Negril - Relaxation Squared

If Montego Bay has energy, Negril is Jamaica with the volume turned down.

The town is famous for its laid-back personality, spectacular Caribbean water, long beaches and sunsets that have been attracting travelers for generations.

Plan on roughly 1½ to 2 hours each way by road, depending upon traffic and your exact destination.

That makes it a legitimate day trip—but one I wouldn't rush.

My ideal Negril day: leave Montego Bay late morning, spend the afternoon at the beach, then finish at sunset before heading home.

Negril Seven Mile Beach is the centerpiece.

This is the Jamaica people picture in their heads: long stretches of pale sand, warm clear Caribbean water, beach bars, music and a decidedly relaxed atmosphere. Jamaica's tourism board specifically identifies Seven Mile Beach as the experience visitors shouldn't miss in Negril. 

Swim.

Walk the beach.

Grab lunch barefoot.

Snorkel.

Order a Red Stripe.

And don't schedule too much.

Negril is better when you stop looking at the clock.

Toward late afternoon, head to Rick's Cafe on Negril's West End.

Perched on the cliffs above the Caribbean, Rick's has been there since 1974 and became famous for its cliff divers and spectacular sunsets. The Jamaica Tourist Board describes it as one of the country's premier sunset locations. 

You don't have to jump.

Watching someone else launch themselves off a 35-foot cliff while you hold a cold drink is perfectly acceptable.

For the website, fixed transportation price, private-car, shared shuttle and excursion prices vary significantly by operator, party size and what's included.

Private transportation and organized excursions are readily available from Montego Bay. Ask our concierge for current options and pricing.
 

Once you have a preferred transportation partner, put actual round-trip prices on the site.

I wouldn't describe any destination as simply “safe.”

Negril is one of Jamaica's major tourism destinations and its principal beaches, resorts and attractions receive large numbers of international visitors. Guests should use the same sensible precautions they'd use elsewhere: use reputable transportation, stay in established visitor areas, don't wander unfamiliar areas late at night and follow current local/travel guidance.

If you're staying only three nights and simply want to relax, I'd stay in Montego Bay.

But with four or five nights?

Go.

Seven Mile Beach + Rick's Café at sunset makes an excellent Jamaica day.