Jamaica Travel Guide 8th

With Bob Marley, Jamaica gifted us the first global superstar from the developing world. But he didnt spring from nowhere this tiny island has musical roots that reach back to the folk songs of West Africa and forward to the electronic beats of contemporary dancehall. Simply put, Jamaica is a musical powerhouse, a fact reflected not just in the bass of the omnipresent sound systems, but in the lyricism of the patois language and the gospel sounds from the islands many churches. Music is life in Jamaica, and youll soon find yourself swaying along with it.

Caribbean Flavors

Like many aspects of Jamaican culture, the food is a creole, born somewhere between the Old and New Worlds. African spice rubs have evolved into delicious jerk, while yam, rice and plantain form the basis of rich stews, and fish abound in local waters. Throw in the astounding array of tropical fruits that seem to drip from the trees, washed down with a shot of rum, and you can see (and taste) how the Jamaican cultural story retains its original voice while adapting to the setting and of course, rhythms of the Caribbean.

Black River | GREG JOHNSTON / GETTY IMAGES

By Paul Clammer, Writer

It's the spicy plate of jerk washed down with a cold Red Stripe beer. No, it's the giant speakers of a sound system blasting out dub reggae after dark, while the DJ cues up the next track on his decks stationed under a mango tree. No, the Rastafari street art in a downtown Kingston neighborhood. It's the cheeky tour guide at the waterfalls getting the tour group to strike Usain Bolt's lightning pose. It's getting lost in Maroon country and sunsets over the sea. What, you wanted only one thing I love about Jamaica? Wait, let me try again...

Jamaicas beach experiences are as varied as the islands topography. The tiny, delicate Lime Cay, only reachable by boat from Port Royal, is perfect for snorkeling and picnics. Hellshire Beach heaves with Kingstonians and reverberates with loud music, its wooden shacks doing a roaring trade in fried fish. The north coasts draws the locals with its azure waters and weekend parties, while Negrils Seven Mile Beach is crisscrossed by Jet Ski riders, and its long crescent of white sand lined with the bodies of sun worshippers.