities worldwide. You'll be asked to show proof of citizenship. So bring a passport.
Sangster International Airport Montego Bay Club Mobay Lounge
Apple Vacations Jamaica . . . Getting a
round is easy, too. There's scheduled air service between resort areas. Taxis and buses are plentiful and operate on established fares. And rental cars are available island-wide. (You must be at 
least 25 with a valid driver's license from your country. Caution: Jamaica follows the British custom, so remember to drive on the left.
Jamaica does everything to assure you a "no problem" vacation. They speak English, with a few embellishments. Jamaican dollars are easily obtainable at any bank, exchange bureau or hotel. An major credit cards are cheerfully accepted at virtually all hotels, restaurants, shops, airlines and car rental agencies.
Jamaica is the third-largest landmass in the Caribbean. You can't do it all, but it's nice to know its' there:
- Ocho Rios: Does not as its name suggests, have eight rivers!
- Port Antonio: On a clear day you can dream forever!
- Kingston: Where once pirates reigned, the arts are king!
- Mandeville: A bit of Britain, 2,000 feet above the every day!
- Montego Bay: Mobay, as it is 1popularly known is Jamaica’s second largest city
- Negril: The sweet harmony!
Most visitors arrive by plane through Montego Bay. Known as the Jamaican Riviera, Montego Bay's coast is dotted by a host of brand-name hotels that appeal to many
Airport
Sangster International Airport, Norman Manley International.
Resort Areas
Montego Bay, Negril, Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Kingston, Spanish Town, and Mandeville
Travel with Minors
Minors traveling with only one parent or adults other than their parents must have a notarized letter from the absent parent(s) authorizing them to be taken out of the country. If the parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate will be required for check in at the airport
Banking
Banking hours: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Monday to Thursday; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, and then 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Friday.
Currency:
Jamaican Dollar
Drinking Water
All drinking water in Jamaica is purified and filtered by modern methods. Bottled water is available.
Duty Free Shopping
Duty free is available in the airport, U.S. citizens can return with goods up to the value of $150, including 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars,2 litre of spirits,2 litres of wine.
Climate
Jamaica, about 235 km (146 mi) long and 82 km (51 mi) at its widest point, is bisected by highlands, 
bending east and west, that cover 80% of the island. The highest elevations are in the Blue Mountains to the east. The coastal plains are widest and most arid to the south. Most of the soil of the island, particularly in the central section, contains a high percentage of limestone, making cultivation difficult. Rainwater does not remain near the surface but percolates through the limestone soil to unusable depths. The island has few large rivers; only the Black River is navigable. The mean annual temperature is about 27° C (80° F) on the coast. Annual rainfall averages 1,955 mm (77 in), but it reaches 5,080 mm (200 in) in some mountainous regions. Jamaica has a great diversity of vegetation, although many areas have been cleared for agriculture. The climate is tropical all year, temperate in mountain areas, it may tend to get a little cooler in the evenings. The rainy months are May and October, but showers may occur at any time.
Electricity
110 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase.
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
Innoculations
No vaccinations are required to enter the country unless, in the last 6 weeks, you have visited: Asia, Africa, Central & South America, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Trinidad or Tobago.
Language
English
Location
Jamaica, a nation in the West Indies, occupies the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. Located south 
of Cuba and west of Hispaniola, Jamaica is slightly larger than the island of Hawaii. Kingston is its capital.
Proof of Citizenship
Valid U.S. passport, or state issued birth certificate with raised seal and photo ID backup.
Golf Courses
Montego Bay
The Half Moon Golf Course is a Par-72 championship course designed in 1961 by renowned course architect, Robert Trent Jones. Sculpted from the foothills of the western Jamaican coastline, the course has an international reputation for being challenging and beautiful. A member of Jack Nicklaus's "Great Golf Resorts of the World," Half Moon has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments. With four tee markers on every hole, scratch golfers and beginners will find an enjoyable challenge as they tackle Robert Trent Jones's design and the ever-present trade winds. The Half Moon Club also offers a full service Golf Shop and the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
The Ocean Course at Wyndham Rose Hall is renowned for its imaginative layout and historic site, with a bedeviling Par 4 8th hole only 322 yds from the rear tees, but ominously close to the Caribbean along its left-hand side. This challenging, recently renovated 18-hole Par 72 course stretches to 6,590 yards, with breathtaking views of Jamaica's Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea.
The White Witch Golf Course winds through the mountains of Jamaica's historic 4,000 acre Rose Hall Plantation, along 200 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside, with panoramic views of the ocean, mountains and island. Located at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, this 6,800-yard 18 hole Robert von Hagge design is set along 1,500 feet of beachfront, with multiple tee locations and dramatic elevation changes.
Tryall Golf Course is a 6,221-yard, Par 72 course widely considered among the finest in the Caribbean. Tryall attracts the game's leading players and prestigious international events, like the Johnnie Walker World Championships, Mazda Champions, Jamaica Classic and Shell's Wonderful World of Golf. Designed by Ralph Plummer, the course's sculpted fairways and manicured greens meander through forest-green hills, between stands of coconut palms and fruit trees, round lily-padded ponds, down to a one-and-a-half mile long shoreline.
Ironshore is an 18-hole, Par 72 course noted for a challenging layout with a number of intriguing blind holes and a total of 6,633 yards. This is a links-type course, with well-bunkered greens requiring accuracy and steely-nerved approaches.
Negril
Negril Hills is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 6,333 yards, with gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and lush vegetation. Located in the lush green hills high above the white beaches of Negril, this sporty course offers the challenging topography and natural beauty that characterizes the great golf courses of the world. A tennis court, restaurant, pro-shop and club house are all on the property.
Runaway Bay
The Superclubs Breezes Runaway Bay Course is a Par 72, 18-hole championship course offering an exhilarating experience for beginners and accomplished golfers alike. Designed by Commander John Harris, the course was opened in 1960 and features sand bunkers, long rolling fairways, and large flat greens protected by grassy mounds. The host of many championship events, the course measures 5,389 yards and is slope rated 117 from the forward trees. From the back it measures 6,870 yards and is slope rated 124. The course is well trapped, protecting it from certain errand shots and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Guests of the resort receive unlimited greens fees and complimentary entrance to the on-site golf school.
Ocho Rios
Sandals Golf & Country Club is an 18 hole, Par 71 course with a total of 6,311 yards, located two miles from Ocho Rios, amidst verdant hills 700 feet above sea level. This is one of Jamaica's most scenic courses, noted for majestic trees, rolling fairways, constant breezes, a plantation clubhouse and a 10th hole offering a spectacular view of the Caribbean.
Dress
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 evening wear for women and a jacket for men when dining. Laundering and dry cleaning facilities are available.
Car Rental
To rent a vehicle, the driver must be 25 years of age. A valid drivers license, valid for 12 months, may be used for up to a 3 month period. The driver must post a bond to meet insurance regulations with cash, major credit card, or travelers checks. Rentals are available from many different companies.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time/No Daylight Savings
Wedding Requirements
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 for 48 hrs.
Weather
Jamaica's average annual temperature is 80°F / 27°C. The average yearly temperature range is between 78°F and 85°F. Extreme temperatures range from a low of 65°F to a high of 95°F.
Sightseeing
Appleton
This inland town is the home of Appleton Estate, where one of Jamaica's leading rums is made. You can tour the distillery, watch a video showing how sugarcane is transformed into rum and sample the goods. Several tour companies offer excursions that include the Appleton Estate. The tours usually include a buffet lunch. You can see the estate on your own, as well, but if you are not going as part of a group and wish to have lunch, you should call ahead to make arrangements.
Just west of Appleton are the Y S Falls. You get to the cascade by taking a tractor-drawn trailer ride across pastureland. There's also a place to swim and a fantastic tree house - kids will love it. 35 mi/56 km west of Montego Bay.
Discovery Bay
Located on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay may be the spot where Columbus first came ashore in 1494, though nearby St. Ann's Bay is another possibility. Today, Discovery Bay's main point of interest for travelers is Puerto Seco Beach, which is nicely maintained, with changing rooms, clean toilet facilities and a snack bar. Calm waters and a shallow shelf make this protected bay a popular weekend destination for families from as far away as Kingston. The beach is rather narrow, but there are lots of picnic tables shaded by coconut trees - grab one as soon as you arrive, because they go fast. The parking lot is fenced and secured. 73 mi/112 km northwest of Kingston.
Falmouth
This former sugar port is past its prime but remains a charming, unspoiled example of a Jamaican fishing village. It is busiest during the Wednesday market. One of Falmouth's most popular attractions is the Martha Brae River, which is toured aboard a bamboo raft. Contact River Raft Limited, which runs daily trips 8:30 am-4:30 pm. The one- to two-hour trips costs about US$40 per two-person raft.
Mandeville
There's not a lot to do in Mandeville, but this pretty town some 2,000 ft/610 m up in the mountains offers relief from the heat of beach resorts. It's an important center for bauxite and alumina mining, which takes place outside town. Spend a day walking around town to see the colonial architecture, some of it dating from the 1700s. Marshall's Pen is a cattle plantation and bird sanctuary. You can take a tour of the restored 200-year-old estate house. On weekends, be sure to see the colorful Mandeville Market (handicrafts, clothing, produce) in the center of town. Golfers will enjoying playing at the Manchester Club, said to be the oldest golf course in the Western Hemisphere. 60 mi/96 km west of Kingston.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay - Mobay, as it is popularly known is Jamaica’s second largest city and the most widely visited area on the island. You can visit a bustling, colorful “hip strip” with shops, restaurants or play golf at one of Montego Bay’s five championship courses. A craft market bekons with straw baskets, woodcarvings and shell jewelry. There are several historic greathouses, holdovers from the island’s sugar boom era including Rose Hall Great House a former sugar plantation with a spooky past.
Negril
The “capital of casual”, Negril is located at the western tip of the island, and is best k
nown for its gorgeous white sand beaches and incredible sunsets. For years, Negril’s has been rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by many travel magazines. It is known as “7-Mile Beach” stretching for more than six kilometers along a sandbar at Negril. It is also known for the limestone cliffs such as those outside of Rick’s Café. Here, young daredevils tempt fate by jumping into the sea more than 100 feet below. Those seeking a tamer pursuit should check out the 100 year of Negril Lighthouse or one of the holistic spas recently built there.
The town is best known for Negril Beach, a 7-mi/11-km stretch of white sand on Long Bay that's considered one of the best in the Caribbean. There's another nice stretch of sand along Bloody Bay, north of Negril Beach. (A single road runs along the shore, so finding your way between the town and the beaches poses few problems.) The beaches are great places to relax, sunbathe, swim and watch spectacular sunsets. The water is calm and shallow enough that children can enjoy it. And Negril is the best place on the island for windsurfing. The public beaches are patrolled by guards to keep vendors from hassling visitors.
Or you could while away the day at one of the all-inclusive resorts. Even if you're not a guest, you can purchase a day pass that grants you access to the hotel, the beach, all you can eat and drink, plus most of the water sports. Some of the resorts offer topless and clothing-optional beaches. 
For a particularly scenic view, visit the Negril Lighthouse, perched on high cliffs just southwest of town. Beneath it, snorkelers and divers can explore caves. Another good dive site is the Gallery (near Booby Cay), with steep ledges and canyons where scorpion fish and large sponges can be seen.
If you're in town on Sunday, be sure to attend the local talent show in the town's small park. Nature lovers will want to visit the Great Morass swamplands to see birds and plants. They stretch to the northeast of Negril. 153 mi/246 km west of Kingston.
Whether you're a fan or not, the drive through unspoiled countryside is well worth the effort. The miniature chapel that marks Marley's burial place is painted in red, green and gold Rasta colors and has a stained-glass window depicting the Lion of Judah. Nearby, you can visit the house Marley grew up in. 48 mi/77 km northwest of Kingston.
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios – meaning eight rivers, Ocho Rios lies in the center of the island’s long north coast and is particularly noted for its spectacular waterfalls, sprawling beaches, tropical gardens and fern gullies. You can go horseback riding through sugar cane fields or have afternoon tea at the famed home of British playwright Noel Coward. The most popular attraction is a stone’s throw from Ocho Rios - the unique Dunn’s River Falls. Climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides carrying cameras waiting to capture photo opportunities. Pause at the “massage parlour” and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades to the sea. It is recommended aqua socks or sturdy rubber sandals to wear.
Sangster International Airport Montego Bay Club Mobay Lounge
The perks begin right after you check-in. A Club Mobay representative first escorts you through an expedited immigration and security line. When you are in a country where tourism in the biggest industry, a quick trip through those lines in worth the price of admission alone. The escort continues through the shops all the way to the main counter of Club Mobay.
The decor of the club is genuine Jamaican. The 10,000 square ft.club includes 3 separate lounges (including a quiet one to get some work done), a business center, a children's play area, comfortable seating, and even showers if you need to freshen up before your next flight. The artwork offers a history of the island, from placards of Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff in the music room to the framed front pages of Jamaican newspapers covering major events.
Montego Bay Club Mobay Departure Lounge: $30 USD per adult / $15USD per child 2 - 12*
*Prices are subject to change at any time.
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