Want to go to the Land of One Love? Ya Mon!
Intro and Brief History of Jamaica
Whether you have actually visited the country's lush, mountainous land, heard tales of its welcoming natives and sapphire waters, or simply seen pictures of its breathtaking splendor, the colorful, vibrant “land of one love,” is a stunning and enchanting tropical paradise. The island of Jamaica has never failed to captivate anyone by its timeless beauty.
The island was discovered in 1494 by Christopher Columbus, who named it Santiago and claimed it for Spain. The island remained under Spanish rule until 1655, when they surrendered to the British. Jamaica finally attained its independence in 1962.
Jamaica is 590 miles away from Miami and only and hour and fifteen minutes by air. The country is the third largest Caribbean island and is divided into 14 parishes.
National Symbols
The flag was created in 1962, after gaining independence from England on the 6 th of August. Its three colors are symbolic. The black denotes hardships, green the land and its agricultural resources- gold stands for the shining sun.
The Jamaican national fruit is the Ackee, introduced to Jamaica from West Africa in the 18 th century. It is used to make the national dish-ackee and saltfish.
The national bird, the Swallow-Tail Hummingbird, more commonly known as the Doctor bird, is indigenous to Jamaica.
The National flower is the Lignum Vitae, Latin for ‘word of life', a plant that has medicinal value. Jamaica's national tree is the Blue Mahoe which produces a beautiful flower and is utilized as a furniture wood.
The Coat of Arms dates back to 1661. It depicts a male and a female from the native Arawak tribe and a red cross with five pineapples. Inscribed in Latin, it reads “Indus-uteroque Serviet-Uni. In 1962, in was translated into English: “Out of Many, One People.”
Negril
This luring city pulsates with fun and laughter mixed with the sounds of reggae, and with almost 7 miles of white sandy beach Negril is a coastal paradise in which to relax, play and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Water sports abound, including snorkeling and bottom glass boat rides. Don't forget to visit Rick's Café, which offers pre sunset entertainment and a gift shop. The Negril Craft Market and Negril Lighthouse are attractions not to be missed. Negril also offers the dramatic contrasting scenery of wave-carved limestone cliffs. The more adventurous may want to consider a cliff diving experience. Want to check your email? Visit one of the cyber cafes right on the beach! Negril has many environmentally friendly projects ongoing to conserve the beautiful natural resources.
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is astounding, almost magical in its beauty. ‘Ochi' is centrally located on the North Coast, close to Runaway Bay and Discovery Bay to the West. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, especially the famous Dunn's River Falls, a dramatic 600 foot drop of cascading water-considered the Niagara of the Caribbean. You can also stroll around the craft market to buy authentic Jamaican souvenirs, and try horse back riding or the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour.
Ocho Rios is also the “Garden Parish” with a prolific array of tropical flowers. Garden tours include: Coyaba River Gardens, Cranbrook Flower Forest, Prospect Plantation, Shaw Park Gardens and Fern Gully with its 30 foot fern trees. The world popular Ocho Rios Jazz and Blues Festival takes place each June.
Montego Bay
On Jamaica's Northwest Coast , named “ El golfo de buen tiempo”-the gulf of good weather by Christopher Columbus, Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city. Just minutes from the airport, lots of fun is awaiting you as you walk down the “Hip Strip” along Gloustershire Avenue's waterfront.
Some attractions include: Harbour Street Craft Market with straw products and wood carvings, Doctor's Cave Beach, Rose Hall Great House built in the 1760's –where Annie Palmer murdered three husbands and was later killed by her slave lover.
Stop by Margaritaville, have a rum punch and enjoy its 110 foot monster slide with a water trampoline. Half Moon Village is the best for elegant shopping. The surrounding area offers several 18- hole championship golf courses.
Also visit Falmouth, an 18 th century town on the coast toward Ocho Rios, which offers well preserved Georgian houses as well as rafting trips on the Martha Brae River.
Port Antonio
Nestled into a very charming and stunning setting on Jamaica's Northeast Coast, Port Antonio has been called the “heart and soul of Jamaica.” Swim in the crystal clear, 200 feet deep waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of the most beautiful, revitalizing places on earth and one of Port Antonio's best known attractions. Tom Cruise's movie Cocktail and the remake of Lord of the Flies were filmed there. Don't forget to stop at the roadside stands to taste the jerk chicken and pork! A visit to Port Antonio should not be complete without a rafting trip on the peaceful and scenic Rio Grande River. Shop for souvenirs at the Craft Market and explore the historic downtown area which features a Georgian architectural style. Port Antonio is the location of the International Marlin Tournament in October.
Mandeville, South Coast, and Surrounding Area
Dotted with quaint villages and a large natural wetland, Black River is the longest river in Jamaica with all three species of mangroves and one hundred species of birds abounding. Natural history boat tours are available here.
Mandeville is home of community tourism. It is 2,000 feet above sea level. and its cool climate (it is always about 10 degrees cooler than the rest of the island during the day) makes it attractive to visitors as well as returning residents. Village tours are available through Countrystyle Community Tourism Network. Marshall's Pen Great House offers a tour of a 300 acre farm, beautiful garden and renowned bird sanctuary. The SWA Craft Center features Jamaican dolls similar to Cabbage Patch dolls made by the ladies of St. Mark's Anglican Church.
Other nearby attractions include: High Mountain Coffee Factory, The Magic Toy Factory in nearby Christiana. Milk River Bath, Alligator Pond, Bamboo Ave. (2 mile long green tunnel formed by 100 year old bamboo groves), Appleton Estate Distillery, Y. S. Falls, Blue Fields, Treasure Beach, Lovers Leap (a 1500 foot cliff drop to the sea) and Pickapeppa Company.
For further information and to book your trip to Jamaica, please contact the Urban Tour Host at (305) 663 4455 or email db3227@aol.com . Please visit our website at www.miamiculturaltours.com.