Ocho Rios

Although Kingston is the capital and the largest city in Jamaica, it doesn't attract the visitors that Ocho Rios does – particularly in its bustling cruise port. In Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios, in addition to beachfront hotels, there are great facilities and scenic views from Turtle Beach, Mallard's Beach and Shaw Par over to Dunn's River Beach and UDC Beach.

A lesser known spot popular with locals is Irie Beach on the White River, when the water levels are optimal. It's less touristy, more friendly than many of the other strands – and there's a great dining option too.

• Tourist Information: 1-800-JAMAICA
• Website: www.visitjamaica.com
• Language: English and patois
• Currency: Jamaican Dollar
• Taxes: US $24 departure tax. In most cases will be included in the cost of your airline ticket. If not, it is payable on check-in. Only cash, either US or Jamaica dollars, is accepted as payment. A 15% government General Consumption Tax is applied to most goods and some services in Jamaica, including car hire, restaurants, entertainment and retail sales. Although this tax is included in the prices listed in most shops, note that in restaurants GCT is generally added to the bill. A Government Room Occupancy Tax of 6.25% is added to hotel and villa accommodation rates.
• Electricity: 110 volts/50 cycles is standard.
• Documents: Beginning January 23, 2007, visitors who travel to the Caribbean will be required to have a valid passport in order to gain re-entry to the U.S.