our Final 2 Week Jamaica Itinerary

Jamaica is the place individuals come, because the well-known musician Bob Marley sang, “to really feel alright”, and after exploring the island for a couple of days, it’s actually laborious to not. I hope this 2 week Jamaica itinerary will provide help to plan your good trip right here make sure to take a look at my website for extra Jamaica journey inspiration from a neighborhood.

For such a small island Jamaica packs fairly a punch with the myriad actions out there.  There are such a lot of issues to do in Jamaica; it’s laborious to squeeze every little thing into two weeks.  Our Jamaica itinerary covers a couple of of my favorite spots. Nevertheless, think about it a small pattern of what the nation has to supply, and hopefully it is going to tempt you to return for extra.

Montego Bay – Day 1 to 2

Montego Bay is the island’s tourism capital and the perfect place to begin your journey to Jamaica.  Sangsters Worldwide Airport, probably the most traditional entry level to the island, is round 5 minutes from the city centre, so that you may be on the seashore inside half-hour of leaving the airport.

The place to Keep:  Being the tourism capital, you will discover lodging to go well with any funds in Montego Bay.  You’ll discover all- inclusive lodges, European plan lodges, Airbnb’s, funds lodging, and luxurious villas within the hills.    

In order for you an all-inclusive keep, think about the lodges alongside the Rose Corridor hall.  In order for you a European plan lodge think about one thing nearer to city, say for instance alongside the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (previously Gloucester Avenue).  Or, when you plan to lease an Airbnb, take a look across the Freeport or Ironshore neighbourhoods.

What to Do:  Why not spend the primary day hanging out on the seashore absorbing the rays.  The very best seashore in Montego Bay is Medical doctors Cave seashore. For the night give Scotchies a go when you fancy informal eating.  Or for a extra formal eating choice, you would go to the Houseboat Grill or Sugar Mill Restaurant, each of them glorious institutions.

In your second day in Montego Bay you possibly can go to an awesome home.  The 2 fundamental nice home points of interest in Montego Bay are the Rose Corridor Nice Home and the Greenwood Nice Home.  If you happen to plan to go to simply considered one of them, you would additionally slot in a bamboo rafting journey on the Martha Brae River.

Negril – Day 3 to 4 of Jamaica Itinerary 

Negril is positioned on the western aspect of the island round 1 ½ hours from Montego Bay. Negril is synonymous with the seashore, extra particularly Seven Mile seashore.    The seashore is lined with eating places and resorts. Negril is understood for its laid again life-style, so it’s an awesome place to spend a soothing day or two.

The place to Keep: When deciding on a lodge, the principle resolution you need to make is whether or not to remain on the seashore aspect or the cliff aspect (West Finish).   There are a variety of lodges with various costs alongside the coast. The plain benefit of staying right here is that the seashore is actually in your doorstep.

If you happen to resolve to pick out a lodge on the cliff aspect (West Finish), you received’t discover any seashores, however you’ll have fabulous cliff views of the ocean.  And because the fundamental seashore is barely 5 minutes away, transportation can simply be organized at an affordable value.

What to Do:   In your first day in Negril, what might be higher than to actually soak within the vibe of Negril seashore?  You possibly can merely hang around on the golden sand and ponder these troublesome selections in life: what to drink, when to eat, and when to swim.  

In case you are feeling extra energetic, there are quite a few water sports activities on supply.   Within the night you mustn’t miss the well-known Negril sundown. The very best place to be is Ricks Café on the West Finish. An added plus is you get to look at the fearless cliff divers.

In your second day, why not take a day journey inland and see a special aspect of the island.  In case you are on the lookout for a waterfall attraction, Mayfield Falls is a private favorite. The drive is a bit bumpy, however you get to see a few of the lovely Jamaican countryside.   

One other concept is to soak up a farm-to-table expertise. Zimbali Culinary Retreats, positioned within the hills of Westmoreland, supply such an expertise.  

South Coast – Day 5 to 7 of Jamaica Itinerary 

The south coast of the island is called the bread basket of Jamaica as a result of giant variety of farms positioned on this area and is a should go to on any 2 week Jamaica itinerary.

Most guests have a tendency to remain on the northern coast of the island and few are inclined to enterprise to the south coast, and that’s really a part of its allure.  It has not been spoiled by mass tourism. You possibly can spend the day with a farmer whereas he tends his crops, or when you choose, you possibly can even make a journey out to sea with one of many native fishermen.

The place to remain:  Treasure Seaside is the right base to discover the south coast of the island.   It’s a laid again fishing group that personifies the no drawback vibe Jamaica is understood for.  You possibly can discover hidden non-public coves or hang around on the seashore shack eating places ready for fishermen to usher in the catch of the day.  

There aren’t any excessive rise buildings right here; as a substitute anticipate to see quirky beach-side lodging.  The preferred place to remain is Jakes Lodge. Alternatively, you will discover quite a lot of choices on Airbnb that vary from excessive finish to funds lodging.

What to Do:   In your first day you possibly can go to YS Falls and the Appleton Rum Manufacturing unit.   Jamaica has over 120 rivers so that you’d anticipate us to have quite a lot of waterfall points of interest.   YS Falls is without doubt one of the most lovely waterfall points of interest. It’s a seven tiered waterfall, with every fall main right into a pure swimming gap.  

In order for you an adrenaline rush, attempt the rope swings that lead into the pure swimming pools.  And if this can be a bit too sedate and also you require an additional adrenaline rush, take the zip line that runs above the waterfalls.   

Close by you’ve got the Appleton Rum manufacturing unit the producers of the world well-known Appleton Jamaican Rum.   You possibly can study concerning the rum making course of. You get to pattern the product at varied phases of manufacturing.  However the grand finale, after all, is the tasting room on the finish the place you get to pattern the completed product.  

In your second day on the south coast, you possibly can go to the Black River space.  There you possibly can take a ship up the Black River, one of many longest navigable rivers in Jamaica.  It is possible for you to to watch the endangered American crocodile in addition to over 100 species of birds of their pure habitat.  

Within the afternoon you possibly can go to one of many coolest bars in Jamaica, Floyds Pelican Bar.  The bar, constructed from driftwood, is positioned round 1 / 4 mile offshore on a sand financial institution.  The one method to get there’s by boat.

In your third day you would possibly need to take it straightforward.  You possibly can calm down on the golden sand seashore doing completely nothing or go on an tour with one of many native fishermen the place you possibly can discover a secluded seashore cove.  Alternatively, you possibly can tour a neighborhood farm and see the place all that scrumptious native produce you’ve got been consuming for the previous few days was grown.

A particular method to finish your day is at lovers leap.  This is without doubt one of the most scenic spots in Jamaica, and is reputed to be the place the place two star crossed lovers jumped to their loss of life moderately than be separated by a jealous plantation proprietor.    

The world has been reborn as a neighborhood attraction with a restaurant on website the place you possibly can benefit from the panoramic views and the attractive Jamaican sundown.  If you happen to go on a Sunday, there’s dwell music, so be ready to get together.

Kingston – Day 8 to 9

Kingston is the heartbeat and capital of Jamaica.  Additionally it is the cultural capital of the island. In case you are a reggae music fan, it’s undoubtedly price a go to.  

The place to remain:  Nearly all of lodges in Jamaica are positioned within the New Kingston space.  This can be a very central location when you plan to discover the town. If you happen to plan to lease an Airbnb, you possibly can attempt the next neighbourhoods: Liguanea, Barbican, Millsborough, Manor Park, or Norbrook.

What to Do:  In your first day in Kingston, you possibly can go to the Bob Marley Museum and Devon Home. These two points of interest are in shut proximity to one another.    The Bob Marley Museum was the house and recording studio of reggae celebrity Bob Marley. You’ll not solely find out about Bob’s life in Kingston, but in addition concerning the Rastafarian and political historical past of Jamaica.   

Your second cease for the day shall be Devon Home, which is positioned round 5 minutes away.  Devon Home was the previous dwelling of George Stiebel, the primary black millionaire within the Caribbean.   The house has been restored and it offers you some perception into Jamaica’s historical past. There’s a courtyard on the again that gives meals.  My favorite store is the bakery that gives the well-known Jamaican patty; a private favorite is the lobster patty.

In your second day in Kingston you possibly can go to the Nationwide Artwork Gallery in downtown Kingston.  If you happen to go on the final Sunday of the month, entrance price is free. From there you possibly can head out to Port Royal.   This sleepy fishing village was as soon as generally known as the pirate capital of the Caribbean and the wickedest metropolis on this planet, earlier than it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692.   Remnants of Port Royal nonetheless exist right now and it offers an awesome perception into Jamaica’s pirate historical past.

After a sightseeing morning, you possibly can have lunch at Gloria’s, a favorite seafood spot amongst locals.  If you happen to don’t thoughts the drive up into the mountains, you possibly can have dinner at Strawberry Hill. Attempt to get there earlier than sundown so you possibly can benefit from the attractive views of the town beneath.

Port Antonio – Day 10 to 12

If the concept of lush mountains and waterfalls main right down to the ocean appeals to you, you’ll love Port Antonio.  This is without doubt one of the prettiest areas in Jamaica, nevertheless it doesn’t get many guests. Paradoxically, nonetheless, it was the birthplace of tourism on the island, however different areas reminiscent of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril have now taken that crown.    Port Antonio has a timeless, untouched, tranquil allure that makes it the right place to unwind.

The place to Keep: Don’t look forward to finding all-inclusive lodges right here. As a substitute anticipate to see Eco-tourism pleasant lodges just like the Lodge Mockingbird Hill or the upper finish however stylish, fashionable and laid-back Gee Jam or Trident Lodge.   There are additionally quite a few villas for lease within the San San space when you discover a villa extra interesting.

What to Do:  In your first day in Port Antonio you possibly can go to Attain Falls, considered one of Jamaica’s hidden gems.  Right here you’ll find a 30-foot waterfall that cascades into a number of swimming pools surrounded by a rainforest.  In your manner again into Port Antonio, you possibly can cease on the Blue Lagoon. This turquoise blue lagoon is round 200 ft deep and is surrounded by lush vegetatio – and is know as a real hidden gem in Jamaica.   

Getting hungry? Why not cease on the Boston Jerk Middle to attempt some Jerked meat.  Boston Jerk is the house of Jerk in Jamaica and also you haven’t had true Jerked meat till you’ve got eaten there.  

The close by Boston Bay Seaside is a pleasant place to spend the remainder of the day. It also needs to be famous that this is without doubt one of the few seashores in Jamaica the place you possibly can go online.  So if you’re so inclined, you possibly can lease a surf board.

In your second day, why not go away the shoreline for some time and head up into the mountains.   There are a variety of actions for you. You possibly can go fowl watching, mountaineering, or biking. You too can go to a espresso plantation and learn the way the world well-known Blue Mountain espresso is produced.

In your ultimate day in Port Antonio, take a rafting journey down the Rio Grande.  Rafts have been first used to move agricultural produce from the hinterlands to the shoreline.   It will definitely developed into a preferred vacationer attraction. Rafting on the Rio Grande will take you thru the picturesque Rio Grande valley.  

You possibly can spend the remainder of the day at Frenchman’s Cove Seaside.  Frenchman’s Cove has a river main onto the seashore, making it probably the most picturesque seashores in Jamaica.  

Ocho Rios – Day 13 to 14

Ocho Rios was initially a sleepy fishing village. At the moment it is without doubt one of the fundamental vacationer facilities in Jamaica and in addition a significant cruise ship port.  Additionally it is the house of the well-known Dunns River Falls attraction.

The place to remain:  Ocho Rios has a myriad of selections in relation to lodging.  You could have entry to funds hostels, seaside villas and if you’re so inclined, numerous all-inclusive lodges.

What to Do:  The principle attraction in Ocho Rios is Dunns River Falls f and a go to is unquestionably beneficial. It is without doubt one of the most lovely waterfall points of interest in Jamaica.  The one drawback is it could get very crowded so try to go to within the early morning and undoubtedly keep away from cruise ship days.

In order for you an attraction that may be a bit off the crushed path, go to the Blue Gap within the hills of St. Ann, round 20 minutes outdoors the city of Ocho Rios.   

In your second day in Ocho Rios you are able to do a number of of the numerous actions out there.  You possibly can spend the day horseback driving within the ocean, swimming with dolphins, bobsledding and zip lining, visiting a few of the different waterfall points of interest, or just having fun with a farm-to-table culinary tour.  The alternatives are countless.

In case you are touring between cities, probably the most economical and cozy methodology is the Knutsford Specific bus service.   If you happen to don’t need to stick with a bus schedule, you possibly can rent a personal driver. Your lodge can arrange this for you. In case you are touring inside the city, it’s best to rent a driver.   In case you are touring in Kingston it’s cheaper to name a taxi firm for transportation.

Jamaica tends to have a little bit of a status in relation to security.  If you happen to take the identical precautions you’d take in your house nation, you ought to be fantastic.  Nevertheless, right here a couple of issues to bear in mind:

• Keep away from utilizing route taxis. Use transportation suppliers beneficial by the lodge.

• Keep away from touring at night time, particularly when you  are planning to lease a automotive.

• Don’t carry costly gadgets with you.

• Ask locals concerning the areas you intend to go to.

• Don’t journey with giant quantities of money.

• Don’t use ATMs in remoted areas.

Listed below are a couple of journey suggestions that ought to make your journey run a bit extra easily:

• Store the place the locals store, the costs are less expensive.

• Use cambios to trade your overseas foreign money.

• In case you have electrical gear, 110-120 volts is customary in Jamaica.

• In case you are utilizing a GPS, stick with the principle roads even when the route appears to be like shorter.   The inside roads in Jamaica are typically winding and really slim.

• Make sure that your telephone is unlocked.  You should purchase a SIM card for round US $4.

• Use the Knutsford Specific to journey between cities.

Approximate Driving Instances

Montego Bay to Negril:  1 ½ hours

Negril to Treasure Seaside:  2 hours

Treasure Seaside to Kingston:  2 ½ hours

Kingston to Port Antonio:  2 hours

Port Antonio to Ocho Rios:  2 hours

Ocho Rios to Montego Bay:  1 hour 40 minutes

Price range for Jamaica 

• Meals : US$5 – US$20 per a meal

• Transportation (Knutsford Specific) : US $13 – US $33

• Non-public Transportation: Costs fluctuate relying on distance travelled and are often negotiable.

• Entrance Price for Excursions : US $20  and up

Occasions to look out for

• Insurgent Salute (Reggae Live performance):  January

• Maroon Pageant:  January

• Reggae Month: February

• Carnival Celebrations: March and April

• Jakes Triathlon:  April

• Reggae Sumfest (Reggae Live performance):  July

• Independence Day Celebrations:  August

• Reggae Marathon :  December

Writer Bio: Charmaine loves exploring her dwelling nation Jamaica and sharing her new finds with others, particularly when she finds these hidden gems.  You possibly can leaRrn extra about Jamaica on her weblog at www.jamaicatravelsaver.com