Jamaica vs Panama
Which is Better For Your Vacation?

New! See the real Jamaica in VIDEOS!
Click Here and see why over 140,000 fans are raving about my YouTube Channel!

Jamaica vs Panama | Seven Mile Beach - Negril

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Like Jamaica, Panama has hoards of tourists flock to its shores yearly for vacation. Both countries are equally charming but in very contrasting ways. Here are a few tips to help you plan your next tropical vacation.

Jamaica vs Panama: Beaches

Jamaica is completely surrounded by the Caribbean while Panamanian shores are washed by the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. This makes for unique beach experiences in Panama.

Just as with Jamaica, the Caribbean Sea is just as warm and calm as Panama. However, if you would love to surf or enjoy a sport that calls for more rugged waters, then head to the pacific side instead.

Jamaica vs Panama: Excursions and Tours

Jamaica seems to have more excursions of the two countries outside of beach-related activities.

Jamaica vs Panama: Budget

Panama has long since been known for having cheaper prices for clothes and cost of living/visiting. All-inclusive resorts also seem to be cheaper in Panama compared to Jamaica.

However, it is more expensive to get to Panama than it is to get to Jamaica in most cases. While airfare fluctuates based on demand, Panama is farther south than Jamaica from North America, Canada and Europe which means the flights will generally be more expensive.

Jamaica vs Panama: Accommodations

While we have established that Panama has cheaper accommodations when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, Jamaica seems to have a wider selection of accommodation types and varying levels of luxury and price.

Jamaica vs Panama: Weather

Both countries are located in the tropics; as such, the temperatures are generally the same, give or take a few degrees on some days. The major differences that I think you might need to consider are the hours of sunshine and rainy days for each country.

Jamaica has on average more sunny hours and fewer rainy days than Panama by a considerable amount. So, if you are planning many outdoor activities Jamaica might be the better option. But if you don’t mind the rain just be sure to pack for this weather.

You can always check the weather forecast beforehand. Although it is not 100% accurate, it will help.

Jamaica vs Panama: Language

Panama is a Spanish-speaking country, meaning there might be a barrier if you cannot. Jamaica speaks English predominantly, which is a more well-known language. If you are planning to venture outside of your resort, it might be easier to communicate in Jamaica than in Panama.

Jamaica vs Panama: Cuisine

Panamanian cuisine has mainly been influenced by Spanish, African, Chinese, Indian and American cultures.

Since Panama is located in the tropics they rely on tropical foods, such as plantains, pineapples, yuca, corn, and seafood. It is closely akin to Creole with lots of spices, flavours, colours, and herbs.

Jamaican cuisine is based on African, European, Asian, Indian, and even the far east among others.
We are a culinary melting pot that reflects the myriad of cultural influences that touched the island over the centuries. Our local Jamaican cuisine is heavy on fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, typically grown and sourced locally.

You'll also find fresh fish and plenty of spices such as pimento, Scotch bonnet pepper and curry. Foods prepared with a Rastafarian flair are also likely to thrill your taste buds.

According to the Cambridge World Atlas of Food, Jamaica is listed as having 11 distinct foods, including ginger, hot pepper, sorrel, pimento and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee. That’s compared to 9 in France and 13 in Italy, countries that are considered foodie institutions.

Jamaica vs Panama: Nightlife

While Jamaica has a buzzing nightlife, mainly concentrated in Kingston and Montego Bay, it is more well-known for laidback nightly entertainment.

Some hotels have bridged this gap by having day and night parties for those who look forward to this on vacation, Riu and Breathless hotels are popular for this reason.

I am sure if you go looking, you will find a raving dancehall party to attend, you will find one. However, that is usually on or closer to the weekends.

Jamaica vs Panama: Family Vacations

Jamaica wins family vacations as there are more hotels, other types of accommodations, excursions and restaurants that focus on a family experience here than in Panama.

Some all-inclusive resorts have kids' clubs, pools and other activities specifically for children, while family resorts will go a step further to include nannies, cribs and other services that will make vacationing with a family of any size less hectic and very fulfilling.

Jamaica vs Panama: Couple’s Trips

Whether you are an adventurous or laid-back couple, Jamaica has the offering that is perfect for you. Couples/Adults-only resorts provide romantic getaways for visitors and it won’t be hard to find one ready to assist with planning a wedding, anniversary or any other milestone you are celebrating. Some adult-only resorts in Jamaica also have clothing-optional sections for a little more freedom.

Jamaica vs Panama: Solo-Trips

Both countries have concerns when it comes to safety and I think it would be rather disingenuous to say one is safer than the other. Being in unfamiliar territory means you should err on the side of caution. This does not mean you should be afraid, but rather be careful.

As with most countries in the world, there are a few places in both of these countries that should be avoided but this will not be difficult as the attractions, hotels and other exciting offerings are not located there.

I hope your vacation is exciting and fun-filled. Just in case you haven’t finished packing yet, here is a little list of essentials for Jamaica.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Caribbean Countries from Jamaica vs Panama
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Jamaica vs Panama

References & Sources For Jamaica vs Panama

1. 20 traditional Panamanian Foods (2022) Insanely Good Recipes. Available at: https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/panamanian-foods/ (Accessed: January 2, 2023).
2. Climate Comparison: Jamaica / Panama (no date) Worlddata.info. Available at: https://www.worlddata.info/climate-comparison.php?r1=jamaica&r2=panama (Accessed: January 2, 2023).
3. Helling, A.A. (2022) Is Panama safe?: Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Travellers Available at: https://travellersworldwide.com/is-panama-safe/#:~:text=What%20is%20this%3F,-Report%20Ad&text=Panama%20is%20considered%20a%20safe,trouble%20on%20your%20Panama%20vacation (Accessed: January 2, 2023).
4. Jamaica vs Panama comparison: Cost of living, prices, salary (2022) Livingcost.org. Available at: https://livingcost.org/cost/jamaica/panama (Accessed: January 2, 2023).

Jamaica vs Panama | Written: January 2, 2022

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

NEW! 

Join the growing list of well-thinking,  Jamaica-Loving folks in our vibrant Private Community

👇🏿

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. Jamaican Oats Porridge Recipe! Simple and Delicious

   Apr 19, 24 01:49 PM

   
   Yes! Oats porridge, the breakfast of champions! This simple dish is a go-to for most of us. Don’t you want to give the Jamaican Oats Porridge recipe a try?

   Read More

2. Jamaican Passion Fruit Juice | Refreshing, Delicious, Nutritious!

   Apr 18, 24 05:14 PM

   
   Summer is fast approaching. We’ll need many refreshing drinks to take through the warm sunny weather. Why not add Jamaican passion fruit juice to the list?

   Read More

3. Lime Cay Jamaica | A Jamaican Beach Adventure!

   Apr 18, 24 10:21 AM

   
   I am convinced some of the most pristine beaches in the world are right here in Jamaica. Here’s one you might not have heard of, Lime Cay Jamaica!

   Read More

4. The Iberostar Rose Hall Beach All-Inclusive Hotel

   Apr 17, 24 04:33 PM

   
   In Montego Bay, hotels are a dime a dozen. It’s sometimes hard to choose where to stay. If you are considering Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, here’s what to expect.

   Read More

5. Must Have Experiences In Jamaica...That Don’t Include The Beach

   Apr 17, 24 11:25 AM

   
   Jamaica boasts many beaches, of which we are immensely proud. But, take a step back from the sand and sea for some other must have experiences in Jamaica.

   Read More