Tips on Negril Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Negril Warnings and Dangers

Negril is located in paradise, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you vist. The town is not large and is surrounded by miles of prime Jamaican white sand beaches and shallow bays of clear water great for snorkeling over small batches of coral – which all sounds perfect, but the realities of poverty and the temptation of tourists with money has made Negril a struggle for many visitors, though not at all without its redeeming points.

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Begging, Selling, and Hustling

Warnings about Negril are astonishingly consistent when it comes to desperate locals trying to beg or sell things to you, regardless of if you’ve already told them to go away a few times. In the majority of cases, a simple “no thank you” is effective to stop someone selling things to you, as Jamaican culture is typically very polite, but that isn’t all cases. Just be prepared to stand your ground and be as persistent as they are in saying no. Don’t be afraid to use a serious tone, but remember that these interactions are very rarely anything but an annoyance and these people are desperate more than malicious. You may be offered drugs, souvenirs, groceries, magic, jewelry – anything, from anyone, and it will be annoying and make your vacation less enjoyable. Some reviews say that the cliff side of Negril has a bit less of this than the area near 7 Mile Beach.

Drugs

You may be offered drugs while in Negril. Marijuana is of course the most popular one but you might find others as well. It is safest to decline, and remember that if you do partake, you do so at your own risk and the drugs may be very different strengths than you are used to.

Water and Bugs

Jamaica with its tropical climate does mean the customary tropical bug populations. Along with your sunscreen, make sure you keep a healthy dose of bug spray at all times and apply often. Also, as with many developing countries, be careful of the water you drink. Though there are no major health concerns with the water in Negril, drinking from the tap when you aren’t used to it could make you sick.

More from SmarterTravel:

• What to Do in Negril, Jamaica
• Negril Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips
• 7 Caribbean Destinations on a Budget

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers in Negril.