Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean Sea. It is perfect for couples who want gorgeous beaches, unforgettable cultural experiences, and verdant landscapes. This Caribbean island is a paradise of sun, sea, and addicting reggae beats.
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Is Jamaica a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Here, your honeymoon package is more than just about beautiful beaches. You get to soak up the sun, go on exciting adventures, and be immersed in rich culture and heritage.
It’s easy to book an all-inclusive honeymoon since the country has some of the best honeymoon resorts, like Half Moon Resort (Prince Harry stayed here) and GoldenEye Hotel & Resort (Ian Fleming wrote 13 novels here).
Even if you opt for a DIY Jamaican getaway, you won’t have any regrets. The island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality are enough to reward any planning you’ll make.
What Activities Can You Do on a Jamaica Honeymoon?
- Savor its white sand beaches. Jamaican beaches are best for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and many other underwater sports. Seven Mile Beach in Negril and Frenchman’s Cove in Port Antonio are the most popular ones.
- Get your adrenaline pumping in the lap of nature. Blue Mountains, Jamaica’s longest mountain range, offers adventures like hiking and ziplining. Dunn’s River Falls and Martha Brae River are best for rafting.
- Enjoy spas, saunas, and massages. Indulge in a couples massage and other relaxing treatments available at your resort or hotel. Most resorts have a spa in their package. You can also go to specific outlets to relax your nerves.
- Go on a sunset cruise. A romantic dinner on a catamaran at sunset? There’s nothing more idyllic than this. If you still have the energy after the cruise, add the island’s vibrant nightlife experience to the mix.
- Get married there. Jamaica is a well-known destination wedding spot. So if you’re thinking of making your honeymoon destination the location of your big day, Jamaica is your top choice.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Jamaica?
There isn’t really a bad time to visit Jamaica since it has a warm and tropical climate year-round. However, peak season is around mid-December to March, so you may want to avoid that, especially if you’re not into large crowds.
You can best enjoy your Jamaican honeymoon from November to mid-December.
Is a Honeymoon in Jamaica Expensive?
A 7-day stay in Jamaica can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000, depending on your itinerary and where you will stay (an all-inclusive resort, a boutique hotel, or a lower-cost rental property).
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in Jamaica
- Ditch a high-end dining experience and go where the locals eat.
- Pay with Jamaican dollars to get more value for every buck.
- Plan your honeymoon in the off-season (mid-April to mid-Dec).
- Shop at a local grocery store for snacks and midnight cravings.
- Play honeymoon card, aka ask for discounts and free champagne.
5 Best Cities to Stay In Jamaica
Montego Bay
Up for a luxurious honeymoon? Visit Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay Marine Park, and Luminous Lagoon for an otherworldly scuba diving and snorkeling experience. Take a tour of the legendary (and spooky) Rose Hall Great House, first built in the late 1700s, or simply go on duty-free shopping.
Apart from the array of world-class hotels and resorts, you can also splurge your money on meals. The Houseboat Grill floating restaurant, Marguerite’s, and Sugar Mill Restaurant have the finest menu and delicacy experiences.
Where to stay: Freeport
Negril
Jamaica’s western tip is home to Negril—a charming, laid-back area best known for having the longest stretch of coastline on the island: Seven Mile Beach.
West End is to the south of this well-known tourist hub. It’s a strip of jaw-dropping rocky cliffs that beautifully contrasts the sparkling aquamarine waters. Other must-visits in this town are The Big 4 theme park, Negril Lighthouse, Bloody Bay Beach, and the Appleton Rum Estate.
Where to stay: Near Seven Mile Beach
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is a tourist mecca. It’s where you can find the ever-popular Dunn’s River Falls—a natural gem where you can hike, swim, or enjoy a sumptuous Jamaican meal.
Because the harbor of Jamaica is located here, there are many cruise ships and passengers that all the more add to the area’s touristy vibes. If you’re a James Bond franchise fan, visit the James Bond Beach (named as such because author Ian Fleming has a home nearby).
Where to stay: Near Puerto Seco Beach
Kingston
Explore museums, galleries, and historical sites (e.g., the Bob Marley Museum, Devon House) in Jamaica’s capital and largest city.
The Blue Mountains, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Kingston’s best attractions. Various hiking trails are available here if you want to sweat it off during your post-wedding getaway.
Where to stay: New Kingston
Port Antonio
Home to the famous Frenchman’s Cove, Port Antonio is an upscale beach city where you can swim, snorkel, dive, or just lounge by Jamaica’s northeast coast. It’s the gateway to the lush forests of Jamaica.
Since it’s quieter than other cities such as Negril and Montego Bay, this is the ideal base for honeymooners who want a tranquil post-wedding trip.
Where to stay: Near the beach
What Is the Best Way to Travel to Jamaica?
Jamaica has three international airports—the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the Manley International Airport in Kingston, and the Ian Fleming International Airpot near Ocho Rios.
If you’re on the East Coast, booking is easier as there are direct flights. Nonstop flights are not as plenty on the West Coast.
Traveling Within Jamaica
You can count on your accommodation’s transfer services from the airport, ride a shuttle, or rent a car. To get around, you can take taxis or self-drive. Note that driving is on the left-hand side. The US government advises tourists to avoid public buses for safety purposes.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in Jamaica?
Jamaica doesn’t just offer several all-inclusive luxury resorts; it also has an array of adults-only and couples-only accommodation options.
The most popular options are Sandals (Sandals Negril, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Montego Bay), Half Moon, The Caves, Hideaway at Royalton Negril, and Couples Sans Souci. In these hotels, you’ll often find world-class dining options and high-end amenities such as overwater bungalows, golf courses, tubs, and swimming pools.
Round Hill Hotel, set in a restored 18th-century home, offers private oceanfront rooms, private villas, private pools, and its own private beach.
If you don’t want to stay in a beach resort, you can book a room in a boutique hotel.
What Type of Food Should You Try in Jamaica?
- Jerk chicken. This chicken dish grilled over pimento wood will give you that spicy kick courtesy of its spicy jerk seasoning.
- Ackee and saltfish. Jamaica’s national dish is made with ackee fruit and salted codfish, seasoned with spices, onions, and tomatoes.
- Mannish water. While goat curry is a must-try, you must challenge your taste buds and try this broth-like soup made from goat’s head, entrails, internal organs, vegetables, and scotch bonnet peppers.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a Jamaica Honeymoon?
Don’t miss attending a live reggae music event or even the famous reggae Sumfest (if you visit Montego Bay in July). Even if you’re not a music fan, you’ll enjoy the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston and learn more about the reggae icon’s life and legacy.
Emancipation Park is great for fitness freaks. This park in Kingston has a mini gym and jogging trail amidst the beautiful garden.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in Jamaica
Jamaica is a laid-back island nation, so beachwear, light clothing, dressy outfits, and comfortable shoes are necessary. Don’t forget your sun protection essentials, such as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves. Also, bring insect repellent to combat mosquitoes.
Is Jamaica Safe to Visit?
Bear in mind that violent crimes are common in the county. But your Jamaican honeymoon will be a safe experience, especially if you follow these tips:
- Keep a low profile and avoid wandering around at night.
- Don’t carry items you don’t want to lose (e.g., jewelry pieces).
- Never physically resist attempts of theft.
- Avoid secluded places, deserted beaches, and dangerous areas listed by the US government (e.g., Logwood and Orange Bay, Downtown Kingston, Canterbury, Steer Town, Spanish Town, and Cambridge, among others).
- Check weather reports before going for any outdoor activities.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit Jamaica?
As a US citizen, you don’t need a pre-approved tourist visa for up to 90 days stay. However, bring and present valid passports.
Jamaica Travel Tips
- It’s safe to drink tap water in Jamaica.
- Tipping is a common practice and is usually expected from tourists—tip around 10 to 20%.
- The currency is Jamaican dollars, but establishments do accept US dollars. It’s best to carry both denominations and use local currency when making small-amount transactions. As of writing, $1 is equivalent to J$153.
- Never wear clothes with a camouflage print, as it’s reserved for police or soldiers on the island.
- Jamaica has English as its official language. But expect locals to speak Jamaican Patois, a Creole language.