(All links to sites outside AtlanticCityWeddings.com open in a new window)

Planning a honeymoon in Jamaica? No problem, mon.

Jamaica is a Caribbean paradise for those who want to indulge their every whim at a luxury resort spa or bounce to reggae rhythms while sipping an exotic drink. More adventurous travelers can seek unique outdoor activities, including horseback riding, kayaking, hiking and deep-sea fishing.

Jamaica is blessed with picturesque mountain ranges, winding rivers, lush green forests, fertile valleys and a fascinating culture. Oh, and did we mention its beautiful beaches and clear waters? Irie … 

Getting your bearings:

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and the third largest overall. The island spans 4,400 square miles and is populated by over two million people, largely descendents of the freed African slaves brought over to the island by the Spanish and British.

Weather

The average temperature in Jamaica is 82 degrees and remains consistent throughout the year. The northeast trade winds keep you from feeling overwhelmed despite the high humidity levels. Rainfall varies with the seasons; on average the island receives 78 inches per year, the bulk of which is in the Blue Mountains. Short heavy downpours are common on the coasts.  

Locations:

Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica and is the gateway to tourist activity on the north coast. The city sits on a bay with mountains rising in the background. It is a hub of shopping and dining and the beaches are lined with all-inclusive resorts.

Montego Bay has many tourist attractions, including a number of plantation and rafting tours. The “Bob Marley Experience” is a new attraction featuring a documentary film on the legendary reggae great and a huge memorabilia shop.

The town of Negril is located on Jamaica’s western coast. Negril's main attraction is its seven-mile beach and laid-back atmosphere. Resorts and restaurants line Negril’s coast stretching from Bloody Bay (named for the days when the whalers cleaned their catch there) to the Negril Lighthouse at the southern end.

Activities:

There are great spots for diving along the north coast, and Jamaican waters make for excellent deep-sea fishing, especially marlin and swordfish.

Jamaica’s rugged terrain offers incredible hiking adventures and includes everything from birdwatching to caving and camping. Jamaica has over 100 rivers, many of which have gone unexplored.

Jamaica features some of the Caribbean's premier equestrian centers for horseback riding. Golf courses in Jamaica are as diverse, world-class and challenging as anywhere in the world.

For a different type of recreational activity, there are 100 duty-free stores in Jamaica, with most of the shopping to be found in the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios areas. U.S. citizens have a $600.00 duty-free allowance per person. 

Resorts: 

Jamaica is the originator of world-famous Caribbean all-inclusive resorts, which cater to the romantic side of a Caribbean vacation.

The advantage of an all-inclusive is that you know up front how much your vacation is going to cost. Everything is included, from roundtrip airport transfers to drinks, meals, sports activities, taxes and tips. Imagine a resort staff person that will politely turn down your tip!

Jamaican all-inclusive resorts have special packages and gifts for arriving honeymooners.

They have on-site wedding coordinators to handle the details to ensure the wedding and honeymoon on the resort go smoothly. Many of the resorts even offer the ceremony on the resort grounds for free.

Sandals http://www.sandals.com/general/resorts-jamaica.cfm has six Jamaican resort locations for couples only that feature luxury rooms and suites, a wide selection of restaurants, beautiful beaches, lots of activities, spa facilities, watersports, golf and diving.

Couples Resorts http://www.couples.com/ has two locations in Negril and one in Ocho Rios that offer free diving and golf, great dining, all watersports and plenty of activities and programs to keep you busy.

Sans Souci Resort and Spa in Ocho Rios http://www.sanssoucijamaica.com/ is set spectacularly on the hills and cliffs high above the sea, offering stunning views. Winding paths carry you through exotic gardens filled with tropical birds.

Beaches:

Jamaica has a huge assortment of spectacular beaches. The most popular are found along the north coast, stretching 150 miles from Seven Mile Beach in Negril to Port Antonio in the Northeast. Some of the finest beaches are right outside the major resorts, but there are still many with public access.

Cornwall Beach – A small admission fee gives you access to an underwater marine park that is good for snorkeling and diving. The long beach has white sand as well as concessions for food, drinks and watersports.

Doctor's Cave - A beautiful white sand beach with a well-maintained beach club atmosphere, complete with changing facilities, restaurants, snack bars and watersports. There are also shopping areas and live reggae concerts.

Many people feel that the Sandals Montego Bay has the most beautiful beach in the area. Rosehall Beach is gorgeous as well.

Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in the world and a perfect spot for sunset watching. The west end has caves and sea cliffs that people dive from all day long. This area is also great for snorkeling.

Booby Cay is a small island right off the point that was the setting for “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

Ocho Rios is the cruise port capital of Jamaica and the bay is protected by reefs. The white sand beaches are located near the bustling main part of town and offer the full range of watersports.

Festivals: 

A year-round menu of festivals gives couples even more reason to visit Jamaica.

In April, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay celebrate with Carnival. Horse lovers can enjoy the Red Stripe Horse Show and Gymkhana at Chukka Cove in Ocho Rios, an annual event that brings in top riders from Jamaica, Europe, and the U.S. Negril celebrates Carnival in May, bringing further festivity to this fun-loving town.

Summer brings plenty of music to the island, starting with the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in June. Events include jazz teas, festivals on the river, barbecues and more.

The biggest music event is August's Reggae Sunsplash. Now held at Chukka Cove, the event features performances by the top names in the world of reggae music. Tourists come from across the globe to soak up the bouncy rhythms and sunny melodies.

Food and culture: 

If reggae is the greatest gift that Jamaica gave the world, then Red Stripe Beer and jerk beef are not far behind. The native cuisine offers spicy variations on chicken, pork, fish and vegetables. For a taste of traditional Jamaican recipes, go to http://www.jamaica-travel-vacation.com/jamaica-recipes-food-4.html

In general, Jamaicans are friendly, outgoing and very proud of their nation. Jamaican artwork is highly prized and the reggae music that originated on the island is world renowned. Though English is the official language it is fascinating to listen to the “Patois” spoken on the streets - a combination of English, Spanish, Portuguese and African phrases which is more rhythmic than traditional English.

Jamaicans keep a positive and care-free attitude toward life, answering many questions or inquiries with “No problem, mon” or “Irie.”

Jamaica has a rich and diverse culture blended from around the world. Jamaica’s motto is “Out of Many, One People.” This diversity is most apparent in the various foods. African and European influences dominate the culture; however, the Spanish, Irish, Indians, Chinese and Germans have all left their mark.

Entry requirements:           

U.S. and Canadian citizens must show proof of citizenship. A passport is not required but highly recommended. Photo I.D. and birth certificate are acceptable.

Airlines serving Jamaica from North America: American Airlines, Air Jamaica, Continental Airlines, BWIA, Northwest Airlines, Air Canada, US Airways.

Montego Bay is the main tourist airport and is convenient if your destination is Negril, Montego Bay, Tryall, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios.

Currency: 

The value of the Jamaican dollar fluctuates with the market. The exchange rate is roughly $35 Jamaican to $1 U.S. Vendors often prefer the U.S. dollar, and many establishments list prices in U.S. dollars. 

For additional information, contact the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-233-4582. For more information on Jamaica hotels and attractions, go to http://www.all-jamaica.com