Is it safe to go out off your resort in Jamaica?

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BostonMel

As already stated please don't listen to the nay sayers on here, who most likely have never been.. Negril is a great place to vacation. There is plenty of nightlife on the beach each night. Check out
www.negrilinfo.com
The nightlife section has the nightly line up for which night is hot at which club. The Jungle is the only real "nightclub", They have a DJ and dancing downstairs and an open air deck, to cool off, upstairs. The other clubs are bars on the beach that have bands each night. Like any city keep your wits about you . I've seen more trouble in the cities of the US than I have in Negril.
Couples Negril is on Bloody Bay, very nice. You will need a taxi to take you over. The ones that are at the gate of the resort will be more expensive, but they will drop you off and pick you up. Negotiate your price before you get into any taxi. We've also had some taxi drivers that hung out with us the whole night.
I go to Negril a few times a year and ALWAYS go out to the bars and all around Negril in general. I always feel safe. As first timers it can be a little intimidating. Just read negrilinfo.com and it will let you know more of what to expect.
Have a great time and don't let those people hold you back from exploring.
Good Luck!

MaryJaneD

Please don't listen to those other responders. The resorts are there for comfort (eat, sleep, etc). I have been to Negril Twice and each time, the best times were had off the resort.
There are a couple of restaurants that will run a shuttle so you can get real Jamaican food (try Sweet Spice), the craft market is near downtown, Rick's Cafe is the west end of town. There is so much to do in Negril & the surrounding areas. Ohhh and the best Jerk comes from the side of the road in one of those carts.

One thing I have learned from going and observing diff ppl at the resorts is that #1 Jamaicans are a fun type people. If you go and are casual and have fun joke around w/them they will show you respect. But if you go and are very uptight, scared, and worried they will not be as nice. I have never felt unsafe at all. Jamaicans are super respectful too, if your going w/a spouse or boyfriend they will not disrepect him by flirting or hitting on you.
I had a friend stay at Couples Negril and if I am not mistaken they may run cabs for you, for free. But if they don't just walk off the resort find one of the dozen of cab drivers standing out front and make a relationship w/them. They will usually cut them a good deal if you tell them you want them to take you around for the next couple of days. Defiantly go to Mayfield Falls. I did that the first time & wish I did it a second time!!!

traveler

Like any place else in the world, it's as safe as you want to make it. If you wear fancy jewelry, flash lots of cash, carry expensive cameras, you are asking for trouble. My question is: Why go to a foreign country if you can't really get the culture of that country? The people at the resort want you to stay only at the resort so they get your money (after all you need souvenirs to take home at the minimum). If you have to many red stripes and ganga while checking out the nightlife and don't know how to get back to your resort, it could be unsafe. Go, relax, enjoy and have a great time.

beachgirl5628

We stayed last year at the Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. As soon as we arrived we were told that it was at our own risk to sight see on our own outside the resort. We didn't really go to sightsee but rather to just relax and be pampered all week at the resort so it wasn't a problem. It was rather scary outside the resort and I wouldn't recommend it but other people would beg to differ with me. It is all in how adventurous you are. That was ocho Rios, Negril might be different.

physical

There are people living here for their entire lives, and have not had incidents of any sort. It is all about being aware of your environment. If you do decide to venture out, spend sometime getting aquainted with the J'cans at your hotel first. See how the act, how the behave, how the they dress and learn how to fit in.
The moment you step out and people realize you are inexperienced, people will try to take advantage of you. However, as a J'can, I can tell you that most ppl you met are good folks trying to earn a living. The worst encounter is usually a over eager street seller that insist on you buying something from them but stand your ground while being repectful and they will back off. Nonetheless, there is always the risk of meeting a someone harmful

As I said before, u need to know your environment. There some places I know I should stay away from and some people if see I should avoid. I strongly encourage you to go out and explore but for the first time or so get someone to take you around and show you the ropes.

shasha

the resorts WANT you to be afraid that way they keep your dollars with them...I was there in March not at a resort and went all over the place..the people are great if you have predigests opinions and are judgemental then you may just want to stay and be pampered at the resort,be safe of course but go out and enjoy the Island life.how can ya just stay in one place? going back again....no resorts for me!

I've been many times and have never stayed in a resort in the first place. Once my son got to be about 7 or so, I started taking him to Jamaica on holiday as well. The nightlife is a must in Jamaica! Don't worry about going out or it will be written all over you! Stop and think why did you go out of your country in the first place and why did you choose Jamaica? Go home with a few stories to tell and a few new friends...you will regret it if you don't! Have fun and enjoy the scene!

concerned_vincy

Sure go ahead. The worst that will happen to you is getting shot, mugged, raped or buggered.

You need to be careful out there, lots of people will want your money, no matter how they can get it.

This is not to say that everyone in Jamaica is out to get you. There are very many nice good people out there, and they outnumber the bad. but there are bad and they look for people like you.

DAVE

there really is no "town" in jamaica. their towns are like just some shops along the streets

gone!

no I wouldn't leave the resort unless you are with a reputable guide, the resorts are like compounds for a reason

Mr Answerman

NOT a very good idea.

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