Negril: a first-timer's guide to Jamaica's west end

Why visit Negril

Negril began as a quiet fishing village and became a hippie hideaway in the 1970s. It has grown, but it has kept a low key mood. There are no high rise hotels by local rule, so the beach is lined with palms and two or three storey buildings. Days are spent swimming, snorkelling and walking the sand; evenings are for sunset and live music.

Seven Mile Beach

**Seven Mile Beach** runs north from Negril town along Norman Manley Boulevard. The water is usually calm and shallow, perfect for families and weak swimmers. Small hotels, big resorts and beach bars mix together, and you can walk for hours. Expect vendors offering everything from boat rides to braids; a smile and a clear no thank you works. **Long Bay Beach Park** has public space and picnic areas.

The West End cliffs

South of town, the **West End** road winds along the cliffs. Hotels such as Rockhouse, Tensing Pen and The Caves have ladders and platforms into the sea, which is deep and clear enough for great snorkelling. The **Negril Lighthouse** marks the western point.

Sunset rituals

**Rick's Cafe** is the most famous sunset bar in Jamaica, with cliff divers and jumping for the brave. It is busy and lively. For a quieter sunset, try the **Pushcart** bar at Rockhouse, **Ivan's** at Catcha Falling Star, or **3 Dives Jerk Centre**, a simple cliff side spot grilling fresh lobster and chicken.

Day trips

The **Blue Hole Mineral Spring** in Brighton is a natural limestone pool you can jump into. **Mayfield Falls** is about an hour inland. **YS Falls** in St. Elizabeth has tiered falls, pools and a rope swing on a family estate, and pairs well with **Black River** boat trips and the **Pelican Bar**, a wooden bar on stilts in the sea. **Booby Cay** is a small island off the beach, good for a boat trip and snorkel.

Food and nightlife

Negril has fresh fish, lobster in season, jerk and plenty of international food. Live reggae plays most nights at beach venues such as **Bourbon Beach** and **Alfred's Ocean Palace**. Nights can be loud on parts of the beach; choose a hotel away from the bars if you want sleep.

Staying safe and comfortable

Negril is generally relaxed, but keep valuables in the hotel safe, avoid walking empty stretches of beach or road late at night, and use licensed taxis. Persistent selling is the main nuisance. Swim only where it is calm, and check the sea before jumping from cliffs.

Where to stay

On **Seven Mile Beach** you will find everything from simple guest houses to large adult resorts at the northern end near Bloody Bay. On the **West End**, stays are smaller and quieter, often cottages and villas with steps down to the sea, and you will need short taxi rides to reach the long beach. Budget travellers have plenty of choice in both areas.

When to go

The dry, busy season runs from mid December to April, when the sea is calm and sunsets are clear. Summer is hotter and greener with short showers, and some small hotels close for a few weeks in September and October, the peak of hurricane season. Spring break can be lively and crowded.

Plan your days with our places to visit list and the free trip planner.