Ocho Rios, Jamaica Guide

From the rugged peaks of the Blue Mountains to calm, pristine beaches, Jamaica teems with natural beauty, all served up to visitors with the unforgettable warmth of its residents.

Jamaica’s pleasures and easy access have given rise to many resorts, which range from luxurious, chic hideaways and fully staffed private villas - some of them perched on seaside cliffs, to popular all-inclusives and charming inns and guest houses.

The island’s diverse natural resources provide seemingly endless ways to have fun. You can climb waterfalls, golf at your choice of 11 courses, or tour via bicycle, moped, motorcycle or jeep. Horseback riding or horse racing at Caymanas Park in Kingston are also options for fun on Jamaica. Or, you can venture in search of blue marlin, wahoo or tuna on the full or half-day deep sea fishing charters offered by most hotels. They include boat, captain, crew and equipment.

Jeep and hiking tours of the Blue Mountains, which soar above 7,000 feet often include visits to rum factories and renowned coffee farms. To experience the exotic marine life, fans, sponges, and underwater walls, enlist the services of the many islandwide licensed diving operators that offer rental equipment and instruction.

Jamaica also has 120 rivers to enjoy, including the Rio Grande in Port Antonio, the birthplace of bamboo rafting. Imagine floating down river as your guide propels the craft with a long bamboo pole, all the while singing folk songs and identifying the surrounding flora and fauna. Or hike along the river with a guide who will reveal the ancient medicinal remedies found in the surrounding plants before taking you for a dip in a hidden waterfall.

After all that activity, the tastiest way to get in touch with the local culture is through the interesting, spicy cuisine. The national favorites include the fish called ackee and saltfish. Mouth-tingling spicy jerk pork and chicken, a Jamaican invention, can be savored on the beach, right off the wood-burning grill for a casual lunch. But the island does not lack other choices. International food critics have lauded the restaurants which have brought local dishes to gastronomic heights.

Most enticing may be Jamaica’s reputation for its laid-back atmosphere, epitomized by the slow groove of its reggae music. The genre was created by the late Bob Marley, considered one of Jamaica’s national heroes.

Jamaica, a vibrant island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, has a rich history that spans over 7,000 years. The first inhabitants of Jamaica were the Taino people, who arrived on the island around 4000 BC. They lived a peaceful life, farming and fishing, until the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1494.

Columbus claimed Jamaica for Spain, but it wasn’t until the mid-1500s that the Spanish began to colonize the island. They brought with them slaves from Africa to work on the sugar plantations, and Jamaica quickly became a profitable colony for Spain.

In 1655, the British invaded Jamaica and took control from the Spanish. The island became an important hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of Africans being brought to Jamaica to work on the plantations. This influx of slaves also brought with it a rich cultural diversity, as the African traditions blended with those of the indigenous Taino people and the European colonizers.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Jamaica’s economy was heavily dependent on sugar production, and the island was known as the “Jewel of the British Empire.” However, this prosperity came at a great cost, as the harsh working conditions and mistreatment of slaves led to frequent rebellions and uprisings.

In 1834, slavery was abolished in Jamaica, but the legacy of this dark era still lingers in the country’s culture and society. Many Jamaicans today are descendants of the slaves brought to the island, and the influence of African traditions can be seen in the vibrant music, dance, and art of Jamaica.

In the early 20th century, Jamaica experienced a surge in nationalism, with the emergence of figures such as Marcus Garvey and Alexander Bustamante. This led to the country gaining independence from Britain in 1962, and Jamaica became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Since gaining independence, Jamaica has faced challenges such as economic struggles, political instability, and natural disasters. However, the country has also made significant strides in various areas, including tourism, agriculture, and sports. Jamaica is known for producing world-class athletes such as Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and its vibrant culture and laid-back lifestyle continue to attract tourists from all over the world.

Today, Jamaica is a diverse and resilient nation, with a unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences. Its history, while marked by struggles, has also shaped the vibrant and lively culture that makes Jamaica a popular destination for travelers and an important player in the global community.