Jamaica Travel Guide for Families: Safety, Resorts & Itineraries
Planning a family trip to Jamaica requires balancing adventure with peace of mind. This guide covers essential safety protocols, and a stress-free 7-day itinerary—curated by Jamaica travel experts with over a decade of experience hosting families.
1. Safety First: Jamaica Family Travel Tips
Jamaica is generally safe for tourists, but these precautions ensure a worry-free trip:
Health & Medical Preparedness
Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccines, but Hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended by the CDC.
Sun & Hydration: Pack reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and electrolyte packets—heat exhaustion is common.
Medical Facilities: Major resorts have on-call doctors; Cornwall Regional Hospital (Montego Bay) is the most reliable for emergencies.
On-the-Ground Safety
Transport: Only use JUTA-licensed taxis or pre-booked transfers (e.g., Epic Adventures’ child-seat-equipped vans). Avoid unmarked "route taxis."
Beaches: Stick to patrolled areas like Doctor’s Cave Beach (Montego Bay) or Seven Mile Beach (Negril)—strong currents occur elsewhere.
Cash & Valuables: Use resort safes; carry small USD bills (widely accepted) for tips.
Tour Safety Checklist
✔ Verify operators are JTB (Jamaica Tourist Board) certified
✔ Ask about guide-to-child ratios (1:4 is ideal for under 12)
✔ Avoid animal encounters allowing direct contact with wildlife (e.g., hugging dolphins)
2. Sample 7-Day Jamaica Itinerary for Families
Day 1-2: Montego Bay (Acclimation)
AM: Arrive at Sangster Airport (MBJ); transfer to Your Hotel.
PM: Doctor’s Cave Beach swim + early bedtime (jet lag adjustment).
Day 3-4: Ocho Rios (Adventure)
AM: Dunn’s River Falls climb (book Epic Adventures’ private 8 AM slot to avoid crowds).
PM: Mystic Mountain bobsled ride + rafting on the White River (gentle Class II rapids).
Day 5-6: Negril (Relaxation)
AM: Seven Mile Beach sandcastle building.
PM: Glass-bottom boat tour (best for toddlers) or Rick’s Café cliff diving (teens only).
Day 7: Return
AM: Last-minute shopping at Harbour Street Craft Market (fixed-price stalls avoid haggling).
PM: Flight to your destinationdepart ~2 PM.
