Negril, being a smaller and quieter town, is generally safer. Similar opportunistic crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, though, so a bit of extra carefulness goes a long way.
Montego Bay is generally considered safe during the day, but it is best to exercise caution at night. Tourists should avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas, and should be aware of their surroundings. It is also recommended to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.
For beaches and water sports, Negril and the north coast are your best bets. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios combine excellent dining scenes with proximity to natural attractions and buzzy nightlife, though when it comes to the Jamaican music scene, Kingston – the capital – reigns supreme.
Though both countries pose a medium to high level of risk, Mexico seems to offer more peace of mind. However, in my opinion, that is due to its size and greater choice of tourist destinations to visit. Jamaica of course offers this but the options are limited.
Jamaica - Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Reconsider travel to Jamaica due to crime. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to many areas due to increased risk.