How safe is it to travel around rural Jamaica?

Question

I am looking to travel around Jamaica and am particularly interested in visiting many of the more rural areas, e.g the Blue Mountains area, the Santa Cruz mountains, the Black river etc. I have read about some of the dangers of Jamaica and wondered how safe it is travelling around the rural areas?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Disregard all thats been said !

Its cool you want to get out & explore, more ppl should. Theres alot to see and renting a car is the way to go....just take pics or video of the car & tires when you rent so you don't get ripped off at the end with damage charges or flat tires ( yeah, they try to have you buy a new tire if you get a flat ).

Get a good road map...GPS don't work in JA yet..and start early in the morning, it gets dark early in the eve so days are short. And be sure to bring snacks & drinks so your stopping is limited. Its safe in all the places you mentioned, trust me. Most rural area communities rarely see tourists, so they'll be curious, not trying to harm you at all. Each place requires a day of driving though, so don't try it all at once.

The places that CAN be dangerous are parts of Kingston, Spanish Town, some areas of Portmore, and some areas of Montego Bay....other than that, you'll be FINE....have fun ;-)

Answer 2

OK, the areas you are desirous of visiting are pretty safe. If you plan on exploring the Blue Mountain range I would recommend more than just a regular road map but rather a topographical map. You can get topographical maps at the National Land Agency. You would need a sheet 13 or 18, don't quite remember which. I would further recommend that you not try to explore the Blue Mountains on you own but rather get a tour guide. Also note that if you want to get to the peak you will have to do some hiking in rough terrain so be prepared for that- good hiking boots, water, snacks etc.

Driving in Jamaica is a bit tricky. Road users don't necessary follow all the rules of the road esp. indicating be prepared for that. The roads can also be a bit narrow and winding. There is a Black River safari that you can try. You will go with a tour guide and get a guided tour of quite a bit of the river. Be sure to go down to Little Ochi for fish afterwards!

If you want to a good view of Jamaica also visit some attraction in the east e.g. Raft on the Rio Grande in Portland, visit Somerset falls and be sure to go by Boston in Portland for some jerk.

Familiarize yourself with our local currency and the exchange rate to prevent being excessively charge along the way. The truth is by yourself, with a none Jamaican accent, in areas that tourists don't tradionally go, it may just happen.

And don't be scared it is pretty safe. Stay away from Spanish Town, the garrisons of Kingston and any other area as stated by your embassy. You will be safe and do have fun!

Source(s):

Live in JA. Have visited these sites.

Answer 3

Take this answer into consideration from a real Jamaican, who lives in Jamaica...It depends on the area you want to go to , for example the North Coast is safer than in the south coast... Remember though that not every where in the universe is 100% safe. You do not need to carry a weapon, just do not loiter or idle on the streets around that's all unless you are in a large group.
Hope this Helps!!!

Source(s):

A real Jamaican(ME)

Answer 4

Get a guide, don't go yourself. Driving there is crazy and some of the rural roads are a disaster if you don't know them.

Plus a guide is always good if you find someone your cool with and trust. They deal with all the locals for you and get you good prices, make sure your taken care of.

Answer 5

80% safe

Source(s):

http://askcaribbean.info/search.cfm?pos=…

Answer 6

i've not been myself but from what i've heard it's dangerous. Whites and non locals a warned not to venture out from the holiday complexes in jamaica.

Answer 7

it would be safer to hire a local for a guide and not merely venture out on your own.

Answer 8

not too safe....

Answer 9

dangereous.... carry a weapon with you....dont trust anyone!!
well...dats wat i heard