One of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, both for its vibrant local culture and for the fact that it's the largest anglophone country in the region, is Jamaica. The island nation was claimed by Spain by Christopher Columbus before being seized by Great Britain in the seventeenth century. In 1962 it declared its full independence from the United Kingdom, and has been a sovereign nation ever since. Though Jamaica remains a tourist hot spot in the region, much of its economy is based on agriculture and manufacturing. It is the third largest of the Greater Antilles, 550 miles ( 885 km ) south of Florida. About 146 miles ( 235 km ) long and 51 miles ( 82 km ) wide, the landscape is primarily one of contrasts, ranging from misty forest-clad mountains to bare scrub lands and fields. The island's diverse terrain is also reflected in its beaches, which vary from fine coral sand in sheltered bays and inlets to black sand along the rugged coastline, where the mountains plunge straight into the sea. Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, and Port Antonio are some of the most popular resort centers.
Swimming heads the list of sports and amusements in Jamaica. The most noted beaches with miles of white sand and crystal waters are on the north shore; Doctor's Cave Beach and Cornwall Beach at Montego Bay share an excellent strand. Good beaches on the south shore include Alligator Pond and Bluefields near Savanna-La-Mar, and the black sand beaches in Kingston and Black River. Outside Kingston Harbour are the white sand beaches of Lime Cay and Maiden Cay. Mineral spas reputed to cure certain rheumatic ailments are Milk River in Clarendon, Rockfort Spa in Kingston and the Bath Fountain in St. Thomas.
Countless water sports opportunities await guests not content to merely lie on the beaches. The offshore islands and cays near Kingston, the coves around Ocho Rios, the offshore reefs at Montego Bay and the waters surrounding Port Antonio and Negril are good diving areas. Diving operators offer both guide services and courses for beginners.
Snorkel and scuba equipment, water skis, jet skis and small sailing craft can be rented from the larger resort hotels and at Turtle Beach in Ocho Rios. Arrangements for sailing can be made through the Morgan's Harbor Hotel in Kingston and the Montego Bay Yacht Club, where colorful regattas are held each winter. The Jamaica Tourist Board maintains a current list of charter companies.
Most hotels in Jamaica offer after-dinner entertainment, with many doubling as nightclubs and restaurants. Nightclubs and cabarets are available to suit almost every taste. Many clubs offer conventional orchestras; others echo with the distinctive rhythms of calypso and reggae bands. Floor shows are presented regularly in many of the larger clubs. 
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