Montego Bay vs Negril Jamaica vs Ocho Rios Jamaica vs Kingston ( Where to Stay )
Thinking of visiting Jamaica and uncertain where in Jamaica will give you the best Jamaican vacation ever? Well look no further! Before you buy your ticket, pack your suntan lotion and jump on a plane, have you figured out if you want to fly into Norman Manley International Airport or Sir Donald Sangster International Airport?
Confused?
What? Jamaica has two airports?
Don’t worry, when you are finished reading this post you will be an expert on Jamaican vacations, or maybe even Jamaica itself!
The History of Each Featured Area.Some Highlights of Jamaica
The first thing you notice about researching Jamaica is that the island is not as small as you think. There are several destinations to visit in Jamaica and two international airports to access the island, Norman Manley International Airport or Sir Donald Sangster International Airport.
The most popular destinations in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios and Kingston. Each destination is unique and offers different Jamaican vacation experiences.
By now you have seen all four and confused as to which one to choose. Let’s start of by what is similar to all the destinations.
Weather Perfection
One thing you can count on no matter where you end up in Jamaica is awesome weather.
Negril Jamaica weather, Ocho Rios Jamaica weather, Kingston Jamaica weather and Montego Bay weather have temperatures ranging from 75°F to 90°F degrees all year round. This makes Jamaica an ideal destination at any time of the year.
The hottest months are the summer months of July and August.
The average temperature for the summer is 88 degrees. The coldest month, if you would call it cold is January at 76°F.
Want to maximize your beach time in Jamaica? Visit Jamaica in July, which has the most daily sunshine hours at 11 hours.
Get your umbrella out as the wettest month is typically October. The best month to swim in the sea is in July when the average sea temperature is 84°.
Check out our month by month Jamaican weather at a glance.
| Month | Weather |
|---|---|
| January | 74°F - 82.3°F Ten days of rain. |
| February | Average temperature 85 °F. Rainfall is limited. |
| March | Perfect 75°F - 84°F all month. 7-9 days of rainfall, usually closer to the end of the month. |
| April | Warmer 77°F - 85°F. Up to 31 % chance of rainfall, most rain expected second week of April. |
| May | Traditionally a rainy month, up to half of the month will experience rainfall. Temperatures range 78°F - 87°F, windy with cool temperatures in the morning and warm humid days. |
| June | 80°F - 90°F temperatures all month long. June is the beginning of hurricane seasoning. |
| July | Best summer month with unlikely 30% chance of rainfall and temperatures 90 to 92 °F. |
| August | Temperatures 80°F - 90°F and claims the highest temperature of all months. |
| September | With an average of 15 days of rain, one of the wettest months of the year. |
| October | Heavy rains, even three to four days consecutively. Temperatures reach as high as 87 °F. |
| November | Temperatures begin to fall to fall to 77°F – 84.9°F a high of 84.9 °F. Expect rainfall towards the end of the month. |
| December | Highs of 85°F and slight rain 11 to 13 days in the month. |
Ok so let’s get down to what you want to know!
Where are Negril, Montego Bay Jamaica, Ocho Rios and Kingston Located?
- Negril Jamaica is located on the West coastline of Jamaica
- Montego Bay is located on the North coastline of Jamaica
- Ocho Rios is located on the North coastline of Jamaica
- Kingston is located on the Southeast coastline of Jamaica
Flying to Jamaica?
| DESTINATION | JAMAICAN AIRPORT |
|---|---|
| Negril | Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay |
| Montego Bay | Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay |
| Ocho Rios | Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay |
| Kingston | Norman Manley International Airport |
What airport do I need to get to Negril Jamaica?
Flying to Negril Jamaica? You will need to fly into Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay.
What airport do I need to get to Montego Bay Jamaica?
Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay is the airport you will need to fly into to get to Montego Bay Jamaica.
What airport do I need to get to Ocho Rios Jamaica?
Want to go to Ocho Rios Jamaica? Fly into Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay
What airport do I need to get to Kingston Jamaica?
Norman Manley International Airport is the only international airport to fly into Kingston Jamaica.
Let’s talk about Negril Jamaica
Negril Jamaica is a small town located on the west coastline of Jamaica. This popular beach resort destination is located in two Jamaican parishes Westmoreland and handover. If you are flying into Jamaica, you would need to arrive at the Sir Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay.
Negril is about an hour and half drive from the airport, and easily accessible by frequent shuttles and taxis. The drive is worth it, as arguably Negril has some of the best beaches in Jamaica, some say even the world!
Negril rises to the top of the best beaches list with an absolutely breathtaking stretch of a perfectly white 4 mile sandbar in that some tourists have dubbed the “7-mile Beach”.
The “7-mile beach” Negril beach runs from Negril River on the south to Rutland Point on the north.
The north end of the 4 mile stretch of beach is home to the large, all-inclusive resorts, and to the south are the smaller, family-run hotels.
Negril Jamaica offers a variety of activities, from lazy days sunbathing on the beech to waters ideal for snorkeling, diving and some diving points up to 40 feet.
Negril’s laid back beach atmosphere makes it one of the most romantic locations in Jamaica.
Top Negril Resorts and Hotels
Negril is a top Jamaican destination for families, couples and singles looking to enjoy great beaches and a variety of sun filled activities.
Negril Jamaica resorts offer options like all inclusive adults only, all inclusive family resorts, room only rates and clothing optional all inclusive resorts. Whether you are looking for a wedding-moon, honeymoon, weekend getaway, family trip or adults only fun, Negril Jamaica hotels have it all.
Hotels vary in size, from small family owned 50-room resorts to 400plus room mega hotels. Negril Jamaica resorts and Negril Jamaica hotels have something for everyone.
Here are some Top Negril Jamaica Resorts & Negril Jamaica Hotels
- Negril Couples Swept Away – Adults only, All-inclusive, 312 Suites, 6 Restaurants, 8 Bars, 5 Jacuzzis, 3 Pools
- Couples Negril – Adults only, All inclusive, 234 Rooms & Suites, 4 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 4 Jacuzzis, 2 Pools
- Sandals Negril – Adults only, All inclusive, 222 Rooms & Suites, 7 Restaurants, 5 Bars, 3 Jacuzzis, 3 Pools
- Beaches Negril – Families welcomed, All inclusive, 210 Rooms & Suites, 8 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 3 Pools
- Samsara Cliff Resort and Spa – Families welcomed, both all inclusive and room only rates, 50 Rooms, 2 Restaurants, 2 bars, 2 Pools
- Riu Palace Tropical Bay – Families welcomed, All inclusive, 416 Rooms & Suites, 5 Restaurants, 1 Bars, 2 Pools
- Hedonism II. – Adults only, clothing optional, All inclusive, 280 Rooms & Suites, 3 Restaurants, 5 Bars, 4 Pools
What to do in Negril Jamaica
If swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling, wind sailing on a 7-mile beach isn’t enough to attract you to Negril Jamaica, here is an expanded list of things to do in Negril Jamaica.
Yamon Red Stripe Catamaran Cruises – Offers day and sunset cruises inclusive of food and drinks. Snorkeling is optional. For more information and reservations check out their website http://yamonredstripecatamaran.com/
Sun Baby Glass Bottom Boat – Jump aboard the family friendly boats and experience the glass bottom windows that magnify the underwater world beneath. Sun Baby glass bottom boats glide over marine gardens and beautiful coral reefs. For reservations and more information http://www.sunbabyboat.com/
Negril Hills Golf Jamaica – A 18-hole par 72 course with gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and tropical vegetation is a premier golf facility in Negril. The facility also hosts a tennis court, pro shop, club house with restaurant for golfers and non golfers alike. For more details http://www.negrilhillsgolfclub.com/
Jamaica Rick’s Café – a forty year old tradition in Negril, Ricks Café is the first public bar and restaurant of its type on the West End Cliffs. Rick’s Cafe has one of the best views of the sunset in Negril, all from its naturally formed cliffs. Visitors and locals alike have designated Rick’s Cafe as Negril’s premier gathering spot and their breathtaking sunsets have become a Jamaican tradition. Beyond the sunsets, Rick’s Cafe has 85 staff members to make your visit memorable. Check them out http://www.rickscafejamaica.com/
Booby Cay Island Picnic – Booby Cay is a very small island located just off the shore of Negril Jamaica. Take one of the many boat tours to the island for a picnic. While there enjoying your picnic, you can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Negril Lighthouse – The Negril Light house is a well known Negril attraction. Converted to solar power in 1985, the lighthouse is just south of the western most edge on the cliffs of the island of Jamaica. Visiting the lighthouse is voted one of the top things to do in Negril Jamaica.
Mayfield Falls – Mayfield Falls is a scenic 1-hour drive from Negril. It boasts two breathtaking waterfalls, 21 natural pools, an abundance of exotic tropical flowers and plant species, and several types of birds, butterflies, and indigenous wildlife. Mayfield is a nature lover’s paradise. Check out their website http://www.mayfieldfalls.com/
Negril Bamboo Alley – site seeing is everywhere in Jamaica, even driving through the streets. Tall, beautiful green bamboo plants border both sides of the highway for about 2 1/2 miles and the plants form a canopy over the road. It’s a sight to see, the area is considered a Jamaican treasure. Don’t fall asleep on the drive and miss it.
Blue Hole Mineral Spring – Located 20 minutes from Negril, Blue Hole is for the adventurous and the not so adventurous. The brave at heart can jump 22 feet down or take a ladder into the cold mineral springs below. For the not so brave, the swimming pool located on site is fed from the same mineral springs.
Jamaica Calico Jack’s Pirate Shack – Located at Half Moon Beach just north of Negril, Calico Jack’s Pirate Shack sits on one of the small islands off Half Moon Bay Marine Sanctuary. A boat trip takes about 5 minutes to enjoy this one of a kind bar.
Now About Ocho Rios Jamaica
Ocho Rios is located on the northern coast of Jamaica and is the Spanish word for ‘eight rivers’. Ocho Rios is the first landing spot for Christopher Columbus’ discovery of Jamaica. Just outside the city, visitors can visit Columbus Park and walk in his footsteps.
Ocho Rios Jamaica History is rich and a melting pot of many cultures and people. In May 1655, British forces seized Jamaica from the Spanish. The English misunderstood, misinterpreted and mispronounced the Spanish name Chorreros and called the town Ocho Rios. The name stuck.
Ocho Rios hugs a small bay where Cruise ships and cargo ships dock in this bustling former fishing village. If you are not coming to Jamaica via cruise ship, you will have to fly into Montego Bay to access Ocho Rios. The Donald Sangster International airport in Montego Bay is an hour and forty five minute drive to Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios has a lot to offer for the active and explorer centric visitor to Jamaica.
Ocho Rios Jamaica All Inclusive
Hotel destinations in Ocho Rios can be all inclusive or pay for room accommodations. All inclusive resorts include everything in one package and great for people who don’t want to budget and only focus on fun on vacation. For visitors, food, drinks, entertainment and room is included in the package. In some instances spa treatments are extra.
Beaches Ocho Rios – Family Friendly, All inclusive, 223 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 1 Jacuzzis, 3 Pools
Jewel Dunns River – Family Friendly, All inclusive, 250 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 2 Pools
Couples San Souci – Adults only, All inclusive, 148 Rooms & Suites, 3 Restaurants, 4 Bars, 4 Pools, 2 beaches
ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios – Family friendly, All inclusive, 846 Rooms & Suites, 7 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 3 Pools, private beach
Jamaica Inn – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 52 Suites & cottages, 4 Restaurants, 1 Bars, 1 Pool
Sandals Royal Plantation & Sandals Ochi Beach Resort – Adults only section, family friendly section, All inclusive, 529 Rooms & Suites, 16 Restaurants, 11 Bars, numerous private and community pools, golf
Royal De Cameron Club Caribbean – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 143 cottages, 3 Restaurants, 1 Bars, 2 Pools
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 730 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 7 Bars, 5 Pools
Ocho Rios Jamaica Resorts Hotels
Ocho Rios Jamaica Resorts and Ocho Rios Hotels come in a variety of stays that is sure to please everyone. Resorts and hotels range from small boutique hotels to large everything you can think of resort.
When booking a hotel in Ocho Rios Jamaica you have to decide from a few options. You can choose from a variety of adults only, kid friendly, all inclusive, room only rates, beach side or activity filled hotels.
Whether you are looking for a quiet romantic getaway, a wedding-moon, an action packed family vacation or a round of golf. Ocho Rios Jamaica Resort and Ocho Rios Jamaica hotels have something for everyone. Here are a few choices for you:
Family Friendly
Beaches Ocho Rios – Family Friendly, All inclusive, 223 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 1 Jacuzzis, 3 Pools
Jewel Dunns River – Family Friendly, All inclusive, 250 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 2 Pools
ClubHotel Riu Ocho Rios – Family friendly, All inclusive, 846 Rooms & Suites, 7 Restaurants, 6 Bars, 3 Pools, private beach
Jamaica Inn – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 52 Suites & cottages, 4 Restaurants, 1 Bars, 1 Pool
Royal De Cameron Club Caribbean – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 143 cottages, 3 Restaurants, 1 Bars, 2 Pools
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort – Family Friendly, All inclusive, boutique, 730 Rooms & Suites, 6 Restaurants, 7 Bars, 5 Pools
Adults Only
Couples San Souci – Adults only, All inclusive, 148 Rooms & Suites, 3 Restaurants, 4 Bars, 4 Pools, 2 beaches
Sandals Royal Plantation & Sandals Ochi Beach Resort – Adults only section, family friendly section, All inclusive, 529 Rooms & Suites, 16 Restaurants, 11 Bars, numerous private and community pools, golf
Rooms Only Hotels
Goldeneye Hotel and Resort – Beachfront, boutique, Luxury, 21 rooms, 1restaurant, 1 bar, 2 oceanfront pools, spa
Hermosa Cove, Villa Resort & Suites – Boutique, kid friendly, Luxury, 9 suites, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, private pools.
What to do on a Ocho Rios Jamaica Vacation
There are many things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica. Whether you choose to stay at your resort and joy the water sports, spas, golf or relaxing sunbathing, venturing out of the resort could bring endless entertainment. An Ocho Rios Jamaica vacation is not complete without taking a visit to one of the top things to do or top places to visit in Ocho Rios.Dunns River Falls – arguably one of the most visited sites in Ocho Rios, maybe even Jamaica, Dunns River falls is about the experience. If you are brave enough to climb the 180 feet, cold, cascading, terraced mountain falls, join the human chain and start having some fun. For more information check them out at http://www.dunnsriverfallsja.com
Green Grotto Caves – History has it as a hideaway for runaway slaves and Spanish settles that were trying to escape the British that once ruled Jamaica. This limestone cave with an underground lake is a breathtaking site to see. Named after the green algae that line the caves, green grotto caves is great with a guided tour that allows you to step back into a rich history.
Nine Mile – Nine mile is a small must see village for the music enthusiast. It is the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend, Bob Marley. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about Rastafarian religion and hear interesting stories of Marley’s extraordinary life.
Dolphin Cove – Dolphin Cove is just as its name describes a cove where visitors can meet, greet and swim with Dolphins in their natural habitat. There is a little something for everyone here, as the cove is surrounded by rainforest that can also be explored. Visit iguanas, snakes, and tropical birds on the Jungle Trail walk. Snorkel or kayak with dolphin, shark, and stingray. http://www.dolphincoveja.com
Columbus Park – Ocho Rios is home to Discovery Bay, the first place Christopher Columbus stepped on when he re-discovered Jamaica is 1494. Columbus Park commemorates this day in history with museum that explores the history and impact of that landing. Learn about the pre-colonial history of Jamaica’s indigenous people the Arawak. Touch, feel and see the Arawak canoes to sugarcane milling, nautical relics and cannons. The museum houses fascinating artifacts from Jamaica’s past.
Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain – for the adventurous and the thrill seeker, Mystic Mountain is for you. One of the top attractions in Ocho Rios, visitors can ascent to the top of the mountain on a chairlift the Rainforest SkyExplorer. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful views of the ship port and coast line below. Enjoy the moment of relaxation before you zipline back down nearly 550 feet. Guided nature walks, an infinity pool, waterslide are just some of the other things one can do at this park.
Prospect Plantation – Ever dreamed of visiting a working Plantation? Prospect Plantation is located between the mountains and the sea near Ocho Rios. The Plantation produces allspice, cocoa, limes, bananas, pineapples, coffee, and sugar cane. Enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful grounds while learning about the production of some of these tropical crops. The Plantation also has a beautiful butterfly enclosure and horseback riding. http://www.prospect-villas.com
Blue Hole – Located in a deep cavern in the tropical mountains of Ocho Rios, Blue Hole is for the nature lover. The adventurous can enjoy the jungle pools fill by the cascading series of waterfalls. The Blue Hole name comes from the deep hue of the water here. Whether you go swimming or cliff jumping, Blue Hole is sure to give you some memories.
Let’s talk about Montego Bay Jamaica
Montego Bay is located on the north coast of Jamaica and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jamaica. The largest city in the parish of St James, Montego Bay is the home to largest airport, the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, one of two airports in Jamaica. Montego Bay is also a major cruise ship port.
Tourist from all over the world make Montego Bay a top Caribbean destination because of its multiple beach resorts and golf courses.
What is the Montego Bay Song
“Montego Bay” is a song by Bobby Bloom about the city in Jamaica. The song made Robert “Bobby” Bloom a one hit wonder charting in the top 10 in September 1970. The song was popular on both sides of the Atlantic reaching top 10 status in UK, Canada and Australia.
The Montego Bay song was co-written and produced by Jeff Barry, an American pop music songwriter, singer, and record producer.
Booby Bloom did not achieve further commercial success and died on February 28, 1974 in an accidental shooting at the age of 28.
Montego Bay Jamaica Airport
Montego Bay Jamaica Airport – The Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is an international airport located 3 mi east of the city of Montego Bay. The airport is located on the north coast of Jamaica and one of three international airports in Jamaica.
Montego Bay airport is the busiest of the three Jamaican airports and is the most popular. The airport gets its name after the former Jamaican Prime Mister Sir Donald Sangster.
The airport is in close proximity to many resorts on the north coast of Jamaica. Montego Bay airport is the main airport within easy driving distance of the cruise ports at Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril.
Montego Bay Resorts Hotels
Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – All-Inclusive, Adults only, 350 Rooms & Suites, 7 Restaurants, 7 Bars, 1 Pools, peninsular beach
Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall – All-Inclusive, adults only, 295 Rooms & Suites, 3 Restaurants, 3 Bars, 2 Pools, beach
Riu Palace Jamaica – All-Inclusive, adults only, 238 Rooms & Suites, 3 Restaurants, 2 Bars, 2 Pools, beach
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa – All-Inclusive, Family friendly, water park, 488 rooms, 5 restaurants, 3 bars
Royalton White Sands – All-Inclusive, family friendly, 353 rooms, spa, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, 2 pools, water park
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa – All-Inclusive, Family, 540 rooms, 5 pools, 8 Jacuzzis, 10 restaurants, 13 bars,
Sunscape Montego Bay – All-Inclusive, family friendly, 430 Room, 4 Pool, 7 restaurants, 8 bars,
The Oasis at Sunset – All-Inclusive, family friendly, 124 rooms, 3 bars, 3 restaurants, private beach
Montego Bay Nightlife
Montego Bay Nightlife can take a life all on its own while you are on vacation. If you are tired of your hotel and want to venture offsite, you can choose one of two forms of entertainment, bar or nightclub.
Blue Beat
Blue Beat is the first martini and Jazz lounge in Montego Bay. Located next door to Margaritaville, on Gloucester Avenue, this lounge offers live Jazz jam sessions nightly. Friday nights turn into a full on dance party as the laid back jazz atmosphere is intensified with the latest pop, dance music, reggae and hip hop for a definite club vibe. Keep your eyes open, Blue Beat is a great spot to celebrity watch.
Margaretville
Margaretville is located Montego Bay’s ‘Hip Strip’, Gloucester Avenue. Swinging every night until the last guest goes home, Margaretville is perfect for anyone that does not want the party to end. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaretville is definitely a Montego Bay nightlife staple. Margaretville is perfect for visitors searching for exciting entertainment, fun and lively atmosphere, delicious food and fun libation concoctions. Visitors via cruise ships can get in on the fun, as Margaretville is only a short 10 minute ride from the pier via readily available taxis or shuttle buses.
Prince of Wales English Pub
Named after the Prince of Wales, this authentic English Pub at the Half Moon Shopping Village has it all. A genuine English pub vibe, good food, great booze, all that is needed is good company. Play darts, pool, dance to live music or grab a game on the many TVs.
Pier One
Open since 1986, Pier One is a relaxed seaside restaurant by day and one of the hottest party spots by nights. Pier one is an open-air Seafood Restaurant and entertainment center with awesome sunset views. Sunrise more your thing, dance up a storm to a mix of International and Reggae music until the sun comes up!
Things to do in Montego Bay Jamaica
Luminous Lagoon Night Cruise in Jamaica – Departures nightly from glistening Water Marina for a night cruise to Luminous Lagoon. Luminous Lagoon is home to millions of dinoflagellates that make the lagoon sparkle at night. The glistening the microscopic organisms produce gives glow to fish and other objects in the water. Check out more details http://www.glisteningwaters.com/
Doctors Bay – A must do in Montego Bay is to visit Doctor’s Cave Beach and Bathing Club. Calm water and white sands fringes are fed by mineral springs. Some claim the waters have curative powers, a claim that has brought many visitors to its location. Located on famous Gloucester Ave, visitors will find changing rooms, restaurants, and gift shops along this strip, and beach equipment is available for rent. Official site: http://www.doctorscavebathingclub.com/
Rose Hall Great House – Located 20 minutes from Montego Bay, Rose Hall Great House is a restored 1770 plantation home. According to legend, the home is haunted by the White Witch Annie Palmer. For fun seeking ghost hunters, legend has it that Annie ruled the home with cruelty and black magic powers that sealed her husband fate. Visitors can get a tour of the restored home filled with period furniture. For the easily spooked go at day, for the thrill seeker candlelight night time tours are also available. Official site: https://rosehall.com/
The “Hip Strip” – Gloucester Avenue or the “Hip Strip” is a trendy, action filled section of Montego Bay. Located near Doctor’s Cave Beach, Gloucester Avenue is lined with art galleries, cafés, and shops. Stroll down the street and explore the many T-shirts and souvenir stores to commemorate your visit.
Martha Brae River – Martha Brae is one of the most popular attractions in Montego Bay. Visitors can drift on rafts for 5 kilometers down the river. Relax on bamboo rafts while being entertained and educated by local guides. Learn about tropical flora and fauna and relax and enjoy the ride http://www.jamaicarafting.com/
Lastly Kingston Jamaica
Kingston is the capital and largest city in Jamaica. Kingston is located on the southeastern coast of the island.
Kingston faces a natural harbor protected by the Palisadoes peninsula. The Palisadoes is a long sand spit which connects the town of Port Royal and the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island. Norman Manley International Airport is one of three airports that service the island.
Kingston is surrounded by the Blue Mountains, Red Hills, Long Mountain and the Kingston Harbor.
A city of two halves, downtown Kingston and New “uptown” Kingston is like night and day. Downtown is home to historic buildings, the courts, banks, street markets and one of the Caribbean’s greatest art museums. Uptown Kingston or “New Kingston” has the city’s best hotels and restaurants. New Kingston is a cluster of tall buildings around Emancipation Park.
Two of the city’s most essential sights, the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House are located in New Kingston.
Kingston Jamaica Time Zone
Kingston Jamaica time zone is similar to the Eastern time zone in the US.
Kingston Jamaica Resorts
Strawberry Hill – 12 cottages, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, no beach
Jamaica Pegasus Hotel – family friendly, 300 rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bar, 1 pool, no beach
Altamont Court Hotel – family friendly, 58 rooms, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 1 pool, no beach
Courtleigh Hotel And Suites – family friendly, 128 rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, 1 pool, no beach
Hotel Four Seasons – family friendly, 115 rooms, 1 restaurants, 1 bar, 1 pool, no beach
Knutsford Court Hotel – family friendly, 143 rooms, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 1 pool, no beach
The Spanish Court Hotel – family friendly, 108 rooms, 1 restaurants, 1 bar, 1 pool, no beach, spa
Grand Port Royal Hotel Marina & Spa – family friendly, 60 rooms, 1 restaurants, 1 bar, 1 pool, no beach, spa
Things to do in Kingston Jamaica
Jamaica’s capital Kingston Jamaica caters more to the business traveler and urbanite, rather than the beach bums that visit the North and West Coast.
During the daytime, visitors to Kingston will find several attractions such as zoos, museums, parks and theaters. At nights, you can visit any of the lively nightclubs, sport bars or local entertainment spots.
Beaches and Things to do in Kingston
Hellshire Beach – Free of hotels and tourist traps, Hellshire offers good fishing and good food. Vendors set up stalls to sell fresh fish and other foods. To get an authentic taste of Jamaica, Hellshire is a must visit. Swimming is best at its northern end, where the water is shallow and protected by a rocky barricade.
Fort Clarence – Located close to Hellshire beach. The beach has extensive amenities with lifeguards, security, changing rooms, bathroom, picnic table and a restaurant and bar. Local specialties are served beachside, such as fry fish and bammy or “festival,” sweet fried dumplings. From the sand, you can see the small 18th century fort for which the beach is named.
Fairy Hill Beach – Fairy Hill Beach or Winnifred Beach is a Kingston area beach favored by locals. Fairy Hill Beach is located close Port Antonio just past a steep road and several lagoons. The beach is perfect for a freshwater dip after a salt water dip.
Lime Cay – the tiny island of Lime Cay, situated just off Morgan’s Harbor is very close to Kingston. The beaches around Kingston have predominantly black sand beaches. Lime Cay has white sand. The weekdays are quiet but the weekdays can get moderately crowded.
Bob Marley Museum – The Bob Marley Museum offers 1 hour tours of Bob Marley’s home and recording studio. Filled with tons of memorabilia and Bob Marley’s personal belongings, the museum is a must see for any fan. The house is a preserved historical site, where visitors can even see the bullet holes from the attempted murder of Bob Marley. Bob Marley lived at the home until his death in 1981.
National Gallery of Jamaica – This museum features artwork by Jamaicans throughout the country’s history. Artwork from native Taino Indians through the colonial period to works by modern artists line the walls.
Devon House – Devon house built by George Stiebel, the nation’s first black millionaire is open today for visitors. The 19th Century mansion has a courtyard that has craft shops, a few restaurants, and the most famous ice cream shop on the island.
Hope Botanical Gardens – Hope Botanical Gardens is the Largest Botanical Garden in the Caribbean. The garden gets its name from the man Richard Hope who helped capture Jamaica for Great Britain and was given the property to reward him for his faithfulness to the Crown. Entrance is free to the garden.
Hope Zoo – Located next to Hope Botanical gardens is Jamaica’s zoo.
Pros and Cons of visiting Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Kingston
So now we have delved into the destinations that are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Kingston, we have summarized the pros and cons of each city.
Here is a quick side by side comparison of each.
| Montego Bay | Ocho Rios | Negril | Kingson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros - Great weather - Close proximity to airport - Numerous hotels and resorts to choose from - Singles, family and adult friendly - Very active nightlife - Close to many nature lover activities - Extensive dining option - Water parks and numerous beach activities - Moderately romantic | Pros - Great weather - Variety of hotels to choose from - Numerous hotels and resorts to choose from - Singles, family and adult friendly - Moderate nightlife - Close to many nature activities - Moderate dining options - Numerous beach activities - Water parks and numerous beach activities - Romantic | Pros - Great weather - Beaches are arguably the best in Jamaica - Singles, family and adult friendly - Numerous hotels and resorts to choose from - Romantic - Moderate nightlife - Numerous beach activities - Close proximity to nature lovers activities - Not very crowded | Pros - Great weather - Close proximity to airport - Extensive nightlife - Singles, family and adult friendly - Many historical sites - Close proximity to nature lover activities - Extensive food options |
| Cons - Overcrowded - Commercial - Moderately romantic | Cons - Hour and half from airport - Commercial - Overcrowded | Cons - Limited activity off resorts - Hour from airport | Cons - Not romantic - Limited beaches - Limited hotel options - Limited beach activities |
In Conclusion
Whether you are planning a romantic trip, a family trip or a singles trip to Jamaica, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Kingston has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, sunbather, golfer or an adventure seeker, a Jamaican vacation has something to keep you entertained.
Plan your visit to Jamaica with confidence.
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Everything You Needed to Know About Jamaican Vacation Locations In One Post
Out of all the places in the world, Jamaica is my favorite place. – Eve
A Complete Guide to Every Jamaica Travel
When people come to Jamaica, we don’t want them to think about the problems of Jamaica. So let them come be in their paradise. – Ziggy Marley
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