Jamaica | April 2025
Jamaica:
Airports:
We flew into Kingston airport and flew out of Montego Bay. Best decision ever.
Weather:
The weather was perfect. Hot and sunny. Bring sunscreen.
Transportation:
We used tour guides in Kingston and Ocho Rios (AKA Ochi). In Montego Bay (AKA MoBay), we used Uber. Tip: Uber charges more in hot spot areas, so if you walk a bit further away from the main area, you can order a regular Uber, not the Uber taxi option.
Private Drivers in Montego Bay:
Frank - 876-861-6629
Jeff - 876-425-0702 He's the man if you're in a rush and need to speed;)
Accommodations:
Ocho Rios:
Richmond Estate - We stayed here for 2 nights. Very spacious, in a safe area. Security doesn't let anyone on the property without the host calling first and giving the name of the driver. However, if you walk to the security booth and asked them to let in your driver, they're pretty nice about it:)
Montego Bay:
Hip Strip - We stayed in this apartment overlooking the water, on the hip strip. It's in the Montego Club Condominiums, looks ratchet on the outside but it's nice inside. Enter from the penthouse level, that's near El Greco resort, to have elevator access for your suitcases. The night vibe is overrated, but we were across the street from Doctor's Cave beach and had a gorgeous view in the morning. The apartment has a king sized bed, a pullout couch, and pullout chair. We squeezed 5 people for one night, but it's not made to handle that lol.
Frank's - Directly across from Chabad, on the Half Moon golf course. It's a 5 room villa with a private pool. Gorgeous place, can't recommend it enough! We paid $125/night per room with 2 beds. Keep in mind, if you don't rent out the whole villa, Frank will be around with his friends, hanging out smoking weed, drinking, etc. We felt very safe the entire time and his friends were a friendly crew, but it's definitely not private. Whatsapp Frank at 876-791-7793
Kosher Food:
Chabad - They have a restaurant, Kosher Hot Spot. It was closed over Pesach, but I hear it's delicious.
Activities:
Kingston:
We hired Marie and Donovan from OneStop Cultural Tours. Highly, highly recommend them to take you around Kingston. Marie: 876-997-0978
Port Royal - We went before they were open at 10 am, so we just walked around the cannons and fort entrance. Learn about the OG pirates of the Carribean.
Coronation Market - Local fruit and vegetable market. Pro tip: Avocados are called pears.
Shaare Shalom Synagogue - Fascinating tour of the shul. Ask your LOR if you can enter, since it used to be Orthodox, but now it's Progressive/Reform. One of the few synagogues in the world with sand floors.
Water Lane Mural Tour - Walked around downtown Kingston and checked out the cool murals that are commissioned by countries around the world.
Trench Town - Tourist trap, learn a bit about where Bob grew up. Supposedly unsafe area, but I think they're talking about walking at night and getting involved in gang wars.
Bob Marley Museum - Learned all about Bob and his music. Definitely more informative than our Trench Town tour.
Devon House - First black millionare. The security guard claims the property is huanted by ghosts and there are scary sounds at night, so we weren't allowed inside after closing hours lol
Ocho Rios:
We hired Christopher as our driver/guide for 2 days. He was perpetually high which made him super mellow and chill. He may propose to you- gals, consider yourselves warned. Merva is his boss: 876-859-4739
Nine Mile - The birth and resting place of Bob Marley. Make sure to have Captain Crazy as your tourguide. He's the living definition of roaring laughter #iykyk
Blue Hole - It was kinda green, ngl. It was after a big rain storm so it wasn't the blue waters we expected. We jumped off cliffs and waterfalls, swung off a waterfall like Tarzan, and had a really fun time! Although Tyrone may try to convince you that $100 USD is a normal tip amount, don't believe him. Acceptable tips are like $5 a person. Don't feel pressured to tip more than however much you are comfortable with.
Bamboo Rafting - Finally got to experience bamboo rafting. Checked it off the bucket list, yay. Not too exciting, it's just a cool experience. (We went to a random area, I think Martha Brae river is a better vibe)
Luminous Lagoon - Take a boat out to the bioluminescant waters. Puts the kayak tour in Puerto Rico to shame! Here you can jump out of the boat and actually go swimming with no life vests. The water lights up as you swim and move around. Don't miss this!
Courthouse Art Gallery - Chic art gallery in a courthouse that was closed due to the lack of crime in the area.
Pineapple Craft Market - Cute little souvenier shops.
Dunn Falls - If you need to choose one activity, this is IT! Super fun activity, walk up the water falls. The video and photos are just $40 and we had such a fantastic time!
Green Grotto Caves - Super cool caves to explore. Fascinating history of the caves and so so cool to check out in person.
Weed Farm - If you're going to try to smoke marijuana, this is the place to do it. No judgement. There are weed 'ganja' farms all over Jamaica, just ask your guide to take you to one.
Montego Bay:
Tropical Bliss Island - We went jet skiing, jumping on a trampoline in the water, and massages too.
Drag Racing - Check out local racing every Sunday night.
Horseback Riding in the Ocean - We didn't get a chance to do this, but it's a cool experience. It's probably closer to Ocho Rios, it's around a 1.5 hour drive from MoBay.
Montego Bay Jewish Cemetary - You may have to trespass to enter.
Snorkeling
From my friends who extended their trip another 2 days:
Negril:
Negril is THE place to watch sunset in Jamaica. (Just ask Christopher, he'll swear on it;)
Hotel: Skylark
Activities:
Cliff jumping and sunset at Rick's Cafe
7 Mile Beach
Live reggae music at Roots Bamboo
Snorkeling boat ride to Booby Cay island, reef, and Joseph's Cave