Jamaica’s independent travel publicationBest Jamaica Travel Guide
Latest storiesUpdated as Jamaica changes
Local insight · Honest guidance

Jamaica Travel Guide Discover the island one destination at a time

Destination guides, airport and arrival advice, things to do, hotel updates and Jamaica travel news, written by people who live here and move travelers around the island every day.

Written in JamaicaNot recycled brochure copy
Airport to beachArrival, transport and timing
Kept currentFlights, hotels and travel news
News desk

Latest Jamaica travel news

Flights, airports, hotels and changes that affect your trip, with local context.

All travel news →
Destination guides

Where to go in Jamaica

Each area of Jamaica feels different. Start with the one that matches your trip.

Compare destinations →
Before you land

Plan your arrival in Jamaica

Most visitors land at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. These guides cover the first hours of your trip.

Experiences

Things to do in Jamaica

Waterfalls, beaches, cliffs and culture, with honest notes on timing and travel.

All excursions →
Right now

Weather across Jamaica

Current temperatures in six destinations.

Coastal areas are usually warmer than the hills and the Blue Mountains. Live data from Open-Meteo.

The spirit behind the guide

Where culture is not toured. It is lived.

We take you to the corners only a local would know: from Negril Point to Morant Point, from Rocky Point to Galina Point.

This is Jamaica explained with clarity and real on-the-ground insight: the food, the language, the music, the communities and the national pride that make Jamaica what it is. When something matters to your trip or to understanding the island, we cover it, and when something changes, the guide changes with it.

Jamaica coastline
Roasting breadfruit in Jamaica
Jamaicans and everyday island life
Jamaican athletes and national pride
Quick answers

Jamaica travel questions

Which airport should I fly into in Jamaica?

Most visitors fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, the closest airport to resorts in Montego Bay, Trelawny, Negril and Ocho Rios. Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston is better for Kingston, the Blue Mountains and Port Antonio. See our Montego Bay Airport Guide.

Where is the best place to stay in Jamaica?

It depends on your trip. Montego Bay is closest to the airport, Negril has the longest beach and the best sunsets, Ocho Rios is best for waterfalls and rivers, and Kingston is the cultural capital. Compare them in Top Destinations.

Can I use US dollars in Jamaica?

US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tours and tourist businesses, but you will usually get better value paying in Jamaican dollars at local shops and markets. Our USD vs JMD guide explains when to use each.

How long does it take to get through MBJ airport?

Immigration usually takes about 45 minutes before 11:30 AM and up to about 90 minutes between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM, the busiest window. Read the MBJ Arrival Reality Check for tips.

What is the best way to get around Jamaica?

Visitors use licensed taxis, private drivers, tour transport, route taxis and buses, or rental cars. Driving is on the left and roads can be slow, so many first-time visitors pre-book transport. Compare the options in Transportation Options in Jamaica.

Culture through food

Taste Jamaica: the food guide

Jamaican cuisine is a unique blend of foods and cultures. From patties and jerk to curry goat and ital cooking, food is one of the best ways to understand Jamaica: our history, our language and the way we live. These guides explain what to try, what it tastes like and why Jamaicans love it.

Local tip

The best jerk is usually at roadside jerk centres and pans, not hotel buffets. Ask your driver or guide where locals eat: every parish has its favourite spot.