Feeling the need for a little sun and sand? What about a trip to Jamaica or Puerto Rico? The trouble is picking between the two.
Fortunately, we’ve done a breakdown for you on how to choose between Jamaica or Puerto Rico for your next Caribbean vacation.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico Quick Picks
- Jamaica or Puerto Rico Beaches: It’s a tie!
- Jamaica or Puerto Rico Cost: Puerto Rico
- Jamaica or Puerto Rico Safety: Puerto Rico
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Overview
Jamaica and Puerto Rico are both islands in the Caribbean that are extremely popular with visitors of all kinds. They have a lot of similarities, including warm weather year-round, beautiful beaches, natural attractions, historic sites, a rich local culture, and delicious food. There are, however, a few differences. Puerto Rico has a Spanish heritage, while Jamaica was a British colony. Puerto Rico has a higher GDP and has a more Americanized feel than Jamaica.
Jamaica is one of the largest and most visited islands in the Caribbean. An added plus is the variety of activities available. You can go snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking, ziplining, bamboo river rafting, sailing, shopping, and exploring historic sites and local towns. There are several distinct tourist areas, each with its own character: Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
There are plenty of nightlife options and all sorts of restaurants from casual beach shacks to upscale gourmet. Jamaica also offers a diverse range of accommodations from inexpensive inns to vacation rentals to luxury resorts. The island is especially known for its many all-inclusive resorts, which range from affordable family options to romantic adults-only retreats.
Puerto Rico is located very close to the U.S. Virgin Islands and is also a territory of the United States (which means U.S. citizens can visit Puerto Rico without a passport and the dollar is the currency). This beautiful and friendly island has a wealth of things to offer visitors, from stunning beaches to rich history and culture to astonishing natural attractions like rainforests and bioluminescent bays to interesting towns to fabulous local cuisine and fun nightlife.
All types of watersports are great in Puerto Rico, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. You can find a range of accommodation types from affordable to ultraluxe. However, you will not find the vast array of all-inclusive resorts that you see in Jamaica.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Beaches
When it comes to beaches, both Jamaica and Puerto Rico have a lot to offer.
Jamaica Beaches
With over 635 miles of coastline, Jamaica has some lovely and well-known beaches, such as Frenchman’s Cove, Doctor’s Cove Beach, and Seven Mile Beach (often considered the most beautiful beach in all of Jamaica). These beaches are very tourist friendly and offer tons of amenities, so you can stay all day. They are also often crowded.
Puerto Rico Beaches
Puerto Rico is full of beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters along long stretches of coastline. They are perfect for a variety of water-based activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Some of the best beaches on the island include Condado, Culebra, Aguadilla, and Luquillo.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Cost
Jamaica and Puerto Rico are both relatively affordable destinations, although Jamaica is known as one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean. The cost of a trip to Jamaica or Puerto Rico can be inexpensive or pricey depending on when you go, what you do, and where you stay. Flights from the U.S. are about the same to both destinations.
One difference that can make for a more expensive vacation is that you won’t find all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, so you’ll need to spend money on food and activities as well as accommodations there.
To save money on either destination, look for deals online and travel during the shoulder or offseason. It can also be helpful to talk with an expert travel agent, who may have access to special discounts.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Weather
Because both Jamaica and Puerto Rico are Caribbean islands with very similar tropical weather. Temperatures are warm all year and there is a dry season and a rainy season. Both islands are susceptible to hurricanes, so if you’re traveling during hurricane season (June through November) be sure to pay attention to the forecast and get travel insurance.
Jamaica Weather
The best time to visit Jamaica is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April and offers tons of sun. However, this is also the high season, so it can be more expensive. Jamaica’s rainy season is between May and November. August, September, and October are when Jamaica experiences its highest threat of hurricanes.
Puerto Rico Weather
Puerto Rico’s dry season is also December to April and its rainy season is May through November. The optimum time to visit is between April and June. This is just outside of peak season, so hotel costs are cheaper and there are fewer crowds. Puerto Rico enjoys an average temperature of 80 degrees year-round.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Resorts
Both Jamaica and Puerto Rico have a ton of accommodation options. From high-end to budget-friendly, you’ll find great options for any type of traveler. The main difference is that Jamaica has a lot of all-inclusive resorts, while Puerto Rico does not.
Jamaica Resorts
Sandals Resorts
There are 7 adults-only all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica: Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Ochi.
Each of these luxurious resorts is set on a stunning beach and thoughtfully designed for the ultimate in romantic honeymoons or couples’ escapes. They feature a huge variety of complimentary watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; land activities such as tennis and golf; multiple amazing pools; a fitness center and a spa; and a wide range of restaurants and bars.
You’ll also find an extraordinary array of amazing accommodations, many of which feature upscale amenities like oversized soaking tubs for two, private plunge pools, and butler service. Honeymooners love the dreamy overwater bungalows. To help you choose the best one, check out our article on the best Sandals resorts in Jamaica.
Half Moon Resort
This elegant resort near Jamaica’s famous Montego Bay hosts celebrities, royalty, and everyone else on its breathtaking stretch of the Caribbean. A family-run hotel, Half Moon Resort features something for everyone, especially couples.
Foodies will love the fresh, locally sourced ingredients, used to create traditional Jamaican food and other delicious offerings at 4 restaurants. The romantic Sugar Mill Restaurant is one of the top restaurants on the island.
Choose from rooms, suites, or large villas with private pools and butler service. Enjoy 5 bars, multiple pools, watersports, golf, tennis, horseback riding, a fitness center, a playground, and a spa.
Puerto Rico Resorts
O:live Boutique Hotel
For an intimate stay located in Old San Juan, try O:live Boutique Hotel, which features just 15 charming rooms. The Mediterranean-style building is nestled in the exclusive Condado neighborhood just a short walk from the beach, and features lagoon views, an upscale steakhouse, and a chic rooftop bar.
Caribe Hilton
This beachfront resort in Old San Juan has been a popular classic since 1949 and has been extensively renovated. Enjoy a beautiful beach, multiple pools, lush landscaping featuring ponds, a swanky spa, 9 restaurants and bars, a kids’ club, a playground, and a minigolf course. All rooms at the Caribe Hilton have private balconies.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Things to Do
There are plenty of activities to enjoy on both islands, so the real trouble is in narrowing down your daily agenda.
Jamaica Activities
There are tons of things to do in Jamaica. Many people spend a lot of their time in Jamaica on the beach, but it’s not all just sunbathing and relaxing. Water sports are very popular due to the clear and calm water. You can go kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, parasailing, and jet skiing. You can also take banana boat rides and glass-bottom boat tours.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are excellent here. You can snorkel right off the beach in Montego Bay along thriving coral reefs that are just offshore. Or visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which allows snorkeling and scuba diving in its protected waters that are home to a wide variety of marine life. You can also go swimming with horses.
Jamaica also offers a variety of jungle safari tours that take you deep into the lush rainforests, where you’ll get to see some of the island’s abundant wildlife. You can also go ziplining through the rainforest, or rafting on a river. There are also historic sites to tour and local towns to explore. In the evening, there is plenty of vibrant nightlife to enjoy, especially in Montego Bay.
Puerto Rico Activities
Puerto Rico also offers plenty of breathtaking beaches to relax or be active on. You’ll find outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving, with calm water, vibrant coral reefs and plenty of marine life. There are also some beaches that offer surfing, as well as some smaller islands to visit like Vieques and Culebra. All sorts of other watersports are available here too.
On land, you can explore El Yunque Rainforest and enjoy hiking, ziplining, ATV tours, waterfalls, and swimming in natural pools. For a unique experience, take a kayak tour of a bioluminescent bay where glow-in-the-dark algae lights up the sea at night. Another option is to visit Guanica State Forest or the impressive cliffs of Los Morrillos.
Discover classic Puerto Rican culture in the colonial walled city of Old San Juan, home to a variety of historic sites, shops, and excellent restaurants. Visit cities on the island’s western coast like Rincon, Ponce, and Mayaguez and enjoy the laidback vibes and great sunsets. There is nightlife in Puerto Rico as well, from hip clubs in San Juan to spontaneous parties at casual beach bars throughout the island.
Jamaica or Puerto Rico: Safety
While we still consider Jamaica a safe place to travel to, it is less safe than Puerto Rico.
Recently there has been an increase in violent crime across Jamaica. And although it rarely happens to tourists, this has caused the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 3 “reconsider travel” alert for Jamaica. However, thousands of people visit here every year without issue. For more information, check out our article “Is Jamaica Safe?”.
Puerto Rico is known to be a safe vacation destination. In fact, it’s one of the safest Caribbean islands, with each municipality having its own Municipal Police Force and private properties (such as bars and hotels) featuring their own security. However, crime does occur. Most crime that affects tourists is petty theft.
Regardless of which island you choose, be sure to follow common sense safety precautions, and pay attention to the weather if traveling during hurricane season.
The Verdict: Which Is Better, Jamaica or Puerto Rico?
Jamaica and Puerto Rico are two of the top destinations in the Caribbean for good reason. You’ll find tons of amazing things to do, beautiful beaches, great food, and a relaxed culture on both of these gorgeous islands.
This decision to visit Jamaica or Puerto Rico is really a matter of personal preference. Let us know which one you choose! And if you’d like help planning your trip, feel free to reach out to one of our expert travel advisors!