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Jamaica - Geography

is the third largest Caribbean island, located approximately 90 miles south of Cuba. It is 146 miles long and 45 miles wide at its widest, and boasts 635 miles of coastline. The waters of its north coast are home to striking coral reefs, white sand beaches, and more than 700 species of fish. The terrain is quite diverse, with swamps and wetlands in the south, rough terrain in the interior, and the Blue Mountains, whose highest peak exceeds 7,000 feet and is a watershed for record-breaking rainfall in the country and region.

Hiking overnight to catch the sunrise on the Blue Mountain Peak is a majestic, exhilarating, and exhausting experience. The rise to the peak from the coastal plain is one of the steepest gradients in the world. A mountain trek should not be done within 24 hours of diving to avoid the risk of decompression sickness. For safety, travelers should use known tour operators or hike with guides familiar with the trail. Jamaica has many endemic flowering plant species; >40% of the flowering plants in the Blue Mountains are found nowhere else in the world. Travelers may also encounter wild and endangered animal species. Although Jamaica is warm, the temperature at the peak can be cold, especially between December and June; the coldest temperature is around 40°F (5°C).

Many travelers visit Jamaica to experience its stunning aquatic attractions. Visitors should be advised of potential risks associated with both saltwater and freshwater sources. The Jamaican reefs are among the most species-rich in the Caribbean, and some resorts provide diving instruction. In the event of decompression sickness, Jamaica has a decompression facility in Discovery Bay on its north coast near many of the diving areas.

Jamaica has been affected by two (2) major earthquakes in the past. The earthquake of June 07, 1692 was the most devastating earthquake in Jamaica’s history. The most extensive loss of life and damage of property occurred in Port Royal, where a portion of the land fell into the sea. At least 5,000 people died and 3,000 buildings were destroyed. There was also an outbreak of yellow fever after the quake. Another earthquake that caused extensive damage islandwide took place on January 14, 1907. About 1,000 persons died, many of them in the fire that followed the shocks. About 9,000 were left homeless and many slept outdoors for over a month after the earthquake.