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Negril
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Jamaica
Did you know?
- Guinep Corner serves ackee-and-saltfish breakfasts and goat curry dinners.
- Rick's Cafe faces the sunset from coastal cliffs.
- Glass-bottom boats are used for snorkeling outings.
See also
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Kingston
Jamaica17.97°N 76.79°W · 9 m
Overview
Negril combines white-sand beaches with a rocky cliff coast in western Jamaica. Clear, warm water and a relaxed resort atmosphere shape a stay here.
Languages: English, Jamaican Patois
Why Go?
Negril is a major tourist destination in Western Jamaica famous for its 7 miles (11 km) of cool, white sand beaches and another 7 miles of 40-foot cliffs. One of the most beautiful towns in Jamaica, it has a more laid-back atmosphere than Montego Bay and is more touristy than Ocho Rios. The water is remarkably clear and warm, with the sand getting whiter and softer the farther down the beach you go toward the all-inclusives.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Take a 60- to 90-minute shuttle van ride to Negril along the scenic north coast traveling west. Many companies and taxis provide airport transfer services to Negril.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The least expensive way to get around is by Route Taxis. Current rates (2025) are $200 Jamaica dollars along the beachfront road to the roundabout in Negril township, with 100 more for any point past this around the cliffs. From the Rui Resort on Bloody Bay to downtown Negril costs about $2 per person, and from Rui to Rick's Cafe about $4 per person. Double the fare if catching a route taxi at night. Drivers not affiliated with Route Taxis often charge over $10 per person.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
Negril can be visited year-round, with peak season during the winter months when North American travelers escape cold weather. The summer months offer lower prices and fewer crowds. Sunset watching at Rick's Cafe is a must-do experience any time of year.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Negril offers accommodation ranging from luxury all-inclusive resorts on Bloody Bay to budget-friendly options like Judy House Cottages (US$54) and the Sue's One 4 the Road Backpacker Hostel. The Negril Yoga Center offers peaceful villas from US$30-65 with daily yoga lessons for US$10. For character, try the Rock House, one of the first hotels on Negril's cliffs when built in 1972, or Blue Cave Castle built 50 feet above an old pirate cave from US$50-120.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Local specialties include Sugar Cane, Coconut Jelly Meat, and Jerk Chicken. Sweet Spice Restaurant comes highly recommended by locals for oxtail and cheaper lobster than the beach. Guinep Corner on West Land Mountain Road serves authentic Jamaican dishes from fried fish and chicken to Ackee & Saltfish breakfasts and goat curry dinners for around $400 JMD. Drink fresh coconut water straight from the tree or enjoy Rum Fruit Punch and Red Stripe Beer. The SamSara Hotel has buy-one-get-one-free happy hour from 4-7PM daily.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Take a snorkel tour in one of Negril's glass bottom boats, which is highly recommended. Watch the famous Negril sunset from Rick's Cafe on the cliffs. The Martha Bray River is described as a magnificent river, one of the longest in Jamaica. Walking along the beach from the far end to town takes under an hour if you follow the shoreline where trees block the way.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Use common sense, especially at night. Negril is generally considered safer than most large American cities. Beach areas and tourist zones are well-policed.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
Walk along the beach from the far end of the beach to town in under an hour by following the shoreline where trees block the way and then taking to the grass along the water. Tour guides can be hired cheaply for exploring the area with local flair. One local favorite is Sexy Rexy, a Rastafarian tour guide. Rick's Cafe is a good place to ask for referrals to find tour guides.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Blue Cave Castle
A castle built 50 ft above an old pirates cave, on the cliffs. The views are incredible and all of the rooms face the ocean. The rooms are large with a veranda. The superior rooms have cable TV, CD players, remote control air conditioning, fans, and refrigerators. From US$50, to the huge $120 castle-top penthouse, with its 360-degree views of Negril.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hedonism Resorts
All-inclusive resort with adults-only fare nude resort.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay
Victorian-style resort is in Bloody Bay. 416 rooms offer deluxe accommodation, including a mini-bar and liquor dispenser in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Array of buffet dishes and à la carte options at the resort or take advantage of exchange programme privileges at the Riu Negril. Live music and Riu's theme shows.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Judy House Cottages
This is really living life in a Jamaican community just minutes away from Negril's beautiful beaches, local cook shops, fantastic restaurants. Two cosy, fully equipped cottages or Sue's One 4 the Road Backpacker Hostel rooms, nestling in the back of Sue's amazing tropical garden.
Recorded price: US$54
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Moon Dance Cliffs Resort and Spa
Moon Dance Cliffs is a 22-room boutique hotel with four royal Villas that overlook the Caribbean Sea. The on-site restaurant and bars feature Jamaican and American cuisines. The spectacular ft2
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Negril Tree House Resort
Not an all inclusive but close enough with room service, a bar/restaurant, pool, hot tub, towels for the beach at the front desk, and a free buffet breakfast. The two bedroom suites at the top of the treehouse-style rooms have a master bedroom with a bidé and double sinks in the master bath, a full size fridge, a washer, cooking utensils, dining room table, DVD player with cable in the living room, cable, TV in both bedrooms, remote controlled serious air conditioners and ceiling fans in all rooms. The cleaning service washes all the dishes and will do your laundry if you are feeling too lazy to use the washing machine. There are also a hammock, and a little hammock-like swing on the private open air covered deck at the entrance to the room. They also have one bedroom suites at ground level.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Negril Yoga Center
Quiet & peaceful collection of small cozy villas. Has daily yoga lessons for US$10. Kitchen provides vegetarian fare.
Recorded price: US$30-65 (double occupancy)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Riu Negril
420 deluxe rooms, a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach just minutes away from shopping area and nightlife. The resort offers renowned mini-bar and liquor dispenser, along with a complete programme of daytime activities and nightly entertainment. Dine at any of the tempting buffets and the à la carte specialty restaurants or enjoy a drink at one of our cosy bars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Local specialties include Jerk Chicken, Sugar Cane, and Coconut Jelly Meat. Sweet Spice Restaurant and Guinep Corner are local favorites.
Money
US dollars are accepted almost anywhere on the island. Roadside sellers use calculators and know current exchange rates. Bargaining is expected at the tourist crafts market.
Safety
Generally safer than most large American cities. Use common sense, especially at night.
Transport
Route Taxis cost $200-300 JMD along the beachfront. Private taxis charge over $10 per person. Walking along the beach is a free alternative.