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.

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