Accommodations

The two main Tourist Resorts are Negril and Montego Bay with Negril boasting one of the longest beaches in the country, some 11km (7m) of it, with all the water sports one would expect in a lively resort. But just a little way along the coast, one will find 'the real Jamaica' with fishing villages like Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa providing quieter retreats.

Activities

Jamaica has many attractions for Divers, including close-to-shore wrecks, sponge forests, underwater caves and coral reefs. In some areas, visibility is exceptional, reaching 30.5m (100ft). Popular dive sites include the Throne Room near Negril, where it is possible to see corals, sponges, nurse sharks and cubera snapper; Ricky's Reef , with brightly colored fish; and the Wreck of the Kathryn. There are many professional dive operators on the island; contact the Tourist Board for a list of licensed operators. Shops are equipped for rentals and offer guided snorkel and Scuba Trips.


Events

Fresh and Sea-water Fishing are popular. Mountain mullet, hognose mullet, drummer and small snook are caught in rivers. Deep-Sea Fishing charters can be arranged through hotels in main resorts. Spear Fishing is permitted among the reefs. No licence is needed. Entry forms are available for the Blue Marlin Tournament held in Port Antonio during September.


Culture

Jamaica has developed some of the Caribbean's most beautiful and Challenging Golf Courses. Montego Bay is the best area and it is not necessary to be resident at a hotel to play on its three courses. Other golf courses include Caymanas Golf Course (which hosts the Jamaica Open and Pro-Am every November) and Constant Spring near Kingston.


History

In May 1655, British forces in the form of a joint expedition by Admiral Sir William Penn and in 1657 Admiral Robert Blake defeated the Spanish West Indian Fleet.   Jamaica gained independence on August 6, 1962, remaining a member of the Commonwealth. The Island was a major base for pirates, especially at Port Royal before it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1692. A new capital Spanish Town was chosen in the south, and later moved to nearby Kingston.

Passport Requirement

Please be advised that the Passport requirements for U.S. Citizens to re-enter the country from the Caribbean is changing. Effective December 31, 2005 all U.S citizens traveling into the United States from the Caribbean must have a valid U.S. passport. U.S. Birth certificates will no longer be acceptable as a travel document. Passport Information