Explore Negril

Negril is a town in western Jamaica. It’s known for its miles of sandy beaches on shallow bays with calm, turquoise waters. Seven Mile Beach, particularly the portion overlooking Long Bay, is lined with bars, restaurants and resorts, many of them international and all-inclusive. Long Bay opens onto a lagoon protected by coral reefs and is a snorkeling and scuba-diving destination. ― Google

🌴 Negril Travel Guide


Best Time to Visit:

  • December to April (dry season): Ideal for perfect beach days, warm water, and lively nightlife.

  • May to November: Off-season with fewer tourists and better hotel deals, though there's a chance of rain or hurricanes (especially August–October).

How to Get There:

  • By Air:

    • Fly into Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay), about 1.5 hours from Negril by car or shuttle.

  • By Road:

    • Reachable by bus, private transfer, or rental car from Montego Bay or Kingston.

  • By Cruise:

    • Negril isn’t a major cruise port, but tours often bring visitors here from Montego Bay.

Top Attractions:

  • Seven Mile Beach: One of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches — soft white sand, turquoise water, beach bars, and live music.

  • Rick’s Café: Cliff diving, stunning sunset views, and live reggae music.

  • Negril Lighthouse: Historic lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views.

  • Royal Palm Reserve: Nature trails and birdwatching in a peaceful wetland preserve.

  • Booby Cay Island: A small island offshore, great for snorkeling and grilled lobster picnics.

Activities to Do:

  • Swimming and snorkeling in clear, calm waters.

  • Scuba diving — Negril Reef and nearby caves are popular.

  • Sunset watching — especially from Rick’s Café or a catamaran cruise.

  • Cliff jumping — for the daring, try the ledges at Rick’s Café.

  • Glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

  • Horseback riding on the beach or in the countryside.

  • Explore caves and springs like Blue Hole Mineral Spring (a short drive away).

Accommodation:

  • Luxury Resorts: The Caves, Sandals Negril, Couples Swept Away.

  • Boutique Hotels: Rockhouse Hotel, Sunset at the Palms.

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Negril Tree House, Travelers Beach Resort.

  • All-Inclusive Resorts: RIU Negril, Hedonism II (adults only).

Food and Restaurants:

  • Local Dishes to Try:

    • Jerk chicken or pork

    • Curried goat

    • Fried plantains

    • Ital (Rastafarian vegan food)

    • Escovitch fish

  • Popular Spots:

    • Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant (romantic clifftop dining)

    • 3 Dives Jerk Centre (authentic and casual)

    • Pushcart (modern twist on Jamaican cuisine)

    • Murphy’s West End (family-run, delicious local food)

Local Culture:

  • Negril is famous for its chilled-out atmosphere and friendly locals.

  • Reggae music fills the air in restaurants and beach bars.

  • Rastafarian influence is seen in the food, crafts, and spiritual outlook.

  • Local markets sell handmade goods, wood carvings, and art.

  • Negril’s culture is all about slow living, beach vibes, and nature appreciation.