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Jamaica Climate
You will find warm temperatures all year round in the beach areas of Jamaica. In the mountains, it can be a bit cooler in the weather, which can be a nice break from the sometimes highs of 90's. Jamaica has two rainy seasons from May to June and September to November. The hurricane season is from June to November. The last hurricane that hit Jamaica was in 1988 and before that was in 1952. Mid December to April is Peak season.
ISLAND POPOURI
Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island. Jamaica has a mixture of mountains, plateaus and plains. The mountains are mostly located in the center of the island and extend for many miles. Jamaica's official language is English, however you will find that they also speak a patois of many different languages. Most common phrases: Yah Mon, Every ting Irie, One Love, and many, more.
The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island of Jamaica. Ganja is illegal and you could get arrested if caught.
Jamaica Snorkeling & Diving
Negril is very popular for water sports as the water is more "calmer" on this side of the island. Those snorkeling or diving might be able to get a glance at loggerhead turtles, rays, eels, and other marine life. Scuba diving and snorkeling will be included at Sandals Resorts, Couples Resorts, Grand Lido Resorts, Royal Plantation Resort, Beaches Resorts, and Breezes Runaway Bay Resort. Night diving can be arranged for an additional charge at your resort.
Jamaica Golfing
There are many golf courses to enjoy on the island of Jamaica. In Montego Bay, you can choose from Ironshore Golf and Country Club, Tryall Golf Club, the Wyndham Rose Hall Country Club, or Half Moon Golf Club. In Runaway Bay, you can enjoy the Breezes Golf Club. In Ocho Rios, there is the Sandals Golf and Country Club and in Negril, the Negril Hills Golf Club.
Jamaica Flights
There are flights to Jamaica that leave Milwaukee with only one to two connections, depending on the airline that you choose to fly on. Out of Chicago O'Hare, there are daily nonstop flights on Air Jamaica. There is a Departure Tax of approximately $22.00 per person that must be paid in cash at the ticket counter in Jamaica prior to your return to the United States. Jamaica is in the Eastern Time Zone.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Visitors from the United States need a passport or Original Birth Certificate with a Government issued photo I.D.
Jamaica Cuisine
Jamaican foods vary from chicken, fish, beef, pork, fresh fruits and vegetables. Depending on the dish if it has the word "Jerk" in it, be prepared to have a glass of water nearby, for it will be a very "hot" and "spicy" meal. Red Stripe is the local beer and there is also a grapefruit soda called "Ting" that are both worth trying while in Jamaica. One of the most popular dishes is Ackee and Salt fish, which is a salted cod. This can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You may also find "goat" or even "oxtail" on the menu. Pepperpot, Pumpkin, and Red Pea Soups are very tasty and easily to find throughout Jamaica.
Jamaica Tours & Attractions
There are so many tours and excursions to choose from in Jamaica. In our seminar, we will be showing you a video, which will show just a few of the most popular attractions to do. Here is just a sample:
Montego Bay
- Appleton Estate Tours of the rum factory
- Bob Marley Experience and Theatre
- Chukka Blue Safari Adventures
- Doctor's Cave Beach
- Martha Brae Rafting-bamboo rafting trip
- Montego Bay Marine Park
- Mountain Valley Rafting
- Rose Hall Great House
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Shopping
Negril
- Day and Sunset Cruises
- Horseback Riding
- Mayfield Falls
- Negril Lighthouse
- Rick's Café (cliff diving)
- Deep Sea Fishing
Ocho Rios
- Calypso Rafting-bamboo rafting trip
- Coyaba River Garden and Museum
- Dunn's River Falls Park (where you can climb a 600 foot waterfall)
- Fern Gully
- Horseback Riding
- Plantations
- Chukka Cove-Swim with Dolphins
- Blue Mountains Bicycle Tour
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Shopping
Jamaica Weddings
For those who would like to get married in Jamaica, you will need the following:
- Notarized copies of both birth certificates
- Notarized copies of divorce decree if applicable
- Notarized copies of death certificates if widow or widower
- Can be married within 48 hours after arrival on the island (Sundays and Holidays excluded).
You will need to pay the Government fees of $150.00 to be married on the island of Jamaica.
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