So you’re planning a Jamaican vacation but you’re not sure how long to stay in Jamaica? You’ve come to the right place. The quick answer is, the best amount of time to stay in Jamaica is between 6 and 8 days.
Of course, this is just a guideline. A longer stay means you can do more relaxing and see more sights. And if you only have a long weekend available, 3 days in Jamaica could work as well if you can find a short direct flight.
While some people like to spend weeks or months somewhere to fully explore a new place, when it comes to Jamaica a week is fine. Staying 10-14 days would be more than enough time to get to check out most of the top things to do in Jamaica..
Personally, I see one week as being the perfect amount of time for a getaway to Jamaica.
What Is a Good Amount of Time to Stay in Jamaica?
When traveling to Jamaica, you’ll ideally want to book a long enough trip to be able to enjoy some of the sights and experiences while still having downtime to relax and disconnect. If you’re only able to come for 3 or 4 days in Jamaica, you won’t be able to fit much in except lounging on the beach.
Many visitors to Jamaica stay for 5 to 7 days, which will give you time to relax at your resort and enjoy some of the nearby activities. With 10 to 14 days, you’ll be able to travel around the island a little more and still get plenty of time on the beach. You won’t rush your trip, and you certainly won’t be bored.
Why You Only Need One Week In Jamaica
I love Jamaica and have stayed here for over a month in the last year, but for most people a week is going to be enough.
Regardless of the area you stay in, some of the excursions are going to overlap. In most places you can find cultural and historic sites, ziplining, horseback riding, ATVs, waterfall tours, and watersports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. These do vary by destination, but with limited time off and limited budget, spending one week in a main tourist area will be enough time to give you a taste of the top things to do.
Remember, you can always come back!
What to Fit Into a One-Week Stay in Jamaica
If you stay in Jamaica for 6-8 days you should be able to fit in multiple unique experiences. Here are some activities to consider:
- Sample some delicious jerk chicken and other local dishes.
- Go ziplining.
- Visit a waterfall like the Blue Hole or Dunn’s River Falls.
- Take a catamaran ride.
- Relax on the beach or by the pool.
- Go on a cannabis tour.
- Go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Is It Expensive to Stay in Jamaica?
Jamaica can be affordable or very expensive depending on when you visit, where you stay, and what activities you do. When compared to other destinations, it is often considered one of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit.
Take hotels and resorts for example. There is a wide range of resort types available all over the island for every kind of traveler, from solo travelers to families to groups to couples and honeymooners. On average, resorts in Jamaica cost between $300 an $500 per night; since many of these are all-inclusive resorts, that can be a really good deal.
There are plenty of more affordable as well as more expensive options (including luxurious adults-only all-inclusive resorts that have incredible overwater bungalows!).
If you go outside your resort to experience more of what Jamaica has to offer, you won’t need to worry about breaking the bank. A lot of the local cuisine and different activities are budget-friendly.
How Long Can You Stay in Jamaica as a Tourist?
If you’re interested in a long-term visit to Jamaica, that’s certainly possible. If you’re a member of the Commonwealth of Nations you can stay for up to 12 months; if you’re not, you can stay for up to 6 months.
Best Places to Visit in Jamaica
No matter which part of Jamaica you choose to visit, you are sure to have an amazing time. You can fly into whichever one of Jamaica’s three international airports (Montego Bay, Kingston, or Ocho Rios) is closest to your resort.
Some of the top tourist destinations in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, and Negril. You will find lots of choices for accommodations in these areas, including all-inclusive resorts. You can even find pet-friendly resorts in Jamaica if you like to travel with your furry companion.
Ocho Rios
Located on the north shore of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is one of the more popular areas, with tons of amazing beaches, watersports, and dining options. It is known for its waterfalls, and Dunn’s River Falls is one of the best attractions to visit.
This is our favorite area of Jamaica because it offers many different activities such as waterfall tours, hikes, river tubing, and ziplining, among others. It also has good nightlife. You can easily find great all-inclusive resorts in Ocho Rios..
The only negative is it is about 90 minutes from Montego Bay, where most people fly in from, so it isn’t great for a quick getaway.
Montego Bay
Also located on the north shore of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or “MoBay,” as locals call it) is one of the top romantic destinations in Jamaica for multiple reasons. There’s plenty to do, it’s easy to get to, and the beaches are spectacular.
Montego Bay is a major town with plenty of resorts to choose from. It’s also home to the famous “Hip Strip,” where you will find great nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Montego Bay is also convenient to some of the most popular tourist attractions in Jamaica. From watersports and rainforest excursions to historic and cultural sites to lively markets, there’s something for everyone in Montego Bay.
Also, this is where one of the main international airports is located, so you will spend less time getting to your resort.
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is a beachfront area located about one hour from Montego Bay and about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios. This makes it conveniently located close to many attractions but in a quieter area.
This bay is one of Jamaica’s best snorkeling sites, with a thriving coral reef and a variety of marine life including stingrays, sea urchins, and parrotfish. The beaches are fabulous as well.
Negril
Negril is best known for its stunning beaches and laid-back feel. Having started as a fishing village, Negril is a relaxed, beach-oriented town. Jamaica’s legendary Seven Mile Beach is in Negril, as are several other top beaches. Many of the restaurants and bars in Negril make the most of this by being located on the water.
There are also some good area excursions. If you’re coming to Jamaica for the beaches or water sports—or if you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic hideaway—Negril is one of the best Jamaica honeymoon spots. You’ll find plenty of nice resorts here as well.
Best Time to Visit Jamaica
The best time to visit Jamaica is from November to mid-December. The weather stays between the mid-70s to high 80s all year long, so temperatures are warm even in these winter months. Hotel and flight deals are also easy to find during this time (outside of the holidays).
While resort deals may be cheaper during the summer months, it’s hurricane season so that can be risky. January to March are peak travel seasons for the island, making room rates way more expensive in these months.
How Long to Stay in Jamaica Conclusion
While you might want to stay in Jamaica indefinitely, that may not be possible. A trip lasting 6 to 8 days is a good length to have a mix of relaxation and adventure. But to go a little deeper, consider coming for 10 to 14 days. Of course, if you can stay longer, you certainly won’t regret it!
Now that you know how long to stay in Jamaica, are you ready to visit? If you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our expert Jamaica travel advisors!