Is Jamaica Worth Visiting? What No One Tells You Before You Go

Is Jamaica Worth Visiting? If you’ve ever asked yourself that question, you’re not alone.

With mixed reviews floating around and safety concerns lingering in the back of my mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect. After seven days exploring the island, I can honestly say: Jamaica left me with mixed feelings — and it’s not a destination I’d recommend to everyone.

Before my trip, I dove deep into research — reading forums, travel advisories, and firsthand accounts to prepare. I had heard everything from “it’s paradise” to “it’s dangerous.”

I found a vibrant, beautiful country with real challenges every traveler should be aware of.

In this honest review, I’ll share what you really need to know before visiting Jamaica — the safety tips, must-see spots, real costs, and a few hard truths.

If you have concerns, you’re not alone, and this post will help you decide if Jamaica is the right destination for you.

The #1 Question: Is Jamaica Safe To Visit?

Yes and no. Jamaica definitely has its areas where crime is high — particularly around Kingston, as we often heard it pop up with bad new on the local radio.

But if you stick to the main tourist areas like Montego Bay, Negril, or Ocho Rios, you’ll feel pretty safe. Honestly, most of the people we met couldn’t have been kinder. I lost count of how many locals said, “Thank you for choosing Jamaica,” with big, genuine smiles — you could tell they appreciated visitors.

That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind. When you’re on vacation here, it’s best to avoid wandering alone into non-tourist areas, especially after dark.

Even the security guards at our resort always reminded us to be back before dark whenever we went off to explore. And I’m not going to lie, when you’re constantly told to “hurry back before it gets dark,” it does give you a little uneasy feeling about a place.

You’ll also want to be extra careful if using public transportation or taxis, as sticking with reputable options is more reliable and safer. Just ask your hotel to arrange transportation for you.

The good news is that Jamaica has actually made big efforts in recent years to boost visitor safety, including a noticeable increase in police presence around tourist zones. And believe it or not, if you compare crime rates, Jamaica is statistically safer than quite a few big cities in the U.S.

It’s definitely not a place to be careless, but with a little street smarts, you can absolutely have a safe (and fun) trip.

Top Things To See and Do in Jamaica

Even with my mixed feelings about Jamaica overall, there’s no denying the island is packed with some seriously beautiful places and fun experiences.

If you do decide to visit, you’ll want to make the most of your time by seeing the best that Jamaica has to offer. Here’s a list of the top things you won’t want to miss.

Relax on Pristine Beaches

One of the undeniable highlights of visiting Jamaica is the beaches — they’re stunning, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue water that really does live up to the hype.

But something most people don’t realize is that only about 1% of Jamaica’s beaches are public and free to visit. If you want to do a little beach hopping, be prepared to pay anywhere from $7 to $25 per person, per beach.

My absolute favorite beaches were Boston Beach ($7), Frenchman’s Cove ($25), and of course, 7 Mile Beach — one of the few gems that’s free to enjoy.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple beaches in one day, be sure to bring cash — most beach entrances don’t accept credit cards. Also, double-check the opening and closing times before you go. Some beaches actually shut their gates around 5:30 pm.

If you’re planning your own trip, make sure you’re fully prepared. Here’s exactly what I recommend packing for Jamaica. 👈

Cool Off in The Waterfalls

The waterfalls in Jamaica might not be the biggest you’ve ever seen, but they’re still a really cool experience. What makes them special is how many natural pools and cascades they have — perfect for swimming, exploring, and just cooling off in beautiful surroundings.

My favorite was Reach Falls on the east side of the island, tucked into one of the prettiest, lushest areas we visited. The water there is an unreal, crystal-clear blue, and the best part was that it wasn’t crowded at all. We were literally the only tourists there — definitely one of those hidden gems that only the locals seem to know about.

Just a heads up though: getting to Reach Falls is a bit of an adventure, but if you’re up for it, it’s absolutely worth the trip.

Pro Tip: If you want to visit Reach Falls and the prettiest side of the Island, I recommend you stay in the Port Antonio area. We stayed at LF Jungle Retreat, and it was fantastic! Just a short drive to some of our favorite spots in Jamaica.

Go River Rafting

River rafting on handmade bamboo rafts is one of the most genuinely authentic Jamaican experiences you can have on the island.

I didn’t personally get the chance to do it, but all my friends who did said it was one of their absolute favorite memories from the trip.

If you have time to fit it into your itinerary, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try — it seems like one of those classic Jamaican experiences you’d regret skipping. I know I wish I had gotten to do it.

Visit The Blue Lagoon

The famous Blue Lagoon is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype and is definitely worth adding to your Jamaica itinerary.

Made famous by the 1980s movie The Blue Lagoon, this stunning spot had been closed to the public for years but just reopened in 2024 — making now the perfect time to visit.

The lagoon is privately owned, and instead of charging a set fee, they simply ask for a donation of your choice to help keep it accessible. Please be respectful when you visit so that it can stay open for others to enjoy.

What makes the Blue Lagoon so special is its surreal beauty: the water is a deep, brilliant shade of turquoise, fed by both freshwater springs and the Caribbean Sea.

It’s incredibly clear and refreshing, and there’s even a “blue hole” — a mysterious, deeper pocket of water where the colors shift dramatically and the temperature changes from warm to cool in just a few strokes. It’s one of those rare places that still feels untouched and magical.

Visit The Blue Holes

Jamaica’s Blue Holes are easily one of the most popular excursions you can do on the island.

There are actually two different blue holes to check out:

The Original Blue Hole – near Ocho Rios on the north coast, it is a series of short, cascading waterfalls with pools of vibrant blue water where you can swim, climb, and even swing out on a rope.

Blue Hole Mineral Spring – the more off-the-beaten-path Blue Hole is a giant sinkhole filled with crystal-clear mineral spring water where you can cliff jump from different heights, swim around, and climb back out by ladder. It’s such a unique and adventurous experience — one of the absolute highlights of our trip.

I’ll be honest, I was really nervous to jump into the Blue Hole Mineral Spring at first, but once you do it once, you just can’t stop. It’s seriously so much fun!

Both blue holes are unique in their own way and worth the adventure of getting to them!

Fun Beach Bars

If you’re looking for laid-back vibes and unforgettable views, Jamaica’s beach bars do not disappoint.

Two of our favorites were Rick’s Café near Negril and Floyd’s Pelican Bar off the south coast.

Rick’s Café is iconic for a reason — not only can you grab a drink and watch one of the best sunsets on the island, but you can also cliff jump right into the sea if you’re feeling adventurous.

On the south side of the island, Floyd’s Pelican Bar is a totally unique experience — it’s a tiny, rustic bar made entirely of driftwood, sitting on stilts out in the middle of the ocean. You can only reach it by boat, which just makes the whole experience even cooler.

Both spots are must-visits if you want to mix a little adventure with your drink.

Scuba Diving

Jamaica offers some beautiful diving opportunities, especially around the island’s colorful reefs and marine parks.

Most of the dive shops are based in the main tourist hubs like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and a few in Negril, making it easy to find a reputable spot to book a trip.

We love scuba diving and were really excited to explore the underwater world here, but unfortunately, my husband caught a head cold the day we arrived — and if you know diving, you know it’s definitely not safe to dive with sinus congestion.

It was a big disappointment, but it’s a good reminder that you should always be feeling 100% before going under.

Even though we missed out this time, we heard from other travelers that Jamaica’s dive sites offer great beginner-friendly conditions and some pretty vibrant coral and sea life.

Snorkeling

If you love snorkeling, Jamaica does have some great spots. The best snorkeling is definitely found on the west side of the island, especially around Booby Cay, where the water is clearer and the reefs are healthier.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much good snorkeling right off the beach. The waters along the shore tend to be a bit milky from the sand constantly getting stirred up by all the water activities like jet skis, parasailing, and boat traffic.

If snorkeling is a must-do for you, I highly recommend booking a dedicated snorkeling tour to get out to the better spots — it’ll make a huge difference in your experience.

Explore Mountain Jungles

The jungles in Jamaica are every bit as gorgeous as the beaches — maybe even more so.

I especially loved exploring the mountains and jungles on the east side of the island near Port Antonio, which, in my honest opinion, is the prettiest part of Jamaica.

The coastline here is rugged and wild, with hidden alcoves and tiny beaches tucked into the lush greenery — the kind of secret spots only the locals seem to know about.

The Blue Mountains are absolutely stunning, too, especially if you get the chance to stay at a jungle retreat and watch the sunset behind them from a rooftop bar.

If you really want to experience the full beauty of Jamaica, I highly recommend leaving the beach behind for a bit and heading into the mountain jungles — it’s an entirely different side of the island that most tourists miss.

Deep Sea Fishing

If you’re into fishing or just want to try something different, Jamaica has some of the best deep sea fishing in the Caribbean.

The waters here are known for big catches like blue marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo, making it a great spot for serious anglers and beginners alike.

Most fishing charters leave out of the Montego Bay area, and it’s pretty easy to find a trip that fits your schedule. It’s also a lot more affordable if you can round up a group to split the cost of the boat — plus, sharing the excitement of reeling in a big catch just makes it even more fun.

See The Glistening Bioluminescence 

One of the most unique things you can experience in Jamaica is the bioluminescence at the famous Luminous Lagoon.

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where tiny microorganisms in the water light up when disturbed, creating a surreal, glowing effect that looks like something out of a dream. It’s rare to find places in the world where you can see this, and Jamaica happens to have one of the best spots for it.

The Luminous Lagoon is located on the north shore, about halfway between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

We were really bummed to miss it, but since this is only something you can see at night, and our retreat strongly advised against being out alone after dark, we decided to play it safe.

If seeing this is on your bucket list (and honestly, it should be!), I highly recommend booking an organized tour. Most tours leave from Montego Bay or Ocho Rios and will handle everything so you can just relax and enjoy the magic safely.

Go Horseback Riding

If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to experience Jamaica’s coastline check out horseback riding on the beach and even swimming with them in the sea.

Being from Montana and owning my own horses, I’ll be honest — I’m extremely picky about any activities that involve animals, especially horses. While we didn’t end up doing this excursion ourselves, I made it a point to check out the horses.

From what I saw, the horses looked really healthy, with shiny coats, good weights, and bright eyes — and if you know horses, you know a healthy coat says a lot about how well they’re cared for.

Also, if you’re worried about whether horses enjoy swimming, rest assured: horses actually love being in the water. They’re natural swimmers, and it’s a great way for them to cool off and have fun.

If you’re a horse lover or just looking for a memorable adventure, this is an experience you might want to consider.

Cliff Diving

If you’re up for a little adrenaline rush, cliff diving is an experience you won’t want to miss.

We had so much fun jumping into the Blue Hole Mineral Spring, where you can test your courage by leaping from different heights into crystal-clear mineral water.

Another awesome spot for cliff jumping is Rick’s Café in Negril — one of the most iconic places on the island to take the plunge.

And even if you’re not feeling brave enough to jump, it’s still worth visiting these spots just to watch others and soak in the amazing energy (and those sunsets at Rick’s Café are unreal).

Go Sailing

Sailing is such a fun way to see a different side of Jamaica, and there are plenty of options leaving from places like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.

Most tours are on big catamarans, and depending on the vibe you’re looking for, you can find everything from laid-back sunset cruises to full-on party boats with music, drinks, and snorkeling stops along the way.

Some tours even include stops at famous places like Dunn’s River Falls or Rick’s Cafe, so you get a bit of sightseeing and adventure mixed in.

Pro Tip: When I book these kinds of excursions, I always use Viator or Get Your Guide because they work with vetted local companies, and it’s super easy to compare different options. Plus, if your plans shift (which happens more often than you think when you’re vacationing on an island with unpredictable weather), they offer a 24-hour free cancellation window.

Enjoy the Most Stunning Sunsets

If you want the best sunset views, head to Negril — the sunsets there are seriously something else.

We stayed at a little cliffside boutique resort and had a front-row seat every night, just watching the sun drop straight into the ocean. It was one of those things that didn’t even feel real sometimes — just sitting back with a drink in hand, taking it all in. I mean, it’s the best part of being on vacation, right?

Listen to Reggae Music

You really can’t go to Jamaica without hearing reggae music — it’s everywhere, and it’s a huge part of the island’s culture and history.

You’ll find live reggae played at tons of beach bars and clubs, especially around Montego Bay, which has a pretty lively nightlife scene.

But if you want to get to the real roots of reggae, you’d have to head to Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, located on the southeast side of the island. Kingston is the birthplace of reggae and where you’ll find the most authentic deep-dive into the music and culture.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend Kingston for first-timers or inexperienced travelers. This is also the area where the most crime happens — just listening to the local news for a few minutes will give you an idea of how often things happen there.

If you’re craving some good reggae vibes, you’ll definitely find plenty of safe and fun options around the tourist hubs without needing to venture too far.

Stay in a Beach Side Resort or All Inclusive

One of the best things you can do in Jamaica is simply pick a gorgeous resort on a pristine beach and stay put for your trip.

In my opinion, the most enjoyable way to experience Jamaica is to just plop down at a beautiful beachside resort, kick back, and truly relax.

Jamaica isn’t the easiest or most relaxing island to explore. Getting around can be hectic, and some areas aren’t the safest, so if you’re coming here for a stress-free vacation, sticking to a nice resort is the way to go.

Is Jamaica Expensive?

Again… yes and no.

If you’re sticking to the touristy areas and resorts, Jamaica can definitely be expensive — sometimes even more than other Caribbean islands.

But if you’re brave enough to leave the resort bubble and explore some of the more local spots, things get a lot more affordable.

You could easily blow a lot of money here if you wanted to, but there are also some really cool budget-friendly options if you’re willing to look for them. It really just depends on your taste and travel style.

I’m mostly a mid-range traveler, and honestly, I found Jamaica to be a little pricier than what I’m used to — but it’s still totally doable with a bit of planning.

Currency in Jamaica

The currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, and its value isn’t linked to the American dollar, so the exchange rate can be a little tricky.

The good thing is US dollars are very much accepted and preferred everywhere on the island, which does make things easier.

Also, you will need to always carry cash on you, especially a stash of smaller bills like $1s, $5s, and $10s for tipping and paying for smaller items. No one seemed to ever have enough change for $20s.

Tipping is non-negotiable here; it’s a big part of the culture, and it’s definitely expected.

Pro Tip: Also, do yourself a favor and download a free currency calculator app that works offline. It’s really easy to get short-changed when paying in American dollars because the conversion math isn’t straightforward. A lot of locals know this and might try to give you the wrong change back if you’re not paying close attention. It happened to us several times, but luckily, we used the app!

Is The Food Good In Jamaica?

The food in Jamaica is outstanding! Both my husband and I were really impressed, especially with the seafood.

One thing you have to try is Jamaican fast food, specifically Juici Patties. It’s super popular with the locals, so of course, we had to give it a try.

We loved the chicken patties — basically, a savory chicken curry tucked inside a flaky empanada, and if you’re feeling extra hungry, you can get it sandwiched between coco bread. It’s to die for (at least for fast food standards). Don’t knock it till you try it!

You’ll also see a ton of street-side vendors (aka cook shops) selling local meals like peppered shrimp, fried fish, curried goat, saltfish, and roasted yams as you drive along the highways. If you’re venturing off the resorts, they are worth a try. Just know that most local food tends to be pretty spicy — so if you’re not used to heat, maybe start slow.

While you can definitely find all the usual tourist-friendly dishes at resorts (think cheeseburgers and pizzas), you’re missing out if you don’t dive into some of the authentic local flavors.

Jamaican Foods To Try

If you’re a foodie (or even just a little adventurous), Jamaica has some amazing local dishes and drinks you definitely shouldn’t miss. Here’s a list of must-try items to look out for during your trip:

• Jerk chicken – Spicy, smoky grilled chicken marinated with a mix of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and local herbs.
• Oxtail – Slow-cooked beef tail in a rich, savory brown stew that’s tender and flavorful.
• Goat curry – Tender pieces of goat stewed in a spicy, aromatic curry sauce — a true Jamaican classic.
• Salt fish – Dried and salted cod, often cooked up with ackee or used in hearty stews.
• Ackee fruit – Jamaica’s national fruit, buttery and mild, often cooked with saltfish for a traditional breakfast dish.
• Jamaican coffee – World-famous Blue Mountain coffee known for its smooth, rich flavor with very little bitterness.
• Festival – A sweet, slightly dense fried cornbread that’s the perfect side for jerk meats or fried fish.
• Fried plantain/plantain chips – Sweet or savory slices of plantain that are fried until golden and crispy.
• Breadfruit – A starchy tropical fruit often roasted or fried, with a texture somewhere between bread and potato.
• Red Stripe beer – Jamaica’s iconic light lager, perfect for hot beach days.
• Bob Marley cocktail – A colorful, layered frozen drink made with rum and tropical fruit flavors — as fun as it looks!
• Jamaican rum – Bold, strong rum that’s a huge part of the island’s history and culture — often best enjoyed straight or in cocktails.
• Ting – A refreshing tropical soda made with real grapefruit juice; it’s sweet, tart, and super underrated.

Is The Water Safe To Drink in Jamaica?

They say that technically the tap water at the main tourist resorts is safe to drink, but honestly, it had a bit of a smell to it, so we decided to play it safe.

We packed our Grayl filter water bottle and used it every day — filtering the tap water in our hotel room before making coffee or refilling our regular water bottles.

When we were out at restaurants, we mostly stuck to bottled or sparkling water. But, having the Grayl made it super easy to stay hydrated without having to constantly buy plastic bottles. I highly recommend bringing one if you’re visiting Jamaica — it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Pro Tip: Plastics are a big problem on the island due to a poor recycling system, so please use a refillable water bottle whenever you can really help minimize waste. If you venture off the resort, you will see the devastation of this!

Is It Easy To Get Around Jamaica?

Yes, it’s possible to get around Jamaica pretty easily — but how you do it really depends on your comfort level and your travel budget.

Public Transportation:

Public transport is cheaper, but honestly, it takes forever to get anywhere, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to make the most of your trip. And it’s known to be unreliable.

Privat Transfers/Taxi’s:

If you don’t want the stress of driving, you can absolutely hire private drivers or take taxis everywhere — they’ll even take you across the island if needed — but just know that it gets really expensive fast. The upside is you get to sit back, relax, and not deal with Jamaica’s wild roads and driving style.

Rent a Car:

The other option is to rent a car, which gives you a lot more freedom but definitely isn’t for the faint of heart.

Jamaican driving is next-level: drivers don’t really follow standard rules, and you’ll need to be extremely defensive with everything from goats and dogs to pedestrians and motorcycles popping up out of nowhere. Roads can be super narrow, winding, rough, and feel barely big enough for two-way traffic.

What I Recommend:

We hired drivers/taxis for the first few days while we got used to the environment and then rented a car once we felt more comfortable — especially since hiring drivers for our entire trip just wasn’t realistic for our budget.

If you’re not a confident or brave driver, I’d suggest forking over the cash for a driver or staying in one area and just booking a few guided tours.

But if you’re like me and want to explore as much as possible, are a defensive driver, and feel okay driving on the left side, renting a car is hands down the most affordable and flexible option.

Pro Tip: Always take only legal taxis that have red license plates. These are authorized by the Jamaica Tourist Board and are a much safer choice for getting around the island.

Best time to visit Jamaica

I had asked every local driver we had this exact question, hoping that I could bring you some unspoken secret.

Unfortunately, their answer was that the best time to go is during peak season, which runs from December to April. This is when the weather is the most predictable, but it’s also when the island is the busiest and most expensive.

Jamaica stays warm year-round, with temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it definitely sees its fair share of rain.

If you want to avoid the rain, steer clear of October — it’s the wettest month and can sometimes rain for days or even weeks straight.

Jamaica actually has two rainy seasons: May to June and September to November, while the dry season lines up with the peak tourist season from December to April.

We visited in April and had rain showers three out of our seven days, but honestly, the storms were quick, and the sun was back out in no time.

Another tip: if you want to see the island lush and green, avoid visiting in March. March is their driest month, and a lot of the landscape can look brown and dry. Also, jungle fires are pretty common this month.

My Experience In Jamaica

Before visiting, I had done a lot of research and read so many mixed reviews that I went with pretty low expectations — and honestly, Jamaica met but didn’t exceed them.

Let me address the biggest concern right away: safety.

I never once felt truly unsafe. Sure, there were definitely areas we drove through with restaurants, bars, or shops where we didn’t feel comfortable getting out and exploring — so we just didn’t.

I found the locals we interacted with to be very friendly for the most part, but we did run into quite a few scams. Most of the time, the scams were handled with smiles and polite refusals on both sides, but it was tiring having to stay on alert during almost every interaction.

Driving, on the other hand, was a whole different story — and not something we enjoyed. There really aren’t enough words to describe the chaos we witnessed on the roads. Standard driving rules pretty much don’t apply, and there’s definitely no strong sense of road safety.

Everything always felt rushed, which wasn’t the laid-back island vibe we were hoping for.

Another hard thing to see was how dirty parts of the island were — it was heartbreaking to see so much trash on the beaches and along the roads.

That said, there are parts of Jamaica that are absolutely stunning if you’re willing to look past some of the rougher edges. Venture away from the tourist zones, and you can still find peaceful, beautiful places where you feel like you have the island all to yourself.

Pro Tip: Jamaica isn’t the easiest island to love, but if you go in with realistic expectations, a flexible attitude, and a sense of adventure, you can definitely find some special moments.

So, Is Jamaica Worth Visiting?

I’ll give you my honest opinion—and it may be an unpopular one—but when it comes down to whether Jamaica is worth visiting, for me personally, not really.

I’ve traveled to a lot of islands, and Jamaica would probably rank near the bottom of my list.

That said, take into consideration that I’m not a resort, all-inclusive kind of traveler. If that’s your style, the resorts here are stunning and a great fit for a relaxing vacation.

But I’m more of an off-the-beaten-path explorer — I like to get out, see as much as I can, and experience the real side of a place.

I found Jamaica to be pretty difficult to get around, with sites spread far apart and stressful drives that made exploring more exhausting than enjoyable. And honestly, the cost just didn’t feel worth it.

I can think of several other islands that are more beautiful, easier to navigate, packed with more to see and do, and at a fraction of the price.

Sorry if this post burst your bubble a little bit.

I hope to catch ya on the next adventure!