Often regarded as one of the most alluring and diverse of all the Caribbean islands, vibrant Jamaica has something for everyone.

The region’s third largest island boasts not only the kind of beaches that tourists’ dreams are made of, but also spectacular mountains, rivers and waterfalls, all wrapped up in dramatic sunsets.

Sought out by some of the world’s top celebrities, many of whom favour the unspoilt beauty and barefoot elegance of the south coast, Jamaica is an experience not to be missed.

Climate

Jamaica has an idyllic tropical maritime climate with coastal temperatures averaging 80 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit all year. Warm trade winds are welcome down by the shore but, from December to March, cold fronts from Florida can bring a cool northerly breeze.

The rainy season begins around May or June, lasting until November or December, with the heaviest rainfall in September and October. The eastern coast is by the far the wettest and, although rain can fall at any time of the year, it’s usually in short heavy bursts followed by the return of the sun.

Jamaica does lie in the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, with the official season lasting from June to November, peaking in August and September, but relatively few hurricanes touch it.

Beaches

Immaculate white sands, turquoise seas and swaying palm trees are a familiar sight with plenty of idyllic beaches and bays to choose from, including more nude beaches than any other Caribbean island.

Those in search of a Jamaica before tourism need to head to the south coast, off the beaten track, where beaches are uncrowded.

Treasure Beach, four coves that stretch for several miles, is the main tourist centre on this coastline where the Santa Cruz mountains rise up from the sea, providing a scenic backdrop and protection from northern rain clouds.

Long Bay in the northeast has one of the most dramatic settings, with a crescent shaped bay of rose coloured sands and deep azure waters with large enough waves to make it a favourite spot for surfers.

And remember the 1980s movie ‘The Blue Lagoon’? Well the coastline east of Port Antonio, where tropical hills give way to stunning beaches, is home to that famous and wonderful lagoon.

Activities

You name it, you can do it on this diverse and happening island. Over land there are caves, mountains, forests and rivers to explore by various means of transport, from hiking to mountain biking and rafting to horseback riding. The island also boasts 10 championship golf courses.

In the water, the options are equally varied with the chance to swim with dolphins or dive deep into the azure seas where the underwater landscape is as breathtaking as above. There are plenty of shallow reefs, walls, caves and trenches, making it a wonderful scuba diving base, especially along the north coast.

There are plenty of places of interest to explore including the teeming capital of Kingston, the thriving port of Montego Bay, the more laid back Negril and Ocho Rios, which is fronted by Turtle Beach.

Nightlife

Jamaica comes to life at night, its rich, heavily music based culture spilling over and enveloping all who care to step into the lively atmosphere.

Reggae is big, but the jazz scene is growing all the time and there are plenty of places to sample the vibe, from hotel bars to dedicated discos and nightclubs. The main resort towns have a choice of at least two discos and the capital has more than a dozen venues.

In addition there are theatres and well-organised concerts with top name reggae stars that are well worth seeing.

Shopping

In keeping with an island that has everything, the shopping is fun and varied with plenty of choice and places to explore.

Crafts, clothes, gems and food are all widely available and resort towns feature dozens of duty free shops selling anything from Columbian emeralds to Mont Blanc pens. There’s also at least a 50 per cent saving on island-made products including rum and cigars, while Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee is a must have for everyone.

Events

There is of course plenty going on in Jamaica’s calendar of events, which include the music, artistic, sporting and cultural kind. The biggest beach funfests on the island are Reggae Sunsplash and Reggae Sumfest held July/August time, and the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival & Blue Festival is a real treat. Carnival, held a week after whenever Easter falls, is based at Kingston university campus and a great tourist attraction.

In addition there are yacht races, cricket matches, food festivals and Jonkanoo, a traditional Christmas celebration complete with street parade.

USA : 280 Madison Ave, #912 9th Floor, New York NY, 10016 USA	Jamaica: Upper Level, Hamptons House, The Garden, St James, Barbados
Canada: 10th Floor, 355 Burrard Street Vancouver, British Columbia Canada, V6C 2G8	UK: Suite 402, Albany House 324-326 Regent St, London W1B 3BL
Members of the Caribbean Hotels Association Members of the American Society of Travel Agents Members of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation