Jamaica Carnival

April 23rd –  April 29th, 2025.

Like many other islands in the Caribbean, 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 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 over 100,000 visitors join the locals to celebrate Carnival in Jamaica. Jamaica Carnival represents an authentic expression of the island’s spirit.

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 Carnival Group Itinerary

Wednesday April 23: Arrive in Jamaica – Meet and Greet – I Love Soca Jamaica

Arrive in Jamaica and transfer to your chosen accommodation. The evening is for you to enjoy as you please before we head out to attend your first event – I Love Soca.

Thursday April 24: Trip to St. Elizabeth (Rum Tour, Floyd’s Pelican Bar) – Kes or a similar event

Today, we explore Saint E. Our initial destination is the Appleton Rum Estate, where we embark on a 90-minute tour of the facilities, complete with some sampling. Following that, our journey takes us to Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a quaint and rustic establishment situated amidst the Caribbean Sea. Elevated on stilts above a sandbar, this unique bar provides a picturesque setting that seamlessly combines relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. To cap off our day, we venture to Treasure Beach. In the evening we attend Frenchmen’s Blocko, marking our second fete on the list.

Friday April 25: Trip to Ocho Rios / Day Break – Duck Work

Our day’s destination is Ocho Rios, where we explore the thrilling and iconic adventure of Dunn’s River Falls—a perfect blend of natural beauty and an invigorating adrenaline rush. Following that, if available, indulge in the splendor of the White River while sailing on a 2-person bamboo raft or a rubber tube. As the day winds down, we head back to Kingston for the lively Duck Work cooler party in the evening.

Saturday April 26: GenXS Immortals (J’ouvert) – Sunnation – Remedy

We start off the day bright and early with a J’ouvert (pronounced “joo-vay”) party, a lively and colorful pre-dawn celebration. J’ouvert will be celebrated with GenXS. Later in the day we attend our final fete on the itinerary – Frenchmen’s Bazodee. Enjoy a premium experience the day before we ‘tek’ on the road!

Sunday April 27: Carnival Street Parade (Full Costume)

Today we take to the streets of Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica, to showcase our elaborate and intricately designed costumes featuring feathers, beads, sequins, and vibrant colours. Today is a day of exuberance, creativity, and cultural pride. It also marks the last day of the Carnival Celebrations.

Monday April 28: Trip to Rick’s Cafe or Sunset Cooldown Party

Today we head to Rick’s Cafe. An iconic and world-famous establishment known for its stunning cliffside location, thrilling cliff jumping, live music, and breath-taking sunsets. Located in Negril on the western tip of the island, it has earned its reputation as a vibrant and thrilling destination in Jamaica.

Tuesday 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.

Initial Deposit: 15%
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 asking for payments in three installments. Your 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.

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.