Jamaica is a beautiful, small island in the Caribbean that’s perfect for escaping the wintery cold in Canada. The birthplace of reggae music, Jamaica is home to miles of sandy-white beaches, hidden blue lagoons, breathtaking waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
Canadian newcomers looking to escape Canada’s long, cold winter can find warmth while bathing in the Jamaican sun. Jamaica has incredible natural beauty, including its famous Seven-Mile Beach and scenic Blue Mountain range. Plus, between the jerk cuisine, delicious and rare coffee beans, and laid-back culture, there is so much to enjoy in this Caribbean country—whether you’re visiting Jamaica for the first time or are traveling back home to get a break from the cold in Canada.
When is the best time of year to visit Jamaica?
Jamaica is known for its amazing tropical beach weather 365 days a year. It experiences very few extremes in temperature, and even the rainy season still has plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures average around 86° F (30°C,) and nighttime barely dips below 68°F (20°C.)
Peak season is mid-December to mid-April when Jamaica experiences the clearest skies and fewest rain showers. The wet season begins in May, while the heaviest rainfall occurs in October. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of sunshine even during the rainy season, and you’ll find lower prices on flights and accommodations during this time.
Why should you visit Jamaica?
Between the stunning mountain peaks, crystal-blue waters, and the famous jerk cuisine, there are plenty of fun things to do in Jamaica. Jamaica has six beautiful resort areas with many different hotels within those areas. But if you feel like leaving the hotel compound, there are many activities off the beaten path in Jamaica. Be sure to try out all these experiences to make the most of your trip to Jamaica.
Visit Jamaica’s most famous beach
You can’t visit Jamaica without frequenting its famous Seven Mile Beach in Negril. This coral-sanded beach is perfect for snorkeling, relaxing under the sun, or even scuba diving. If you’re up for it, you could walk the entire four miles of the beach that’s accessible to tourists.
Swim in the Luminous Lagoon
Just off the coast of Falmouth is Jamaica’s gorgeous Luminous Lagoon. Filled with a rare form of algae, the lagoon glows a bright blue at night whenever the algae are disturbed. You can hop in for a swim or enjoy a boat tour as a great way to experience this otherworldly phenomenon.
Explore Dunn’s River Falls
The Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most exciting outdoor activities. As white water flows down 180 ft of naturally terraced stairs, you can climb the stairs for a thrill or soak in the natural pools along the way. There’s also a zip-line circuit for the more adventurous at heart.
Spend some time in Kingston
Kingston is the capital of Jamaica as well as the heart of the country. Bursting with music, delicious restaurants, and culture, Kingston is the best place to go for an authentic Jamaican experience. The nightlife scene in Kingston is memorable fun with street dancers and reggae music at every corner. Plus, the Blue Mountains provide a gorgeous backdrop to the city.
Swim with the dolphins
If you have any dolphin lovers in your family, then be sure to head to one of the Dolphin Cove locations. You’ll swim and interact with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in their natural environment. If you’re lucky, you may even get the chance to see dolphins perform some water tricks!
Dance to some reggae music
Jamaica’s reggae music has been played worldwide all over the world, and perhaps no other reggae artist is as famous as Bob Marley, whose house still stands in Jamaica today. You can visit the Bob Marley Museum to view his gold and platinum records, instruments, and other famous memorabilia.
To watch some live reggae performances, be sure to head to the Hip Strip in Montego Bay or to the famous establishment, Rick’s Cafe in Negril, to watch the sunset and listen to some reggae. You can also visit Jamaica during the country’s biggest reggae celebration in Montego Bay in July, Reggae Sumfest.
Eat some delicious jerk cuisine
You can’t visit Jamaica without tasting the country’s iconic cooking! Jerk is a style of cooking that originated in Jamaica where cuts of meat are marinated in allspice and then smoked over hot coals. You’ll have to stop at one of the many food stalls on the island or head to the Boston Beach area, where the first jerk stalls originated.
Currency conversion rate for Jamaica
If you’re traveling from Canada to Jamaica and plan to convert Canadian dollars into Jamaican or US dollars, you will want first to know the current conversion rate. Many places will accept Canadian dollars in Jamaica; however, you’re better off bringing American dollars on your trip. The American dollar is widely accepted throughout Jamaica, so getting US dollars on your trip may be easier.
Sending money to Jamaica from Canada
If you want to send money ahead for your trip or to family in Jamaica, it’s incredibly convenient to send money to Jamaica from Canada online through our website or through the Western Union app. Once you register and create a profile, sending money is easy, especially for repeat transfers.
Go online or download the Western Union app and upload your payment information and the receiver’s information to send your money transfer. You can track your transfer in real-time in the app or online and get a notification once your transfer is received.
