Negril travel guide
JM

Negril

A long beach and clifftop sunsets at Jamaica’s laid-back western tip

Photo by VV Nincic (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
LanguageEnglish
CurrencyJMD
Best Time to VisitDec – Apr

Negril sits at Jamaica’s western tip. To the north runs Seven Mile Beach, a long strip of sand lined with low-rise hotels and beach bars; to the south, the West End has cliffs where people swim and jump into clear water.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck western Jamaica in October 2025. Recovery is well advanced, but some hotels and services in the west were still reopening in late 2026; check your hotel and any tours before you travel. In Negril, many independent hotels along Seven Mile Beach were operating again in 2026, and several larger resorts were scheduled to reopen from late August 2026.

Top Sights in Negril

Seven Mile Beach in Negril

Seven Mile Beach

The long beach has calm water for swimming, with water sports, bars and restaurants along the sand.

Expect vendors; a polite “no thanks” usually works.

Photo: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Rick’s Café on the cliffs

Rick’s Café

This clifftop bar on the West End draws crowds for sunset and for watching divers jump from the rocks.

Only jump if you are a confident swimmer; heights vary.

Photo: Simson Petrol, CC0

Negril Lighthouse

Negril Lighthouse

The lighthouse at the island’s western point dates from the 1890s. Cliffside hotels and restaurants line the road nearby.

Photo: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bloody Bay in Negril

Bloody Bay

North of Seven Mile Beach, this quieter bay is lined with resorts. Boat trips run to Booby Cay offshore.

Photo: wardyboy400, CC BY 2.0

Eating & Drinking

Try jerk from roadside stands, fresh lobster in season, fish with bammy, and patties. Beach bars serve cocktails and Red Stripe.

The West End has relaxed cliffside restaurants for sunset dinners.

Getting There & Around

Negril is about 1.5 hours by road from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport. Shuttles, licensed taxis and Knutsford Express coaches run the route.

Route taxis run along the beach road and the West End.

Best Time to Visit Negril

Jan
25°C
Dry, peak season
Feb
25°C
Dry, peak season
Mar
26°C
Dry, busy
Apr
27°C
Dry, shoulder season
May
28°C
Rainier
Jun
28°C
Hurricane season starts
Jul
29°C
Hot
Aug
29°C
Hot, hurricane season
Sep
28°C
Peak hurricane risk
Oct
28°C
Peak hurricane risk, rain
Nov
27°C
Rain easing
Dec
26°C
Dry, peak season starts

What Does Negril Cost?

Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, often at a rounded rate. Many visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts, which changes the budget considerably.

Budget
US$60–100 / day
Accommodation
Guesthouse or cottage
US$40–70
Food
Jerk and local food
US$15–25
Transport
Route taxis
a few dollars

Mid-range
US$170–280 / day
Accommodation
Beach or cliff hotel
US$120–200
Food
Restaurants
US$40–60
Activities
Boat trip or snorkelling
US$30–70

Splurge
US$450+ / day
Accommodation
All-inclusive resort
US$350+
Food
Included
–
Activities
Private catamaran
US$100+

Prices are approximate; check current rates.

3 Days in Negril

Beach and cliffs.

Day 1
Beach

Swim and relax on Seven Mile Beach.

Day 2
West End

Snorkel off the cliffs, see the lighthouse and watch sunset at Rick’s Café.

Day 3
Excursion

Take a boat to Booby Cay, or visit Mayfield Falls or YS Falls if open.

Travel Tips

Sunset

Arrive early at the cliffs for sunset seats.

Check status

Confirm your hotel and tours are running after the 2025 hurricane.

Swim safe

Check sea conditions before cliff jumping.

Taxis

Agree fares before you ride.

Common Questions about Negril

Quick answers for planning time in Negril.

Is Negril open after Hurricane Melissa?

Yes, many hotels on Seven Mile Beach and the West End are operating, with more reopening through 2026.

How far is Negril from Montego Bay airport?

About 1.5 hours by road.

Can you cliff jump at Rick’s Café?

Yes, from several heights, at your own risk.

Is Negril good for families?

Seven Mile Beach is calm and family-friendly; the West End suits strong swimmers.

When is the best time to visit Negril?

December to April.

Useful Apps

Useful apps for Jamaica.

Google Maps

Offline maps help on mountain and coast roads.

Free

Google Translate

Camera mode translates menus and signs.

Free

WhatsApp

Guides, drivers and guesthouses often take bookings by message.

Free

GetYourGuide

Bookable tours and day trips.

Free

More in Jamaica

Planning a wider trip? Our Jamaica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.

✓Content last reviewed: October 2026 by the traveling-to.com editorial team.
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