Visiting Jamaica

Jamaica is a small island in the Caribbean Sea. It has an international reputation for reggae music, athletics and is considered by many to be a cultural tower house despite its small size. It is a beautiful island and many seasoned travelers have heard of its white sand beaches, beautiful waterfalls and majestic mountains.

Visiting Jamaica is considered to be one of those things one must do to experience the wonders of the planet.

In planning your trip to Jamaica, decide on the type of vacation experience you would like. Whilst the island is very well known for its sea, sun and sand, there are many other types of vacation experience one can have.

For instance Jamaica has much to offer travelers who are interested in its environment as it has a very high percentage of plants and animals which can be found nowhere else in the world. Among these are several species of ferns and the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly which is among the largest to be found worldwide.

You may also be interested in a unique vacation such as Caving. There are several limestone caves in Jamaica which can provide hours of exploration for those interested in our earth's crust. These are primarily in the Cockpit area of Jamaica, a part of the mountainous interior.

Bird lovers will also be happy to know that Jamaica has one of the highest ratios of endemic bird species. There are 28 species of birds in Jamaica that they will find nowhere else in the world. Visiting Jamaica is sure to provide many hours of pleasure for avid bird lovers.

Food connoisseurs will love visiting Jamaica. Jamaica is known the world over for having the best and most expensive coffee - Blue Mountain coffee. This is grown in the foothills of the highest peak on the island at elevations of approximately 7,000 feet. On a clear day, one can see the outline of Cuba. Jerk is now a famous way of preparing meat and other dishes that produces a delicious, smoky, peppery taste that is loved by Jamaicans and spicy food lovers. Fresh fruits and an abundance of good drinking water make visiting the island a must for food connoisseurs.

Great houses and other historical sites and churches provide another unique vacation aspect for visitors interested in the historical aspect of the island. Port Royal on the Eastern coast of the island was once known as the wickedest city in the world before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1692. The former city is now a quaint fishing village that serves the best fried fish this side of the earth.

If you aren't yet convince that visiting Jamaica is a great idea, think about the music. Reggae legend Bob Marley is from Jamaica and since his global impact, there have been many other musicians and singers which continue to promote Jamaica through their music.

If you tried to get away from the idea of visiting Jamaica, you may just be caught by the fastest man in the world - Usain Bolt who is from Jamaica. Jamaica continues to produce some of the world's best athletes in track and field and at one time was able to boast that it had the two fastest men in the world hailing from its shores.