Go: -> Antigua -> Barbados -> Grenada -> Jamaica -> St. Lucia -> Tobago

The island has a tropical climate at sea level and temperate climate towards the highlands of the interior. There is little variation in temperature year round. There are two rainy seasons, May to June and September to November.

The island was previously believed to have been first inhabited by the Arawak Indians, but it has now been determined that the Taino Indians were the first inhabitants. Nevertheless, the name Jamaica was derived from the Arawak word "Xaymaca" which means "the land of wood and water". It is currently believed that the Tainos spoke the same language as the Arawaks.

For centuries the island has become home to settlers from all around the world starting with the Amerindians, later the Europeans, Africans who were brought by force, Asians and Indians who came as indentured workers after the abolition of slavery and Middle Easterners who were in search of a better life.

Activities in Jamaica!
Jamaica offers a diverse range of natural resources and seemingly never-ending amount of things to explore and enjoy! This "land of wood and water" boasts beautiful idyllic beaches, many waterfalls (the most celebrated is the popular 600 foot Dunn's River Falls), over 160 rivers, jungle, tropical birds and wildlife, water sports and premier all-inclusive hotels. Tours of stately great houses and plantations, forest and hillside trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding and rafting are all on offer on this beautiful island.

This island is home to Reggae, Ska, and Dancehall music. It is the birthplace of the legendary Bob Marley, and the museum named after him is a must see.

The majestic Blue Mountains soaring some 7,402 feet are home to Blue Mountain coffee, arguably the best coffee in the world.

Jamaica's motto "Out of Many One People" is a true reflection of Jamaica's diverse heritage.