Why I Love Jamaica!
I’ve visited Jamaica many times. One thing remains true about Jamaica — when you’re there, you live in Jamaica’s world. In August 2022, I traveled to Jamaica to visit resorts and conduct site inspections. Any travel advisor can tell you that Jamaica has the most beautiful water. The turquoise waters draw visitors from all over the world. I get the best reactions from my photos of the Caribbean off Jamaica’s coastline.
![view of beach pool and ocean](https://jennykoppenhavertravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Over-the-Water-Bungalows-Sandals-Royal-Caribbean--1024x768.jpg)
When you arrive in Jamaica in the summer months, one of the first things you’ll notice is the heat. You may think the heat is overbearing, but by the end of your visit, your skin, hair, and mood change to reflect the good in the air. The average temperature in the peak travel season hovers in the 70s. Drink it all in. It’s all good in Jamaica.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Jamaica?
Peak travel season in Jamaica is November through May. Weather in other places of the world at this time of year makes the great weather in Jamaica during peak season so attractive. Also, avoiding hurricane season contributes to the popularity of this peak season.
You’ll need a passport valid six months from your travel dates. At the time of this article, there are no vaccine or COVID testing requirements.
Airport and Ground Transportation in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Let me start with my airport experience at MBJ (Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica). You can either choose lines and heat, or you can select Club MoBay. I know you use a travel advisor because we have talked about how important this is. A great travel advisor will book Club MoBay for all their Jamaican-bound guests for arrival and departure.
![woman holding sign at airport](https://jennykoppenhavertravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Amstar-Concierge-at-Club-Mobay-Lounge-768x1024.jpg)
Club MoBay is a concierge service just for the Montego Bay Airport. A Club MoBay representative greets you straight off the ramp and gathers your passport and customs card because they will escort you through customs, baggage claim, and immigration while you enjoy the lounge. All the drinks and food in Club MoBay are complimentary and get your vacation off to a great start. More about Club MoBay at the end of this blog.
If you’re vacationing at a Sandals or Beaches resort, I’ll arrange private transfers from the airport to the resort for you. Also, if you’re staying at Sandals or Beaches and are getting butler service with your stay, luxury transportation is included.
Safety and Security in Jamaica
I recommend you always go with trusted brands when booking a trip to Jamaica. Stay mainly on resort property unless you go on excursions with trusted tour companies, such as Amstar and Island Routes. On this trip, I felt safe. We didn’t witness any solicitation on the beaches, which is something I look for. Amstar transportation to and from the airport is very trusted. Whenever you travel to another country, you should check the travel advisories published by the U.S. State Department.
Where to Stay in Jamaica
To learn about my recommendations for all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, read “Destination Jamaica: Part 2 – Where to Stay in Jamaica.”
Things to Do in Jamaica
Excursions in Jamaica are better than ever! The companies working to bring great experiences to their clientele have worked very hard to get travel back to where it is today. Whenever you travel to another country, you have to be mindful of safety, security, and the best and safest way to travel to and enjoy the sights.
Every resort has a counter where guests can book excursions they may not have considered before traveling. As a travel advisor, I review excursion options with my clients. Jamaica offers many excursion options, such as snorkeling, scuba, jet skis, sunset cruises, parasailing, Dunn’s River Falls, and many more.
Dreamer Catamaran and Snorkel Adventure
On my August 2022 trip to Jamaica, we booked the Dreamer Catamaran and Snorkel Adventure, which was my favorite day on this trip. I really enjoyed this excursion, and spending this day with my team, friends, and new friends I met onboard was just plain fun! We danced, swam, and enjoyed each other’s company. A huge shout-out goes to the crew of the Dreamer. The crew’s acrobatics while hoisting the sails was amazing!!!! They quickly ensured guests always had a drink and the boat was clean and comfortable for guests. It was easy to store bags and hats while sailing, and the snorkeling was so fun! We saw so many fish hiding in the coral. The music aboard the catamaran made me feel like I was in a commercial for the Jamaican tourism board.
![catamaran docked at pier](https://jennykoppenhavertravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dreamers-Catamaran-Snorkeling-Cruise-1024x768.jpg)
Things to Do in Jamaica – Excursions from Your Resort
I recommend you take escorted group excursions through Amstar and Island Routes. These organizations are experienced and trusted, so you’re sure to have safe and fun experiences while vacationing in Jamaica. Amstar and Island Routes offer a variety of excursions for friends, couples, and families in various cities in Jamaica. Here are just a few popular group excursions.
- Snorkeling and diving
- Sunset cruises by power and sail
- Boat tours
- Ziplining
- Bamboo river rafting
- Horseback riding
- A day at Negril Beach
- A Blue Mountain biking, hiking, and waterfall tours
- ATV adventures
- Dolphin experiences
- Golf courses
- Shopping
Contact me to discuss the best vacation activities in Jamaica for you.
Heading Home from Jamaica
Although returning home may be a little sad, you can still enjoy a club-level experience for your trip home if you purchased Club MoBay for this trip. Amstar transportation will pick you up in plenty of time to arrive at the airport for your trip home. Amstar has a great reputation for offering nice new air-conditioned vehicles. Guests can choose between private and shared transportation. Vehicles vary in size to accommodate your party size. While on this trip, we used a charter bus and Sprinter Van. In the past, I have used Amstar’s luxury vehicles as well.
When arriving at the airport, an Amstar representative will meet you and escort you through your bag check-in. I fly Southwest Airlines whenever possible, and Southwest Airlines has the same high level of customer service internationally as they have domestically. In my experience with Southwest, I can trust that my bags will make the trip home safely. It’s well-known Southwest employees are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Once my bags were checked in, I was taken through Customs by my MoBay concierge host, and then I headed straight to the Club MoBay Lounge. There I could relax, order a nice beverage and meal before heading to the gate to board my Southwest Airlines flight home. Their service and dedication to making their clients happy make Club MoBay, Amstar, and Southwest Airlines a great combination to end your vacation and head home.
Want to Learn More About Jamaica?
My friend, Denella Ri’chard, loves Jamaica and tries to spend every birthday there. She has done some amazing episodes on her show, “Traveling with Denella Ri’chard,” which can be seen on the GoTraveler App and GFNTV and select ABC, NBC, CBS, and CW stations. I love her episode on South Coast Jamaica. Be sure to tune in. You will hear about unique experiences to add to your next Jamaican trip.
From the beautiful soft sand to the trailing sound of the steel drums in the evening across the water, there is no place on earth quite like Jamaica! No worries, Mon!
To learn about all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, read my blog “Jamaica Series: Part 2 – Where to Stay in Jamaica.”
If you’re thinking about getting away to Jamaica, contact me to discuss resorts, dining, and things to see and do!