Jamaica Carnival
April 23rd – April 29th, 2025.
Carnival in Jamaica is about one thing, and one thing only… having the best time of your life! Jamaica Carnival is one of the ultimate parties to be found in the Caribbean, and thousands of visitors join the locals to celebrate Carnival in Jamaica. Jamaica Carnival represents an authentic expression of the island’s spirit.
Tour outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Jamaica – Meet and Greet – Fete #1 I Love Soca
- Day 2: Day trip to Ocho Rios – Fete #2: Kes or a similar event
- Day 3: Fete #3: Daybreak Brunch Party – Fete #4: Duck Work Cooler Party
- Day 4: J’ouvert: GenXS Immortels – Fete #5: Strut Jamaica
- Day 5: Carnival Street Parade (Full Costume)
- Day 6: Screechies Seafood Bar – Fete #6: Cooldown Beach Party
- Day 7: Depart Jamaica
What’s included
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Arrival and departure airport transfers from KIN only
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees
- Fete (party) tickets
- Group transportation to and from all the activities on the itinerary
- Backline carnival costume
- Costume pickup
- Costume photography
- Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
- Max 20 travellers per group
- One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren’t included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you’d prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Jamaica Carnival group itinerary
DAY 1: APRIL 23
Arrive in Jamaica – Meet and Greet – I Love Soca Jamaica
- Arrive in Jamaica and transfer to your chosen accommodation
- The afternoon is yours to enjoy, or take a tour of the Bob Marley Museum, Emancipation Park and Devon’s House
- Meet your fellow Soca Islanders
- Attend our first fete for Jamaica Carnival – I Love Soca
DAY 2: APRIL 24
Day trip to Ocho Rios – Kes or a similar event
- Embark on a thrilling ATV ride through a 16th-century Spanish colonial settlement and a 17th-century British plantation
- Saddle up for a unique horseback adventure, riding through historic trails and into the warm Caribbean Sea atop your swimming horse
- Challenge yourself to climb the cascading terraces of the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls
- Attend our second fete – Rytz featuring Kes the Band or similar event
DAY 3: APRIL 25
Daybreak Brunch Party – Duck Work
- Attend Daybreak Brunch drinks inclusive party
- Attend Duck Work cooler party
DAY 4: APRIL 26
J’ouvert – Strut Jamaica
- Participate in the J’ouvert morning celebrations with GenXS
- The day is yours to enjoy as you please
- Attend the fifth fete on our list – Strut Jamaica
DAY 5: APRIL 27
Carnival Street Parade (Full Costume)
- We parade through the streets, reveling in the magic of Carnival and the vibrant spirit of Jamaica with GenXS
- Attend the GenXS afterparty
DAY 6: APRIL 28
Trip to Hellshire Beach
- The morning is free for you to enjoy as you please
- Indulge in a delicious meal at the famous Screechie’s Seafood Bar. Savour the flavors of the Caribbean as you soak in the relaxed beach vibes
- Attend the Cooldown Beach Party immediately after our meal at Screechie’s Seafood Bar
- If you’re still bursting with energy, the night isn’t over yet—join us at the exciting Uptown Mondays.
DAY 7: APRIL 29
Depart Jamaica
- Savour your last morning in Jamaica. Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping or a final dip in the sea
- Bid farewell to the island as you head to the airport for your departure
Payment plan
Final Payment due on or before February 28 2025
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your Jamaica Carnival experience by providing two payment options.
- Option One: 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% due 60 days before your trip.
- Option Two: 25% deposit is due upon booking, followed by regular monthly payments. The total cost must be paid in full 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Accommodations
Here’s a glimpse of the hotel we selected for this adventure.
AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston
AC Hotel by Marriott Kingston, Jamaica has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a shared lounge and terrace in Kingston. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and an ATM. Guests can enjoy Spanish dishes at the restaurant or have a cocktail at the bar. Rooms have air conditioning, and some rooms at the hotel have a balcony. Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 8.9 for a two-person trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? (Plus airport code)
You’ll need to fly into and out of Norman Manley International Airport (KIN). Airport transfers are not provided when arriving at any other airport.
Will the itinerary change?
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome event)?
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry – no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Do I need a visa?
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
- Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
- Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
How much should I budget per day for extras?
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
About Jamaica Carnival
Like many other islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica Carnival has a deep meaning to the people of Jamaica whose carnival celebration is held just one week after Easter which can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25 annually. Many visitors go to Jamaica to be part of the festivities where they let loose and celebrate culture and freedom as part of an event that culminates with beautiful costumes, dancing, and a grand masquerade.
Carnival celebrations in Jamaica started in the 1990s, thanks to a musician named Byron Lee. Byron Lee wanted to bring some of Trinidad’s (the birthplace of Caribbean carnival) celebrations to the island. Byron Lee’s band ‘Byron Lee and the Dragonaires’ is known for raising the profile of ska, calypso, and soca music in Jamaica. The roots of the carnival in Jamaica have to do with an ancient pagan festival in Egypt that was adopted by the Greeks, Romans, and later the Roman Catholic Church in Europe.
Although carnival celebrations in Jamaica traditionally kick off right after Easter, the island’s carnival calendar is in full swing long before; as early as January/February. Parties (fetes) including breakfast party events and j’ouvert (street parties) getting underway.
Jamaica travel information
Time Zone: GMT – 05:00
Currency: Jamaica Dollar, 1.00 USD = 154.00 JMD
From each morning’s glorious sunrise until the sea swallows the sun at night, Jamaica presents a magnificent palette of experiences, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that make our island the most precious jewel in the Caribbean. We are a land of unique culture, engaging activities, breathtaking landscapes, and a warm, welcoming people.
The beat of reggae. The searing smell of jerk over the fire. The swizzle of rum in your glass. No place on earth provides the range of attractions and the cultural diversity that can be found here. No place on earth feels like it. No place on earth shines like it. Jamaica, the home of rhythm and sway.
How to get around in Jamaica
One of the most popular ways to get around is via the island’s taxi and bus services. This is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike and provides an authentic island experience. A number of bus routes are available, generally operating within Kingston. You can catch one of the minivans at a marked bus stop or by flagging it down along the road. Public transport is extremely affordable in Kingston.
Where to stay in Jamaica for Carnival
The city of Kingston features a variety of accommodation options ranging from hostels to guesthouses, hotels, resorts, Airbnb, vacation rentals, and more. Popular carnival accommodations include the Knutsford Court Hotel, Courtyard Marriott, and R Hotel.
Things to do in Jamaica
From the open-air markets and colonial landmarks in Kingston and Montego Bay to the laid-back vibe on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica has something to suit every travel style.
Jamaica is beautiful and there’s no denying that, but it’s the vibe of the people that will capture your heart. Seek out cultural events and popular activities while you’re here to immerse yourself in the island lifestyle.
Treat your tastebuds to the sizzle of authentic jerk, right here where it was born, along with other island flavors on a culinary tour. Nightlife fans, gyrate your waistline with the best of them at upscale bars, local jaunts, or lively street dances.
Get up close and personal with the stunning nature of Jamaica via bobsled or skylift. Board a bamboo raft and soak in the lush island greenery and endemic birds flying by. Hike 7,000 feet above sea level to try Blue Mountain coffee right at the source while stopping to dip in icy-cool rivers on the trail. Enjoy these tours with the friendliest guides who are experts at merriment.