[av_textblock size=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” font_color=” color=” id=” custom_class=” template_class=” av_uid=’av-kvra8bb0′ sc_version=’1.0′ admin_preview_bg=”]

A Vacation in Jamaica: Expectations vs. Reality

So, you’re planning your family vacation to Jamaica. You’ve heard wonderful things about the island (as well as some not-so-great things) and are wondering if your expectations will match the reality of a Jamaica vacation.

We’ve gathered some of the most popular activities and sayings and are going to tell you whether they live up to the hype, are worth your time, and some tricks to make your dreams a reality in Jamaica.

Expectation: Dunn River Falls is worth it.

The most popular excursion in Jamaica is a beautiful waterfall that cascades 180 feet. Millions of visitors check out Dunn River Falls every year. While it remains on our recommended must-see list, you’re going to have a better time if you visit when there aren’t swarms of people.

Our recommendation? Get there early and go on days where the cruises are not in port in Ocho Rios. If you go on a cruise day during mid-day, you’ll have to wait in an hours-long line just for a glimpse. That’s not fun.

Expectation: The Beach is always peaceful.

We know you’re dying to go to one of the spectacular beaches in Jamaica. What could be better than the pristine white sands and peaceful teal water that’s always warm? There are over 50 public beaches in Jamaica. Here’s what that actually means.

Public beaches in Jamaica are for everyone but that doesn’t mean they’re free. They may charge a small fee for entry, but they don’t limit who can enter.

That means in the winter months and spring break, public beaches can become awash with tourists and locals alike. The result is you’ll be hard-pressed to find room for your beach towel.

If you’re going to Jamaica during high tourism season (mid-December to mid-April), it’s worth it to book a villa or resort with private beach access. At Villa Serenity, we offer an exclusive beach for our guests only, as well as Puerto Seco resort access.

Expectation: Taking cabs is the best way to get places.

Although Jamaica is a small island, there are plenty of things to see, and you’ll probably want some sort of vehicle to get around. Since Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road, visitors tend to avoid renting a vehicle. Many travelers will hop in the first taxi they see, not knowing what to look for.

If you’re going to take a cab, always look for the “PP” or “PPV” designation. Never use a cab that doesn’t display this. Keep in mind that as a tourist, taking taxis is very expensive in Jamaica. Jamaicans love to barter, and since you’re tourists, they’ll assume they can charge you a lot.

We recommend staying in a place that offers chauffeur service to avoid bartering and expensive and/or dangerous situations. You also won’t have to figure out the road system in Jamaica with a rental car, which will save you a lot of stress.

Many villas include shuttle service from the airport and driving during your stay. Ask us about our chauffeur services before you book.

Expectation: All seafood in Jamaica is fresh.

Jamaican seafood is delicious. Located right on the coast, you know you’re going to get some tasty fish. Right?

Well, it’s a bit complicated. Some restaurants will serve a mixture of local and imported seafood. If it hasn’t been fished in Jamaica, you’ll probably want to avoid it. It’s likely not that fresh and probably over-priced. How can you tell what seafood is local and what isn’t?

You can ask outright and not order seafood that isn’t currently in season.

Seafood to avoid in Jamaica includes tiger prawns, oysters, and salmon. Lobster from August to February is caught just off the shores and is deliciously local. Avoid lobster at Jamaican restaurants from April to July since it’s offseason and may have been caught illegally.

Clams and mussels, cod, mahi-mahi, tuna, Jamaican shrimp are just a few of the many local seafood options you can enjoy in Jamaica.

Expectation: You’ll be able to wear jeans in Jamaica.

Jamaica has a tropical climate year-round. Do you know what that means? It means you’re going to regret packing more than one pair of jeans.

Sure, it can rain and cool down to the ’60s in the evening, but wearing multiple light layers is a better bet than thick clothes. It’s true the weather can change fast in Jamaica, although it’s almost always warm.

The best way to prepare is to wear multiple light layers like shorts, loose pants, and dresses that you can throw a light sweater over. Wear jeans and a light jacket on the plane and save your bag space for summer clothes.

Expectation: Jamaica is dangerous.

Jamaica has gotten a bad reputation due to increased crime.

You might be worried about your Jamaican holiday. Poverty and crime abound in certain areas on the island. But you can avoid these places easily. Stay in touristy areas, don’t go wandering around at night, don’t drive with strangers, don’t buy marijuana from street dealers, and ask your accommodation staff if you’re concerned about a certain area.

Most crime in Jamaica is gang-related within the inner city. Although you should always be aware of pickpockets in crowded places, you will enjoy a safe trip if you stick to touristy areas and do not wander alone at night.

Expectation: The food in Jamaica is delicious and cheap.

Yes, the food in Jamaica is delicious. Jamaicans love to cook and celebrate with food. From spicy jerk seasoning to saltfish and ackee to putting their own spin on common American fare, the food scene in Jamaica is mouthwatering.

That doesn’t mean that every restaurant is created equal. It also doesn’t mean that it’ll be especially affordable either.

If you’re looking for local food that is authentically delicious, talk to your personal chef at your villa and don’t overlook roadside jerk shacks. They often serve up true Jamaican food that more touristy restaurants don’t offer.

Some restaurants in tourists’ hubs pose as authentic but are more over-priced tourist traps. Other places like Margaritaville promise a good time at a high price tag.

Where you choose to eat in Jamaica depends on your taste. But don’t assume that all the food here is traditional and/or cheap.

Expectation: Jamaicans are always friendly.

Jamaicans love to host people and show them their island. That doesn’t mean they like doing this for free. Jamaicans are hospitable people, but they also have time constraints and worries about the future.

Most Jamaicans in tourist areas are trying to make money. They’re friendly, they want to help, but they also want to eat. As a visitor to Jamaica, many locals will think you have bottomless pockets for tips and purchases. In any country with a high rate of poverty, you’re going to experience people trying to make money off you.

If you don’t want to buy something or are not interested, simply say, “No, thank you”. If a local gives you excellent advice, tip them. A few dollars will make many their day.

Our top advice? Talk to the staff at your villa for advice. Go to festivals to experience Jamaican hospitality and parties. But don’t expect Jamaicans to be genuinely friendly to complete strangers.

Expectation: You shouldn’t leave your resort or villa when you’re in Jamaica.

Some visitors in Jamaica remain on their vacation property the entire vacation. Whether they’re vacation homebodies, legitimately afraid of violence off outside of resort walls, or don’t know what there is to see, you’ll have the most memorable trip if you venture outside your villa or resort.

If you go to tourist attractions, you won’t need to worry about dangerous situations. Most locals are friendly and if anyone tries to sell you something, they’ll leave you alone if you say no.

While there are beautiful villas and resorts to pass your vacation time at, you can have a safe and fun time exploring Jamaica’s off-property as well.

Expectation: You’ll understand local Jamaicans.

Due to colonization, the official language of Jamaica is English. Most Jamaicans are fluent, and you’ll understand them.

Occasionally you’ll meet a Jamaican with an especially strong accent that may be difficult to understand even when they’re speaking English. If you’re traveling with a tour guide (which is recommended in most cases), they can help you understand.

Will you understand Jamaicans speaking to each other? Probably not. Jamaicans speak Patois, which is a mixture between English and native west African languages, forming a completely new language.

If you’re interested in what Jamaican creole sounds like and want to see if you can understand any Jamaican creole, look it up on Youtube.

Expectation: The entertainment is amazing in Jamaica.

This is an expectation that will match the reality. On an island that boasts the biggest names ever in Reggae: Jimmy Cliff, Greggory Issacs, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and of course, Bob Marley, you know the music scene is nothing short of amazing.

Jamaicans love to celebrate. From their food festivals, easter carnival to regular beach parties, you’ll get a chance to hear and enjoy Jamaican music without going out of your way.

Ask the staff at your accommodation for local entertainment recommendations or check out our blog here.

Ready to experience Jamaica yourself? Check availability now.

[/av_textblock]