Jamaica -the Island of Magic Adventure

One of the best vacations by husband and I have taken was to the colorful city of Montego Bay, Jamaica.  The people are friendly, always smiling and they speak English, unlike most Caribbean Islands. The beaches are gorgeous and there is no end to the water sports, from deep sea fishing to scuba diving

Montego Bay (also called MoBay) was named from the Spanish name “Manteca BahAa” or Bay of Lard because at one time there was a large lard making industry derived from all the wild boars which lived in the surrounding hills. It was also a large producer of bananas and sugar but those factories have also closed down. Instead of industry, it has become a well known resort, particularly due to Doctor’s Cave Beach which is said to be fed by mineral springs and it has the most uncommonly clear and sparkling water.

There are many Jamaica resorts that are all inclusive and there are older hotels and resorts as well. You can choice to have fun all day in the sun and party at night. Montego Bay is the tourism capital of Jamaica, although not the biggest city. There are three distinct districts of the city; the city itself with all its colorful shops, the hotel area which extends for 1 ½ miles through the town and at the end of the town is the well known Doctor’s Cave Beach which extends to the Dead End Bar. The third area is the outlying hotels and villas on the beach or hillside.

We found the city to be crowded with many restaurants, banks and shops containing tourist items, which usually included quite a bit of drug paraphernalia next to the Jamaican T-shirts, along with plenty of great souvenirs.The Jamaican people are laid back and always friendly. The main craft market has the most colorful cloth and clothing. It was really a beautiful market There are some smaller markets also, plus they have a luxurious shopping area.

I just can’t even express the beauty of the water; you just have to see it for yourself.

These are well known dive sites in the area:

The Widow Maker – this site is for experienced divers only as it has a vertical tunnel starting at 60’ to 90’ with a horizontal tunnel under the reef descending 40’. The walls are covered with soft corals and you will see blue angel fish and other wild life as well.

Airport Reef: - Great for beginners

The Doctor’s Cave Reef – This is part of Montego Bay marine Park established to protect marine life and a good place for beginners.

The Point Reef – This is a deep site where you will see many fish and is best for intermediate and experienced divers.

The Arena Spanish – This site is a shallow reef dropping to a sandy bottom that has caverns and tunnels.  It is best for the experienced diver.

Basket Reef – There are many basket sponges in this location and starts at 50’ to 150’,

Cayman Trench Wall – This is one of the best places for diving, as the wall depth exceeds 1500’, so it is best for experienced divers.  It has soft and hard coral in a variety of sizes.

Chubb Reef – This is a great place to explore and see Bermuda Chubbs, Grunt, Snapper and Parrot fish.

If you don’t care for diving there are numerous other things to do from sun bathing on the beach, deep sea fishing, sailing, and touring in a glass bottom boat. They also have numerous tours such as, Canopy Tour/zip line, Jungle River Tubing, MoBay Undersea Tours, Bamboo Rafting to name just a few.  If you choose to go to Jamaica I know you will want to return again.

An article about Jamaica wouldn't be complete without a song from Bob Marley.  Even though he has passed on, his spirit lives on in the people as he was so generous, especially to the children.  Yeah Mon!

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