This coastal town on Jamaica's western edge has white sand beaches stretching 7 miles, 40-foot limestone cliffs, and clear waters. Local divers perform at Rick's Café while reggae plays at sunset.
Negril stretches along Jamaica's western coast, where white sand meets limestone cliffs. You'll find locals diving from 40-foot cliffs at Rick's Café, reggae bands playing at beach bars, and fishing boats bringing fresh catch to waterfront restaurants. Walk along Seven Mile Beach's bright sand, snorkel among coral reefs, or float down the Great River on a bamboo raft while your captain shares stories about the surrounding countryside.
Getting to Negril
Negril lies 81 kilometers southwest of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Two minibus companies run regular services from the airport's lobby, coordinating with flight arrivals. Many all-inclusive resorts include airport shuttles in their packages. The 90-minute coastal drive passes fishing villages and gives you views of the Caribbean Sea.
Seven Mile Beach
The beach curves through two bays - Bloody Bay in the north and Long Bay in the south. Bright white sand runs its entire length, meeting clear, shallow waters where you can wade far from shore. Palm trees create patches of shade along the beach. Local vendors walk by with fresh coconuts and tropical fruits. Glass-bottom boats line the shore, ready to take you to nearby snorkeling spots.
West End Cliffs
The West End Road winds along 40-foot limestone cliffs south of downtown. Coral reefs grow close to shore, creating multiple snorkeling and diving locations. Local guides know the safest entry points for swimming and snorkeling. At Rick's Café, built into the cliffside, you'll see local divers jumping from platforms while the sun sets over the Caribbean.
Water Activities
You'll find water sports year-round in Negril's calm seas. Join a snorkeling tour to see coral reefs, take a glass-bottom boat ride, or learn scuba diving at local diving schools. On the Great River, skilled captains guide 30-foot bamboo rafts downstream through the countryside. Several beach vendors rent water skiing and wakeboarding equipment along Seven Mile Beach.
Local Food Scene
Jamaican jerk chicken and fresh seafood dominate local menus. At Sweet Spice Restaurant, cooks prepare dishes like curry goat, oxtail stew, and ackee with saltfish. Small open-air restaurants line the beach road, giving you sea views during meals. Many kitchens buy fish directly from boats that dock each morning.
Nightlife
When darkness falls, Norman Manley Boulevard fills with reggae music. Beach bars host live bands, while the Jungle Night Club draws crowds until early morning. Restaurants push back their tables to make space for dancing. Local musicians play reggae, dancehall, and contemporary Caribbean music at beachfront venues.
About Negril
Spanish sailors named the area "Negrillo" in 1494, meaning 'little black ones' - possibly referring to the dark cliffs or black eels near the coast. The town remained a quiet fishing port until the 1950s. Backpackers discovered its beaches and cliffs in the 1960s, and the first resort opened in 1977. Today, strict building codes keep buildings below the height of palm trees, preserving the town's character.
