Reggae Island of the Caribbean

Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494.destination once a sleeply fishing village. Ocho Rios is
The Taino Indians inhabited Jamaica for centuries andalso known as the home of Dunn s River Falls. It is a
were gradually exterminated. The island is situated inpopular attraction that is visited by thousands of
the Caribbean Sea and is 391 miles east of Centralvisitors each year. Dunn's River Falls cascades down
American mainland.approximately 600 feet into the sea. Fed by springs
Slavery and sugar were two of the most valuablelocated in the hills above, visitors take pleasure in
commodities that Jamaica had for 150 years. Spanishclimbing the falls as the water rushes around them.
Town was the former capital of Jamaica.The SpanishThe capital Kingston is the heart of the island and the
named the town Santiago de la Vega and remainedlargest English speaking city in the Caribbean. It has
the capital until 1872 when the city of Kingston wasthe seventh largest natural harbour in the world with
named the capital. Queen Elizabeth 11 is the head ofthe sea to the south and the St Andrew Mountain in
state, the Jamaican have given her the title of Queenthe north.
of Jamaica. The Queen is represented in Jamaica byMontego Bay is sheltered by Doctor s Cave Beach
a Governor General who is nominated by the Primewith clear turquoise waters and one of the most
Minister and the cabinet.famous beaches on the island. It is best know for it
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean.duty free shopping and cruise line terminals at its
The major towns are Spanish Town, Negril, OchoFree Port.
Rios, Kingston, and Montego Bay.Bob Marley the reggae musician was born here and
At the western tip of the island is Negril the most laidwas highly respected. The legend of Bob Marley
back resort with its 7 mile long beach. In the sixtiescomes alive as you walk through the village of Nine
the American flower children discovered Negril. TheMiles, his birth and final resting place. Ian Fleming also
affluent landowners were worried about Negrillived in Jamaica.
becoming a Hippie Haven. This town is famous for isThe climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid
sunsets, cliff jumping water sports and Rastafarianweather, although higher inland regions have a more
culture.temperate climate. Some regions on the south coast,
Ocho Rios is well known for its nightlife, and has asuch as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains are
laid back attitude. Ocho Rios is a popular touristrelatively dry rain-shadow areas.