Diving – Gripped by Travel

Jamaica has so much to offer it’s visitors and that’s why according to the Jamaican Ministry of Tourism 40% of tourists are repeat visitors. Over 4 million visitors a year can’t be wrong. The beaches are a magnet, the golden sand and the clear blue sea, but once there, there is so much more to do and see. Jamaica is the cultural capital of the Caribbean there’s never a dull moment.

Ocho Rios Bay Beach Courtesy of Jamaican Tourist Board — Ocho Rios Bay Beach

In recent years Jamaica has become an increasingly popular destinations for weddings and honeymoons. The naturally heart-shaped ‘jacuzzi’ at Reach Falls and the sunsets in Negril are the perfect backdrop to your romantic getaway.

Not getting married which the best beach?

1. Seven Mile Beach (Negril)

The island’s most famous beach. Expect miles of soft white sand, calm turquoise water, beach bars, water sports, and spectacular sunsets. It’s ideal if you want a classic Caribbean beach experience with plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby. This is probably the best beach overall.

2. Frenchman’s Cove (Portland)

Often considered Jamaica’s most beautiful beach and certainly some of the best scenery overall. A freshwater river flows into the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. It’s quieter and more scenic than the popular resort beaches.

3. Boston Beach (Portland)

One of the best surfing beaches in Jamaica and famous for nearby authentic jerk food. Great if you want a more local vibe and some waves.

4. Winnifred Beach (Near Port Antonio)

A beloved public beach popular with locals. Less developed, more authentic, and excellent for snorkeling and relaxing away from the resort crowds.

5. Treasure Beach (South Coast)

Not one beach but a series of bays and coves. Think laid-back fishing-village atmosphere, fewer tourists, and a slower pace of life. Great for couples and travellers seeking a quieter Jamaica.

6. Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay)

Known for exceptionally clear, calm water and excellent swimming and one of the best places to snorkel. Located on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, it’s easy to combine with shopping, dining, and nightlife.

7. Hellshire Beach (Near Kingston)

Famous for its local seafood shacks and authentic Jamaican atmosphere. Less postcard-perfect than Negril, but fantastic for culture and food.

If you are heading for the Caribbean then you are almost certainly heading for a beach to relax on, and the Cayman Islands certainly have those. According to some, the beaches here are amongst the best in the world. With the average temperature in the Cayman Islands of 28°C, it’s perfect for all year-round destination. January is the coolest month with temperatures around 25°C. Still warm enough to sit outside.

With enough diving sites for each day of the year, there are diving experiences for all ages and abilities. The islands are widelayWidely recognised as the birthplace of recreational diving, exploring the underwater world around the Cayman Islands is not to be missed. There are diving experiences on offer for all ages and abilities with qualified instructors on hand for those wanting to learn. With crystal clear waters you can expect to see colourful, abundant marine life, trenches, chasms and wrecks. If you do not dive, there are schools offering tuition or you could try your hand at snorkelling just off shore.

Not keen on putting your head under the water. There is plenty to do on the surface of the water, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and kitesurfing are all available.

There are several land based activities to enjoy in the Cayman Islands. The main island of Grand Cayman is fairly flat and its possible to follow the Mastic Trail which is well signposted and guided tours are available. The Mastic Trail is based on a traditional footpath that had fallen into disuse. In 1994 and 1995 it was restored and reopened as a 4 km walking track that passes through the Mastic reserve (a mainly forested area), traversing the central part of Grand Cayman from south to north. The southern part includes a 170 m hand-built rock causeway, known as the “Mastic Bridge”, through black mangrove forest.

Other activities such as bird watching at the islands’ sanctuaries to kayaking through mangroves; learning about different flora and fauna. Naturalists will love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park where the rare, indigenous, Blue Iguana roams and marvel at the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites of the Crystal Caves are all available.

The most popular acitivity for visitors to the islands is a trip to Stingray City where you can see, touch, and even hold a stingray! The “city” is a sandbar near a channel in Cayman’s barrier reef. Historically, fisherman used to come to the sandbar to clean the fish they had caught throughout the day. They threw the unwanted bits overboard, which started attracting stingrays. Eventually, this practice grew and became a tourist activity.