Why Go to Negril
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Negril is Jamaica at its most laid-back. Known as the Capital of Casual, this town on the island's western tip is famous for reggae rhythms, warm hospitality and sunsets so spectacular that watching them is a nightly ritual.
The town has two sides. Seven Mile Beach stretches along the coast with soft white sand and calm turquoise water that feels like a giant swimming pool, perfect for swimming, snorkeling and lazy days. On the West End, dramatic limestone cliffs drop straight into the sea, with caves to explore and cliffside restaurants. At Rick's Cafe, watch brave locals and visitors leap from the cliffs into the deep blue water as the sun goes down. Low-rise buildings keep the skyline green, and Negril still has a relaxed, bohemian charm. Take a boat to Booby Cay, explore the wetlands of the Great Morass, and enjoy spicy jerk chicken and fresh seafood right on the beach.
Negril is about 90 minutes from Montego Bay's airport. I'll match you with the right resort, from all-inclusives on Seven Mile Beach to boutique hideaways on the cliffs, and arrange your transfers and excursions.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, couples, honeymooners, snorkelers and sunset chasers
BEST MONTHS
November to April
EXPLORE
- Seven Mile Beach: The main strip of sand, lined with resorts, beach bars and restaurants.
- Bloody Bay: A quieter bay to the north, home to larger all-inclusive resorts.
- Negril Village: The small town center at the river mouth, with markets and local shops.
- West End: The cliffside area with boutique hotels, Rick's Café and the lighthouse.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Negril
North America › Greater Antilles › Jamaica › Westmoreland
Seven miles of sand, cliffside sunsets and Jamaica's most laid-back vibe.
Bohemian
Relaxed
Sunset
Coastal
Rhythmic
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Split your stay: a few nights on Seven Mile Beach for the sand, then a night or two on the West End cliffs for snorkeling, cliff jumping and the best sunsets.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Walk it end to end in the early morning, before the vendors and day crowds arrive.
Seven Mile Beach
One of the Caribbean's most famous beaches, a long sweep of white sand and gentle water lined with resorts, beach bars and fishing boats.
Arrive by 4 p.m. to grab a good spot along the rail before the sunset rush.
Rick's Café
This cliffside bar on the West End is a Negril institution, with daring cliff divers, live reggae and front-row seats for sunset.
Bring water shoes and snorkel gear; many cliff hotels let non-guests swim for the price of lunch.
West End Cliffs
Beyond Rick's, the cliffs are dotted with small hotels and ladders down to swimming coves with crystal-clear water and colorful fish.
Pair it with a late-afternoon drink at a nearby cliff bar.
Negril Lighthouse
Standing on Jamaica's westernmost point since 1894, the lighthouse looks out over the rugged cliffs and open sea.
It's the place to go when the main beach feels busy.
Bloody Bay
A quieter, sheltered bay north of Seven Mile Beach, with calm water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding.
A boutique hideaway of thatched cottages carved into the cliffs, with sea-cave dining, ladders into the water and some of the island's best sunset views.
The Caves
West End Cliffs
Boutique · Adults-Only
Stylish thatched villas and a cliff-edge infinity pool make this one of Negril's most beloved small hotels, with an excellent restaurant.
Rockhouse Hotel
West End Cliffs
Boutique
An adults-only, all-inclusive resort for couples on the calm waters of Bloody Bay, with water sports and a relaxed atmosphere.
Couples Negril
Bloody Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An all-inclusive couples' resort on one of the best stretches of Seven Mile Beach, with multiple restaurants, pools and water sports.
Sandals Negril
Seven Mile Beach
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A fun, design-forward boutique hotel on the sand, with a lively beach scene and easy access to the bars and restaurants along the beach.
Skylark Negril Beach Resort
Seven Mile Beach
Beach · Value
The family all-inclusive on Seven Mile Beach, with a water park, kids' clubs and calm water.
Beaches Negril Resort & Spa
Seven Mile Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A modern all-inclusive with swim-up suites and a separate adults-only section, good for families and couples.
Royalton Negril
Seven Mile Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive known for its sports complex and beautiful beach.
Couples Swept Away
Seven Mile Beach
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
Charming cliffside cottages above the sea, close to Rick's Café and the West End's restaurants.
Catcha Falling Star
West End Cliffs
Boutique · Value
A simple, friendly beach hotel on Seven Mile Beach that offers excellent value.
Negril Treehouse Resort
Seven Mile Beach
Value · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Negril
High 85°F · Low 78°F · Rain 3.4 in
Drier weather returns and the high season begins in time for Thanksgiving getaways.
The best time to visit Negril is November through April, when days are sunny and dry and the sea is calm. Spring break brings a lively crowd in March. Summer is hotter with occasional showers and lower rates, while hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit Negril
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Negril eats like the rest of Jamaica, only slower: jerk smoking by the roadside, fresh fish on the grill and rum punch at sunset.
- Beach bars: Grab grilled lobster in season, red snapper and cold Red Stripe right on Seven Mile Beach.
- Jerk shacks: Look for smoky roadside jerk centers serving chicken and pork with hard dough bread and festival.
- Must-try: Ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken, escovitch fish, patties and a classic rum punch.
06
Walking
The beach is perfect for walking between bars and restaurants, but the cliff road has no sidewalks, so take a taxi after dark.
05
Water Taxis & Boats
Boat operators along Seven Mile Beach run trips to Booby Cay, the reef and the cliffs.
04
Rental Cars
Driving is on the left and roads can be narrow and busy. A car is useful for day trips, but most visitors are happy without one.
03
Route Taxis & Licensed Taxis
Licensed taxis display red PP plates. Route taxis run along the beach road and the West End for a small fare, while chartered taxis are best for longer trips.
02
Airport Transfers
Most visitors pre-book a shared shuttle or private transfer; many resorts include one in their packages.
01
Flying In
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay is about 75 to 90 minutes from Negril by road, with nonstop flights from many U.S. cities.
Most travelers fly into Montego Bay and take a transfer to Negril. Once you're here, the beach is easy to walk, licensed and route taxis cover the beach road and the cliffs, and boat operators run trips along the coast.
Getting Around Negril