Known as the “birthplace of reggae,” Jamaica offers travelers a treasure trove of natural jewels and a colorful African vibe. Golden beaches; lush, green mountains; turquoise seas; coral reefs; rainforests; and rivers are just some of the island’s enviable assets.

Jamaica is renowned for its many historic plantations, where you can sample tropical fruits and tour the grand great houses. You’ll also find some of the Caribbean’s most luxurious all-inclusive resorts here.

Jamaica – that land of history, and the birthplace of Reggae Music – is filled with “Irie.”  That’s the Jamaican word meaning “everything’s great,”.

With Bob Marley, Jamaica gifted us the first global superstar from the developing world. But he didn’t spring from nowhere – this tiny island has musical roots that reach back to the folk songs of West Africa and forward to the electronic beats of contemporary dancehall.  Music is life in Jamaica, and you’ll soon find yourself swaying along with it.  It’s  worth visiting the authentic music clubs of Kingston, especially for fans of reggae.

Of the three main tourist places on the island, westernmost Negril is popular for its beaches and upscale accommodations; northwestern Montego Bay is well-liked by golfers;  Ocho Rios in the northeast appeals most to adventurous types who might be interested in climbing waterfalls like Dunn’s River. Some visitors choose the eastern area of Port Antonio to try the top-notch surfing at Boston Beach, the hiking along the Blue Mountains and the river rafting along the Rio Grande.

Lively Montego Bay is one of the most popular resort towns. One of the best beaches in Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave Beach is an alluring strip of white sand fringed by clear waters.

This famous beach actually helped shape the fate of this popular tourist town. In the early 1920s, a famous British osteopath declared that the water had curative powers after swimming here, a claim that began to lure visitors from around the world. Hotels sprouted up, and the area became a thriving tourist destination.

Ocho Rios is the island’s major port of call for cruise ships. Encompassing 180 meters of gently terraced waterfalls, Dunn’s River Falls is one of the top attractions in Ocho Rios. These picturesque falls tumble over rocks and limestone ledges into the sea.

Set between mountains and a double harbor, Port Antonio exudes the relaxed charm of a sleepy fishing village, the area is distinctly less commercial than the other resort towns.

A favorite swimming spot is the beautiful 60-meter-deep Blue Lagoon, fed by freshwater springs.  Highlights of the area include the 18th-century British stronghold of Fort George and beautiful Frenchman’s Cove, where a fish-filled river flows into the sea.

Port Antonio beaches are a wonderful mix of white sand, shallow waters, and lush outcroppings of land. But if you prefer to take a dip in freshwater, the nearby Daniel’s River plunges through a gorge of natural rock in a series of cascades and pools known as Somerset Falls.

From water adventures to off-roading, from sailing through the air on a Zipline to jamming to the tunes of Bob Marley, there is something for everyone in Jamaica.

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