Jamaica holidays

Oracabessa Bay on the northern coastline is where Ian Fleming spent a lot of time and wrote all of his James Bond novels. 20km (12 miles) away you’ll find a sheltered cove made famous by Brooke Shields in the movie Blue Lagoon.

Jamaica has no shortage of outdoor activities, and you can keep your diary packed with zip-lining, bobsledding, and even a night-time hike up the Blue Mountains to catch a spectacular sunrise.

Another fantastic experience is to swim with dolphins, sharks and stingrays in their natural environment in Dolphin Cove, just a short drive away from the swish all-inclusive resorts of Ocho Rios.

Although Jamaica has sunshine year-round, July and August can be oppressively hot and humid – although some of the best festivals take place during this time and you can often find cheap holiday deals.

The best time to visit is from mid-December to mid-April, when rainfall is at its lowest and the heat of the day is tempered by cooler trade winds. As this is peak season, hotels are busy and prices are at their highest, particularly during European school holidays.

During the shoulder season, from mid-April to July, prices can be reduced by as much as one-third, so you might pick up a cheap package holiday at this time.

The rainy season runs from September to November, but if you don’t mind getting a bit damp you might strike lucky with a cheap luxury getaway.

It’s also worth noting that the official hurricane season runs from June to November.

Now in its 25th year, Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s largest music festival with performances from both local and international stars from the reggae and dancehall scene.

Carnival is a big deal in Jamaica, with festivities running from early February to mid-April, culminating in a street parade where costumed performers dance beside blaring sound systems.

Reggae fans and Rastafarians gather in February to celebrate the life and achievements of the legendary Bob Marley. Fans gather for events staged at the Bob Marley Museum, in his former home in Kingston, and the Bob Marley Mausoleum in Nine Mile village (where Marley was born and is now buried).

The week-long celebrations kick off with a free concert – usually with some of his sons performing – and also include music concerts, exhibitions, lectures and karaoke sessions.

Currency: Jamaican Dollar ($)

Capital city: Kingston

Language: Jamaican Standard English and Jamaican Patois

Key phrase to learn: Mi nuh deh pan nuttun (I am not doing anything)

Time difference: Jamaica is 6 hours behind the UK

Average flight time: 10 hours

International phone code: +1

Emergency services number: 112

Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), New Year’s Holiday (When New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday), Ash Wednesday (40 days before Easter), Good Friday (Friday before Easter), Easter Day (First Sunday after the first full moon on the vernal equinox), Easter Monday (Monday after Easter), Labour Day (May 23), Emancipation Day (August 1), Independence Day (August 6), National Heroes Day (Third Monday in October), Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26)

Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/jamaica