Are There Alligators or Crocodiles in Jamaica?

Lawrence Henrique is being lauded as Jamaica’s ‘crocodile guardian’ due to his dedication to saving the nation’s American crocodile population. The species has been declining for years, but Henrique is attempting to change this. He owns and operates Holland Crocodile Sanctuary, where he cares for and microchips juvenile crocodiles before turning them loose into the wild. Between 2022 and 2024, Henrique chipped and released 79 crocodiles. He further advocates for changes to combat habitat loss from developments and to prevent poaching for crocodile meat. His dedication to the species is admirable.

While the first thing many think of when they think of Jamaica is sandy beaches and clear water, over a dozen different biomes exist on the small island that hosts a wealth of different animal life, including crocodiles. Amid the forests and jungles of Jamaica are canals, ponds, and low-level bodies of water that make the perfect home for reptiles.

This post was updated on June 12, 2025 to include information about Jamaica’s ‘crocodile guardian.’

Are There Alligators or Crocodile in Jamaica?

Believe it or not, there are no alligators in Jamaica and only one native species of crocodile. 

If you see a dinosaur-esque creature wading in the water in Jamaica, chances are it’s an American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), not an American alligator. 

Often confused for the American alligator, the American crocodile has a multitude of differences in its body and mannerisms that set it apart. First, the color of an American crocodile is much duller than that of an American alligator. Adult American crocodiles have a light grayish-green appearance while the crocodile has a much darker and deeper green-brown color. The snout of an American crocodile is also a dead giveaway — these crocodiles have a triangularly shaped snout that narrows toward the nose while the alligator has a flat, broad snout.

Where Are the Crocodiles in Jamaica?

American crocodiles do not inhabit the entire island of Jamaica. There’s only a specific strip of land where you can find this crocodile. Along the southern coast, from St. Thomas to Westmoreland, American crocodiles make their nests in swamps and wetlands. 

Outside of this stretch of land, you’ll only encounter small populations in places like the quiet, brackish water areas in Hanover and Trelawny. The main factor for an American crocodile nesting site is a good supply of food. 

Practicing Safety When Encountering Crocodiles in Jamaica

If you’re going to Jamaica for the beaches, there’s a high chance you won’t encounter a crocodile at all. However, if you go to Jamaica to venture off the beaten path into the jungles, forests, and wetlands, you’ll probably see traces of the American crocodile.

As a rule, don’t bathe, fish, or swim in water that crocodiles may frequent. This is brackish or swampy water away from noises. American crocodiles will eat anything and everything smaller than them. Even if you don’t see a crocodile, pockets of water where piles of refuse collect or a common space where livestock gathers may already be a hunting ground.

Humans aren’t naturally the prey of the American crocodile. Keep your distance and you’ll likely stay safe.