DAY 1 MONTEGO BAY
As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when/where the group meeting will occur.
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s tourist Mecca and your hotel is located on the world famous 'hip-strip', where reggae music lives. Open up and soak up some of that fresh Jamaican energy and vibe, and get ready to have the time of your life!
DAY 2-3 NEGRIL / RASTAFARIAN VILLAGE
Visit to Rastafarian Indigenous Village including drumming lessons, information about indigenous fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants and a delicious lunch.
Rastafarianism is first and foremost a native Jamaican religion - indigenous to Jamaica and it is therefore a significant contributor to the enrichment of Jamaica’s cultural identity. Rastafarians, also known as Rastas, have as primary tenet of their religion and lifestyle, the teachings of Marcus Garvey. Garveyism and the Rastas by extension, promote ethnic pride, self-determination, self-reliance and the recognition of the country’s African roots which are all positives, especially, for a country still in the infancy of nation-building. The Rastafarian ‘dread locked’ hairstyle is recognized worldwide as Jamaican. Dread locks was popularized in the 1970s when Bob Marley and the Wailers hit the world stage – this era, quite possibly, signified the launch of “Brand Jamaica”. The brand was represented by a guitar toting ‘rebel with a positive cause’, with dread locked hair: a Rastafarian. Rastafarians have also had great impact on Jamaica’s music industry, tourism industry, fashion, language among other cultural aspects.
After the visit to the Rastafarian Village, travel to Negril. Opt to head to Rick's Cafe, home to caves to explore and rocky bluffs where heroism can be added to holiday pastimes and doughty souls hurl themselves from dizzying heights into the crystalline Caribbean Sea below. Enjoy Negril's beautiful beach, which is as close to a Caribbean sunset as you can get in Jamaica, without falling off!
Seven miles of white sand beach will call and your response will be languorous moments of pure pleasure; all day just soak it up! Walk the beach, visit the cliffs, rock dive, scuba dive, wind surf, parasail or do nothing at all and relax in a hammock.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
DAY 4-5 TREASURE BEACH
Treasure Beach is not on the average Jamaica tourist's radar, and we hope it stays that way so the long stretches of beach are all yours to explore without having to fight off other beach loungers for a prime spot of beach.
Here you have the option to see dolphins in their natural habitat. With a boat captain in charge, you are steered about 10 minutes offshore to await the finned mammals on their morning swim. From the dolphin quest, head to where the Caribbean Sea comes to kiss the Black River and cruise upstream to see the Jamaican crocodile. See how the locals use the river for their livelihood – fishing and shrimping. Afterwards, chart a course for Pelican Bar. Pelican Bar, Floyd's quaint island-in-the-sea lounge is like nothing you’ve ever seen – the setting is on a sand bar about 15 minutes off shore, very idyllic and innovative. At Pelican Bar, have lunch, swim and sunbathe.
You can also opt to experience the Black River Safari and see the cascading waterfalls as nature boasts at YS falls. See sugar cane become magically transformed into a one of a kind Jamaican rum at Appleton Estates. Other adventures to explore are Lovers Leap, Milk River Mineral Spa, Gourie Caves and much more!
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours
DAY 6-7 KINGSTON
Kingston offers many options and is sure to keep you busy. You can fill your time here with as much (or as little) as you please. Tour Port Royal, a 14th century stomping ground of some of the "New World's" most infamous and often notorious pirates; follow your guide and view the evidence of Jamaica's swash-buckling era. Or take a boat trip to Lime Cay, Kingston's offshore paradise – a private haven. Choose to discover Kingston; check out the Bob Marley Museum and pay tribute to the relics of the musical phenomenon he created. Visit the Devon House, Victorian glory; you have endless options
If you'd prefer to leave the city behind for the day, venture up into the famous coffee-producing Blue Mountains. The lush hills and fresh air are a nice break from the coastal heat. Tour a coffee plantation or two and enjoy a cup of the area's black gold.
Hopefully you’ll still have some reserves in your tank to explore Kington's famous nightlife, full of reggae music and good vibes.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
DAY 8 PORTLAND / CHARLES TOWN MAROON EXPERIENCE
Hike through lush vegetation as you learn about the important Maroon people's history in Jamaica, visiting a secluded river with a number of crystal clear pools perfect for swimming. Lunch back in town accompanied by traditional drumming and dancing.
Today pays respect to a part of Jamaica’s history showcasing an indigenous people: slaves who had run away from plantations to the mountains, the Maroons. A tribe that epitomizes strength, the evolution of the island has left them culturally unscathed. Indeed they have proven fittest through survival. At the foot of the Blue Mountain sits a prime Maroon colony: Charles Town. This settlement provides the starting point for a moderate trek up the Blue Mountains, as you go experience the Maroons, hear their stories, enter their world, be a part of the Medicine Man’s audience as he speaks of curious native cures boasting centuries-old potency. At the tour's end sit at the table as a Maroon feast is spread, a cornucopia of indigenous indulgences. Participate in indigenous dancing and enjoy singing and drumming by the community members.
Spend the evening in Boston Bay, famous for having the best jerk seasoning in Jamaica.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
DAY 9 OCHO RIOS
A optional highlight of Ocho Rios is a visit to Dunn's River Falls where climbing the waterfalls is a once in a lifetime experience. Other options include checking out Fern Gully to find yourself in an Amazon-like rain forest, going horseback riding in the Caribbean Sea, or just go shopping. Ocho Rios offers craft shopping, intricate but affordable pieces that will serve as sentimental reminders of your time in heaven.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
DAY 10 MONTEGO BAY
Morning transfer to Montego Bay, arriving by 11am. The group will make two stops in Montego Bay; one at the start hotel and one at the airport.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
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