Jamaica - Caribbean Island

Jamaica

Jamaica is a fantastic value for a villa vacation. It is the perfect answer for a large family gathering where the Moms want to relax and let the cook and the maid do all the work. We have beautiful beachfront Jamaica villas at reasonable prices. Everyone knows that Jamaica is the place for fun and sun. There is a tremendous amount to do and see in Jamaica. There is white water rafting or a river tour. You can see where Bob Marley began his trip to fame. Sailing and windsurfing can keep you fit on vacation. The food is great and the people are polite and friendly.

Jamaica Villa Booking Service

We will try our very best to find you your perfect Jamaican villa for your tropical island vacation. Our Island partners are extremely knowledgeable and we will all work hard to answer all of your questions and help you plan everything that you need. We not only want your booking this time, but will go out of our way to make sure that you come back to us for your next villa vacation whether in Jamaica or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Jamaican Weather

The average temperature is in the mid 80s all year round. Although much further south than the US, Jamaica is still in the Northern Hemisphere and the hottest and coolest times reflect those of the US. The peak of Summer is in July and August and the coolest is February. Please remember that Jamaica is in a hurricane prone area and that the official Atlantic hurricane season is from June to November with the greatest risk in September and October.

Travel to Jamaica

Jamaican Air Travel

Our very easy flight booking page will give you all the possible flights for your trip including any flight sales that are currently on offer.
http://www.cvoa.com/book_flights.php

Once you have found your best itinerary with the cheapest flights, you can either go ahead and book with us or book directly with the chosen airline.

Jamaican Time Zone

Jamaica’s time zone is GMT less 5 hours. This means that it is one hour earlier than American east coast time in the summer and the same times as US Eastern Standard Time in the winter.

Jamaica Entry Requirements

All visitors arriving in Jamaica must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. The citizens of some European non EU countries will require visas. It is a good idea to check the current requirements well before your travel date.

Jamaican Airports

Jamaica has two international airports (Montego Bay) MBJ and Kingston (KIN)


Jamaican Car Rental

You can rent a car with one of the major companies like Hertz or Budget, which are located in the airport. We can send you information on this or for using a local car rental agent or hiring a van and driver. We will be happy to work with you to book any of these options.


Jamaican Arrival Meet and Greet

Your meet and greet will depend on which car rental option you choose. As soon as we receive your flight and car rental information we will provide you with a detailed explanation of how you will be met and by whom. We will always ensure that you have good directions to the villa and that you are welcomed there by the villa staff or by our representative.

Jamaican Villa Food Provisioning

After you final payment has been made, you will choose the food and beverages you would like to have for your first meal at your villa in Jamaica. You will also be sent an email with all of the food provisioning options for your villa rental. Many items you would find at your local supermarket are available to choose from. You will also be able to select from a gourmet selection of food and wine if you would like to do so.


Jamaica Beaches

Jamaica has over 25 well known beaches. Ocho Rios offers two of the most popular -Turtle Beach and Mallard Beach. Turtle and Mallard Beach are favorites with plenty of food and fun activities to choose from. If you are traveling with small children, you may choose Walter Fletcher Beach in the Montego Bay area where the waters tend to be very calm. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is clothing optional. Some of the beaches in Jamaica require visitors to pay a small fee. This fee must be paid in cash.

Jamaican Restaurants

Jamaica has all kinds of restaurants, from fine candle lit dining to casual beach side Caribbean favorites.

Evita’s – Evita’s is a fun hillside restaurant in Ocho Rios with panoramic views of the beach. You can choose from indoor or outdoor seating. The menu consists of Southern Italian food and wines are available by the glass or bottle.
Toscanini – One of Ocho Rios fine dining options serving classic Italian dishes, fresh lobster and fine wines.
Scotchies – Known for having the best jerk pork and chicken in the area. This is very casual with a picnic table setting. There are two Scotchies locations, one in Ocho Rios and another in Montego Bay.
House Boat Grill – Is just that, a permanently anchored house boat located in Montego Bay. House Boat Grill serves some of the best Indian food in Jamaica.

Jamaican Food and Wine Shopping

There are three options to choose from when you are food shopping for you villa vacation in Jamaica.
1.The villa staff can do all the shopping for you. You provide them with a list and cash to make the food purchase. They will give you a receipt for your food purchases.
2.The cook can go to the shops with you and help you choose supplies for you meals.
3.You can go to the shops and make all the purchases yourself.

When grocery shopping in Jamaica, you will find that there will be chain grocery stores similar to those you see in the US. Most of the larger grocery stores accept Visa, Master Card and American Express.

Jamaican Shopping

Jamaica is not known for its shopping. You can find lots of great souvenirs while on vacation. Bamboo Village in Falmouth is a group of small beach front huts selling local goods, wood carvings, bamboo mugs, t-shirts, swimwear, jewelry and other original souvenirs. Bamboo Village allows for “haggling” and you can try your bargaining skills with the stallholders.

Jamaican Attractions

Here are just a few of the many attractions you can enjoy while on vacation in Jamaica.

Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Take a guided tour of the falls and enjoy the park, shops and beach.
Dolphin Cove is a favorite attraction and is very popular. Come and swim with the dolphins. Make sure you make a reservation well before your vacation. We will help you with this, if you would like us to.

Mystic Mountain Rain Forest is located in Ocho Rios. You will love the tropical forest, natural springs, and several different species of tropical birds. Whilst you are there, you can also bobsled 700 feet above sea level, take an eco-friendly air tram, or go on a zip-line canopy tour.

Jamaican Water Sports

Jamaica offers a variety of water sports – deep sea fishing, dolphin swims, river rafting, sailing, and waterfalls – just to name a few.

Jamaican Money, Credit Cards and Banks

The Jamaican dollar is the official currency for Jamaica. As at July 3, 2009 $1 US was worth 88.50 Jamaican dollars. This rate does change daily.

Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted at most locations.

You can find ATM machines at resort areas and banks.

Jamaican Airport Departure Tax

There is a departure tax of US $27. This tax is normally included in your airline ticket purchase but please verify this with your airline. If it is not included you will need to pay this fee in cash prior to departure.

Jamaican Dress Code

The Jamaican dress code is Caribbean - casual shorts, sundresses and light weight fabrics. When away from the beach, you should wear a cover up over your swim suit.

Jamaican Water

Jamaica’s drinking water is filtered by the most modern methods. Its quality is among the best in the world.

Jamaican Electricity

Jamaica Electricity is 110 V, 50 Hz, Plug type A&B


Jamaican Language

In Jamaica, the official language is English. You will however hear some Jamaicans speaking a combination of an English and African language called Patois or Creole.

Religion in Jamaica

Jamaica has the highest number of churches per capita in the world. There are more than 100 different Christian denominations in Jamaica.

Restaurant Tipping in Jamaica

A 15% general consumption tax is added to all restaurant bills in Jamaica. Most restaurants will also add a 10-15% service charge. If you experience good service, it is also customary to leave an additional small tip.


Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance and Fire 110
Police 119