Pinpointing Paradise: Where is Jamaica (and how far is it from the US)?
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Jamaica, a tropical paradise renowned for its verdant hills and sandy shores adorned with palm trees, is a favored travel destination. Things Jamaica is known for include its music, its athletes, and the reggae legend Bob Marley. Additionally, the island is renowned for its enchanting cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, and signature products, such as Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, and mouthwatering jerk chicken.
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Jamaica's name originates from the Arawak term Xaymaca, which translates to "land of wood and water" or "land of springs," highlighting the island's abundant natural resources. While their official language is English, Jamaicans primarily converse in a distinct English-based dialect known as patois.
On August 6, 1962, Jamaica obtained independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain, subsequently becoming a member of the Commonwealth with Queen Elizabeth II, who was later succeeded by King Charles III, serving as Head of State.
Jamaica is recognized for its diverse attractions, and if you're contemplating a visit to this radiant Caribbean destination, you might be wondering about its exact location. Our guide will answer your question on where Jamaica is, provide insights into the distance between Jamaica and popular US cities, and estimate the length of time it would take to travel there by air, all of which will prove beneficial in planning an all-inclusive vacation on the island's white-sand beaches.
Expert tip: Got a trip to Jamaica coming up? This Jamaica packing list will help you get all your things together as quickly and efficiently as possible. These Jamaica travel tips dos and dont’s may also come in handy.
Where is Jamaica located
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Situated about 600 miles (965 kilometers) south of Miami, Florida, Jamaica is a picturesque mountainous island in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the Greater Antilles, a group of Caribbean islands that includes Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, formed by the collision of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates nearly 25 million years ago. It is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean!
Jamaica's landmass stretches approximately 146 miles (235 km) in length, rising from the ocean floor as a mountainous peak that varies in width from 22 to 51 miles (35 to 82 km). Roughly half of the island lies more than 1,000 feet (330 meters) above sea level, encompassing verdant, rolling hills that are ideal for agriculture, in addition to coastal beaches that draw in many tourists.
Expert tip: There are tons of things to do in Jamaica with kids. Family-friendly resorts like Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios will allow you and your loved ones to experience the culture and beauty of Jamaica with luxury, ease, and a whole lot of laughter!
Flight times and distance from US cities to Jamaica
Jamaica is not a part of the U.S., but it’s a very popular destination for US vacationers. The island is less than 4 hours by plane from many major U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, and Atlanta:
Thinking of going on a beach vacation, and sipping unlimited free cocktails on one of the best beaches in Jamaica? An all-inclusive resort in Jamaica is just the place to experience the carefree island life!
