There’s more to Jamaica than reggae and rum. The island has long inspired writers and artists, with its storied past of piracy, sugar plantations and colonial conflict. Its addictive rhythm will leave you wanting more.
As the third largest island in the Greater Antilles, Jamaica sits centrally between the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Three larger marinas on the island cater best to superyachts: Port Antonio in the east, Montego Bay Yacht Club in the north and Kingston’s Royal Jamaica Yacht Club in the south. If you are flying in for a superyacht charter in Jamaica, you will likely arrive in Kingston, though the best of the island’s beauty lies away from the capital.
From Port Antonio, head inland to the Blue Mountains National Park to explore the lush, dense tropical forest. Those looking to get their heart racing can head up to the Blue Mountain Peak, starting at night to watch the sunrise from the 2,200m summit.
If you are feeling less energetic, the Blue Mountain Coffee Estate tour is worth a visit, with an optional 45-minute ‘bean to cup’ historic trail hike. Back in town, visit Mike’s Supper Club in the Trident Hotel for a luxury speakeasy experience.
GoldenEye in Oracabessa was home to one of Jamaica’s most famous residents, Ian Fleming, who wrote all 14 James Bond novels from this secluded retreat. You can imagine Fleming languishing by his seawater lagoon on the north coast, inspired to describe Ursula Andress emerging at the shore in Dr No.
Today, GoldenEye is a 52-acre luxury resort that offers secret coves and private beaches, as well as a luxury spa and two restaurants, the Bizo Bar beach bistrot and The Gazebo for fine dining.
Jamaica is well known for its sport fishing and excellent scuba diving. Those on the hunt for prize catches need simply to head out for deeper water for ample rewards. Negril Marine Park in the west offers some superb diving spots, including the shallower cerulean waters of the Bluefields bay, where pirate fleets of yore would assemble.
The west of the island is traditionally Caribbean, and less developed, with plenty of secluded spots to enjoy some kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.
Montego Bay is the most established touristic parts of Jamaica, with a number of luxury resorts offering land-based activities for superyacht charterers. The 400-acre Half Moon Resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, nature reserve, equestrian centre, 13 tennis courts and a private dolphin lagoon.
Head east to the Dunns River Falls and Park near Ocho Rios – where you will find natural waterfalls, rivers and beaches – then ascend inland to visit the resting place of Bob Marley, the godfather of reggae.
Adventurous charterers happy to forego the polish of more upscale destinations will be richly rewarded by diverse Cuba. Pristine beaches and abundant sea life in more remote spots are perfectly complemented by Havana’s exciting, raw energy and enchanting culture.
Although the Dominican Republic rarely – and rather unjustifiably – used to get little more than a cursory nod from yacht captains en route to a more popular yacht charter destination, the tides could be turning for the friendly and diverse country.
From big-wave surfing and tropical rainforest tours to swashbuckling tales of piracy and colonial pillaging, Puerto Rico has something for everyone. Old San Juan was founded in 1521 and is the oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas; its troubled past was literally written on the walls of the fortresses battered by ancient cannonballs.