| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Jamaica. |
Top Jamaica Attractions
The first time you visit Jamaica, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Jamaica
to help with your itinerary planning.
|
|
|
Royal Palm Reserve
|
| Address
|
Negril |
|
| Admission
|
US $10 |
|
| Hours
|
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
|
|
|
For many people, no trip to Jamaica would be complete without a prolonged visit
to the world famous Royal Palm Reserve, an eco-attraction without
equal. The Royal Palm Reserve is known for its flora and landscape,
which are dominated by the awe inspiring 100-foot Royal palms, (Roystonia
princes), endemic to western Jamaica. The reserve is situated on
a 300-acre expanse within the 6,000-acre Negril Great Morass, which
is bordered by the Negril Hills in the east and the Orange Bay community
in Hanover, to the west. Activities offered at the reserve are bird
watching, guided and unguided boardwalk tours, and sport fishing.
The reserve also boasts a bird-watching tower, from which birdwatchers
can view sections of the Great Morass, its 190 species of plants,
some of the 36 species of resident birds, including the endangered
West Indian Whistling Duck, 10 water and three summer migrants.
Bird watching is very popular because of the diversity of the bird
life. During the tourist seasons, up to 500 visitors flock the reserve
monthly. The Royal Palm Reserve is multifunctional in that it has
something for everybody. It is a unique place for persons who want
a different experience from the beach, who want to see lush vegetation
and biodiversity. "We cater to the eco-tourists at heart and
to visitors who want to relax, fish or learn about the environment,"
says Miss Ferguson the Public Relations manager.
|
Predny’s On The Beach
Here’s a little known attraction that you won’t find
unless you ask around once you arrive. Predny’s On The Beach
is one of those places for folks who like to sample a little of
the local flavor at its best. So popular was this location, that
owner Donette Prendergrast was encouraged to open a second location
in downtown Kingston because many of the business owners complained
that their employees would return late from lunch break having to
run all the way to the beach for some food and then return to the
city. Some say it’s the aroma from the delicious array of
seafood cooking over the coal and wood fires. Others say it’s
the way Prendy’s serves up heaping helpings of fresh cooked
crab, lobster, fish, conch, bammy and festival done "just the
way you like it”. Having been involved in supplying seafood
to customers for over eight years, an opportunity came up for Miss
Prendergast to take a spot on Hellshire beach in St. Catherine nearly
three years ago. Open on Wednesdays and Fridays for the time being
with Friday being the more popular of the two nights, Donette now
opens at 6:00 p.m., although her customers start to arrive as early
as 4:30 p.m. "Straight from work and we go up until 2:00 a.m.,
sometimes,” Donette says." Just hop in any taxi and say,
“Prendy’s On The Beach” and in no time at all
you’ll be enjoying some of the best seafood anywhere, on one
of the prettiest beach settings you’ll ever see.
|
Montego Bay Undersea
Tour
For an undersea adventure you’ll remember forever, don’t
miss the Montego Bay Undersea Tour attraction. You’ll board
your lovely craft, the semi submarine named the “Coral See”
at Pier One in downtown Montego Bay by the waterfront. Shortly after
you board, the captain will set sail and you’ll begin to explore
the fascinating underwater world of Jamaica’s first and only
protected marine environment. The submarine is fully air conditioned
for your comfort and offers panoramic views of undersea locations
you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Your trip is guided
by marine experts who take their time pointing out the unique undersea
life that exists in the preserve explaining to the passengers everything
that they’re seeing. All this and more as your submarine glides
effortlessly through the crystal blue waters that surround the island,
showcasing the local fish and plant life that grows in abundance.
Transportation from your hotel to Pier One can be easily arranged.
|
Peace Cave
How could you not visit an attraction with a name like the Peace
Cave? Located about five miles down an old footpath from Accompong
Town in Saint Elizabeth, the Peace Cave is an enjoyable if somewhat
strenuous walk into Maroon History. In 1655 faced with the invasion
of Jamaica by a large expeditionary force from England, the Spanish
turned their slaves loose to flee into the mountains to fight the
English occupiers while they fled to Cuba. One of those slaves was
Kojo who, along with his brother Accompong, founded a small village
just on the edge of the virtually uninhabited Cockpit Country. This
village became a haven for slaves who fled the English plantations.
The Peace Cave is both composed of Karst limestone interior and
some crystallized quartz structure near the entrance that appearing
together added to the mystery and reverence the Maroons placed on
its spiritual power. Today the Maroons incorporate a ceremony at
the Peace Cave where they leave bottles of rum to their ancestors
during the celebration of Kojo’s Birthday on January 6th of
every year. Residents of Accompong Town have been training their
youth to be Tour Guides around the community and a Tour Guide can
be hired to take you to the Peace Cave. The price can vary but $20
US for a guide is a reasonable cost for the trip. A tip can be added
if you are satisfied with your adventure, which I am sure you will
be.
|
Trelawny Yam Festival
Ever been to a yam festival? Well, if you’re visiting Jamaica
in March you’re in for a real treat. As the Easter Holiday
nears, so begins the island-wide buzz for the Trelawny Yam Festival.
Scheduled for Easter Monday, March 28th, Jamaica’s first and
best festival looks to expand on last year’s record setting
performance of nearly 18,000 visitors. Activities begin on March
16th with the Schools Competition and kick into high gear the week
of March 21st with the Farmer’s Field Celebration, Yam King
and Queen Pageant, Sports Day and Grand Yam Festival Day on March
28th. Yams are a big deal in Jamaica and the Yam Festival is a big
deal as well. There are activities, programs, displays, entertainment
and of course food every day of the festival. One of the big attractions
is the staging of the always elegant Yam King and Queen Pageant
at Ulster Spring Primary School. Fourteen of the best and brightest
of Trelawny’s young men and women will take to the stage to
earn the title of Yam Festival King and Queen. Group and individual
performance pieces, modeling and responses to questions will help
determine who will be awarded the titles of Most Talented Male and
Female, Most Intelligent Male and Female and the King and Queen.
|
Jamaica Travel Guides
 Frommer's Jamaica
Lonely Planet Jamaica
Let's Go Jamaica
Fodors Jamaica
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
