What is the safest resort in Jamaica? - 2023 (2023)

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Jamaica 2023? ›

Jamaica is a safe tourist destination if you keep your eyes wide open. Unfortunately, the country's crime rate remains a problem for locals and visitors. Some of the issues you're likely to experience when you visit Jamaica include petty theft, gang violence, and drug trafficking.

What are the safest places to visit in Jamaica? Most resort towns have adequate security measures to keep locals and tourists safe. The safest places in Jamaica include Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and Negril.

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

The best areas to stay in Jamaica for first-timer are the beautiful neighborhoods of Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Treasure Beach, Kingston, Runaway Bay, Port Antonio, Mandeville. These areas are very popular and safe for tourist that offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities.

The best times to visit Jamaica are late November through late April during the dry season. The worst times to visit Jamaica are August through October during the Caribbean hurricane season.

Avoid walking alone at night. If you must, stay in populated areas and on the main roads. It's also in your best interest to not walk around deserted areas, even in groups and even during the daytime. In a similar vein, don't go to the same restaurant every night.

Montego Bay vs Negril: Conclusion

Montego Bay is overall well-suited for families, as it has more attractions and family-friendly activities available. Negril is better for couples, especially those who love to just relax. The tourist-oriented nature of both locations makes either one great for first-time vacationers.

The U.S. Department of State lists the Bahamas as a Level 2 destination, making it officially safer than some Caribbean islands (including Jamaica).

Treasure Beach

On top of all that, safety is the priority when traveling. Treasure beach is one safe city in Jamaica.

Resorts and the areas immediately surrounding them are considered safe, and the risk of a violent crime is very low. The chances of travelers falling victim to a violent crime in Montego Bay, specifically, are quite low.

Should you leave your resort in Jamaica? ›

Don't Be Afraid to Leave the Resort

It's easy to find tour companies to arrange day trips for you, and your resort will even have some options. Leaving the resorts is where we really fell in love with all of the cool things to see in Jamaica. Yes, even in Jamaica a big traveler can have a great time.

Yes, Montego Bay is safe, but you'll have to stay alert to your surroundings at all times when visiting the city. It's known for pickpocketing and petty theft, so keep an eye on your belongings. There are areas that are classed as level 4 risk areas by the U.S. government.

If you're looking for more of a secluded beach experience, Ocho Rios is the better choice. However, if you want more of a party atmosphere, then Negril is the way to go!

Both areas of the island are beautiful and are well suited for a relaxing vacation. Montego Bay is better for families with children and for those who don't plan to explore the island much. Ocho Rios is better for young adults, adventure seekers, and people who don't have children.

We recommend the North West coast for Jamaica's best beaches. Try Seven Mile Beach, the best beach in Negril for crystal clear oceans, family fun and a laid back vibe, or Montego Bay for incredible snorkeling, white sandy shores and lots to see and do.

Be especially cautious if you're travelling to West Kingston, Grant's Pen, August Town, Harbour View, Spanish Town and certain parts of Montego Bay, including Flankers, Barrett Town, Norwood, Glendevon, Rose Heights and Mount Salem. The motive for most attacks on tourists is robbery.

Ten days is a good length for a trip to Jamaica and provides enough time to relax on the beach while also venturing beyond the sun and sand for a mix of adventure and culture.

The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 26 C. The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 23 C.

In June 2022, a Level 3 travel advisory had been issued for Jamaica due to high crime in certain areas. On October 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of State reissued the Level 3 advisory. This indicates that Americans should reconsider traveling to the country.

Can you leave the resort in Montego Bay? ›

Going off the resort in Montego Bay is one of the best parts of the trip. There are shopping centres that you can visit, beaches, restaurants at every corner and both day and night activities to fill your day with excitement.

1. Negril. Welcome to Negril, Jamaica's most picturesque stretch of white sand, dramatic clifftops, and turquoise sea. Dubbed one of the Caribbean's best beaches, Negril stretches from Bloody Bay to Long Bay in western Jamaica.

Prices in Negril for accommodations tend to be a little cheaper than in Montego Bay. In Montego Bay, you'll find the unique overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

Bloody Bay got its name because it was used by 19th-century whalers who butchered their catch there. The whales were towed in to be disembowelled and it is said that the waters of the bay frequently ran red with their blood.

Montserrat. This island has the lowest crime rates in the entire Caribbean. In Montserrat most visits are trouble-free.

While Jamaica has some amazing tropical beaches, like those in Montego bay, Ocho Rios and Negril, the Bahamas comes out on top. The beaches in The Bahamas are so plentiful, and so diverse, that you can find a breathtaking white sand beach on dozens, if not hundreds of the 700 islands across the Bahamian archipelago.

Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay

The water and sand here are pristine and the bathroom and facilities are the cleanest you'll find on any beach in Jamaica.

When people think which side of Jamaica has the best beaches, many would say Negril. This is because Negril is home to one of the most famous beaches on the island, Seven Mile Beach. Home to crystal clear water and white gold sand, it's easy to see why both visitors and locals enjoy spending time at Seven Mile Beach.

1. Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is the most visited island in the Caribbean. With its seemingly endless white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is a popular getaway for tourists searching for an idyllic vacation, plenty of outdoor adventure, and a tinge of colonial history.

Is Negril safe for tourists? ›

Is Negril safe? Considered to be more popular than Kingston, Negril is a small resort town on the north west side of Jamaica. Stick to the well-traveled areas, such as West End, which are generally safe. Take particular care at night in Negril, and take taxis to avoid walking alone.

Most of the all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Montego Bay are safeguarded, but scams and robberies can and do happen. Montego Bay is known for pickpockets and theft. Many of the best scams are in disguise in the form of taxi drivers and other personnel.

In short, Montego Bay is generally better for tourists looking for a laid-back, care-free vacation. Kingston is not really a tourist town, offering fewer attractions and fewer quality beaches. It is mainly a business city, a center for industry, banking and shipping.

If you don't mind fending off hustlers, you can stroll through the center of Montego Bay. Allow about 1 1/2 hours to see the major landmarks.

The answer is yes, Sandals resorts are very safe.

And since each Sandals resort has numerous gourmet restaurants and fun bars, multiple pools, and tons of complimentary activities, you never need to leave the resort if you don't want to.

September and October are the cheapest months to visit Jamaica and still offer sunshine despite the chance of rain. The springtime is a good time too, offering sunny weather and cheaper prices without big crowds of tourists.

The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 27 C. The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 24 C.

Locally, Ocho Rios is best known as a fishing village - but to the wider public and tourist trade, it's gained notoriety as the setting for the James Bond film Dr. No. Not to mention all the great sights and activities listed above, such as Dunn's River Falls & Park and bustling cruise port.

Are there any travel warnings for Jamaica? ›

In June 2022, a Level 3 travel advisory had been issued for Jamaica due to high crime in certain areas. On October 5, 2022, the U.S. Department of State reissued the Level 3 advisory. This indicates that Americans should reconsider traveling to the country.

Jamaica recorded 1,498 murders last year, a two per cent increase over the 1,474 homicides committed in 2021. The latest crime statistics from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) show that St. James recorded the most homicides with 198, followed by St.

Crime against tourists is relatively low, but it does happen. There have even been reported cases of sexual assault at all-inclusive resorts. Always remain aware of your surroundings, leave your valuables at home or in the hotel safe, and trust your intuition on the road.

Update 2021-12-08: From Friday (10 December) until 14 January 2022 the curfew is from 10:00 p.m. to 05:00 a.m. (local time). On 24 and 31 December the curfew starts at 01:00 a.m. (local time).

July is the hottest month in Jamaica, with a maximum temperature of 91°F. January is usually the 'coldest' with highs of 82°F.

U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.

The advisory noted that “violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults and homicides, are common” and that “sexual assaults occur frequently,” even at all-inclusive resorts. “Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” the advisory stated.

Montego Bay vs Negril: Conclusion

Montego Bay is overall well-suited for families, as it has more attractions and family-friendly activities available. Negril is better for couples, especially those who love to just relax. The tourist-oriented nature of both locations makes either one great for first-time vacationers.

Do you have to wear masks in Jamaica? ›

On entering locations open to the public, you are required to wash or sanitise your hands. Mask wearing is no longer mandatory, but is recommended.

Do I need to wear a face mask in Jamaica? Wearing face masks is required in some public places.

When to get tested. Review the following timeline carefully to ensure this test meets your Jamaica travel needs, which requires a negative test result within 72 hours of arrival. Order your test at the time of booking your flight or at least 1-2 weeks before you need to take the test to ensure you have it when needed.