Caribbean, Jamaica · Trip plan

5 days in Jamaica

Reggae, jerk chicken, waterfalls and Negril's Seven Mile Beach.

Best time
Dec – Apr
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$250 per person
Trip for two
about $2,500

Planning a 5-day trip to Jamaica? Here's a day-by-day Jamaica itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

December to April is dry and sunny, the best season for beaches and climbing waterfalls.

Jamaica is the land of reggae and Bob Marley, with lush mountains, waterfalls, white beaches and some of the Caribbean's best food.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December to April: 24–30°C.

Don't miss

Best things to do in Jamaica

  • 01

    Dunn's River Falls

    Climb a terraced waterfall hand in hand.

  • 02

    Seven Mile Beach

    Negril's long white beach.

  • 03

    Rick's Café

    Cliff jumpers at sunset in Negril.

  • 04

    Blue Mountains

    Coffee plantations above Kingston.

Day by day

Jamaica itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Montego Bay

    Morning
    Arrive and check in to your resort.
    Afternoon
    Swim at Doctor's Cave Beach, famous for its clear water.
    Evening
    Dinner and reggae on the Hip Strip.

    Arrange transfers with your hotel.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Dunn's River Falls

    Morning
    Drive to Ocho Rios and climb the terraced Dunn's River Falls hand in hand with a guide.
    Afternoon
    Jerk chicken lunch at a roadside jerk centre.
    Evening
    Back to the resort.

    Wear water shoes for the climb.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Negril

    Morning
    Drive along the coast to Negril.
    Afternoon
    Afternoon on Seven Mile Beach.
    Evening
    Sunset at Rick's Café as cliff divers leap into the sea.

    Arrive early for a good spot at Rick's.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Beach and reef

    Morning
    Snorkel Negril's reef by glass-bottom boat.
    Afternoon
    Lazy afternoon on the sand.
    Evening
    Dinner with live reggae.

    Many beach bars have live music nightly.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    A last swim.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home from Montego Bay.

    Allow 1.5 hours from Negril to the airport.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Jamaica in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Jamaica

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Jamaica

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in St Lucia.

What it costs

Jamaica trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$120$1,200
Mid-range$250$2,500
Luxury$700+$7,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Jamaica is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Jamaica for every budget

  • Budget

    Guesthouses in Negril

    Negril

    Beachfront cottages.

    from $90 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Resorts in Montego Bay

    Montego Bay

    All-inclusive options.

    from $250 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Round Hill Hotel & Villas

    Montego Bay

    Classic villa resort.

    from $900 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Jamaica

  • Jerk chicken

    Smoked over pimento wood.

  • Ackee and saltfish

    The national dish.

  • Patties

    Spiced meat pastries.

Getting there

How to reach Jamaica

Travel
Montego Bay airport has direct flights from the US, Canada and UK.
Getting around
Private drivers and tours; route taxis for locals.
  • Use licensed tour operators.
  • Agree taxi fares upfront.

Before you go

What to pack for Jamaica

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • A small first-aid kit
  • A reusable water bottle
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Jamaica trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Jamaica?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Dunn's River Falls, Seven Mile Beach, Rick's Café. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Jamaica trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $700+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,500 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Jamaica?

Dec – Apr. December to April is dry and sunny, the best season for beaches and climbing waterfalls.

Where should I stay in Jamaica?

Budget: Guesthouses in Negril (Negril), from about $90 a night. Mid-range: Resorts in Montego Bay (Montego Bay), from about $250 a night. Luxury: Round Hill Hotel & Villas (Montego Bay), from about $900 a night.

How do I reach Jamaica?

Montego Bay airport has direct flights from the US, Canada and UK.

Is 4 days enough for Jamaica?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Jamaica?

December to April: 24–30°C.

What food should I try in Jamaica?

Jerk chicken: Smoked over pimento wood. Ackee and saltfish: The national dish. Patties: Spiced meat pastries.

How do I get around Jamaica?

Private drivers and tours; route taxis for locals.

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