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.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 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
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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