Jamaica form of government and state structure. A brief excursion into history. Entertainment in Jamaica

In 1494, the Spaniards first set foot on the island, and fifteen years later the first colonial settlements arose. The Arawak Indian tribes begin to rapidly decline and disappear completely by the beginning of the next century. Jamaica is modified. At this time, slaves from Africa were brought to the island to work on the plantations. In the second half of the 17th century, the British captured this territory and annexed it to the British crown. Since then Jamaican history closely associated with the UK.

On the shore, in the place of a picturesque bay, the city of Port Royal appeared, which became a haven for pirates. No ship could pass these shores unnoticed. Port Royal grew rich and went unpunished until the depths of the sea swallowed it up.

The British organized plantations on the island, where they grew sugar cane. Negro slaves, exhausted by hard work, staged uprisings and undermined the economy. It became especially difficult for the planters after the abolition of slavery. At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States made large investments in the development of the island. The cultivation and export of bananas, coconuts, coffee and cocoa generated income. In the second half of the 20th century, Jamaica became a completely free state with its own system of government and economy. During the period of colonization, a peculiar culture of Jamaica. She absorbed elements of Indian and African cults, as well as elements of European traditions.

Opposite the ancient fort of Port Royal, the haven of pirates, on the opposite shore of the bay of the same name appeared locality Kingston. It was very small and inconspicuous until the inhabitants of the old center of the island, destroyed by fire, became interested in it. Port Royal ceased to exist, and Kingston began to grow and develop at a rapid pace. It has become a significant port, able to receive large cargo and passenger ships. That's what it is capital of Jamaica. Currently, the city is the citadel of tourism on the island and a favorite destination for vacationers, along with numerous resorts.

Numerical and ethnic composition The island has changed a lot since its colonization. currently over 90% African, 6% mulatto and 3% other ethnic groups. The total population of the island is 2.8 million people. The average age of human life is about 75 years, and the birth rate exceeds the death rate. At the same time, about five people out of a thousand leave the country for various reasons.

centuries old story The state is linked to the rule of Great Britain. The period of colonization was quite long. After independence in 1962 State of Jamaica became part of the union and remained under the control of the monarchy. In the absence of the queen, the country is governed by a governor-general, who is appointed with the consent of the prime minister of the island. The country has a bicameral Parliament and a Constitution. The government several times expressed the desire for a complete withdrawal from the union and obtaining the status of a republic.

There are two parties in the country, whose activities affect the relationship of the island with other states. during the Labor period, it tended to cooperate with the United States and England. The People's Party gravitates towards Cuba and third world countries. Jamaica has diplomatic relations with Russia.

Language of Jamaica

The main population of the state speaks the Patois dialect, which is a mixture of Creole and Jamaican. Meanwhile, the state language is English.

State flag of Jamaica.

Jamaica - Island state in the Caribbean as former colony The UK is part of the Commonwealth. Formally, the head of state is the British Queen, who is represented on the island by the Governor General. The capital of Jamaica is the city of Kingston. Administratively, the country is divided into three counties.

Jamaica. Harvesting papaya.

The population of Jamaica is 2.7 million inhabitants. The most populated coastal areas of the island. The Jamaicans are the descendants of Negro slaves, whom the Spaniards and then the British imported from Africa to provide labor for the sugar plantations (the indigenous population of Jamaica - the Indians - were exterminated). Blacks among Jamaicans - more than 75%, the rest - mulattoes of various degrees of mixing. In slave-owning times, the mixed Jamaican population was divided into several groups depending on the proportion of Negro blood: mulattoes - the descendants of a white father and a Negro mother, quarterons - with a quarter of Negro blood, Musti - from 1/8, Musteffino - from 1/16 (descendants of the latter from marriage or association with whites were already considered white by law).

Jamaicans are predominantly employed in agriculture, extractive industries, commerce and the service sector, with most of those employed in the service and commerce sectors to some extent connected with tourism business. Therefore, the well-being of the inhabitants of Jamaica depends on the influx of tourists.

In addition to the Jamaicans, there are also significant numbers of Indians and Chinese on the island. The Indians and Chinese are the descendants of workers who, in the mid-19th century, after the abolition of slavery, were hired under contract to work on the plantations. At present, most Indians are engaged in agriculture and live in villages in the west of the island; there are many Indians in the capital. The Chinese mainly trade in petty trade, almost all of them live in large cities - Kingston and St. Andrew, which has merged with it. There are also small numbers of English, Cuban, American and German people living in the cities.

The mass emigration of Jamaicans as a result of the dispossession of peasants began at the end of the last century. Jamaican blacks made up a significant part of the labor force on the construction of the Panama Canal, on the banana plantations of Central America, on the sugar plantations of Cuba and the United States. The flow of emigrants increased even more after the Second World War. During this period, they traveled primarily to the UK, but also to Canada, and after 1962 (when the UK passed tough immigration laws) to Canada and the US. Currently, almost a third of all Jamaicans live abroad - mainly in the UK, USA, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

The official language of Jamaica is English. However, the spoken Jamaican dialect has little in common with literary English. It contains many words from various African languages and is very far from English pronunciation. Therefore, the Jamaican dialect is sometimes considered a distinct creole language. The Chinese and Indians also widely use the Jamaican dialect of English, but in everyday life they also use their native languages. By religion, most of the population of Jamaica is Protestant, there is also a small number of Catholics. Some African cults are also widespread among a part of the population, for example, the obia cult.

Geography

Jamaica is located in the West Indies, in the northern Caribbean Sea. The size of the island is not very large - 250 km long and 70 km wide. The area of Jamaica is 11.5 thousand square kilometers, which puts it in third place among the Great Antilles. Jamaica is inferior in size to Cuba and Haiti, but surpasses Puerto Rico.

The southern coast of Jamaica is strongly indented, has good harbors that once served as a refuge for pirates, but is bordered by reefs. The northern coast of the island is rocky, in its central part there is a narrow strip of beaches - the so-called Jamaican Riviera. Most The territory of Jamaica is occupied by a hilly limestone plateau, in the east of the island the Blue Mountains ("blue mountains") rise up to 2256 m. Vast low-lying plains stretch along the southern and western coasts.

Jamaica is highly seismic. Earthquakes are not uncommon here. Two earthquakes (1692 and 1907) were catastrophic. In 1692, the old capital of Jamaica, Port Royal, was completely destroyed, and the surviving residents moved to neighboring Kingston. But in 1907, the new capital - Kingston - suffered the same fate. True, the city was subsequently rebuilt.

Jamaica. Rafting on the Rio Grande.

There are many rivers in Jamaica, originating on the slopes of mountains and hills. The name Jamaica itself comes from a distorted Native American word "haimaka" ("island of springs"). The largest river of the island, the Rio Grande (about 100 km long), begins at Mount Denham in the central part of Jamaica and flows into the Caribbean Sea in the south of the island, near Cape Portland. The rivers of Jamaica are used for rafting. The main natural wealth of Jamaica is bauxite. According to their reserves, this small country ranks fifth in the world. In total, there are over 100 deposits in Jamaica, the largest of them is Williamsfield in the central part of the island. The bauxite industry is the main branch of the national economy.

Jamaica. Falls on the Dunn's River.

The plateau in the center of Jamaica and the mountain slopes in the east of the island are covered with evergreen tropical forests. On the plains of western and southern Jamaica, vegetation takes on a savannah appearance. Large areas are occupied by plantations of sugar cane - the main agricultural crop of Jamaica. There are also banana and citrus plantations. The fauna of Jamaica is rather poor. There are only small rodents, birds, reptiles and bats.

Climate

Jamaica is located in the zone of tropical trade winds, which determines the characteristics of its climate. The trade wind climate is characterized by a stable regime east winds, moderately cloudy and rather dry weather.

The difference between summer and winter temperatures in Jamaica is almost imperceptible. In July, the average air temperature is about 27 °C, but in January the air warms up to 24–25 °C. There is little precipitation in Jamaica (about 800 mm per year), but on the slopes of the mountains facing the trade wind, their number increases six to seven times, and it rains almost every day.

The tropical trade wind climate could be considered the most comfortable, if not for one of its unpleasant features - tropical cyclones. These huge atmospheric whirlwinds, which for some reason are always called by female names, with hurricane-force winds, from time to time sweep over the Caribbean Sea, causing great destruction. But, fortunately, tropical cyclones are a rather rare phenomenon, and most often a bright hot sun shines over Jamaica, which sometimes runs into small clouds, and a light easterly breeze blows.

Story

From ancient times, Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were mainly engaged in hunting and fishing, until in 1494 the caravels of Christopher Columbus appeared here. The great navigator deprived the indigenous population of freedom and declared the island Spanish colony. Ruthless exploitation already in the 16th century led to the almost complete destruction of the Indians. In 1513, African slaves were brought into Jamaica to work on the plantations. The weakening of Spanish power in the middle of the 17th century allowed Great Britain to seize Jamaica in 1655 and turn it into largest center slave trade. Over the next century and a half, about a million people were sold here.

By the 18th century, blacks on the island made up the vast majority of the population. Their cruel exploitation on the plantations of tobacco and raw sugar (the main article of the Jamaican economy) caused the strongest uprisings. The struggle for independence that unfolded in the Latin American colonies from the beginning of the 19th century also found a response in the English possessions. The situation became especially acute in 1831-1834. The colonial authorities had to make serious concessions and abolish slavery in 1838.

In the 20th century, the people of Jamaica once again took advantage of the weakening of Great Britain, which undermined economic power during the Second World War. Started in the 1940s new wave popular struggle for independence. In 1943, the metropolis was forced to introduce universal suffrage, and on August 6, 1962, it recognized the complete political independence of the island. Now Jamaica is a popular rich resort that has preserved its magnificent nature and traces of its past.

culture

In the art and architecture of Jamaica, the influence of European, mainly English, culture is combined with the traditions of African peoples. From the 17th and 18th centuries, one-story stone and brick buildings have survived (mainly in the former capital of Spanish Town). Since the middle of the 19th century, two-story wooden houses with verandas and iron decorations (the so-called colonial style architecture) have prevailed. In the 20th century, buildings of a modern type were built (University of the West Indies near Kingston, hotels).

The traditional folk crafts of the Jamaicans have largely preserved the spirit of African culture. Jamaicans are mainly engaged in woodcarving and metalworking, and they also make jewelry. African folk traditions are especially strongly felt in Jamaican wood carvings.

Cities

The most important cities in Jamaica are Kingston, Montego Bay and Spanish Town.

Spanish Town

Located inland, 20 km west of Kingston, Spanish Town was the capital of Jamaica for a long time (1692-1872). Unlike other capitals - Port Royal and Kingston - natural disasters bypassed the city, so Spanish Town has preserved buildings from both early colonial times (17-18 centuries) and the Victorian era (second half of the 19 century).

Rest on the sea

Jamaica. Water skiing.

In Jamaica, both lovers of noisy nightlife and those who want to relax from the hustle and bustle in a quiet corner will feel at home. There are a lot of hotels on the island and for every taste - from modern comfortable ones with night bars, restaurants, dance houses to small secluded cottages. But wherever you stay, excellent conditions for recreation will be created everywhere, and first of all for water sports: yachting, water skiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and sea excursions on a boat with a transparent bottom, from where you can admire the underwater world.

Jamaica. Scuba diving training.

In many hotels, all these services are provided free of charge, that is, they are included in the cost of living. So, at the Trelawny Beach Hotel, located on the Jamaican Riviera, the cost of living ($ 90-130 per day, depending on the season) includes not only all these types of water sports, but also teaching everyone who wants to walk under sailing, water skiing or scuba diving, not to mention the free pools and tennis courts.

There are much more expensive and much cheaper hotels. So, at the Sandcastles youth hotel, which is located in the resort town of Ocho Rios, you can relax for only $ 35 per day, although you will have to cook your own food - studio-type rooms have small kitchenettes, and for everything entertainment pay extra. Accommodation at the Half Moon Club hotel in Montego Bay will cost $120-230 per day. But there will be not only a beautiful room with a sea view, but also a sauna, a jacuzzi, a swimming pool, tennis, squash or golf, horseback riding and, of course, any kind of water sports.

Jamaica. Swimming pool next to the hotel.

In general, the "Full Content" system (" All inclusive”), when all additional services are included in the cost of living, is accepted in many hotels in Jamaica. The famous Sandals hotel chain in Jamaica has brought it almost to perfection. "Sendals", specializing in the rest of couples and having hotels all over resort towns Jamaica, provided for almost everything: and accommodation in luxurious rooms with scenic view from the window, and pools with islands and a waterfall, and a full range of the most exotic entertainment on land and at sea (180-320 dollars a day).

Jamaica. Waterfall on one of the rivers.

Resorts

Jamaican Riviera

The main attraction of Jamaica is its famous beaches, and the most famous of them is the Jamaican Riviera. It stretches along the northern coast of the island in a narrow strip for hundreds of kilometers. On the one hand, the azure sea, on the other - a steep rocky ledge of a limestone plateau, and between them a thin thread of beaches - that's what the Jamaican Riviera is. Both well-known luxury hotels and small modest hotels, remote from noisy cities, are concentrated here.

While relaxing on the Jamaican Riviera, you can not only go sailing or water skiing, but also take a walk (on foot or horseback) to the waterfalls on the Dunns River or climb rocky ledges to a hilly limestone plateau to find yourself under the canopy of a dense rainforest.

Montego Bay

Jamaica. Airplane landing at Montego Bay Airport.

The second largest city in Jamaica, the largest and most famous resort located in the northwest of the island. In Montego Bay is international Airport, it receives flights from the US and from some European countries. In addition, it is also a major transportation hub. Part of Jamaican sugar, coffee, bananas is exported through the commercial port of Montego Bay. The city has a mass of hospitable hotels for every taste and for people of any income. The main advantage of Montego Bay is that any, even the most exotic types of sea recreation, and all the benefits and conveniences of city life are available here at the same time. The city is bustling with nightlife. Numerous restaurants and bars where you can relax after tiring windsurfing or water skiing, discos, small shops that do not close until the morning, where you will be offered souvenirs to remember Jamaica - all this is similar to any resort city in the world, but at the same time time gives a unique Jamaican flavor.

Ocho Rios

Jamaica. Ocho Rios beach.

On the northern coast of Jamaica is Ocho Rios (Spanish for "eight rivers"). This place is a real Garden of Eden, sheltered between the green slopes of the mountains, overgrown with lush vegetation, and the sparkling sea. Ocho Rios is both extensive beaches and evergreen palm trees, these are also large shopping centers, and small shops, and luxury hotels, and inexpensive hotels. And of course, this is a huge number of small restaurants on the very shore of the sea and bars where you can taste the famous Jamaican rum, which at one time was very popular with the pirates of the Caribbean.

Negril

Famous for its sandy beaches and Negril - the extreme southwestern tip of Jamaica. Unlike the noisy and hectic Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Negril, located away from big cities, is a quiet, calm and serene place. Here is the most beautiful beach Jamaica - 12 km expanse of white sparkling sand. One of the best hotels in Jamaica, Sandals Negril, is also located in Negril. Negril is also known for its amazingly beautiful sunsets. There are few places where you can see such a picturesque picture when the sun slowly sinks into the sea.

Almost three million Jamaica is perhaps one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. And, without a doubt, the most colorful and unique. The atmosphere of the Caribbean is the most palpable here - Jamaica not only absorbed the spirit of the Caribbean Sea, but also strengthened it many times over.

Despite the fact that the island is located almost in the very center of the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica cannot be confused with the rest of the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. It attracts tourists with the same tropical sun, white sand beaches and carefree resort life as most other islands. However, Jamaica special world both culturally and historically.

A tourist who visits the island for the first time will immediately be struck by the distinct “Africanism” of the inhabitants of the island. Yes, Jamaica has a lot to offer a curious traveler who is tired of the gray working days or who has managed to see many cities and countries. The Blue Mountains are rightly proud of their best coffee in the world - you can verify this by visiting the century-old factory on Mavis Bank and tasting a cup of coffee straight from the plantation. For divers, first-class reefs await, including the famous beaches of Runaway Beach or Ocho Rios. And Jamaica is pristine waterfalls, swampy backwaters with crocodiles and manatees. Fishing villages here coexist with cosmopolitan cities. And, of course, unforgettable tropical sunsets on the spacious, palm-fringed snow-white beaches of Treasure Beach or Frenchman Cove near Port Antonio. In short, much of what attracts a traveler in other parts of the world can be found here in Jamaica.

And yet, nowhere in the Caribbean is the connection to Africa more tangible than in Jamaica. In Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, slaves were brought from Africa, and sugar and rum were exported to Europe. The runaway Maroon slaves who settled on the slopes of the Cockpit Country and the Blue Mountains preserved many African traditions, including Jerk, one of the hallmarks of Jamaican cuisine. And, of course, Jamaica is the “reggae” rhythm that broke into popular music in the 1970s and 80s. This region is literally saturated with a unique history, stunning landscapes and original culture. So, welcome to Jamaica.

A visa to Jamaica for up to 30 days is issued upon arrival, at the international airport - at the immigration office, an arrival stamp is simply noted in the passport. The visa fee is $25.

How to get to Jamaica

Air traffic

Tourists, and especially those who decide to visit Jamaica for a beach holiday, usually fly to the airport. Donald Sangster in Montego Bay on the north coast of the country. In most cases, all international flights arrive there. However, those who are heading to the Blue Mountains region, or starting their journey in Jamaica from its capital, Kingston, are accepted by the international airport. Norman Manley.

A network of local airlines connects these two airports with other islands in the Caribbean archipelago, as well as with a network of smaller airports throughout Jamaica itself, since the island also has local airports that accept charter flights.

Cities and regions

Jamaica is the third largest English-speaking country in the Western Hemisphere, after the United States and Canada. Having declared its independence in 1962, it still remains in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Jamaica is divided into three counties, which in turn include parishes (the numbering on the map is in order).

Administrative divisions of Jamaica (counties and parishes)

County of Cornwall: Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawney, Westmoreland.
County of Middlesex: Clarendon, Manchester, St. Ann, St. Catherine, St. Mary.
Surrey: Kingston, Portland, St. Andrew, St. Thomas.

However, thousands of visitors to the island are much more familiar with the division into tourist regions: northern and northeast coast, southwest coast, Kingston and the Blue Mountains.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and recreation areas

Transport

Private guides in Jamaica

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Jamaica in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Entertainment in Jamaica

Diving in Jamaica

Almost along the entire length of the northern coast of the island runs coral reef, averaging between a mile and five miles from the coastline. Along it are the main diving sites - some on the main reef, others on miniature reefs and on "coral heads" standing on the sandy bottom. The water here is for the most part no deeper than 30 meters. Among diving fans, Jamaica hardly holds the world leadership - but the fact that it is not so famous does not mean at all that these places are not of interest to those divers who decide to relax in Jamaica. The island has dive sites located near the main resorts, with experienced operators. Most dive centers are attached to hotels, but there are also independent companies that offer services to divers who come to Jamaica from all over the world.

Recently, reef marine life has suffered significant damage due to immoderate fishing, however, the corals still retain good coloration, and visibility in the water is quite high - 20-30 meters - except for stormy weather, when scuba diving is not possible anyway.

The south coast is less suitable for diving: it is shallow, often with poor visibility. Considering that and tourist centers it is also smaller here, diving centers in this area are also not often found. However, the south coast may also be of interest to divers: the ruins of the sunken Port Royal, near Kingston, are still in good condition, and divers can literally “plunge” into the atmosphere of history. The water temperature in Jamaica ranges on average from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, depending on the season.

Marine life in the coastal waters is abundant: turtles are not uncommon, nurse sharks are not uncommon, and on deeper dives you can see hammerhead fish. Often come across multi-colored stingrays, Caribbean eels, moray eels and, of course, stunning multi-colored sponges and gorgonian corals.

Surfing in Jamaica

Surfing has never really been spread on the island, and even the “Surfing Association” itself appeared in Jamaica only in 1999 through the efforts of a local celebrity - Billy Wilmot from the reggae group Mystic Revealers. The places that are most suitable for surfing are the northeast and southeast coasts. A good wave is there all year round, but best time between November and the end of winter.

Windsurfing in Jamaica

But windsurfing has long gained popularity in Jamaica. There are many on the island good places for windsurfing, mainly along the north coast, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The most favorable winds are in early spring, and then in July and August, when they reach a constant strength of 15-20 knots. Winter is a riskier time for windsurfing as North wind in Jamaica it can be so strong that it is quite difficult to stay on the board. Usually the winds get stronger in the evening, so the first half of the day is the time for beginners. As a rule, many hotels provide windsurfing equipment.

The best places for windsurfing in Jamaica:

Bailey's Beach, east of Kingston.
public beach Burwood Beach (BurwoodBeach) east of Falmouth - here the wind is considered the most favorable on the island for windsurfing.
More popular place in the same region is Silver Sands. The wind here can be quite strong, more suitable for advanced level windsurfers.

Kitesurfing in Jamaica

Kitesurfing is just beginning to develop in Jamaica, so there are no permanent places on the island where independent tourists can rely on board and kite rentals.

As a rule, most large hotels on the Jamaican coast provide good sets of water sports equipment free of charge. All-inclusive hotels also offer their customers other water activities: sea bikes and jet skis, kayaks, etc.

On many public beaches, you can also rent snorkeling equipment - usually where there are suitable conditions for diving.

Rafting in Jamaica

Jamaica can also offer tourists something that other Caribbean islands do not have - river rafting. However, Jamaican rafting looks a little different than usual - there are no inflatable rafts, no rapids on mountain rivers that go around rocky rapids. Jamaican rafting is a leisurely and exceptionally pleasant ride on a bamboo raft along the calm surface of the river, which gives you the opportunity to get acquainted with the fantastically beautiful nature of the island from the inside. The rafts, about ten to fifteen meters long, are equipped with a raised passenger seat near the end of the raft, and are steered by a bamboo pole held by the driver. Rafts were originally used to float bananas from the plantations to the docks of Port Antonio. The popularity of Jamaican rafting as a tourist attraction was greatly facilitated by Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, who had a house in Port Antonio. Most Famous places for rafting - the Great River (west of Montego Bay), the White River right in the vicinity of Ocho Rios, and the Rio Grande near Port Antonio. Rafting in Jamaica is well worth a try.

Golf in Jamaica

Jamaica is rightfully proud of its unique golf courses, many of which directly overlook the Caribbean Sea. Most golf clubs are located on the north coast, mostly near Montego Bay. There are also golf courses and courses for beginner golfers in Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, and Negril on the south coast.

Hiking in Jamaica

Jamaica has a varied landscape, with surprisingly high small island mountains. These places are chosen by lovers of ecological tourism and hiking. There are dry and wet forests on limestone soils, and climbing higher into the mountains, you will find yourself in a real humid tropical jungle.

Hiking trails have long been popular in these areas, especially around the Blue Mountains. However, recently tourists have discovered new destinations - to the mountains of John Crow (in the northeast of the island, in the vicinity of Port Antonio), and to the vicinity of the Cockpit Country, the refuge of runaway Maroon slaves.

Fishing in Jamaica

Jamaica offers exceptional sport fishing opportunities - given that just 5 miles off the north coast of Jamaica is the most deep place in the Caribbean, the so-called Cayman Trench, or Cayman Trench, is a deep-sea crevice that is located between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Among the trophies that lucky anglers come across are blue and white marlin, sailfish, king mackerel, dorado, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, mackerel and bonito. The most the best fishing- on the northern coast, with access to the sea from Ocho Rios and Port Antonio. There is no shortage of fishing boats and boats that can be rented for a day of fishing.

Traveling in Jamaica

Getting around the third largest island in the Caribbean may seem like a daunting task to an inexperienced traveler. However, by deciding ahead of time which method of transportation is best for you, you can make your travels in Jamaica more fun than a hassle.

Car rental

Driving a rental car in Jamaica can seem like a real challenge for someone who is not used to the rutted or dirt roads that are not uncommon in Jamaica. And yet, for those who travel in a group, or would like to visit different places on the island and get to know it as fully as possible, renting a car is probably the best choice. Traffic here is left-hand, like in the UK, and traffic lights come across infrequently and at a great distance from each other. The main thing is not to forget to pay attention to the cattle, which slowly moves along country roads, often making it difficult to move.

In Jamaica, several companies offer car rental, and the best choice is, of course, in large cities: Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The Jamaican Ministry of Tourism has also prepared a detailed road map of Discover Jamaica - you can usually get acquainted with it at all car rental points or at tourist offices around the island.

In order to rent a car in Jamaica, you must be over 25 years old, have a driving license in your country, and a valid credit card.

In high season, car rental prices can reach up to 120 (USD) per day, including mandatory collision damage insurance. Prices drop significantly during the off-season, to 35 (USD) per day.

If you're planning to travel around Jamaica in a rental car, beware of locals offering to "guard" your car, ostensibly against vandals, for a fee. If you find yourself in this situation, it is better to try to park elsewhere, because the alleged "watchman", if you refuse his services, he himself may well become this "vandal". Also, only travel in taxis that are clearly marked and don't get in touch with drivers offering to show you the "real Jamaica".

Taxi

If you still decide to entrust driving to someone who knows these places thoroughly, then a taxi is more suitable option. When choosing a taxi or minibus, look for those that meet the requirements of the Jamaican Union of Travelers Associations (JUTA); this means that the driver adheres to certain safety rules. You can verify that your driver belongs to this union by the abbreviation "PP" or "PPV" (Public Passenger Vehicle - Public Vehicle), which is located on the license plate. Uncertified or "pirate" taxis also offer their services, but tourists should hardly agree to them.

Taxis in Jamaica are not billed by mileage as much as by distance from place to place, so bargaining with the driver for the fare is an unwritten rule, especially if you are interested in using the services of the driver as a tourist guide.

And yet, the taxi remains the most popular means of transportation for tourists who want to get out of their resort and see Jamaica. Moreover, using the services of someone who knows the area and local rules and driving traditions perfectly, you can relax and enjoy the trip.

typical payment

Technically, almost all taxis in Jamaica are equipped with a taximeter, but drivers rarely use them, if not at all. And this means: before getting into a taxi, you need to agree with the driver how much he will charge for the trip and in what currency you should pay him. And, here, just like in the market, start haggling from half the price that the driver will call you. Once you get used to the local traditions a little, communication with Jamaican taxi drivers will be much easier.

Taxi prices average around $20USD for every 10 miles - but will almost inevitably be higher if you use the taxi service attached to the hotel. However, having bargained with a taxi driver, you can already do without a tip or additional payment. As a rule, prices rise by a quarter between midnight and 5 am.

Taxi Information in Jamaica Cities

Taxi prices around the city in Negril are quite low - about 4-5 USD Do not settle for the services of taxi drivers who ask too high a price.

Kingston: Here they quote the price not for a passenger, but for a car, and bargaining with the driver is an absolute must. As for Kingtson, taxis are the most reliable form of transport in the city.

Montego Bay. Most taxis here are concentrated along the main tourist "promenade" of the city, Gloucester Avenue.

Port Antonio. Prices in the city are slightly higher here, about 15-20 USD. Often the cars are also much older than in other Jamaican cities.

It is not uncommon for those arriving in Jamaica to order a taxi well in advance to get from the airport to their hotel. For those who first arrive on the island, this can be quite expensive, so it is better to get acquainted with the order of prices in advance.

Check the information below for a rough idea of how much you should pay for a taxi:

Montego Bay Airport - Montego Bay Hotels: $35(USD)
Montego Bay Airport - Tyroll Hotels: $60(USD)
Montego Bay Airport - Runaway Bay Hotels: $115(USD)
Kingston Airport - Ocho Rios: $150(USD)
Kingston Airport - Negril: $275(USD)

Car rental with driver

Travelers can also use taxis for walking and self-guided tours of the island. Taxi day tour prices may fluctuate depending on time and distance. When planning your trip, make sure in advance that you have chosen a driver who inspires confidence in you. This also applies to licensed taxis at hotels and resorts.

On an island as big as Jamaica by Caribbean standards, hiring a car is probably the most efficient way to get around. Yes, the road conditions are by no means ideal, and getting from place to place can already seem like an adventure in itself. And yet, most tourists opt for a taxi, even despite the prices.

Buses

As for traveling by bus, this is undoubtedly the cheapest and most economical way to travel around the island - although hardly the most reliable and comfortable. Buses almost never stick to schedules, especially in remote parts of the country, but taxis that ply major cities can usually get around with the same ease as regular taxis.

You can opt for the bus if you need the most economical option for getting around the island and in its cities - but only if the schedule and “climate control” are not your priorities. Simply put, if you don't mind spending time waiting for the bus under the scorching sun. But for a traveler who is not averse to dipping into the exotic outside of their resort area, the bus is the ideal means of transportation.

Bus prices are exceptionally low, around $1 for every fifty miles, and about $1.50 - $2.50 on average for the same distance in a minibus. Minibuses in Negril charge 2 USD throughout the day and night.

However, getting out of Kingston or any other major city, it can be difficult to catch a bus, because drivers decide at their own discretion when to leave the route. Buses and minibuses throughout the Caribbean are famous for the fact that there is no timetable for them, and Jamaica is no exception. But still, buses run around the island quite often - in addition, in Jamaica it is customary to pick up passengers from the side of the road, and this is another “plus” for bus travel around the country.

In addition, the Jamaican bus is a cultural phenomenon in itself, sometimes no less interesting than urban or natural attractions. Drivers set off only when their bus is already full - and given the lack of air conditioning, you can be sure that you will get to know the local atmosphere in full.

In some regions the bus service is better than in others. Here are some tips to help you navigate Jamaica:

in Negril, shuttles from hotels and resorts ply the city, so there is little need for public transportation. Nevertheless, along the Boulevard - the main street of the city - minibuses move all day long.
Public transport in Montego Bay does not actually exist, but for the convenience of hotel guests, a busy route service is organized.
traffic on the streets of Kingston is chaotic, including bus traffic. If you decide to use the Kingston buses, beware of pickpockets.
in Port Antonio, it is customary to “vote” for a minibus to stop and pick up passengers. Transport usually stops not only at designated stops.

Cuisine of Jamaica

Jamaican cuisine is a truly colorful mixture of recipes and traditions. Here you can find dishes traditional for all the Caribbean, as well as distinctively Jamaican food. Jamaican cuisine has a reputation for being spicy, but most restaurants offer more moderate menus. As in other Caribbean islands, rice and peas (which are often cooked here with coconut milk) and meat pies, like empanadas, are popular in Spanish-speaking countries. However, the national dish is "aki", which is prepared from the fruit " aki, which grows only in Jamaica - in appearance it resembles an omelette, but with its own unique taste. Another distinctively Jamaican dish is kodfish, dried cod mixed with onions and tomatoes. They are prepared only in Jamaica - therefore, if you want, in literally words, to know the "taste of Jamaica", you should definitely try them.

Another local dish is "bammy". The Jamaicans believe that it was prepared by the Arawak Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. These are flat, floured cassava cakes commonly eaten for breakfast.

And, of course, the main culinary sign of Jamaica is Jerk. This is a kind of barbecue - meat cooked on coals, which is pre-marinated in local spices"jerk". The most common type of dish is chicken or pork jerky, although the truly famous, unique Jamaican jerky is made from goat meat. However, if you see a fish or shellfish jerky on the restaurant menu, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying it. It must also be remembered that Jamaicans prefer well-done meat, so for European tastes it may seem a bit dry.

Eateries are simpler - the so-called "jerk centers" - can be found everywhere on the island. From the very morning, smoke begins to rise above the braziers - and often just barrels. Huge pieces of pork ribs, chickens on skewers are fried on clove wood coals (they give the meat a special taste). The buyer chooses... pays... A few blows with a machete - and the meat is already cut into portions, which are then laid out on a piece of paper. No one particularly "bothers" with hygiene issues. After all, the main thing is the unique Jamaican flavor!

There are also many eateries on the island where they sell, especially takeaway, Chinese or Indian food - however, both curry and jiaozi still have a specific Jamaican taste.

Aital cuisine stands apart, which is followed by rastamans, adherents of Rastafarianism, the local Jamaican religion. Rastas follow strict rules in food, and cook food without meat, salt or oil - but at the same time it is always tasty, thanks to the creative approach to the use of spices by chefs. Aital dishes are not often found on the menu of those restaurants frequented by tourists, and can only be found in special rastaman eateries on the island. However, if desired, and with the help of local guides, it is quite possible to visit the institution where these unique dishes are prepared.

Safety in Jamaica

While tourists may hear rumors of crime in Jamaica, vacationers on the island rarely come into contact with crime. As the Jamaica Tourism Board specifically notes, the chances of getting robbed in New York are much higher than in Montego Bay - so don't let Jamaica's reputation stop you from fully enjoying what this wonderful island has to offer.

In most cases, large hotels and resorts provide all the necessary security measures, so those who have made their choice in favor of large resort chains have nothing to worry about. If you are staying at a simpler hotel and traveling on your own, you should be more careful about your safety, but not to such an extent that independent travel in Jamaica, seemed impossible or not worth the risk. In fact, Jamaica has a lot to offer its guests, so there is simply no point in sitting still - you need to pack up and hit the road to see everything for yourself!

There are certain precautions that should be taken into account especially when going to Jamaica, since tourists in cities - like in any large tourist city— are a popular target for certain types of criminals. In crowded areas, pickpocketing and petty theft are quite common. This is especially true for overcrowded bus routes and street markets, which are almost always crowded. Be especially careful in such places, and do not lose sight of your surroundings to prevent such actions: keep wallets and bags in front of you, wallets in the inside pockets of your jackets or front pockets of your trousers, handing large sums of money, do it discreetly. These few simple precautions can keep any traveler in a good mood. Also try not to wear expensive clothes when going out in public and avoid expensive jewelry that attracts attention.

The most important rule, for all occasions, is to remember common sense and be careful, not forgetting to look around. Just as you wouldn't leave your bag on a bench in any major city in the world, don't do it in Jamaica either.

In fact, the main inconvenience that can be encountered in Jamaica and which can create problems is not so much street crime, as importunity and obtrusiveness of merchants, and not only merchants. However, if for some tourists the opportunity to bargain in street shops is entertainment in itself, for others it may seem like an annoying hindrance. You need to be firm, and in most cases you will be left alone. Be aware of the local specifics when faced with beggars or annoying barkers: the European way to just walk by and pretend that this does not apply to you is hardly the best solution. Otherwise, the beggar may follow you, showering you with offensive words. It’s better to say firmly, “I am not interested,” or just make it clear with a gesture that you are not interested in the offer - and you will be left alone. Try, if possible, not to go into areas where only the local population lives - and even more so, do not agree to offers to “see the real Jamaica”, take a tour of the place, offers to watch something, spend, show, etc.

Also beware of marijuana sellers, or "ganja" as they call it here. Although smoking marijuana is common in Jamaica, it is still considered illegal.

Tap water in Jamaica is of acceptable quality, but it is chlorinated, so bottled water is recommended for drinking.

Medical service

Medical care in Jamaica is quite expensive, so it doesn't hurt to take out travel insurance before heading to the island. At the hotel or resort, be sure to ask for medical, dental, or medical advice. As a rule, most hotels invite doctors and dentists on call, so for non-urgent situations, you can check with the reception before going to the hospital. If you need urgent medical intervention, then 16 public hospitals or 6 private clinics in Jamaica are at your service.

The following is a list of hospitals, their location and phone numbers, just in case:

University Hospital of the West Indies— Mona, Kingston, 876-927-1620
St. Ann's Bay Hospital - St. Ann's Bay, 876-794-8565
Port Antonio Hospital - Naylor's Hill, Port Antonio, 876-715-5778
Mo Bay Hope Medical Center - Half Moon Resort, Montego Bay, 876-953-3981
Cornwall Regional Hospital - Mt. Salem, Montego Bay, 876-952-5100

Dial 110 to call an ambulance

Holidays in Jamaica will cost an average of about $300 (USD) per day if you plan to stay in an all-inclusive mega-resort: as a rule, in this case, not only the room itself, but also meals, excursions and entertainment are included in the price , as well as security. Of course, you can stay in Jamaica for much less, but on average, you should focus on the price of $80 (USD), regardless of the region of the country.

As a rule, these are guest houses located in tourist areas Montego Bay or Negril, although not in the very center. The hosts are almost always a family that rents rooms. Remember that in Jamaica you almost always get what you pay for, so you should carefully read the terms and conditions of the hotel or guest house where you want to stop before making your final decision. You can bargain in almost all such places on the island, especially in the off-season.

If your holiday in Jamaica is not going to be in an all inclusive hotel then the daily expenses can be reduced to a minimum of $30(USD) but still an amount of $40 - 60 USD looks more realistic.

Say, in a restaurant you can spend from $8 to $30(USD), or a little more, depending on the class of the place. But despite prices and style differences, expect to spend at least $30(USD) per day on food. Some hotels offer discounts to guests who will eat at the hotel's restaurants, so it doesn't hurt to ask the reception about possible discounts and special offers.

Don't forget to bring personal hygiene items, sun cream and sunglasses - bought locally, they will cost at least 20 percent more, if not more. Do not forget to take the necessary set of medicines with you, as well as a prescription for them, if there are any questions at customs.

The electrical voltage in the network in Jamaica is 110 volts, and the sockets are of the "American" type, for plugs with two flat pins. Hotels usually offer adapters, but if you are planning an independent trip around the island, it does not hurt to stock up on adapters in advance.

The island nation of Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea and is part of the British Commonwealth of the West Indies. The island got its name from the distorted name of the local Indian tribes, who called the island "Khaimaka" - "Land of Springs". In the northwest, the state borders on the territorial waters of the Republic of Cuba, and in the south on the Colombian territorial waters. The capital of Jamaica is the city of Kingston, founded in 1693, with more than half a million inhabitants.

Climate

The island is located in the tropical zone, the average annual temperature does not change and lies during the day within 24ºС - 27Сº. In the Blue Mountains at Gordon Hill average daily temperature during the whole year it stays at the level of 4°C-7°C. Jamaica attracts tourists with its mild climate. unforgettable beauty virgin tropical forests, perfectly clean sandy beaches, located on the shores of a transparent sea.

Tourist tours for beach holidays in the resorts and sanatoriums of the coastal cities of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios or Negril are the most popular among Russians. Recreational trips to Jamaica during the Jonkanu and Maroon Day festivals, as well as reggae carnivals, are very interesting.

How to get there

It is not difficult to get to Jamaica, from Moscow to the international capital airport of Jamaica "Norman Manley" direct flights are made by the planes of the air carrier "Transaero". You can also fly to Kingston with the flights of the airline " british airways”, making an intermediate landing in London.

The tourism industry brings the state of Jamaica up to 20% of the gross domestic product, so it is not surprising why the state authorities pay such increased attention to the development of the tourism industry. Today, tourists can be provided with accommodation both in small cottage bungalows and in five-star hotel complexes. Many hotels provide travelers with an all-inclusive service. In Jamaica, you can just relax, indulging in mindless beach pastime, or you can combine the excitement of the trip with outdoor activities in the form of surfing, diving, sailing.

Things to do in Jamaica

The city of Ocho Rios, located in the northern part of the island, today is the center of diving and marine sports. Regular visitors to the resorts of this city were the famous former North American singer Donna Summer, and the guitarist of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards. Today at the piers of Ocho Rios moored cruise ships, and on the beaches surrounding the city all conditions for a good rest are created. Very interesting are the Dunns River waterfalls, located a few kilometers from the city limits, the water of which falls directly into the Caribbean Sea.

Fans of gastronomic tourism should visit the town of Runaway Bay - the place where the Spanish conquistadors first landed. Tourists from different countries take a separate day to visit this city. Runaway Bay is famous for its Tek It Easy and Cardiff Hall restaurants, where you can taste national Jamaican cuisine, and at Seafood Giant, waiters will delight the visitor with a rich menu of fresh seafood.

On west coast Jamaica Island at the mouth of the Negril River hosts the resort center of the same name, which has become world famous due to the presence of a beach 11 kilometers long, covered with white coral sand. The city has a developed hotel infrastructure and is a favorite vacation spot for students from the United States. In the bars and pubs of this town you can always taste the fresh beer of the famous Jamaican Red Stripe brand or take your soul away with a mug of freshly brewed pure beer Real Rock Lager.