Half the trips I plan are last minute, kinda like this one…

Originally, I was suppose to go on this trip to Montego Bay alone but I’m glad I didn’t. I found cheap flights from Miami to Jamaica and I figured I’d ask my friends if they’d want to join. The five of us had recently graduated within the past year, so, it was time for a celebration.

We drove to Miami, Florida from Greenville, South Carolina the day after a few of us had graduated from UNC Charlotte. The drive was 8 or 9 hours long (depending on who’s behind the wheel), but fairly easy with four of us in the car. Once we got to Miami, we had enough time to grab lunch and a few drinks. I love Cuban food, so, I CAN NOT make a pit stop in Miami without eating a Cuban sandwich or something.

Next stop: Montego Bay, Jamaica - A flight from Miami to Montego Bay is about an hour and 45 minutes. We stayed in an Airbnb that was hosted by a lovely couple, Kymone and Adrian. I stayed in contact with Kymone from the time I booked the trip up until our arrival; she was extremely helpful and sweet. She arranged for her husband, Adrian to pick us up from the airport and once we go settled in, they were kind enough to take us to the grocery store to pick up snacks, drinks and other last minute things.

The Airbnb was an apartment along the Hip Strip, where most tourist from cruise ships come to visit. Margaritaville, Coral Cliff, Doctors Cave Beach, The Pork Pit, other restaurants and bars, and a local beach were within walking distance from where we stayed. I can say I spent most of my time at the local beach and The Pork Pit. Warning: YOU WILL GET ADDICTED TO THE PORK PIT!!! By the time I left Mobay, I was eating a whole chicken by myself.

The first two days we hung out at the local beach and met some cool people; eating, drinking, laughing and having a good time. One guy brought us over some almonds and showed us how to open them. I had no idea almonds came from a tree (never really thought about it) and I didn’t know how hard it was to open them until I tried myself. Besides being beach bums, Kymone set up excursions for us to do the next couple of days. Our first day-trip was to Ocho Rios where we hiked Dunn’s River Falls. We spent the whole day there, first, hiking the water fall, then relaxing on the beach before we headed back to Montego Bay.

Ezie finally arrives, so, that following day we went to Negril. Negril was the highlight of the trip for me (besides going to The Pork Pit of course). Our host arranged for a small bottomless glass boat to pick us up from the mainland to take us to a private island. On that private island they provided lunch and drinks for us. After lunch, we hopped back on the boat and our tour guides took us in the middle of the ocean to go snorkeling where he showed us a bunch of cool things such as an old anchor at the bottom of the sea, coral reefs and beautiful fish. Once that was over, we went back to the mainland to dry off, laid around in hammocks, and ate beef patties (if you didn’t know, I love food). Our host kept us company and provided transportations to and from our excursions which was a plus. We didn’t have to find a ride, be a part of a large group or wait on extra people.

The next couple of days back in Mobay we went to Doctor’s Cave Beach, a private beach where you can rent chairs, umbrellas, and buy food and drinks instead of bringing your own. Unlike the local beach, there was a fee upon entry. The day before we left there was a Crab Festival going on, I’d never had crab before and I’m glad I waited to try it for the first time in Montego Bay. It was so good, a little difficult to eat but worth it! I honestly wish I would’ve stayed longer. Jamaica was a great experience and I can’t wait to go back next June!

Things We Did:

Went to The Pork Pit..
Hung out with natives at the local beach
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios
Day trip to Negril
Coral Cliff
Crab Festival

P.S. Jamaica is a third world country and is slowly developing. Be prepared to spend money on excursions and shopping!