When Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica, he wrote that it was “the fairest island that eyes have beheld.” More than 3.5 million visitors a year come to see for themselves: forests, mountains, rivers, cliffs and beaches.

Staying safe

Jamaica is safe. These are the same precautions you would take anywhere you travel.

  1. Plan your trip properly.
  2. Don’t wander off on your own. Travel with friends.
  3. Carry some Jamaican currency.
  4. Leave expensive jewelry at home on trips and excursions.
  5. Don’t tell people you meet on the beach or at attractions where you are staying. It keeps you safe and keeps persistent sellers from calling or showing up at your hotel.
  6. Don’t carry large sums of cash, and carry small bills rather than large ones.
  7. Use a competent, trustworthy and knowledgeable tour guide.

Before you fly, complete the government entry form at enterjamaica.gov.jm.

Our top picks

  • Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios). Climb one of Jamaica’s national treasures. dunnsriverfallsja.com
  • Blue Hole (Ocho Rios). A series of limestone sinkholes in the mountains, named for the deep blue of the water.
  • Margaritaville (Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios). Lively entertainment day and night. margaritavillecaribbean.com
  • Rose Hall Great House (Montego Bay). The greatest of Jamaica’s great houses, built in 1770 and home of the legend of the White Witch of Rose Hall. rosehall.com
  • Swim with the dolphins (Lucea, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios). Dolphins, stingrays, glass-bottom kayaks and a jungle trail. dolphincoveja.com
  • Rafting on the Martha Brae (Trelawny). A relaxed three-mile bamboo raft ride, about an hour and a quarter. jamaicarafting.com
  • Green Grotto Caves (Runaway Bay). A labyrinth of underground caverns and a slice of Jamaica’s history.
  • Chukka (Negril, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Ocho Rios). Ziplining, ATVs and riding horses into the sea. chukka.com
  • Rick’s Café (Negril). Jump from the famous cliffs, up to 35 feet, and stay for the sunset.
  • Gypsy Soul (Montego Bay). Snorkeling and reggae by day, a quiet sunset cruise by evening. Call +1 (876) 453-2726 and tell them Chabad sent you.
  • Mystic Mountain (Ocho Rios). A rainforest adventure with a sky lift, bobsled ride, canopy zip line and waterslide. rainforestadventure.com
  • Blue Mountains bike tour. Ride through the misty Blue Mountains, home of Jamaica’s famous coffee. bluemountaintoursja.com

For more ideas, see the official tourism site, VisitJamaica.com.