For many, the Caribbean beat introduced in this song was the first step to falling in love with the islands, and with Jamaica in particular. Reggae and the Rastafarian religion establish the background for an island destination that, generally speaking, has more to offer than you find at the usual sun 'n fun spot. Port Royal, for example, started as home to the Arawak Indians and was later known as the wickedest city in the world thanks to its resident pirates and buccaneers. It had with more cash per capita than London. Now surrounded by luxury resorts, Port Royal, Kingston and Montego Bay have plenty of reminders of Jamaica's colorful past. Other travelers prefer the vast shores away from the main resorts, where life is lived at a slower, down-to-earth pace.

Who goes there? Authentics, in particular, show more interest in Jamaica than do other personality types. And, it’s found on plenty of Caribbean cruise itineraries that also appeal to authentics.

When do they go? Winter in the States sends travelers south for warm weather and into the warm and clear Caribbean waters. Summer temperatures are hot, but you can cool off in the water or the mountains — and the prices are better. Golfers will find fine courses here. Horseback riding is popular, mountain climbing is available and active people across personality types can pursue all the sports common to this island area: diving, fishing, hiking, sailing, tennis and more. Finally, it’s no secret that racial tension and poverty sometimes trouble visitors to the island. If you take sensible precautions to avoid hustlers, you should enjoy a problem-free vacation.

Take an ATV safari (no ATV experience required — you will get a safety briefing and riding lesson) as a unique way to see many of the island’s attractions. End the drive through forests, across riverbeds and hillocks with a relaxing swim.

Take a kayak journey down the White River, a trip that combines sublime passages across clear pools and the rush of paddling your way through river rapids.

Opt for guided sightseeing on a mountain bike, en route get a look at the world-famous Blue Mountain coffee plantations, then end this excursion with a refreshing swim.

Take a guided half- or full-day hike into the Blue Mountains. The hike, through a number of rural communities, is also effectively a mountain-climbing expedition. Participants conclude their exertions with a swim, naturally.

If you are a fan of reggae, sign on to Chukka Caribbean Adventure's Bob Marley Jeep Tour and see, among other things, Bob Marley’s birthplace and burial site in a village called Nine Mile.

Go whitewater rafting on the Canyon River, a trip down waterfalls, around boulders and through rapids. Everything for a good rush.

Also, consider scuba diving, or deep-sea fishing, or parasailing.

Take a night out: Visit the Redbones Blues Cafe for blues and jazz, in New Kingston. Other nightlife options beckon as well: cabaret, discos and nightclubs.

Snorkel in Chukka Cove.

Attend the annual Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, which draws an eclectic collection of name performers.

Go tubing on the Jungle River or down the White River.

Get on a horse. Take a guided ride through scenic areas and along the shore; even ride bareback into the water.

Climb the 600-foot Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios.

Take a Jeep safari/sightseeing trip that includes scenic views and visits to a working cattle station and to a small coffee plantation.

Do some fishing or bird-watching (or both) at the Royal Palm Reserve near Negril. The reserve is home to 300 animal species, including crocodiles.

Swim with the dolphins in Dolphin Cove.

Jamaica has a storied history. Take a tour to Maroon Town, the place that originated as a mountain hideout for 17th century freed slaves, called Maroons, who fought to keep their freedom, winning that by treaty in 1739. Their descendants live in Maroon Town today.

For a good walk, look up www.visitjamaica.com/planning_your_trip/walking_tours.aspx for suggested itineraries in Black River (the town), Montego Bay and Spanish Town. In Black River, several boat companies offer tours along the river where crocodiles can be seen. It is recommended you have a guide for the Spanish Town walk to deal with its maze of streets and lanes.

Book yourself into an inclusive resort that provides everything. You never have to leave the resort. Jamaica has a number of award winning Sandals and SuperClubs facilities.

And, of course, play golf and tennis, then round out the day with a little gambling in the evening.

Jamaica is noted for the quality of its coffee. Be sure to sample some on site; buy coffee to take home.

Organize a family picnic at the Nature Village Farms. You can try your hand at fishing here, too.

Tour the Appleton Estates rum distillery and sample some of the goods.

One of the more popular activities on Jamaica is the river rafting trip on the Martha Brae. Don’t pass this up.

Take a catamaran cruise at sunset.

Here is an underwater adventure for nonswimmers: Chukka’s Sea Trek Adventure. For this, you wear a space-age helmet supplied with oxygen as you take your guided walk on the sea bottom for a good look at the area’s marine life and living coral.

For more information, Jamaica Tourist Board at www.visitjamaica.com
To find a Jamaica Specialist, use the Travel Agent Locator on the home page

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