Has anyone been to Jamaica this year with the family (e.g. minors 17 yrs and under). My kids really want to do spring break in Jamaica but I have never been there and wondering how safe it is. I have read all the adversaries and am aware of crime/curfews etc in the past. We would stay mostly on the resort other than a few excursions (e.g. to Dunn's River Falls, the bobsled track, etc). Were you concerned about the safety of your family? We have done Mayan Riviera with no problems. Looking for recent personal experiences please as I can read up on the rest. I am considering Iberostar Rose Hall Beach or Riu Negril or Riu Ocho Rios. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Brandy Cole

I was in Ocho Rios last October. Not one a minute of problems. We took a tour bus into town and went shopping. Like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings.

Great - thanks for the input!

Long ride from the airport (Sangster) to Ocho Rios....like 1.5 - 2 hrs...

Ugh! Good to know - thanks!

Beautiful road though that follows the oceanside. 1.5-2 hrs really isn't that long, especially when you take into account that the distance takes you halfway across the island. Lol

Aaron for sure....if you arrive during daylight. Part of our group out of Montreal----Sunwing, arrived after dark....

Oh damn yeah that would put a damper on it. We arrived about 4PM to Sangsters, only traveled to Riu MoBay 20 mins away, but went to Ocho Rios on an excursion during the daytime.

Went to Riu Ochos Rios for a wedding I had no kids at the time but many in the group had kids. There’s a family side and an adult only side to the resort. The kids all seemed to have a blast and I never felt unsafe. Other than the long bus ride someone else mentioned from the airport I’d highly recommend.

I stayed at the iberostar grand and used the other facilities. I would advise upgrading one level above the beach if you can afford it. The beach is good but there is a noticeable difference in each level. We felt very safe at the iberostar and because it is in its own little area we did not have people hassling us to buy weed or anything else. I have heard good things about the riu as well. The iberostar is a short drive from the airport. My husband and i went into montego bay with a taxi and he showed us all the area's to avoid. He said if you stay out of the areas you will be fine. Gang on gang violence is biggest problem. We went to the casino and the bar across the street. Both were full of tourists. I recommend sightseeing with the tour groups just for added security. We loved our time in Jamaica

My gf has been there 15 times. LOVES IT

Thanks so much everyone! I feel a lot better about booking this now

Was just there beginning of December. Stayed in Runaway Bay. Loved it. Would go back in a heartbeat!

Went to Negril in 2011 and did not stay at an AI, but in hotel on the beach with only breakfast included. Walked everywhere, went to different places for supper and had no problems. Just be aware of your surroundings

Been to Jamaica numerous times via cruise and stayed at AI 3/4 times couples, sandals and beaches with a 6 year old and never had any problems, took days trips Dunn’s, dolphins etc and never had any issues. Stayed on resorts at night. Kingston down south (capital city) is where most of the crimes occur. Just be smart and aware of your surroundings as you should be anywhere including d/t calgary.

I wish I could afford Sandals or Beaches
My kids are older and the teen is a full-price adult even though she can't drink!

Susan Bogart, stayed at Sandals over Christmas and we found that we liked Secrets much better. Dreams, Sunset, and now are all family resorts and owned by the same company.

We went in 2013 - my husband's side is jamaican. The driving made me super nauseous and they wanted to go to see the back county with over 11 hrs of driving. I stayed at the resort alone. Mingled with the workers, the tourists and and had a great day. As a group we went into town, did dunns river falls and never felt uncomfortable. It was awesome. I want to go back!

I don’t even like 11 hours of driving in Canada...LOL. And my teen daughter gets car sick, so we will not be doing any big road trips while there! Glad to hear you felt fine while alone at the resort. Thanks for the comment!

Been several times with no issues.

Was there with my hubby a couple of years ago at a high end resort. We only felt safe at the resort. Whenever we left the resort, we felt hassled. Had a taxi driver threaten to not take us to our destination unless we paid more $. We will NEVER go back. I’ll stick to Mexico

These are the kinds of stories I had been hearing....

Susan Bogart I’m so sorry, but it’s what we experienced. We are seasoned travellers who have been to a number of “sketchy” places but Jamaica is the only place I will never return.

That's ok! I was looking for honest opinions - thanks for sharing your story!

Just stayed at Montego Bay, Hyatt Ziva with our 2 year old. Hyatt is the old Ritz , very nice hotel. Upgraded our room and it was huge, two ocean view balconies. I think easily one of the nicest resorts in Montego Bay. Hired a private tour company for three excursions. Everything went great, no concerns or issues. Would go back again in a heart beat. Food much better than Mexico! I definitely recommend researching and hiring a private driver/tour guide ahead of your trip. Our driver stayed with us, we bought her lunch etc. No one bothers you if your tour guide/driver is with you.

This is great info, thanks! How do we go about finding a reliable professional driver?

Susan Bogart tripadvisor is good for looking at reviews. I will see if I can find contact info for the company I used.

Susan Bogart https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1444478...
TRIPADVISOR.COM
Jackie's Jamaican Transfers & Tours (Sandy Bay) - 2019 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - tripadvisor

This is who we used. She was on time, drove responsibly, had good suggestions. They hang around with you but are not in the way, locals won't bother you when they see you have a guide. For the bigger stuff like when we did the dolphin swim etc, they stay with the car which is nice because you can leave your bags and stuff and know they are safe.

Awesome - thank you! This sounds much better than relying on taxis!

Riu ocho rios was lovely! I was there about 8 years ago though. Id go back again. The only sketchy incidents we had were off resort at clubs, etc so as long as you dont go wandering it felt pretty safe

My warning would be to not swim in any fresh water that is murky or muddy looking. We had our kids there last year. 5 in our group contracted a tropical disease and were hospitalized once home for a week. Our 12 and 16 year olds did not get it but out 19 and 21 year old did although the disease is more contagious to teenagers and young boys.

Yikes. Okay, thanks for the warning.

When we were researching family vacations we looked into Jamaica and talked to a couple friends who had been there. They advised against it. Said they didn't feel comfortable leaving their resorts (they did and this was their experience) so for us we like to explore beyond our hotel so decided against Jamaica

My sister and law and I, both about 60 years old, stayed in Montego Bay 3 years ago and had a great time. Took 3-4 excursions, Rick's was cool, but never left the resort after 7 pm (we never do, no matter where we are) and had the best time. We felt safe and had a lot of fun with the locals. We too were warned not to go, especially 2 women.

Does anybody think they may become more of a target the moment you get out of your resort, wearing a wrist band ?

Marjolein Elsten My resort did not use wrist bands.

Susan Gilbart

We were in Jamaica in August. We stayed at sea garden. Felt super safe, our kids are 6&10. Only excursions we did was the glass bottom boat private tour twice. It isn’t somewhere I would want to wander around. There are people trying to sell you stuff the second you step off the resort. And men have no issue staring and whistling. I would go back for sure. The food were we stayed was incredible and you really can’t beat the Caribbean.

We have been and no concern for safety. Just be smart and travel properly. Don’t go off the resort at night into alley ways at night in cities, just use your common sense you will be fine
. We have been to both Negril and Ochos Rios. If you want beautiful beaches and not too much to do Negril is the place and if you want adventures (Dunn’s falls etc) the Ochos Rios is your place.

I was just there with my 3 and 6 year old and had no problems; everyone was very friendly. Left the resort for Dunn’s River and the luminescent lagoon. But I also travel to Mexico frequently and will always feel safer there.

Took the family to Jamaica for Christmas. No worries. Stay on the resort and only go on guided tours with reliable tour companies. We stayed in Montego Bay the first time we went and Ochi the 2nd. Not many tours available from Ochi unless you want to spent a couple hours just getting there - there were tons of tours at Montego Bay.

We went to Montego Bay. Stayed at a 3 star called seaside resorts. We had a great time. We found a taxi guide we liked (Philippe) and had him take us around for the week. About 70USd a day but he was our personal guide and waited. We went everywhere and even a few places at night!

Stayed at riu ocho rios in august with our 16 year old...felt 100% safe!

Vanessa Rueb
We went to the Moon Palace in Ochos Rios. We did several excursions like Dunn's falls and it was fine. The excursions are safe and no problems. If you leave the resort, yes, everyone is trying to sell you something. Just go with a group if possible or time it for when cruise ships dock. It was definitely annoying but i would also definately go back! The atmosphere and people there are amazing. It was myself with 2 daughters so we were definitely a target. But can't wait to go back!

Took kids there last August and I’ve been 3 times total. Stick to reputable excursions and it’s totally fine. The locals are quite pushy trying to get sales but we never felt threatened. If you go make sure you go to the Luminous Lagoon. Extremely cool experience and my kids loved it.

Following

Was there in march no issues, travel smart and use the guides you will be fine. Resorts are set up to keep everyone safe and happy and well entertained

I’ve been twice specifically to the Ochos Rios area and it’s unbelievable!!! Safe, fun, food is to die for!!!!

Stay at resorts otherwise unsafe

I have lived in Jamaica, just be smart and you'll have an unbelievable time!

Thank you SO much for all your input everyone, I really appreciate it!!

I would choose Iberostar Rose Hall or Negril. Any of the resorts in Montevideo Bay are excellent and have good beaches. Stay on the resort and if you venture out, the front desk will give you the names of companies (taxis etc) that are safe to use. We always rented a company that was recommended by the hotel. Have a wonderful time. Also go up to Ricks to see the cliff divers.

I would choose Iberostar Rose Hall or Negril. Any of the resorts in Montevideo Bay are excellent and have good beaches. Stay on the resort and if you venture out, the front desk will give you the names of companies (taxis etc) that are safe to use. We always rented a company that was recommended by the hotel. Have a wonderful time.

We did the Blue Waters resort in Montego Bay and were fine along with doing excursions. Would love to go back.