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Towns like Montego Bay, Mandeville, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Runaway Bay have made a name for themselves by offering honeymooners exotic and fun accommodations. If you want to hear reggae music playing and try your luck at finding some of Captain Morgan's treasure, a Jamaica honeymoon is for you!
Jamaica, once a haven for pirates, has many treasures. The crystal blue waters that surround her white beaches, the gentle breezes that kiss your skin as you enjoy the many outdoor activities she has to offer are gifts to you on your honeymoon. However, if you have not had too much rum and want to try to find a piece of treasure you can hold in your hand, consider scuba diving.
Scuba diving for treasure is one of the many activities that a trip to Jamaica will offer to couples on their honeymoon. In 1692, a large earthquake plunged most of the city of Port Royal into the sea, taking with it a large amount of pirate's treasure that had been stored there. Honeymoon adventurers may find a bit of history yet undiscovered by exploring the depths off Jamaica together.
Other activities on Jamaica include:
- Shopping: Jamaican rum, Irish crystal and Swiss watches are all bargains.
- Deep-sea Fishing: blue marlins, sailfish, wahoo, dolphin fish, bonito, and tuna.
- Golf
- Horseback Riding
- Tennis
- Windsurfing
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
Dining in Jamaica is a culinary delight! Restaurants provide a melting pot of Caribbean cuisine that is a feast for the senses. Come typical Jamaican dishes that should be tried on your honeymoon include:
- Jerk Pork: a unique blend of allspice, hot peppers and other spices make this tender barbeque unlike any other.
- Patties: a spicy meat pie, originally from Haiti.
- Ackee and Saltfish: similar in consistency to scrambled eggs, this vegetable and fish dish is an island favorite.
- Pepper Pot: as the name suggests, it is a spicy combination of salt pork, salt beef, okra and callaloo; an island green.
- Curry Goat: like curried lamb, but a bit more tender.
- Rice and Peas: white rice, red beans, coconut milk, scallions and seasonings.
The capital city of Kingston offers the widest variety of restaurants, with most of the world's ethnic cuisines represented. Foods you can find in Kingston include German, Indian, Korean, Cantonese, Thai, French, Italian, Continental, as well as local Rasta fare. Some of the resorts offer free shuttles into Kingston for dining and shopping opportunities.
With 200 miles of beaches, resort hotels are almost all on the beach. Public beaches in Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio and on the South Coast are still in existence, but most of the prime beaches are owned by the hotels. Some properties will allow you to sun on their private beach for a fee.
The nightlife on Jamaica is relaxed, fun and hot! Reggae is king, and in mid July to early August, the Reggae Sunsplash, a four night concert series in Montego Bay, takes over. Musical performers from around the world come to salute the late Bob Marley and add to the color of Jamaica.
If you want to sightsee on your honeymoon, consider a guided tour. Between the poorly maintained roadways and animals that seem to appear out of nowhere to block your path, it is safest to hire someone who knows their way around. Consider visiting the following:
- Pine Grove: a working coffee farm.
- Crystal Springs: a magnificent area covered in over 15,000 orchids and teaming with hummingbirds.
- Golden Eye: if you can afford the hefty rental fee, check out the wintertime home of the late Ian Fleming, writer of the James Bond series of books.
Most all honeymooners arrive by plane into Montego Bay or Kingston. Flights are usually very full, and you should confirm your return flight as early as 72 hours in advance. New York and Miami both have daily, non-stop flights to the island.
When traveling to Jamaica you do not need a passport, but you will need proof of your identity. One photo ID and your birth certificate are sufficient. The official currency is the Jamaican dollar, and airport banks will gladly exchange your currency upon arrival.
For an experience that will leave you relaxed and smiling from ear to ear, consider a Jamaican honeymoon. The warm waters, the friendly people, and the Reggae beat will remain in your heartfelt memories forever.