Jamaica

Eco-friendly travel guide to Jamaica advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Jamaica, Caribbean, North America.

Doctor's Cave Beach Club is a popular destination in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Air quality: 4.5 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 3.0 / 5

Hitchhiking: 2 / 5

National parks: 4.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 4 / 5

Locals' English level: 4 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$17 - $25

Budget per day: US$30 - $35

Responsible Travel

Jamaica is a beautiful island country located in the Caribbean Sea spanning 10,990 square kilometers of area and being the third largest island in the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. It is about 145 kilometers from Cuba and 191 kilometers west of Hispaniola. It is a well-connected country to its neighbors, having the British Overseas Territory that lies 215 kilometers to the northwest. Jamaica has a weeping population of 2.9 billion people, making it the third-most populous Anglophone country in the Americas and The Fourth most populated Caribbean country. The Jamaican culture has many significant mixed-race minorities and people from different regions like East Asian, Indian, European, and Lebanese. Jamaica and its people are well accustomed to adapting to different cultures and are living in other countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. It is also the center of religion called Rastafari. These people have a rich taste in engaging music, art, and culture, with the indigenous music being reggae having other associations like dub, ska, and dancehall. It continues to have prominent fame internationally in sports like cricket, sprinting, and athletics. The inhabitants of the region initially included Arawak and Taíno people. Due to the Spanish rule invasion, many indigenous people were killed or forcibly pushed into slavery. The Jamaican economy is mainly dependent on tourism, which welcomes an average of 4.5 million tourists per year, giving it an upper-middle-income status.

With the increased environmental concerns, cycling is the best way to admire the place with all the consciousness about air pollution and curb it.

Walking around is another way to help the environment and take good care of your health and fitness while engaging in eco-friendly Travels.

If you want to travel more considerable distances, using public transport can minimize pollution due to vehicles and eliminate the traffic problem. It will help pollution on the road and give you a chance to feel right about your responsible traveling.

As a responsible and conscious Traveller, you have to use a dustbin to throw trash, maximum walking, learn the local culture, and use shared transport.

Air Quality and Pollution

Jamaica has a good overall air quality. The air quality index remains around 30, which makes it safe for traveling. It is also safe to play outdoors and bring babies in the open air without the fear of any uneasiness or development of lung disease. The primary air pollutant is PM2.5, having a concentration of 7.1 micrograms per meter cube, which is far lower than the prescribed hazardous air pollution limit of 20 micrograms per meter cube W.H.O. guideline. With the increasing concerns about air pollution and overall deterioration of global air, the locals and the government have taken an essential step in boosting public transport and other eco-friendly traveling methods such as cycling and walking to the maximum extent possible. As there is no regular conduction of air quality monitoring, Jamaica has limited ambient air quality data. However, the government has regularly monitored its primary quality by introducing the Natural Resources Conservation Authority.

The primary source of pollution in the country of Jamaica continues to be waste due to industrial activities as well as exhaust from motorized vehicles. The primary air pollutants include bauxite as well as alumina, electricity & generation of steam. Other than that, cement as well as the manufacturing of lime lime, processing of chemicals, and lastly, refining of crude petroleum are also proven causes. Other significant sources of air pollution include the burning of fossil fuels.

The Development Bank of Jamaica officially launched the Petrocaribe Small and Medium Enterprise Energy fund that supports the development and manufacturing of energy-efficient equipment and devices to curb the pollution problem and save the environment. The government also provides National Housing Trust, its primary loan facility for installing solar water heaters and P.V. systems in residential areas. The government has taken sincere steps to construct a network of highways to ease transportation and reduce vehicle emissions. With the introduction of E10 fuel, there is a lot of transportation infrastructure and vehicle quality improvement.

Respect the Culture

Majority of the public of Jamaica belong to the African as well as the partially-African descent. Most people residing here belong to Ghana & Nigeria based on the estimates. The other significant cultural backgrounds include those from Europe, South Asia, and East Asia. The people of Jamaica don't give much importance to their ethnicity and have identified themselves as Jamaican people regardless of roots. The significant population of the island country in sub-Saharan African, followed by European and East Asian. One can also see Afro-Europeans, East Indians, African East Indians, Chinese, and other small religious and cultural groups. About 20000 to 21000 Jamaicans have Lebanese and Syrian descent. Most of them were Christian immigrants from the Ottoman occupation of Lebanon. Jamaica also has a Portuguese population (belonging to Sephardic Jewish descent) situated at Saint Elizabeth Parish, which is situated somewhere in South-west Jamaica. Most juice back in the 15th century converted to Christianity and became famous pirates. Some of them fled to Europe. Recent years have seen people from China, Haiti, Cuba, Colombia, and Latin America migrate to Jamaica. These ethnicities and descendants have clearly shown that Jamaica has a rich diversity of culture and tradition and has welcomed people from different nationalities for a long time.

Jamaica has two primary languages used by most of the population: English, the official language used for the legal system, media, and education. The other is the primary spoken English-based creole called Jamaican Patois or Patwa. According to the Jamaican language unit survey in 2007, the figures that came into a light show that 17.1 % of the population is monolingual in standard American English while 36.5% were monolingual in Patois. The remaining 46.4 % were bilingual, with up to 90% of the degree of bilingualism.

Christianity is the most followed religion in Jamaica. Other religious communities include Jehovah's Witnesses, Bahá'í faith, local spiritual assemblies, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Diwali festival is celebrated early among the community's indo-Jamaican sect. Jews and Muslims form a small group of other religious minorities having comparatively smaller numbers of adherents. Vibrant musical genres, including reggae, ska, rock steady, mento, dub, dancehall, and ragga, have originated as part of the country's urban recording industry.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Jamaica is a beautiful island country that offers its visitors the warmth of nature. You can spot Golden beaches, rivers, seas, mountains, waterfalls, coral reefs, and many other beautiful types of scenery. You can adore Jamaica's natural beauty by looking at the beautiful birds, the Jungle, and the cool breeze that flows in the country's forests. Below are the top 10 places you have to visit in Jamaica for a fulfilling and memorable travel experience.

Negril Beach and Negril Cliffs
Martha Brae River
Dunn's River Falls
Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
Port Antonio
Doctor's Cave Beach
Blue Hole
Rio Grande River
Black River and YS Falls
Reach Falls

Let's dive deeper into each of these destinations to get to know more about them so that you can decide what to add to your travel itinerary. Negril beach has beautiful groves of coconut Palms that Catch your love for nature and give you adorable moments of awe. It is also called the seven Mile beach because of the beautiful 7 Mile stretch that it expands along. You can witness white sand and blue sea that makes it famous and the Negril Cliffs that extend from bloody Bay to the Long Bay. This place is also a site for snorkeling, fishing, and swimming because of the clean and clear water that decorates the island country. You can also easily find accommodation places and not worry about where to stay if you plan to visit the site.

Martha Brae River is a Paradise for people who are enthusiastic about rafting. Martha brae rafters village is a beautiful village located by the river's side inhabited by local guides that would help you glide down the river's stretch on a bamboo raft. It is an entirely relaxing experience to experience serenity and entertainment through the songs and refreshments that the village guides offer. Flora and fauna are rich and diverse, which gives you an insight into nature away from the city's busy life. It is 37 kilometers away from Montego Bay and 70 km away from Ocho Rios, making it well connected to the other tourist destinations for a planned visit.

Dunn's River Falls are as beautiful as their name. It is a 180 meters waterfall that is one of the major attractions in Jamaica, giving a beautiful backdrop for limestone ledges into the sea. It is open for adventure lovers to climb upon and experience the refreshing pools at the base. This place is well-connected to other tourist destinations like the Village of Nine Mile and the birthplace of Bob Marley.

Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a place with lush green rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, Majestic mountains, and impressive coffee plantations. It has got a treasure of more than 800 species of endemic plants, 200 species of birds, and the World's second most extensive collection of butterflies within its premises. It promises to bless you with the love that nature holds within. The locals highly recommend a tour to this area for highly enthusiastic people about Jamaica's flora and fauna. You can also have the luxury of hiking the blue mountain peak, which is 2256 meters high and boasts of Jamaica's highest peak.

Port Antonio is primarily a fishing village that lies in between the two mountains. It has a double Harbour along with itself and is the center of Banana export in the region. You can enjoy the facilities in Port Antonio: hiking, Jungle trails, swimming, rafting, snorkeling, and diving the coral reefs. It has a place called Blue Lagoon, which is 60 meters deep and the freshwater springs in the area feed it, giving you the best of natural experiences. You can also witness the 18th century Fort George and Frenchman's Cove, which has a river flowing through it into the sea. It has beautiful white Sand pictures of Daniel's river plunges and Somerset Falls. It also has a beautiful place called Navy Island, which is a picnic spot if you want to enjoy the day with your kids and family. It is here that the spicy Jerk style cooking originated in Jamaica, which makes it even more special.

Doctor's Cave Beach, located in Montego Bay and is beautifully decorated with majestic white sands and serene, clear water. It is a significant tourist attraction and has contributed to beach tourism in the area. A British Osteopath once claimed that the water has curative powers against certain medical conditions. Swimming in that water is said to cure ailments. This claim has increased the tourism of the place to an even greater extent. This place allows you to enjoy a cruise ship tour also. It is noteworthy that the beach's access is free, and you can easily find restaurants and shops adjacent to the venue with all the options you can look for at a beach.

Blue Hole lies in the vicinity of Ocho Rios. Located in the lush green rainforests, Blue Hole is a series of fresh water holes in Ocho Rios. It is also called Island Gully Falls or the Irie Blue hole. You have a fantastic view of the waterfall and the pools where you can jump off the Cliff and swim in the water. It is less populated than the other tourist attractions in Jamaica due to the dense forest. It is a whole adventure that involves clambering over slippery rocks and enjoying the freshwater swimming experience. It is one of the most famous waterfalls in Ocho Rios.

Rio Grande River is a fantastic place to enjoy water sports and lush Jungle river ride escorted by tour guides from the region. It is a beautiful place appropriate for river rafting and swimming among the tropical rainforests. This place is comparatively less crowded than other tourist attractions in Jamaica because of its distance from the main cities. It is an appropriate place for you to sit back and relax and enjoy the forest's natural beauty and clear waters that carry within themselves all the gentleness that you are searching for in a busy City. You can easily find local restaurants and food stalls where you can treat yourself to great refreshments and dessert. The history of rafting in the Rio Grande dates back to the 1900s when the banana farmers used rafts to transport their crops across the river. This transportation is now used for leisure sports to enjoy yourself with your friends and family thoroughly.

Black River is the longest river in Jamaica that runs through beautiful Tropical rainforest and is covered by mangroves on either side. You can enjoy a guided boat tour along with the river and spot crocodiles, snowy egrets, small animals, and over 100 species of beautiful birds. It is a choice for adventure lovers and a Paradise for nature lovers that offer the country's ecological richness's warmth. YS Falls has options for kids to enjoy with rope swing and plunge into the pool. River tubing and zip-lining sports are also available for you to want. It is a 10-minute walk away from the river and is one of Jamaica's most immense cascades.

Reach falls are Jamaica's one of the most beautiful and peaceful cascades. They lie between the montane forest and John crow mountain range near port Antonio. There are various underwater Caves where you can swim and thoroughly enjoy the cool breeze that blows from the forest. It measured an excellent variety of Exotic flora and fauna, having 20 different species of Ferns and many species of birds, parrots, and small animals. While exploring the underwater caves by swimming, you need not worry because life cards efficiently patrol the area to prevent accidents.

Dunn's River Falls

Explore

Jamaica is a beautiful island country that is safe for tourists and provides enough opportunities for you to visit and relax in different environments, including beaches, forest rainfalls, rivers, mountains, and other recreational areas that you will love for the rest of your life. Though Jamaica has a high crime rate and gang violence in the inner city, the tourist areas are unaffected by the island country's criminal activities.

A 10-day trip is enough to get a good glimpse of the city's natural assets and serene forests that treasure a wide variety of flora and fauna. Some of the sites that you can consider visiting are categorized below for your reference.

City Parks

Jamaica is an island country laden with all the natural beauty you are looking for in your eco-friendly nature tours. Below are some of the city parks that you can enjoy with your friends and family on your trip to Jamaica.

Emancipation Park: It pays tribute to Jamaica's freedom struggle and stands as a mark of the people's sacrifices for love for their land. It is one of its kind when it comes to the soothing environment that it offers. It is a refuge for many who seek peace away from noisy cities. It is no less than therapy for the people who are just tired of the Hustle and bustle of the city. It has got 11 feet beautiful sculpture called redemption song. It was opened in July 2002 and has been appreciated by art lovers since then.

The long bay beach park: It is a quiet park by the beach's side, having beautiful white sand well-groomed. It also has a shallow swimming area with the calmest and welcoming texture. You can always find life cards on duty across the premises to not worry about any accident happening.

Wynter Park: It is an excellent relaxing place for kids to enjoy the summers. You can also find options to arrange your birthday, wedding, or parties in this Park. Spot Turtles in rabbits, which you can hold in your hands for good pictures and beautiful memories. If you are interested in a destination wedding party in Jamaica, this place is the right choice. You will also have access to all the photo catalogs to get a better idea of the theme.

Reggae Hill Park: An excellent place for water sports, river rafting, and nature watching. It is an absolute delight for nature lovers like You. You will witness cool tropical plants and the river that flows through the place. The crystal clear spring water and the swimming hole that the spark offers you is an experience to behold.

Wata land park or wata land eco-park: It is one of the best City Parks that you can find in Ocho Rios. It is laden with fun-filled activities that you and your kids are going to love. The amusement park has 35 feet high and 120 feet long thriller slides, 15 feet tall and 50 feet long-short slides, 25 feet high and 90 feet long zoom slides, and a complete Aqua Park circuit in the lake. You have options like kayaking, swimming, and partying at the amusement park. You also have easy access to a restaurant bar and Catering services, making it even more convenient to enjoy yourself with your family. You can also have easy access to private taxis for your personal use from this ecological Park.

Holywell nature walks: Located in Jamaica's tropical forest, is a beautiful city park that Treasures within itself the peace and serenity people are searching for in their lives full of the Hustle and bustle from the city. This Park has fantastic opportunities for trekking and nature walking suitable for both children and senior citizens. The price that you pay for getting into the City Park is all worth it. You can easily find options for snacking. The holy well nature walks allow you to walk through dense vegetation and waterfalls to see nature's cleanliness and fragrance. You can hike, bird watch, camp, and enjoy picnics in this city park.

National heroes Park: It is yet another fantastic place in Jamaica. Apart from being a recreational place, it is a War Memorial and a burial ground for the country's Martyrs. It is one of the most popular spots in Kingston, which is Jamaica's capital city. It has also been a Centre for horse racing in Jamaica for the past 101 years. Other Sporting activities like cricket and cycle racing are also encouraged in the venue. It has various Historical events attached to it like the celebration of festivals and Queens and Kings' visit from different parts of the World at specific points in time. In 1973, it was named National Heroes Park and is now known for its memorials in honor of heroes and outstanding Patriots.

Cross Keys square: It is also a beautiful city Park Located at the South End of Manchester and is a lovely quiet place away from the city. It is advisable to take your vehicle along if you wish to visit this place because of public transport's unavailability around that area. It has got excellent views for beautiful pictures as a memory of your trip.

Turtle River Park: Yet another beautiful Park in Jamaica and is a place of choice for people who love to experience nature in its purest forms. You can witness massive water bodies and small waterfalls in this beautiful city park that will mesmerize you with their tranquility. You will spot Turtles swimming around. It also has got fantastic options for photos. Pools are also available for you to swim and thoroughly enjoy yourself. It is also called the Enchanted Garden, lovingly by the locals. It is a place worth visiting and remembering.

Cecil Charlton Park: A beautiful city park to enjoy a quiet time. You can visit various sites and Cecil Carlton Park like Marshall's Pen Great House and Manchester Parish Court. You will also have good options for shopping and snacking around. Caribbean University is near the spark, enabling you to have a tour at that place as well if you want to.

Chinese garden or Hope Royal botanical garden: It is a beautiful Park in Kingston, Jamaica. It lays elegantly on a vast stretch of 11 acres of land on the Hope Royal botanic Gardens premises. The diplomacy between the People's Republic of China led to the construction of this garden, as a mark of politically constructive diplomatic relations between Jamaica and the People's Republic of China. It was constructed in Jamaica by the Chinese government and presented to the people as a gift. The government completed the construction in about 17 months. It beautifully depicts the Chinese architecture and the philosophy of Feng Shui in its construction. There are various components in its architecture that mark the Chinese art of building.

National Parks

This island city has got beautiful national parks. It has a massive treasure of wildlife and vegetation. You can easily find beautiful birds if you have a love for bird watching, and you can also find small mammals in the national parks, which is our experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Below are some of the national parks that you can consider traveling to while experiencing your eco-friendly tour in Jamaica.

Blue and John crow mountains National Park: It is just 60 minutes away from Jamaica's capital, Kingston. It covered a vast stretch of 41198 hectares and includes America's highest peak, called the blue mountain peak. It has a lush green area and rich wildlife. The blue mountain peak is 2256 meters high and houses a large variety of wildlife and vegetation. There are 15 kilometers of hiking trails and extensive butterfly collections, along with beautiful waterfalls. It is inhabited by the maroon people who have a distinct view of life in terms of language, cuisine, and lifestyle. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites for its natural and cultural heritage. It joins the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt, making it even more special.

Samuel's Bay National Marine Park: It is a mesmerizing Marine Park with one of the World's healthiest coral reef ecosystems on the island's Northwest coast. It has a Mangrove swamp crocodile reserve, a lake, a bird sanctuary, an animal and nature preserve, and an untouched natural coastline. All these fantastic attractions make it even more adorable and loved by tourists for the variety of experiences that it can give.

Beaches

As Jamaica is an island country, it is laden with beaches and seaside areas. It offers its tourists one of the best beach experiences because of the easy accessibility of shops and food around the place. Though you can find many beaches across the country, most tourists embrace the natural beauty that this beautiful nation holds within.

Closed Harbour Beach Park: It is a beautiful beach cum Park located in Montego Bay. It has been recently constructed by the Urban Development Corporation that falls under the Jamaican government. This beach park is an absolute treat if you are traveling with your family because your kids will enjoy the gardens and grassy spaces that it holds.

Landmarks

Jamaica is rich in beautiful places to visit, and you will have a fulfilling vacation in the country. Below are the landmarks that invite you with open arms for a memorable experience in this island nation.

Bob Marley Museum: It is a museum dedicated to the reggae star and cultural icon Bob Marley and his works because he is the best singer and most famous artist in Jamaica. Here you will witness Jamaica's rich art and culture along with works by the legendary artist. It also has a video tour to tell you more about the life of Bob Marley.

Devon house: It is an old landmark dating back to around 1881. It was once the home of George Stiebel. He was a famous Jamaican millionaire who held the position of Custos of St. Andrew during his lifetime. The house is a national heritage site open for the general public and tourists.

Appleton Estate: It is a beautiful estate in the Nassau Valley, in the heart of Jamaica. It is famous for its rum, Cocktail, strawberry daiquiris, rum runners, coffee, and other such beverages. It has also got a renowned chicken recipe, called Jerk Chicken, exclusive to Jamaica.

Good Hope Plantation: It is the 18th-century sugar estate in the heart of Jamaica. It is an adequate embodiment of colonial architecture, which was once owned by one of Jamaica's most prominent land and slave owners, John Tharpe. It is one of the most critical and famous Jamaican landmarks globally. It is a luxurious tourist destination for eco-friendly travelers like you who enjoy natural beauty in the sunrises and sunsets.

Noel Coward's Firefly House: It is the burial place of a famous playwright, Sir Noel Coward. This famous Landmark was also visited by eminent personalities like the Queen Mother, Sir Winston Churchill, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. It has been recently modified into a writers museum and is now open for the public to look at the various exhibits displayed at the site.

Fort Charles: It is a historical fort dating back to the 17th century. English invaders initially constructed it after the successful invasion. It has been well preserved because it has become a significant attraction for tourists from various regions of the World. People mostly come to this place to learn more about Jamaican history from the guides.

Spanish Town: It is a well visited and famous place in Jamaica which had been constructed back in 1534 by Spanish and British colonialists. It Treasures within itself fabulous pictures of Jamaican history, including beautiful Memorial and Anglican churches.

President Obama visiting the Bob Marley Museum in Jamaica

Museums

Jamaica is a beautiful country with a rich cultural and traditional heritage preserved for a long time by its people and government. You can find the various museums in the country which Treasure the rich and old conventional history and its abundance. Below are some of the museums you must visit if you have a keen interest in knowing Jamaican history and culture.

Ras Natango Gallery and Garden: It is the gem of a place if you want to witness a garden Museum in its most beautiful and unique way. It has got a Gallery and beautifully carved out Rock Terraces that have mesmerized its tourists for a long time.

Bob Marley Museum: It is a museum dedicated to the reggae star and cultural icon Bob Marley and his works because he is the best singer and most famous artist in Jamaica. Here you will witness Jamaica's rich art and culture along with works by the legendary artist. It also has a video tour to tell you more about the life of Bob Marley.

Greenwood Great House: It was built by the Barrett family, best known for its daughter Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It preserves Jamaican plantation Era history to let its visitors witness excellently curated artifacts, furniture, and musical instruments, which are a mark of human Innovation and craftsmanship. The various Documents and implements have been made available to the public.

Jamaica National Gallery: It is a fantastic Jamaican art gallery with a great collection of Edna Manley's sculptures and various other art pieces to be adored.

Noel Coward's Firefly House: It is the burial place of a famous playwright, Sir Noel Coward. This famous Landmark was also visited by eminent personalities like the Queen Mother, Sir Winston Churchill, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor. It has been recently modified into a writer's museum and is now open for the public to look at the various exhibits displayed at the site.

Columbus Park: It is yet another unique archaeological museum. It is an open-air historical Museum expanded in three acres of Discovery Bay at the side of ocean water. It has recently been remodeled and now includes a bar and restaurant for the convenience of its visitors and future development plans.

Noel Coward's Firefly House

Eat

As Jamaica is famous for its natural produce and rich vegetation, you can easily find Fresh fruits, vegetables, fruit drinks, and brewed drinks to enjoy. It is a major agricultural exporter of sugar, bananas, cocoa, coconut, molasses, oranges, limes, grapefruit, Rum, Yams, coffee, and chocolate raw material. Jamaica is a significant allspice exporter made from dried berries of a plant known as Pimenta dioica, used in many Caribbean Middle Eastern and Latin American cuisines. Jamaica prefers various foods, including Johnnycake, steamed cabbage, Saltfish, fritters, fried dumplings, and many more dishes. Among several foods, Jamaican jerk chicken is trendy. There are various traditional main dishes exclusive to Jamaica that you will want to try for sure.

Ackee and codfish- Jamaica's National dish
Jerk chicken/ pork
Jerk fish
Oxtail
Curry goat/ mutton/ chicken
Fish Escovitch
Brown Stew Chicken
Rundown fish stew
Pepper pot soup
Fish tea- soup
Jamaican corn soup
Jamaican red peas soup
Fried plantain chips
Callaloo
Bammy
Breadfruit
Coco bread
Solomon Gundy

Traditional Local Restaurants

Below is a list of some traditional and local restaurants in Jamaica, among many others, that are inviting you for a fulfilling meal.

Uncorked West
Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio
Kool Vybes Bar & Jerk Centre
Fireman's Lobster Pit
Blue Mahoe Restaurant
The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel
Zest Restaurant
Ivan's Bar and Restaurant
Ras Rody's Roadside Organic
Office of Nature
Presley's Seafood Bar & Grill
Vegetarian and Vegan

Though Jamaican food is primarily non-vegetarian, you can seldom find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in the country. Below is a list of some vegetarian and vegan restaurants that you can find in Jamaica.

Rasta Ade Refreshments
Ivan's Bar and Restaurant
Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio
Mystic India
Just Natural
Zest Restaurant
Blue Mahoe Restaurant
Mystic Thai
The Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel
Ras Rody's Roadside Organic
Rockhouse Restaurant
Uncorked West
Street Food

You will find one of the best options of Caribbean street food in the streets of Jamaica. It is easily accessible and inexpensive, making it the right choice for hurried snacking. Some of the best street food items are listed below for your reference.

Jamaican Jerk
Bake and Shark
Goat Stew
Indian roti
Trinidad's Doubles
Pan Chicken
Conch salad
Patties

Drink

There are many drinks that you will find exclusively in Jamaica. Jamaica is a major producer of vegetables and fruits, making fruit juices, soft drinks, and brews more accessible. Some of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that you can enjoy in Jamaica are listed below.

Alcoholic beverages:

Red Stripe Beer
Jamaican Rum
Rum punch
Ginger beer
Guinness Punch
Sangster's Rum cream
Tia Maria

Non-alcoholic beverages:

Bob Marley Cocktail
Blue mountain coffee
Sorrel
Ting
Jamaican Malta
Dragon stout
Tea
Coconut water

Here is a list of some well-visited organic cafes that you can consider in Jamaica.

Ashanti Oasis Vegetarian Restaurant
Rasta Ade Refreshments
WellSpring Raw Juices
Kushites Vegetable Cuisine
Cafe Blue
The Blue Mahoe Restaurant & Bar
Cafe Blue Sovereign Centre
Organic Seafood Restaurant
Zimbali's Mountain Cooking School
Patsy's Coffeeshop
Nirvanna Restaurant Lady Musgrave

Jamaica has many alcoholic beverage options, so you don't need to worry about the outlets to get your brew. Below are some of the most famous breweries in Jamaica

Desnoes and Geddes (Diageo P.L.C.)
Eco farms Meadery
Razz Breweries Jamaica Ltd

Tap-water

It is generally safe to drink tap water from faucets throughout the country. Experts, however, advise avoiding tap water in the far-flung rural regions. It is advisable to prevent buying ice that is being sold on the roadside and Street and in the name of belly wash or Sky juice. You should always make sure that the water is not contaminated before drinking it. The best thing you can do is stick to bottled water because it is readily available throughout and keeps you safe from any potential harm you may encounter otherwise.

Activities

There are many things to do in Jamaica like river rafting, boating, swimming, hiking, and walking to the forest. People have become highly conscious of their physical and mental health and continue to engage in sports activities.

There are various yoga and Retreat centres that you can find in Jamaica to relax from the hectic day. Some of the many yoga and retreat options have been mentioned here for yourself.

Detox and rejuvenate yoga and meditation Retreat, Jamaica
Vegan food and yoga retreat
Master cleanse yoga and meditation retreat
Total relaxation meditation and yoga retreat
Relax and reconnect yoga and meditation retreat
Ladies vision board party Cruise Retreat
Luxury inclusive retreat

Accommodation

Jamaica is a country that is loved by tourists and can find innumerable accommodation options in the country. You can find appropriate accommodation options according to your budget and preference. There are various accommodation places around famous landmarks, so you don't have to travel much to go sightseeing in and around the area.

Green Hotels

Though there are many eco-friendly hotels in the country, some are loved and highly recommended by people who have visited the place. The top-rated Eco-Chic hotels are listed below.

The Caves
Hermosa Cove – Jamaica's Villa Hotel
Rockhouse Hotel
Geejam
Jakes Hotel, Villas & Spa
Sunset at the Palms

Hostels and Guest Houses

The Hotels and guest houses that you can consider are listed here.

Vivienne's Guest House
Little Shaw Park Guesthouse
Finjam cottage
All Nations Guest House

Apartments

Some of the apartments have been listed here for your assistance

Punta Cana Seven Beaches
Central park tower
Residence Meridiana
Punta Cana Bavaro Suites Pool

Couchsurfing

Various online sites will give you the opportunity to Couchsurfing. You also have the option to stay with the travelers. Montego Bay provides you an excellent facility for people who are interested in Couchsurfing and meeting different people.

Camping

There are various camping centers in Jamaica. Some of them have been listed below for your reference.

South Coast Resort Retreat and Camp Center
Camp Verley
Clydesdale
Camp Auchtembeddie
Camp Hope

Regions

Map of Jamaica

Cornwall County
The western region consisting of the parishes of Hanover, Saint Elizabeth, Saint James, Trelawny and Westmoreland.

Middlesex County
The central region consisting of the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, Saint Ann, Saint Catherine and Saint Mary.

Surrey County
The eastern region consisting of the parishes of Kingston, Portland, Saint Andrew and Saint Thomas

Cities

Getting There and Moving Around

As Jamaica is an island country, the only option to get there is by air.

There are various options to move around in Jamaica, including public transport and bicycle. An eco-friendly and responsible Traveller like you would find many places of natural beauty to adore. Walking around and using bikes is the best way to travel sustainably with minimum harm to the environment.

Air

There are many airports in Jamaica, according to various categories.

International Airports:

Norman Manley International Airport
Sangster International Airport
Ian Fleming International Airport

Domestic Airports:

Tinson Pen Aerodrome
Negril Aerodrome
Ken Jones Aerodrome

Private Airports

Bath Airfield
Tulloch Airfield
Puerto Seco Airstrip
Ewarton Airstrip
Manchioneal Airstrip
Nain Airstrip
Port Esquivel Airstrip
Kirkvine Airstrip
Braco Airfield

Caledonian Airways Boeing 707-365C (G-ATZC) at Kingston, Norman Manley International Airport

Bus

There is no provision to reach by bus because Jamaica is an island country. The Roadways within the country is however well developed, and most of the people prefer to travel by bus instead of using domestic Air transport or Railways

Bus in Jamaica

Train

There is no provision to reach by train because Jamaica is an island country. The country's railway system is also not preferred due to increased dependence and reliability on most people's road transport.

Hitchhiking

Due to increased criminal activities and unsafe environment, it is highly advised to avoid hitchhiking. One should always use a personal vehicle or public transport to travel in the country.

Others

As Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea, shipping is another alternative for reaching the place. It has well-developed ports and shipping facilities, including the port of Kingston. It has undergone significant expansion in recent years to handle the development projects carried out in the country.

Walk: Walking around is a good idea if you want to have a closer look at the lifestyle of the native in Jamaica. It is also your responsibility as an eco-friendly traveler to contribute to the region's air quality and not use vehicles running on fossil fuel. Walking around gives your closer insight into the lifestyle of the natives but also lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the place even more.

Bicycle: Using a bicycle is also a good idea. It will solve the problem of air pollution in the city and contribute to improving your health. It will also help you to handle traffic with much more ease while keeping yourself fit at the same time. Mountain biking and beach biking are every days in Jamaica. However, cycling may sometimes turn difficult because of the ill-maintained roads and Rash driving of bus drivers. This poses a potential threat of accidents

Electric Vehicles: With the increasing environmental concerns globally, there is a lot of provision being put forward for increasing the use of electric vehicles in the country. Jamaica is going to roll out electric charging stations for electric cars soon enough. The government is looking forward to a more sustainable transport method and has started to appreciate sustainable development in recent years.

Public Bus: Using public transport in Jamaica would be friendly to your pocket, but public buses are often overcrowded and dangerously driven by the drivers. It is advisable to use private vehicles or luxury coaches instead of regular public buses because of the uncomfortably and risks of accidents. There is no definite time for arrival and departure of public buses because of drivers' inconsistency and the carelessness with which the public transport facility has been maintained.

Tram, Train, and Subway: Tram services are not known in Jamaica. The train is, however, present but is not frequently used.

Sustainable Shopping

Sustainable shopping is the only option for enthusiastic Shoppers to care for the environment while buying different products. Sustainable shopping helps make the best use of all the available resources and a pocket-friendly approach towards fulfilling one's needs.

Some of the famous food markets of Jamaica are listed below for your reference.

Coronation Market Jamaica
Montego Bay food Market
Redemption Market
Carnation Market
Junction Market
Ocho Rios Market
Ujima Natural Farmers Market
Oracabessa Fish Market
Mandeville Market
Duhaney Park Market
Jamali Market
Flea Markets

Some of the well-known flea markets of Jamaica have been listed below for your reference

Coronation Market Jamaica
Falmouth Market
Linstead Market
Pineapple Craft Market
Kingston Night Market
Musgrave Market
Montego Bay Old Fort Craft Market
Culture Market Jamaica
Brooklyn Supermarket [Twin Gates]
Second-Hand Stores

Though not many, the few well-known second-hand and sustainable stores you can find in Jamaica are listed below.

Jamaica crashed and used vehicles
Muirhead Trading and Pawn Shop
Cashwiz
Good as new Pawn stores
Harba Master used Parts
Dream Motors Limited

There is a lot of eco-fashion scope in Jamaica because of the Rising demands and awareness among ordinary people. Several brands have come up with sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives to fashion, which is a welcome move.

Recycling

With the increasing environmental concerns and global levels of pollution, there has been a lot of effort in recycling waste products. Recycling is a way to save the environment and bring the best use of available resources. Some of the recycling stores in Jamaica have been listed below.

Jamaica Recycles, Kingston
CM Cycling Co. Ltd.
360 Recycle Manufacturing Ltd.
Recycling Partners Of Jamaica
Negril Recycling Center

Waste

Jamaica has a long way to go when it comes to waste management strategies that have been implemented in the country. Several tons of unmonitored waste is being dumped in the open. There have also been reports about spontaneous fires in untreated wastes leading to respiratory problems. There have been previous reports of mishandling of environmental as well as medical waste leading to health crises. The responsible waste management strategies have to be addressed, and better provisions have to be implemented to improve the living conditions.

Work and Study Abroad

The government has always encouraged its working-class and students to avail opportunities for employment and education abroad.

Exchange Student

Some of the universities allowing international students have been listed below. These are both affordable and good quality institutes

The University of the West Indies at Mona (U.W.I.)
Northern Caribbean University (N.C.U.)
The University of Technology, Jamaica (Utech, Ja.)
The International University of the Caribbean (I.U.C.)
The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (U.C.C.)
The Mico University College (The Mico)
All American Institute of Medical Sciences (AAIMS)

Au Pair

You can conveniently apply for au pair jobs in Jamaica. There are many opportunities for jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, nannies, caretakers, and personal assistants. You can also easily hire au pair services if you need any assistance in your daily house chores. There is an availability of their services online.

Volunteering

There are many means by which you can volunteer in Jamaica. You can work with small groups of students in assisting different School subjects. You can also so help children with their classwork at local schools. You can assist teachers in various matters. There are many options by which you can help the people in Jamaica. Education is the best option if you are passionate about volunteering for a cause.