Like all vacationer cities in Jamaica, Ocho Rios is secure for guests. Nevertheless, it might be finest when you train warning. Jamaica has against the law downside; subsequently, don’t anticipate this city to be immune.
Ocho Rios is on the North Coast and was as soon as the island’s cruise ship capital. With cruise ships docking every day, the city overflowed with customers, diners, sunbathers on beaches, and vacationers occurring excursions. Nevertheless, with hustlers from all around the island making an attempt to make a fast buck, vacationers complained about harassment.
Though they have been a nuisance to vacationers, who noticed their conduct as impolite and aggressive, they weren’t harmful. Most time, it was a misunderstanding of the tradition.
Jamaicans are persistent, particularly when making an attempt to make a sale. If a potential buyer just isn’t all in favour of their product, it motivates them to strive more durable to make a sale. So that they use each trick up their sleeves. Nevertheless, their tactic of pursuing a person regardless of them exhibiting no curiosity is annoying even to Jamaicans.
To make issues worse, some locals imagine vacationers come to have time and smoke weed. This ends in them trying to promote marijuana to guests even when they aren’t .
The training of distributors within the vacationer cities and antiharassment groups trigger harassment to cut back considerably, making Ocho Rios secure for guests to stroll with out being bothered by distributors.
Though Ocho Rios is secure, some areas in Saint Ann have crime points. Not corresponding to Kingston, Clarendon, and Saint Catherine, however it’s nonetheless an issue. Robberies and murders happen, primarily by migrating criminals from troubled sections of the island on the lookout for a quiet place to lie low.
Generally they even kind gangs in these peaceable rural communities. Preventing amongst members and rivals ends in murders and shootings, one thing alien to those neighborhoods.
These crime scorching spots have been on the police radar for years. The communities are Mansfield Heights or Falklands, exterior Ocho Rios correct; Claremont Avenue in Runaway Bay; Phoenix Park in Moneague and Steer City, close to Mammee Bay. Most legal actions are confined to those locations however typically spill over into different parish sections.
Ocho Rios is a transition level between Kingston and Montego Bay, so many vacationers go by way of this city, not simply vacationers and locals. Sadly, some use it as a possibility to make straightforward cash. They journey to Ocho Rios within the days to hustle and return to Saint Catherine or Kingston at evening.
If you’re not conscious, you’ll be able to change into a sufferer. Flashing valuables and cash or strolling on lonely streets with out paying consideration makes you weak to criminals wherever on the planet. Ocho Rios is not any completely different. Due to this fact, no matter security measures you apply in main cities in your nation, please don’t throw them out the door when you’re there.
Cruise Ship docking in Ocho Rios
There have been reviews of armed robberies and sexual assaults at all-inclusive resorts in Ocho Rios, so vacationers ought to take precautions to make sure their security. Though this isn’t a frequent prevalence, and the legal was caught, there are different reported incidents of company being robbed whereas they slept.
Whereas the resorts are usually safe, conserving helpful gadgets like passports and jewellery out of sight continues to be important, corresponding to not leaving meals or drinks unattended.
Most resorts offer you a secure. Use it, and don’t share the mixture with anybody.
Ocho Rios resorts are secure for vacationers; nevertheless, take smart precautions. By following the following tips, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your trip with out fear.
Click here for the best accommodations in Ocho Rios.
Is Runaway Bay Jamaica secure?
Located on Jamaica’s north coast, about 60 miles from Montego Bay, is the picturesque city of Runaway Bay. A well-liked vacationer vacation spot, it gives guests numerous actions and points of interest.
However what about security?
With simply over 3,000 individuals, Runaway Bay is a comparatively small city.
Nevertheless, it’s house to 2 massive resorts – the Jewel Runaway Bay Seashore & Golf Resort and the Margaritaville Island Reserve – which herald numerous vacationers yearly.
As well as, the city is located near Ocho Rios, one other in style vacationer vacation spot. In consequence, there’s a heavy police presence in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, which helps to maintain crime ranges low.
In truth, in line with the latest knowledge from the Jamaican Constabulary Power, the general crime price in St. Ann – the parish during which Runaway Bay is positioned – has decreased by 6% since 2018. So, when you’re questioning, Is Runaway Bay Jamaica secure?
The reply is sure!
Ocho Rios is secure due to the locals. They perceive it’s a vacationer city and the significance of getting picture. Most individuals rely on tourism to outlive, so that they defend their livelihood.
In the event that they see against the law happening, they’re more likely to intervene. For instance, there are reviews of an incident the place residents chased an armed robber. Though he was carrying a masks, they hunted and caught him. They revealed his identification and disarmed and recovered the stolen properties; nevertheless, he escaped. The police arrested him a short while later.
Crime in opposition to vacationers in Ochi is nearly non-existence, with police on the streets and vigilant locals.
Vacationers are secure at accommodations and resorts; most have safety measures to guard company. Nevertheless, there have been a couple of reported incidences of theft at a popular all-inclusive resort. They believe it to be an inside job carried out by rogue employees members.
It dented their picture as a result of it was on native media and all around the web. So I think that they’ve mounted this downside by now.
To cut back the potential of dropping your valuables whereas staying at a resort, make use of the secure they supply. There are straightforward and low-cost safety measures that you should utilize when touring. For instance, get a easy alarm system on your door or home windows or a transportable door lock. Price range-friendly, and you should utilize them at your own home, resort, or Airbnb.
In case you’re touring to Ocho Rios alone, it’s vital to take additional precautions to make sure your security. Listed here are a couple of suggestions:
Keep in a good resort: Select a resort with good critiques and safety measures in place.
Keep away from strolling alone at evening: If it’s worthwhile to exit at evening, it’s finest to take action in a gaggle. Persist with well-lit areas and keep away from strolling by way of unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Keep related: Let somebody know the place you’re going and whenever you anticipate to return. Keep in contact with family and friends again house to allow them to know you’re secure.
Be part of a tour group: Think about becoming a member of a tour group for actions and sightseeing. This may show you how to meet different vacationers and supply an additional layer of security.
By following the following tips, solo vacationers can be certain that their journey to Ocho Rios is each secure and gratifying.
In case you’re touring to Ocho Rios with your loved ones, it’s vital to take additional precautions to make sure their security. Listed here are a couple of suggestions:
Select a family-friendly resort: Search for a resort with family-friendly facilities and safety measures in place.
Preserve your kids shut: When out and about, hold your kids near you and by no means allow them to out of your sight.
Keep away from harmful actions: Whereas Ocho Rios gives many enjoyable actions, some is probably not appropriate for younger kids. Keep away from actions corresponding to bungee leaping or excessive water sports activities.
Preserve emergency contacts available: Write down emergency contacts, such because the quantity for the native police and your resort, and hold them available in case of an emergency.
By following these security precautions, households can be certain that their journey to Ocho Rios is each secure and gratifying for everybody.
Scams are widespread in Ocho Rios, and it’s vital to pay attention to them to keep away from changing into a sufferer. Listed here are a couple of widespread scams and tips on how to keep away from them:
The “pleasant native” rip-off: This rip-off includes a neighborhood approaching you and hanging up a dialog. They might provide to point out you round or take you to a neighborhood attraction, however will in the end ask for cash in return. To keep away from this rip-off, be cautious of strangers who method you and keep away from giving out private data or cash to anybody you don’t know.
The “overcharging” rip-off: In some circumstances, distributors or taxi drivers could overcharge vacationers for items or companies. To keep away from this, at all times negotiate costs upfront and use licensed distributors and taxis.
The “pretend attraction” rip-off: Some scammers could attempt to lure you to a pretend attraction or occasion, promising a enjoyable expertise however in the end taking your cash and leaving you dissatisfied. To keep away from this, solely go to respected points of interest and occasions beneficial by your resort or tour information.
By being conscious of those scams and taking precautions to keep away from them, you’ll be able to be certain that your journey to Ocho Rios is free from scams and fraud.
Ocho Rios is understood for its stunning seashores and water actions, corresponding to snorkeling, swimming, and jet snowboarding. Whereas these actions are enjoyable, it’s vital to take precautions to make sure your security. Listed here are a couple of suggestions:
Solely swim in designated areas: Ocho Rios has a number of designated swimming areas which can be monitored by lifeguards. Solely swim in these areas and keep away from swimming in areas that aren’t designated for swimming.
Put on a life jacket: In case you’re collaborating in water actions corresponding to jet snowboarding, ensure to put on a life jacket. This may assist hold you secure in case of an accident.
Verify the climate circumstances: Earlier than collaborating in any water actions, test the climate circumstances. If there’s a storm or tough water, it’s finest to keep away from water actions altogether.
By following the following tips, you’ll be able to get pleasure from water actions in Ocho Rios whereas prioritizing your security.
Earlier than touring to Ocho Rios, it’s vital to pay attention to any well being and medical issues which will have an effect on your journey. Right here are some things to remember:
Sunburn and dehydration: Ocho Rios is a tropical vacation spot, and temperatures can get excessive. Be sure to put on sunscreen and drink loads of water to keep away from sunburn and dehydration.
Meals and water security: To keep away from getting sick from contaminated meals or water, follow bottled water and keep away from avenue meals. Be sure to scrub your arms incessantly and keep away from consuming faucet water.
By being conscious of those well being and medical issues and taking precautions to keep away from them, you’ll be able to be certain that your journey to Ocho Rios is a wholesome and gratifying one.
When touring to Ocho Rios, there are a number of security suggestions that it is best to take into account. Listed here are a couple of key ones:
Keep away from strolling alone at evening: If it’s worthwhile to exit at evening, it’s finest to take action in a gaggle. Persist with well-lit areas and keep away from strolling by way of unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Preserve your valuables safe: Preserve your valuables, corresponding to your cellphone, pockets, and passport, in a secure place and keep away from flaunting them in public.
Be cautious when utilizing public transportation: In case you’re touring by bus, taxi, or one other type of public transportation, be cautious. Solely use licensed and respected corporations, and keep away from sharing taxis with strangers.
Keep hydrated: Ocho Rios is a tropical vacation spot, and temperatures can get excessive. Be sure to drink loads of water to keep away from dehydration.
Respect native customs and traditions: Jamaica has its personal distinctive tradition, and it’s vital to respect it. Be conscious of native customs and traditions, and gown appropriately when visiting spiritual websites.
By following these security suggestions, you’ll be able to be certain that your journey to Ocho Rios is each secure and gratifying.
In case of an emergency, it’s vital to have the mandatory contacts and assets available. Listed here are a couple of emergency contacts and assets to remember when touring to Ocho Rios:
Native police: Emergency: 119, Non-Emergency: 953-2211 or 953-3695
Hospitals: St. Ann’s Bay Hospital: 876-972-2272, Ocho Rios Well being Centre: 876-974-6339
U.S. Embassy: 876-702-6000
By conserving these contacts and assets available, you’ll be able to be certain that you’re ready for any emergency which will come up throughout your journey to Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios is secure, however crime occurs in all places on the planet. Take security precautions when touring. You’re there to get pleasure from your trip however keep in mind you might be nonetheless on earth amongst people. Pay attention to your environment; don’t expose money or valuables. Lock away your passport, cash, or vital factor in a secure when leaving your resort room.
Jamaica has a crime problem, however it’s not widespread. Ochi Rios and different vacationer cities are among the many most secure locations within the nation.


Jamal is the educated voice behind EDB Journey, bringing over 4 years of expertise in journey writing and vacation spot experience. Holding a level in Tourism Administration, Jamal makes a speciality of showcasing Jamaica’s wealthy tradition, vibrant points of interest, and hidden gems. His in depth background and native insights present readers with helpful suggestions and in-depth guides to discover Jamaica like a professional. Comply with Jamal on Pinterest and Instagram for the newest journey inspirations and updates.