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17 Reasons to Visit Jamaica This Winter

17 Reasons to Visit Jamaica This Winter

If the simple fact that Jamaica is the perfect temperature all winter long isn’t reason enough for you to visit, then here are 17 Reasons to visit Jamaica this winter. We just got back from the Sandals Ochi Resort in Ocho Rios and it’s already got me thinking where I want to go this winter. If you are looking for a little winter travel inspiration, look no further than Jamaica.

1. The Beach

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Trade white snow for white sand this winter, it feels a lot better between your toes! So many gorgeous beaches are the perfect place for a honeymoon in Jamaica.

2. Jerk Chicken

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Warm up with traditional Jerk Chicken served up with sauce seasoned with fiery scotch bonnet peppers.

3. Red Stripe

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The short squatty brown bottle with the white and red logo can be found all over the island and becomes synonymous with Jamaica after a few days on the island.

4. The Pelican Bar

What’s not to love about a bar constructed of sticks almost a Kilometer from the shore? This one of a kind bar serves beer, drinks and upon special request food from the shore. The only way to reach the Pelican Bar is by boat. If you take the trip out to the bar keep your eyes open for dolphins swimming as you sail out to the bar.

Related Article: Complete Guide to Visiting Floyd’s Pelican Bar in Jamaica

5. Diving

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Gearing up to dive into 80° water sounds a lot more enjoyable than gearing up to shovel the snow from your doorstep. We got a few tanks in on our most recent trip to Jamaica at Sandals Ochi, and the best part was the diving which was included with our stay in Ocho Rios. Diving in Jamaica is a must.

6. Rick’s Cafe

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Feel alive this winter by leaping off of Rick’s Cafe’s 35-foot cliff attached to the bar. Located a few miles outside of the beach town of Negril on the west end of the island. If you don’t have enough courage to jump see reason 3.

7. The Falls

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Jamaica has a few famous waterfalls to check out while on the Island. Near Ocho Rios visit Dunn’s Falls.  On the west side of the island, YS falls is worth a visit.

8. Reggae Music

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Just hearing the rhythm and strum of reggae music should warm you up and get your brain thinking about heading to Jamaica. Just about any night of the week, you can find a reggae show to attend while in Jamaica.

9. Sunsets

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The sun sinking into the horizon isn’t something most people build into their daily schedule. However, in Jamaica, it’s worth putting in your day planner. The sunsets in Jamaica are some of the best we’ve come across in all of our travels. Grab a Red Stripe and head to the beach and watch the sun melt into the Caribbean sea.

10. Golfing

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As you pack away your clubs for the season keep them within reach for a trip to Jamaica. Unlike your local course, the greens in Jamaica never close. A bonus for those staying at Sandals the green fees is covered as part of your stay at Sandals golf course. So pack your polo and clubs and head to Jamaica.

11. Swim-up Bars

 

Belling up to the bar in nothing but your swimsuit might not work at your local bar, but it’s perfectly acceptable in Jamaica.

12. Rum Punch

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What’s not to love about one of the world’s top rums, Appleton Estates, mixed with exotic fruit juices all from Jamaica?

13. Red Snapper

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Fresh from the boat this light white fish is a favorite amongst Jamaican and visitors alike. Snapper pairs well with a seaside table with your toes in the sand and a cool rum punch.

14. Watersports

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If just sitting on the beach all day drinking umbrella drinks isn’t your thing then try some of the watersports Jamaica has to offer. Hop on a stand-up paddleboard or a sailboat and cruise along the crystal clear waters of Jamaica.

Related Article: Overwater Bungalow Hotels in Jamaica

15. Beach Chairs

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No matter how much lumbar support it has, you need to trade your office chair for a beach chair for at least a week this winter.

16. Blue Mountain Coffee

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The coffee grown high in the mountains of Jamaica is exported worldwide and can go for up to $100 per pound. You can still find a cup in Jamaica for a reasonable price. At Sandals Ochi, blue mountain coffee was part of our breakfast plans every day.

17. Sitting on the End of the Dock

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There is no better place to spend sunset than on the end of the dock. This is where you could find me at the end of every day on our last trip to Jamaica and the Sandals Ochi with Funjet Vacations.

Recommended Jamaica Hotels We’ve Actually Stayed At

Thanks to Funjet Vacations & Sandals for inviting us! As always all opinions are our own.

Gabby

Sunday 11th of February 2018

Next time you go to Jamaica you should check out Port Antonio. One of my favorite places on the island. Check out Frenchman's Cove and go bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande.

Brooke of Passport Couture

Saturday 3rd of October 2015

I'm convinced I need to go to Jamaica now! After hearing the wind blowing outside my apartment in Chicago and sitting in my coat while reading this post, I know where I want to be! You can't go wrong with sunsets, beaches, and waterfalls.

rebecca

Sunday 27th of September 2015

WOW! just wow to it all!

Laine Slowski

Tuesday 22nd of September 2015

This is the perfect summary of why to visit Jamaica! I can check some of these off of my list but want to go back and experience it all.

Hannah

Friday 25th of September 2015

Jamaica is addicting...everytime we go we know we will be back sooner than later!

Rashaad

Monday 21st of September 2015

I would love to visit Jamaica but unfortunately, I haven't yet made the time or had the money. Beautiful pictures - I would love to lounge on the beach. Just wondering, were you able to explore Jamaica outside of the confines of a resort?

Hannah

Friday 25th of September 2015

This resort, and many resorts in Jamaica are very easy to explore on your own. At Sandals Ochi you could just walk out to the street hail a taxi or just walk right into town. In Negril, we like to walk up & down 7 mile beach and at night go out to the streets looking for good jerk chicken!