r/JamaicaTourism Dec 12 '23

FAQ

24 Upvotes

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about tourism in Jamaica. Please feel free to add questions and responses.

Is it safe?

Jamaica has a high crime rate, but it is almost entirely targeted at Jamaicans, usually related to gang activities. Unless you get mixed up in drug trafficking, it's very unlikely that a tourist would be a victim of a serious crime. Still, be aware of your surroundings to avoid pickpockets in crowded areas or opportunistic robberies if you're wandering alone at night. For a detailed experience of a visitor traveling around the island, see this

Will it rain on my whole vacation?

Unless there is a major weather system, like a hurricane, the answer is no. The forecasts often show rain every day because there is a chance o rain, but it should only be for less than an hour in the afternoon, if at all.

How do I get marijuana?

Someone will offer it to you for sure, at any resort, probably at 10x the normal price. If you want to be sure of the quality and a fair price, check Google maps for dispensaries near you. Also, basically any street vendor who sells cigarettes and rolling papers is guaranteed to sell ganja too - you can shop around for your preferred balance of price and quality.

What are good coffee, rum, and chocolate tours?

these

SOME ADDITIONAL FAQs ANSWERED BY u/YCSWife1 and u/Physical-Lifeguard-2

Q: Should I rent a car while traveling in Jamaica? What will I need to bring? What should I expect?

A: Your domestic driver's license is usually fine (as long as it is printed in English), registration, and insurance. You may or may not need your passport. Driving is on the left hand side of the road, drivers are slightly more aggressive, and the road in some places leaves much to be desired. If this would not be a problem for you, you should be fine. If you're planning on touring a large part of the island, this may be the solution for you.

Q: How long can I stay in Jamaica while visiting?

A: 90 days is the longest that you can stay in Jamaica on a tourist visa. Any longer would require a different type of visa.

Q: Is it better to pay in US dollars or Jamaican dollars? Can I use credit cards/ATMs?

A: Most businesses will accept dollars however you may get a better deal paying in the local currency. There are ATM's where you can get money in either US or Jamaican dollars. However, I would look really hard at the fees before using an ATM.

Q: Does everyone smoke weed/have dreads/love reggae music? Do Jamaican men/women like__________?

A: We are not a monolithic culture. The only thing that I know all Jamaicans dislike is the taste of cerasee.

Safety: Safety is relative to the area you’re are visiting. As much as Jamaica tends to have SOE’s and lower ranking travel advisories it is not a reflection of a majority of the country, which is relatively safe. On the topic of SOE’s it is important to understand that the level of seriousness of how we handle or conduct them does not live up to the name of a State of Emergency. You don’t have to worry about your activities/yours being cancelled or not being able to explore whoever you want. It is only specific to small areas and aimed at suspicious activity and checkpoints. Jamaicans go about their day as if it doesn’t exist and they are frequent at times so everyone is used to them. For eg. Canada has a level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory right now for Jamaica but yet their Prime Minister was announced to take a family vacation here after Christmas for a week. In terms of Montego Bay our crime/violence is usually community-based and tourists are not targeted specifically. Regular travel precautions are fine in Jamaica. Also because you are a tourist you’ll find that things are more expensive . You might be able to negotiate but not always and if you don’t want to buy anything after being constantly asked which is sadly common sometimes just say no thank you firmly and try to walk away.

In terms of transportation I recommend booking a driver who is also a guide tour driver (They can take you to hidden gems, let you experience food that is not like resorts/hotels and give you more uncommon information about certain spots). There are plenty of guide operators that are reputable you can find on instagram I’ll recommend a few: Tek a trip tours, ubertour jamaica and vip getaway tours. If you are going for a activity packed vacation - Ocho Rios is the best place, If you want a quiet, chill and relaxing vacation - Portland or Negril is best, and if you want to be in the centre of the everything and have the most convenience I’d say Montego Bay is best, lastly if you want a cultural trip Kingston is best in my opinion but you can find everyday life culture everywhere .

Recommended Tours/Places:

Bamboo Rafting, Appleton Estate RumTour, Ricks Cafe, Blue Hole Negril, Luminous Lagoon (only available in 5 places in the world!), Private Beach: Doctor’s Cave, Free with Security : Harmony Beach Park, Bob Marley Museum, Bob Marley Nine Miles, Mystic Mountain, RoseHall Great House, Bellefield Great House, Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River Falls, Nonsuch Falls, Nanny Falls, Chukka Ocho Rios or Sandy Bay, Mainstreet Jamaica (Montego Bay) if you’re looking for the balance of culture and shopping without the constant haggling, Blue Mountains Hiking, Cockpit Country Hiking, Croydon In the Mountain Coffee Tour, Craighton Blue Mountain Coffee Tour, Hampden Estate Rum Tour, Worthy Park Estate Rum Tour, One Cacao Chocolate Tour, Pure Chocolate Jamaica Tour

Restaurants (local and fine dining) /Night Clubs and lounges in Montego Bay:

Pier One, Uncorked West, Pure Lounge, Marguerites, Peppa’s Cool Spot, Taboo, Lounge 27/27, Bellefield Great House Restaurant, Elevate Lounge and NightClub, Coral Cliff, Solace Restaurant, Spiritz, MarinaPalms, Rehab Sports Bar, Pineapple Beach, Sea Island Beach Club, Smokeez By the Sea, HouseBoat Bar and Grill,

Weed/Vape/Psychedelics:

Weed you can find people selling that on the airport compound but for specific places:

Itopia Life (kingston), Patoo Chocolate and Mushroom(Montego bay), Island Strains (Montego Bay), Epican Ja (Montego Bay and Kingston), Canamo Jamaica, Kaya Herb House (Kingston and Ocho Rios), OhJa Montego Bay, at it’s cheapest Sunbud at Sunshine Plaza Downtown Montego Bay


r/JamaicaTourism 2h ago

i love jamaica too much

6 Upvotes

i really want to go to Jamaica. It's like the only country on my bucket list. It's been a dream to go there since i were old enough to think about it. i have a best friend there in kingston, ive known her for more than 5 years through the internet..... we always talk about meeting and my trip to see her. i hope it really happens because then i can relax and be happy that my dream came true.

i love the culture and the music and the people and the vibes and the energy. jamaica is everything. ive not tried the food yet but my bestie says she's going to cook for me all her fave dishes. i cant wait to be in jamaica. even if its just for a minute.

my life would be complete 😌


r/JamaicaTourism 11h ago

Negril

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21 Upvotes

Taken at the Sandals resort.


r/JamaicaTourism 10h ago

Negril

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7 Upvotes

r/JamaicaTourism 6h ago

Where to change money in Mobay?

0 Upvotes

As the title says. We are arriving in a few days and i‘d like to know if there‘s a good place to change money. I appreciate any advice or suggestion!


r/JamaicaTourism 1d ago

Whistling Bird Grounds & Beach Tour Negril Jamaica

3 Upvotes

r/JamaicaTourism 1d ago

CEAP Discovery Bay rock climbing?

1 Upvotes

We are getting ready to embark on a short all-inclusive vacation to Runaway Bay. My husband and our friends are very experienced rock climbers and would like to check out the climbing in Discovery Bay.

Can anybody tell me about CEAP? Is it worth it for us to bring our gear with us? Is there a place nearby we can rent gear? Is there a fee or pass or something required, or are they open to the public? Any info is appreciated!


r/JamaicaTourism 1d ago

Airport transfer this Friday.

1 Upvotes

Hi looking for private airport transportation from airport to resort in Mobay after stopping at dispensary first for edibles and weed.


r/JamaicaTourism 1d ago

Any swingers 4/11-4/17?

0 Upvotes

Hey gf and I looking to hang out and maybe go on an excursion coming up this Friday 4/11-4/17 in Mobay.


r/JamaicaTourism 2d ago

Country Country Negril, Jamaica

8 Upvotes

Complete tour of Country Country Negril Jamaica 2025

https://youtu.be/T3F5cRLUaiw?si=T0QdhAa_mxybhOT8


r/JamaicaTourism 3d ago

Happy to see Kingston being recognized for the cultural gem & birthplace it is!

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1 Upvotes

r/JamaicaTourism 3d ago

[ Removed by Reddit ]

7 Upvotes

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]


r/JamaicaTourism 4d ago

Resorts for 30th Bday?

5 Upvotes

Hello Everyone!

I am looking to celebrate my 30th with a girls trip in Montego Bay... any recommendations for a resort? Adults only would be ideal as well as a big party scene!


r/JamaicaTourism 4d ago

Weather?

0 Upvotes

Good evening fellow Redditors! My girlfriend and I are heading to Ocho Rios April 26- May 2nd , I was just wondering how the weather typically is. I’m sure it will be warm but I do realize it’s towards the beginning of the rainy season. Should we expect rainy conditions or a mix of sun and rain? I appreciate it!


r/JamaicaTourism 4d ago

Secrets, Montego Bay.

1 Upvotes

We are going with a group at the end of the month and looking for recommendations.

We are looking at the Dreamer Montego Bay catamaran to Negril if anyone has done it and what their experience. There’s also concern that the trip is just catamaran there and a bus back.

A group is looking to golf one day if there’s any good or bad reviews of local golf courses.

I would love to do the tour on horseback, and a cultural tour.

Any recommendations or tips greatly appreciated!


r/JamaicaTourism 4d ago

Traveling with toddlers

4 Upvotes

We are flying into Montego Bay and then continuing on to Runaway Bay in a couple of weeks. Our group will consist of 6 adults and 2 toddlers.

Suggestions on how to get to our resort? What are the laws around car seats in public transportation? Do we need to rent car seats or can we just have the kids ride in our laps in the backseat of a van? Looking for tips on reputable transportation for our group between the airport and resort. Thank you!


r/JamaicaTourism 5d ago

Traveling from Montego Bay to Nine Mile

4 Upvotes

What are our best options? Taxi? Hire a personal driver? Would our resort be able to help better than us working it out for ourselves? Thanks for any tips you can provide!


r/JamaicaTourism 5d ago

Kingston to Duncans

3 Upvotes

I'm coming from the US and am undecided about renting a car to get us from Kingston to Duncans or hiring a driver. Where do I find safe drivers if I go that route and how much do you think the price would be? Thanks, I can't wait to explore Jamaica


r/JamaicaTourism 5d ago

Finna river falls

2 Upvotes

I’m going on the dunns river falls hike and I want to pack lightly, I’m bringing towels, water shoes, water bottle and sunscreen, should I bring sneakers as well? Or can I just go in my flip flops and change into my water shoes?


r/JamaicaTourism 6d ago

KIN, Mandeville, coffee and beach

3 Upvotes

Hello!

I’m going down for the track meet this weekend. I’ll be in Mandeville for a couple of days before going to town on Saturday. I’m looking for a getaway resort for a couple days. Would love recommendations for the following:

Saturday night after the meet - somewhere to go vibe, have some drinks listen to music and see people (I’ve stayed at AC hotel a couple of times and S hotel last time would like something with a little less stush with more dancing).

I’m considering a couple nights at Strawberry Hill but I’m not sold just yet - I would like something away and quiet. But I feel like they are social media savvy and I’m not seeing enough options to make an informed choice. Has to have good internet (have some business to handle and need to be available). The other I’m seeing is Hermosa cove and they give same vibe - savvy marketing. Treasure beach is also recommended.

I want to go to the beach and of course get some fry fish. Always enjoyed likkle ochi but not sure if it’s a beach day location that I can setup at all day. It’s either beach or something like a YS falls. I had a brilliant fish in Kingston at a restaurant I can’t remember the name of (eta: sea krave in manor park) but no beach. I was also told about a place called stush in the bush.

I would also like to do a coffee tour (at least just to pick up some top notch blue mountain coffee - none of the airport garbage). And if you have any unique items as gifts to bring back with me that I should seek out would be helpful too.

Appreciate all the help!


r/JamaicaTourism 6d ago

Airport transfer

5 Upvotes

Hi I will be going to runaway bay round trip. I’d like to make a stop to the dispensary before going to the resort 🤭


r/JamaicaTourism 6d ago

St Catherine/ Kingston travel ideas

3 Upvotes

Hi all im planning to travel with a 3 and 9 year old and just wondering what are some places we could go to keep them entertained also a couple night life places . I don't like the idea of having to travel to "tourist areas " like ochi for a little excitement there must be something to do on the southern side.


r/JamaicaTourism 6d ago

Need a taxi

2 Upvotes

Hello guys, can someone recommend a Taxi driver for 6 people? We are at riu negril and want to the 7 mile Beach. Maybe other destinations too


r/JamaicaTourism 7d ago

Scooter/moped rental. Negril.

2 Upvotes

So I will be in Negril this May. I was wanting to rent a moped/scooter/gas bike while I was there. My intent is to ride to blue hole from the Westend. Also scoot over to little bay and have a drink or meal. My wife would be on the back. I have about 15years experience on a motorcycle 60k miles ridden. I do know the roads are pothole riddled. I have driven a car in Jamaica before (last Feb.) and suffered a dual blowout.

Open to all thoughts on this. All Warnings, recommendations, criticism or inspiration welcome


r/JamaicaTourism 7d ago

Rum Deliveries in Mobay

3 Upvotes

Going to be headed to the island next year and I’m a big rum collector. I know Duty Free is where most people suggest to make your purchases, but I’m looking for more of the niche bottles, even homemade options even. In my research MegaMart is said to have a great selection, do they deliver or would I need to hire an independent driver? Any other places I should be looking into? Thanks!