Jamaica Dangers

Hurricanes

Public warnings will be issued if a hurricane is due to come ashore, in which case seek shelter in the sturdiest structure you can find, and stay sober. You'll need your wits about you both during and after the storm.

Undertows

Some beaches have dangerous undertows, particularly along the east and south coasts, where you should never swim alone off isolated beaches. Long Bay is especially dangerous. Seek local advice about conditions before swimming.

Critters to Beware Of

Sea urchins cluster on the seabed and on coral walls. If you step on one, the 'quills' will pierce your skin and break off. They're agonizingly painful, as is the bristle worm: one touch and you're impaled by tiny needles that detach as keepsakes. Fire coral is named for the severe burning sensation it causes when brushed up against. Two-thirds of coral species are poisonous - another reason to remember, hands off!

The scorpion fish sits on the seabed and resembles the rocks and corals around it, thus is difficult to spot. Its raised spines inflict venom that can be fatal to humans. Likewise, stingrays often he buried in sand; if you tread on one, its tail may slash you with a venomous spike. When wading in sandy shallows, slide your feet along the sea bed to avoid stepping on the otherwise harmless rays.

Poisonous jellyfish also pulse in Jamaica's waters in late summer.

Swimming is usually no problem in the presence of sharks - mostly wary and harmless nurse sharks. Still, they'll attack in self-defense if provoked or cornered. Give them plenty of room.

Jamaica's crocodiles are generally fish-eaters, not human-killers, although a woman was killed in 2001. Use caution if swimming near river estuaries.

Discuss This Article (Hurricanes, Undertows, Critters to Beware Of)

Recent Comments

Jamaica is heaven on earth if you use common sence

by Bigger from Saskatchewan Canada

Jamaica was never a problem for me or any other member of my family that has gone I love it and will alway go back to Jamaica. I hate to say this but I have watched the way most americans treat Jamaica and I would kick your ass and take your cash too, its really time for all of us to let the american tourist know get some manners and respect, stay home or get your ass kicked. Stand up people of Jamaica you are the best I have witnessed and felt more kindness and love in ... [read more]

Undertow

by Charity from USA

It is very true about the dangerous undertow. My husband and I stayed at a resort by Bloody Bay (Negril) and we went out in a peddle-boat. Once we got past the ropes of the swimming area, the current was so bad that we couldn't paddle back. We thought that getting out and trying to pull the craft back while pulling ourselves along another resorts ropes would be a good idea. An hour later, exhausted and near-drowning, a glass bottom boat came by and rescued us. Do NOT go ... [read more]

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