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While there are many things that Jamaica is known for, it is perhaps best known internationally for its association with the very roots of reggae music. Kingston, Jamaica, is known the world over for being home to some of the biggest names in reggae history. The best known of all, of course, is Bob Marley, whose music continues to be heard around the globe, not only via personal collections and radio play, but also in mainstream commercial advertisements, which is a testament to the effect Bob Marley had on music and culture.

The Bob Marley Museum is a favorite tourist attraction. Located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, the museum is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:30am to 4pm. Admission prices are just over $8 for adults, just under $7 for people 13 to 18 and a little over $3 for children 4 to 12. The museum is housed in what was once Bob Marley’s home and recording studio, and is brightly painted in the traditional Rastafarian hues of red, yellow and green.

Among the featured attractions there are a mural by Jah Bobby, which is an artistic representation of the life of Bob Marley, beginning with his birth and including highlights from his life and musical career. Visitors can see his living space, view a short documentary about his life and enjoy wandering through a nearby medicinal herb garden. Also on site is the Queen of Sheba restaurant. The building itself is remarkable in that it preserves many architectural details from earlier periods, such as latticework and moldings, an arched doorway and even includes rear servant’s quarters.

Another important historical reggae related site, officially opened in 1999 as Trench Town Culture Yard, as Jamaica’s first site dedicated to the urban culture that saw the blossoming of reggae music. Prince Charles of England was among those who attended the February 6 opening.

Located in Kingston, Jamaica, at the lower end of First Street, in the midst of what was once government housing projects, and where Bob Marley and many other reggae greats - including Peter Tosh, The Wailing Souls, and Toots and the Maytals - found inspiration for the songs they wrote, as well as gave public performances, this cultural center celebrates the history of reggae. There are many artistic and cultural displays, including sculptures, murals, and other works of art. There is also a small museum on site and a gift shop. Guided tours are available.

Island Car Rentals, of Kingston, offers what they call a Bob Marley Tour, for which they charge $48 per person. They require at least two people to sign up for the tour, and then their knowledgeable tour guides pick up the tourists at their hotel and take them through the various Kingston spots associated with Bob Marley’s life and history.

Reggae music has touched countless lives throughout the world. The historical sites associated with the beginning of the reggae musical and cultural movements attract an international blend of tourists seeking to pay their respects to those who’ve meant so much to them.

Jamaica is a beautiful island with just so much to take in. There is an abundance of wildlife, able to claim the broad expanses of terrain that has been neither developed nor commercialized as home. There are mountains and beaches, forests and wetlands. Traveling by car moves too fast to be able to really see the countryside, to really be able to appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer. The best way to explore natural Jamaica is by horseback, riding the numerous nature trails.

Horseback riding opportunities are widely available throughout Jamaica, simply because it really is the best way to view the flora and fauna. Rocky Point Stables in Montego Bay is one of many such establishments operating on the island. This one specializes in offering tours of local mountain forests.

Also located in Montego Bay is Chukka Blue Horse Back Riding. The two and a half hour long tours bring riders through rainforest areas, the grounds of an old sugar mill and its 18th century ruins, a small agricultural town, and a beach. The horses are healthy and well cared for and seem to enjoy their part of the journey, meaning guilt-free pleasure for the riders as they enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

In Negril, there’s the Rhodes Hall Plantation, also offering tours by horseback. The tour guides know the area well and readily point out places and things of interests and know the local tales that go with them. New riders are treated with care and patience. Ocho Rios is the location of Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre. In addition to three hour long riding tours that include riding the beach, this stables has polo lessons available.

Hooves, found at 61 Windsor Road, Saint Anne’s Bay, is yet another place offering guided tours by horseback. They offer a wide variety of tour packages. Among these is the fascinating Bush Doctor Tour, which cost $55 per person and includes a variety of extras, such as transportation to and from the vacationer’s hotel.

Bush doctors, during the times of slavery, were the only medical care that the enslaved peoples had. These bush doctors were well versed in the arts of natural healing, and the medicinal uses of local herbs and plants. Even today, in many of the more rural areas, it is the bush doctor who cares for the people in times of illness. This tour brings the rider through beautiful terrain and explores, among other things, the places in which the plants important for health and healing are found.

The other guided tours available are the Rainforest Ride, the Beach Ride, and the Honeymoon Ride, each as unique and fascinating as the Bush Doctor Ride. Hooves also offers private rides and riding vacations. If you enjoy horseback riding or would like to try it out, this is a place that should not be missed.

Exploring Jamaica by horseback is an entirely different experience than doing so by motor vehicle. There’s a deeper connection made to the surroundings, a greater appreciation, born of slowing down and taking the time to really see the surroundings. That’s something far too few of us do in the hectic pace of our modern world, even while vacationing.

Bahamas vacation destination Harbour Island offers a wide variety of cuisines and quality dining experiences. International, Bahamian, and American cuisines are readily available throughout the island.

Angela’s Starfish Restaurant offers both classic and unique native dishes, Bahamian cuisine and some American foods. The native dishes truly have that authentic quality, and many of the customers seen in eating in the restaurant are local people enjoying the classic favorites. Many of these are based on seafood of various types and cracked conch. The setting is simple, small tables on the lawn with folding chairs, and the food is delicious. Credit cards are not accepted, so you’ll need to remember to come prepared to pay cash. The restaurant is open every day, from 7:30am to 8:30pm.

The Landing is well known for its fine Australian and international cuisines, Located on Bay Street, the eatery is housed in a beautiful antique building that adds ambiance to an already excellent dining experience. Because fresh ingredients are preferred by the chef, the menu varied with what is in season. House specialties include capellini with lobster, and a very special dish that consists of lobster wrapped in banana leaves, braised romaine, chili, and lime juice. The Landing also serves an excellent pesto sauce, rich in flavor and a delight to the nose. This establishment is open on Sundays, from 8am to 2pm, and Thursday through Tuesday, from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Reservations are strongly suggested to secure a table for dinner at this quality restaurant.

On Court Street, Bahamian and Mediterranean cuisines are presented in their finest forms at Restaurant Sip Sip. It is truly an amazing restaurant. The menu varies, according to the current interest of the proprietors Jim Black and Julie Lightbourne. The menu most often contains dishes based upon Bahamian, Italian, French, Thai, or Pacific Rim cuisines, though the degree to which the focus rests upon any one of these culinary traditions
changes periodically. Occasionally you’ll see eggplant dishes from Lebanon, Mexican inspired cuisine with tropical flavors, and a variety of other culinary inspirations and fusions. This restaurant is open for lunch Wednesdays through Mondays, from 11:30am to 4pm. This is a place that definitely should not be missed.

Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is located on Colebrook Street in a small wooden house of orange and yellow. The tiny restaurant is very clean and the food is simple and hearty Bahamian fare, a favorite among locals. It is a family own and operated establishment that does a brisk business all day long. Avery’s Restaurant and Grill is open every day between the hours of 6:30am and #pm and from 5:30 to 10pm.

There are numerous little dining spots featuring a variety of culinary experiences, from elegant fine dining to the simple charms to be found in house converted to a restaurant serving dishes made from grandmother’s oldest recipes. Harbor Island is a place to indulge the taste buds, rather than to worry about a waist line.

During the colonization period of Jamaica, particularly in the early years, the building of forts was an important aspect in both protecting the island nation from external enemies and plunderers and keeping the enslaved and working classes under control. Several of these forts have crumbled and lie in ruins, while many others have been restored and put to other uses. Touring the forts of Jamaica offers a glance back into an interesting and often troubling history, as well as provides insight into the Jamaican culture of today.

Fort Charles, which was originally named Fort Cromwell, is the first of the six forts to be built for the protection of Port Royal, Jamaica. The building of the structure was begun in 1655, not long after the British assumed control of the island. Towards the end of the 17th century it had 500 men and had 104 big guns, and was well stocked and prepared to defend. In later years the fort served as a prison. Today, it is home to a museum and is open for tours.

Ocho Rios Fort was built in the late 1600’s. In 1780, it was strengthened and partially rebuilt in anticipation of French invasion during one of many periods of unrest between France and Britain. The fort, periodically rebuilt through the years, recently went through another renovation and still contains two of the cannons it had centuries ago. Through the years, it has served many uses, including that of slaughterhouse.
The Morant Bay Fort is another one of the numerous forts to be found throughout Jamaica. Built just after the middle of the 1700’s, it is located behind the Morant Bay Courthouse. Three of the big guns that were added during the period of the fear of French attack during the late 18th century still remain. There are historical statues and memorials nearby, honoring those who lost their lives in the pursuit of freedom in Jamaica.

Named for an intimate female companion of King George III, Fort Charlotte was built in the mid 1700’s. Though small, housing only 50 men, it was heavily armed and fortified, having 23 guns and a devise allowing some to be rotated to fire in any direction necessary. Part of the fort is home to a local high school, but the site is worth visiting simply because of the impressive view.

Fort Haldane is another fort known for its lovely view. Located at Port Maria, and named for the General who also, at one point, served as governor of the island, this structure was built in 1759. It placement, on a hill facing the water, made it a true asset for defense in that era. Today, its placement is what makes the view from the grounds so spectacular.

The many forts that dot the coastal areas of Jamaica are a reminder of the past, solid pieces of history that demonstrate something of the many cultures and peoples that have shaped the Jamaica of today. Some of these forts have been the sites moments of great import to Jamaican history. All of these forts have something to share with those who choose to visit their grounds.

Travelers to destinations in the Bahamas, in addition to enjoying the many fascinating activities offered by the islands, ranging from the traditional attractions of sun, sand and surf to the culture attractions of museums and historical sight to the simply amazing zoos and aquariums, have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant nightlife in the company of an international mix of tourists and residence. There’s always something interesting to do or to see in the nightlife scene of the Bahamas.

The Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino is one of the largest casinos in the Bahamas. It features all of the casino favorites, including more than 700 slot machines and 51 blackjack tables. Visitors can also try their luck at the roulette wheels and the craps tables, and there is even a baccarat table for those so inclined. There’s a theater with an 800-person capacity, with a variety of entertainment offered through the week.

There are two other major casinos in the Bahamas. These are the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino and the Crowne Plaza Golf Resort and Casino at the Royal Oasis in Freeport While opinion varies as to which of the three are the best, most people do manage to try out all three.

However, nightlife in the Bahamas isn’t just about gambling the night away in the glitter and gleam of the casinos. There are a variety of nightclubs, discos and bars, some open all night long.

One of the all-nighters is Club Waterloo, located on East Bay Street on New Providence Island. Housed in what was once a grand colonial mansion, there is one main bar, and five smaller bars. Each of the smaller bars has its own specialty and style. Among these smaller bars is Shooters Sports Bar, a Bicardi Bar, which is self-explanatory, and an outdoor, poolside bar. The cover charge is high, up to $30 on weekend nights, but in reality, you’ll rarely pay that much. Many taxi drivers sell what are called visitors’ passes that reduce the cover charge to a much smaller $5. This spot attracts a mixed crowd that typically includes locals and vacationers from Europe and the Americas.

Club 601 is another all-night spot on new Providence Island. It is a disco, and the music is usually of an international flavor, just like the crowd it attracts nightly. Other nightlife favorites in the Bahamas include the Blue Bee Bar on Great Abaco Island and Senor Frog’s at the British Colonial Hilton, at 1 Bay Street in Nassau, New Providence Island. Senor Frog’s tends to attract a young and energetic crown, though people of all ages enjoy the karaoke nights.

As in most of the most popular vacation destination, the nightlife scene in the Bahamas is interesting, exciting and active. You are sure to have a good time if you exercise a bit of common sense, caution and courtesy. Whether you choose a quiet bar tucked away in a lovely island corner, or dance all night at one of the discos or gamble until the dawn in one of the fabulous casinos, the Bahamas will offer you a memorable nightlife experience.

Jamaica is known for its wonderful cuisine, which has traveled far beyond its shores to influence the world of international cuisine. Jamaican restaurants are a usual part of most major city dining options in the United States. As an island nation, Jamaican restaurants often specialize in seafood dishes of excellent quality. Because of its international popularity as a vacation destination, there are many fine dining establishments that serve excellent international dining favorites, in addition to creatively prepared dishes built upon local culinary traditions and produce.

Jamaican jerk cuisine is among the best known of Jamaican culinary accomplishments. Hot, spicy and flavorful beyond compare, the Ocho Rios Village Jerk Center showcases this Jamaican favorite. Reasonably priced, generous portions make this DaCosta Drive eatery a must try spot for those seeking the authentic jerk experience. Featuring jerk chicken, seafood and pork, this eatery tends to be crowded during the lunch rush, especially on the days that the cruise ships come in.

Also found in Ocho Rios is the Almond Tree, located at 83 Main Street. Serving both international and Jamaican cuisine at reasonable prices, this restaurant fills quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested.

The Native, found at 29 Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, offers outdoor dining in the shade, allowing for people watching on this active thoroughfare. The Native offers both international fare and traditional Jamaican dishes, many of which are truly outstanding. If you’re unable to decide which wonderful Jamaican dish to try, they serve a marvelous sampler platter. The seafood is, of course, fresh and excellent. There are buffet style meals served on Friday and Sunday, and weekend dinner guests are sure to enjoy the live music. Reservations, however, are a must for those hoping to get a table at this fine restaurant.

At the Blue Mountain Inn, tucked away on Gordon Town Road in Gordon Town, you’ll have to dress up to enjoy this luxurious fine dining establishment. Serving continental cuisine at its very best, the atmosphere is just as rich and tasteful as is the food. Located on what was once a coffee plantation, there are numerous beautiful antiques that help to create a Colonial English type of setting. Reservations are required, and the establishment is closed on Sundays.

In Negril, Kuyaba On The Beach, found on Norman Manley Blvd., should not be missed. They serve an international selection of dishes, including some fine curries, pasta dishes and, naturally, quality seafood. Easy to find with its thatched roof, its bar is a lively and social place, attracting both tourists and locals. Visitors are not rushed, and are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery, while sipping drinks on the beach in the comfortable chaise lounges.

Aside from all the other wonderful things about Jamaica, the food itself is worth the trip. A little planning and asking around, especially talking to locals, can help you to indulge in a culinary exploration that will not be soon forgotten. At the smaller places, the cooking staff will often be happy to pass on a few of their own special culinary tips and point you in the right direction to purchase spices to bring home. Eating out in Jamaica is truly a delicious experience.

One of the outer islands of the Bahamas, Cat Island is a quiet vacation destination for those who are really looking to relax. Among its varied pleasures and activities, a little exploration will turn up a historical oddity or two that add to the individual character of the place. Beautiful beaches in natural settings welcome the nature lover and peace seeker alike.

The Hermitage is a bit of an historical oddity, fascinating and strange. The hike up to see this religious site will take visitors through small villages along beautiful trails, full of island flora and fauna. It is located at the top of Mt. Alvernia, which is 206 feet above the sea and the highest point in the Bahamas. The Hermitage itself is made from the limestone of the cliffs, with each piece painstakingly extracted, shaped and set by hand by the Canadian mule-skinner turned Anglican turned Roman Catholic priest known as Father Jerome. The Father built the structure to scale, designed it to fit his rather diminutive form. Beloved by the island people, the priest passed away in 1956 after reaching the ripe age of 80.

Other historical sites include an Arawak cave, found at Columbus point, and plantation ruins, left over from the islands efforts at joining the worlds cotton growers. Deveaux mansion was once the residence of Andrew Deveaux of the US Navy, who participated in the 1873 battles to get Nassau back from Spain. Another well known ruins is the remains of the Ambrister plantation, near Port Howe.

For those interested in water sports, the Cat Island Dive Center is the place to contact. They operate out of the Greenwood Beach Resort and have a variety of diving and snorkeling packages available, and there are many fine areas to explore, offering a wealth of marine life and fascinating geological formations. They also have water sport equipment to rent.

Cat Island is the sixth largest island in the Bahamas, and boasts extraordinary beaches. There are literally miles and miles of virtually undisturbed beaches, where swimming and relaxing can be done in near complete privacy.

Fine meals can be had at several locations on Cat Island. Hawk’s Nest Resort and Marina serves a variety of dishes, but among the best are the fresh, grilled fish and the roasted rack of lamb. Fernandez Bay Village is the place to go for creative and delicious native dishes, served either in the dining room or a patio table by the beach. Greenwood Beach Resort’s Bahaman cuisine is complemented by their marvelous breads, which are baked every day.

Cat Island is an excellent choice for vacationers who are seeking a natural beach experience, and enjoy a peaceful and very laid-back atmosphere. The island can be explored at a leisurely pace, which is a much better way to enjoy the local flora and fauna, as well as to enjoy the local culture. Because it is so much smaller in population than many of the other islands, it’s easier to get a real feel for the people and their way of life. Cat Island is an interesting place that will make a lasting impression on its guests.

The Bahamas are a wonderful place for cave exploration. The caves found on Grand Bahama Island offer a variety of caving experiences, ranging from those that are suitable only for very experienced divers and spelunkers to those that are readily accessible to explorers of all skill levels. Each and every cave has its own special beauty and is worth visiting, especially for those with a special interest in geology.

Lucayan Nation Park is home to a vast network of underwater caves and caverns. It is, as of yet, not completely mapped, but many experts believe that this geological marvel could well be the largest network of its type, not only in the Bahamas, but also in the world. Of the caves and caverns that have been mapped, there are a few tourist favorites that stand out from the rest. Though, it should be noted that dedicated spelunkers and divers may well find the less traveled caves and caverns to have many characteristics and qualities that place them above those that the tourists have made well known.

In the park’s Burial Mound Cave, remains of the island’s original inhabitants, the Lucayas, were found. Scuba divers are able to view stalagmites and stalactites, in addition to many eye-catching rack formations. Ben’s Cave is the only cave where diving is still permitted, and is only open to experience and well trained divers. The Mermaid’s is a popular underwater cavern suitable for exploration by skilled scuba divers. It is definitely not a place for beginners.

The difference between a cave and cavern is that in a cavern, you can still see light and you can usually see the exit. Caves are deep and dark, extending often far beyond the entrance point and underwater cave exploration requires advanced diving skill. Zodiac Caverns can be explored by chartering a boat to bring you to their entrance.

One of the most well known cave and cavern tour providers is the Blue Holes Foundation. Stephanie Schwabe, one of the few female cave divers in the world, formed this non-profit organization, with her husband, the famous cave diver Rob Palmer, who passed away not too long ago, for the purpose of mapping and exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. The foundation offers a variety of tours to parties of up to ten people.

Safety is one of the most important concerns when exploring underwater caves and caverns. It is essential to make sure that you use quality equipment in good working order, and you’ll need to be experienced enough to be able to determine this for yourself. It is important not to overestimate your abilities and to stick to adventures and explorations that are within your skill level and comfort zone. Choose reliable and knowledgeable guides, using in-depth research to choose tour providers that are reputable and have a good safety record.

Keeping those thoughts in mind, you’ll be sure to have a positive and amazing experience exploring the underwater caves and caverns of the Bahamas. You’ll see rare and unusual marine life and geological formations. Cave and cavern exploration in this region is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

Jamaica is known for its wonderful cuisine, which has traveled far beyond its shores to influence the world of international cuisine. Jamaican restaurants are a usual part of most major city dining options in the United States. As an island nation, Jamaican restaurants often specialize in seafood dishes of excellent quality. Because of its international popularity as a vacation destination, there are many fine dining establishments that serve excellent international dining favorites, in addition to creatively prepared dishes built upon local culinary traditions and produce.

Jamaican jerk cuisine is among the best known of Jamaican culinary accomplishments. Hot, spicy and flavorful beyond compare, the Ocho Rios Village Jerk Center showcases this Jamaican favorite. Reasonably priced, generous portions make this DaCosta Drive eatery a must try spot for those seeking the authentic jerk experience. Featuring jerk chicken, seafood and pork, this eatery tends to be crowded during the lunch rush, especially on the days that the cruise ships come in.

Also found in Ocho Rios is the Almond Tree, located at 83 Main Street. Serving both international and Jamaican cuisine at reasonable prices, this restaurant fills quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested.

The Native, found at 29 Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, offers outdoor dining in the shade, allowing for people watching on this active thoroughfare. The Native offers both international fare and traditional Jamaican dishes, many of which are truly outstanding. If you’re unable to decide which wonderful Jamaican dish to try, they serve a marvelous sampler platter. The seafood is, of course, fresh and excellent. There are buffet style meals served on Friday and Sunday, and weekend dinner guests are sure to enjoy the live music. Reservations, however, are a must for those hoping to get a table at this fine restaurant.

At the Blue Mountain Inn, tucked away on Gordon Town Road in Gordon Town, you’ll have to dress up to enjoy this luxurious fine dining establishment. Serving continental cuisine at its very best, the atmosphere is just as rich and tasteful as is the food. Located on what was once a coffee plantation, there are numerous beautiful antiques that help to create a Colonial English type of setting. Reservations are required, and the establishment is closed on Sundays.

In Negril, Kuyaba On The Beach, found on Norman Manley Blvd., should not be missed. They serve an international selection of dishes, including some fine curries, pasta dishes and, naturally, quality seafood. Easy to find with its thatched roof, its bar is a lively and social place, attracting both tourists and locals. Visitors are not rushed, and are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere and scenery, while sipping drinks on the beach in the comfortable chaise lounges.

Aside from all the other wonderful things about Jamaica, the food itself is worth the trip. A little planning and asking around, especially talking to locals, can help you to indulge in a culinary exploration that will not be soon forgotten. At the smaller places, the cooking staff will often be happy to pass on a few of their own special culinary tips and point you in the right direction to purchase spices to bring home. Eating out in Jamaica is truly a delicious experience.

Jamaica is a beautiful country, lush and green with beautiful coastal areas, rich forests that include tropical rainforests, and the highest mountain peaks in the Caribbean. There are many national parks, reserves and undeveloped country areas ripe for exploration and hiking is among the best ways to experience truly experience the abundant joys of nature to be found in the rural areas of Jamaica. The hospitable climate assures hiking comfort virtually year round and numerous the guided tours available make hiking Jamaica a vacation experience available to all hiking skill levels.

Valley Hikes, a hiking tour company operating out of Port Antonio, Jamaica, specializes in environmentally sound and culturally informative journeys into beautiful wilderness of the Rio Grande Valley, located between the Blue Mountains and the John Crow Mountains.

Because of the strong focus of Valley Hikes on mutually beneficial eco-tourism, their hikes have a local people and culture accent that many other hiking tours lack. Hikers will enjoy the amazing and varied wildlife of the tropical forest - including many attractions that don’t make the typical tour guidebooks, as they are only familiar to the people who really live there - and learn numerous fascinating fact from the tour guides, who are drawn from the local community. Hikers will learn local history and lore, the types of flora and fauna, the traditional uses and medicinal properties of various plants, and many other interesting facets of daily life and culture in Jamaica.
Naturally, with the appeal of such beautiful mountains, travelers to Jamaica will find that there are many hiking trails and opportunities in the general area of the John Crow Mountains and the Blue Mountains. Among these is the Fairy Glade Trail, which could be considered to be fairly challenging. Hikers will need to be able to climb tree roots and push through plant life, including ginger, which can sometimes seem rather dense. Another is the Gordon Town Trail, which passes by lovely gardens and bubbling waterfalls, and is well known for its numerous visual delights, including unusual plants and birds.

Cockpit Country Adventure Tours of Jamaica is widely recognized for the quality of their eco-tours. Cockpit Country is a part of Jamaica that is internationally known for its amazing biodiversity, which stems from its untamed - or as some would say, its untamable — wildness. In addition to its ecological fame and interest, it holds an important place in the social history of Jamaica as the place that served as headquarters to a group of former slaves were able to successfully battle the British, forcing them into submission, formalized by signed treaties, to their demands for self-rule.

Through Cockpit Country Adventure Tours, hikers will experience the true wilderness of Jamaica. They’ll see numerous exciting varieties of butterflies, many species of birds, reptiles and other creatures. Cockpit Country Adventure Tours offers unique hiking experiences and their hiking tours are sure to be enjoyed by even the most skilled hikers, as, in addition to being spectacularly scenic, some are quite physically challenging.

Hikers of all skill levels will find memorable places for hiking in Jamaica. There’s just no better way for exploring the beauty of this ecologically remarkable island.