Jet-skiing Through Jamaica

Jet skiing used to be quite an extreme sport, now it’s more of a way of getting around the island!  If you have the courage and the skill, hire a jet ski for the day and you can ditch the official tours and travel at your own pace.  You could even consider a vacation where you spend a few nights at a hotel, say in Montego Bay, and then jet ski across the Negril before returning back.  Think of it like a moped on the ocean!

As with a moped however, there are things you need to watch out for.  The first thing is to look out for swimmers, especially as you get nearer to the shore line, but even further out you need to watch out for divers who are surfacing around you.  If there are any boats in the area, this could be a warning of people below the water so be extra careful.

There are local laws and restrictions that cover jet skis – concerning such things as how close to the shore you are allowed to be in specific areas.  This could be at certain times of the year to protect wildlife, or could be year-round.  Make sure that you are aware of all the rules and restrictions that are valid in all of the areas you will encounter on your jet ski trip.

The sun’s rays can be really strong out on the water, especially with the reflection back from the ocean, so make sure that you wear the right kind of protection both in terms of clothing and sun screen, so that you avoid sunstroke from overexposure.  You should also carry sufficient water with you so that if you get stranded anywhere, you won’t dehydrate from the heat.

The most important thing to watch out for is not to run out of gas!  If you run out of gas in your moped, you will probably be able to walk to a nearby village to get help if someone doesn’t pass you on the road and help out.  If you run out of gas on a jet ski, it’s a little more dangerous!  Check how far you will be traveling and ask the experts who run the jet ski rental company how much gas you will need, and if you have enough to make it there and back.  If not, where will you be able to get the tank topped up on your travel route?  Don’t set off without being 100% sure that you have enough gas, or the possibility of getting more gas, to complete your trip.

Jet skis are loud, and they’re fun.  If you love the energy and have a yearning to try something a little bit “extreme” without it being too extreme, then you should certainly give it a try – but don’t plan anything too adventurous unless you’re very proficient in both the handling of the jet ski and navigating the waters off the Jamaican shore.

Activities to Do Around Kingston on Your Jamaican Visit

Kingston is full of activities for you to experience while you’re in Jamaica, from walking tours to festivals and from water sports to museums.

As far as festivities go the best way to find out what is going on is through the local daily paper, “The Gleaner” it’ll have a list of events going on while you are down there. In 2007 Kingston will be holding the Cricket’s World Cup, which is sure to bring in a lot of entertainment and tourists.  March is a big month for festivals that’ll include a 3K walk, street dancing and then in April there’ll be a Road parade and a concert at the National stadium.

To make sure that you exercise off the extra calories consumed at one of the local restaurants with their tempting array of local cuisine, there are walking, hiking and biking tours.  These are a great way to explore the city.

Blue Mountain’s peak is at 2,256 m.  If you are looking to hike up to the summit with a group, prepare yourself to rise before the sun comes up.  Blue Mountain treks begin around 1am, so book a night’s sleep nearby at Pine Grove, Whitefield Hall or Wildflower Lodge.   If hiking really isn’t your thing, Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours will also take you up through the mountains.   The best time of year to do this particular activity is from December thru April since it isn’t wet during these months. Always make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes and a warm jacket, and just because the sun doesn’t seem to be shining doesn’t mean you should leave the suntan lotion at home.

If none of these sounds exciting to you why not try your hand at snorkeling, diving, dancing, shopping, cruising or partying. There is fun to be had in Kingston during your Jamaican stay, all you have to do is decide what you want to do and then find where it’s at!