Choose Jamaica if…
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
Choose Punta Cana if…
- guests are staying longer and want day trips
- you love the setting: long white beaches, warm Caribbean water and big all-inclusive resorts that make hosting a crowd easy
Side by side
| Jamaica | Punta Cana | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | December to April | December to April |
| Getting there | Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay is 10 to 30 minutes from most Montego Bay resorts and about 1h30 from Negril. | Punta Cana International (PUJ) is 15 to 30 minutes from most resorts, with direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Activity prices | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 11 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 8 | 7 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 4 |
| Adventure activities | 6 | 6 |
| Full-day trips | 2 | 3 |
| Seasonal activities | 0 | 0 |
| Budget eats on our list | 4 | 3 |
| Currency | Jamaican dollar (JMD). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. | Dominican peso (DOP). US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and tourist businesses. |
| Tipping | Around 10 to 15% if no service charge is on the bill. Some all-inclusive resorts have a no-tipping policy. | Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge by law, plus tax. An extra 5 to 10% for good service is appreciated, as are small tips for resort staff. |
| Dinner time | Dinner usually from 7 to 10 pm. | Dinner usually from 7 to 10 pm. Resort à la carte restaurants often need a reservation. |
Top group activities in Jamaica
- Dunn's River Falls and Ocho Rios day trip. Climb the famous terraced waterfall hand in hand with a guide, then relax on the beach.
- Martha Brae bamboo rafting. Float down a calm river on a bamboo raft steered by a local raftsman.
- Sunset at Rick's Café with cliff jumping. Watch locals dive from the cliffs in Negril, or jump yourself, as the sun goes down.
- Catamaran snorkel cruise in Montego Bay. Sail to the marine park, snorkel the reef and cruise back with rum punch.
Top group activities in Punta Cana
- Saona Island catamaran day trip. Sail to a palm-fringed island in a national park, stop at the natural pool with starfish, and have lunch on the beach.
- Catamaran snorkel cruise along the reef. Snorkel the coral reef off Bávaro, then cruise back with music and an open bar.
- Dune buggy tour to Macao Beach and a cave pool. Drive muddy country tracks, swim in a cenote-style cave and visit a local ranch.
- Scape Park: Hoyo Azul and zip lines. Swim in the bright blue Hoyo Azul pool at the foot of a cliff and fly over the forest on zip lines.
Questions couples ask
Is Jamaica or Punta Cana better for a destination wedding?
Choose Jamaica if you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat. Choose Punta Cana if guests are staying longer and want day trips.
When is the best time for a wedding in Jamaica and Punta Cana?
Jamaica: December to April. Punta Cana: December to April.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Jamaica or Punta Cana?
Jamaica: Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay is 10 to 30 minutes from most Montego Bay resorts and about 1h30 from Negril. Punta Cana: Punta Cana International (PUJ) is 15 to 30 minutes from most resorts, with direct flights from the US, Canada and Europe.
Made your choice?
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