Negril, Jamaica
Located on Jamaica's west end, the fun-filled resort area of Negril offers a peaceful place for those who want to wander off the beaten track and get away from it all. The town stretches out along seven miles of uninterrupted, white-sand beach and the South Seas scenes for the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, were filmed near the north end of Seven Mile Beach, at Booby Cay.
In addition to numerous tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities, this tropical paradise is home to more watersports than you can possibly imagine - sailing, water- skiing, windsurfing, water trikes, and scuba diving, just to name a few. When you need time out for some landlocked activities, hunt for souvenirs at the outdoor craft market, take in a local jazz festival, enjoy a relaxing round of golf, or explore the area on a bicycle tour.
The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down, as Negril has a fun and active nightlife. You can stay home as many resorts offer nightly entertainment, or venture out to local discos and clubs for a night on the town. Or, spend a romantic evening with that special someone listening to the waves trickle to the shore as the moonlight glistens over the turquoise sea below. A perfect ending to a day in paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Active Travelers
Mecca for watersports, snorkeling, biking, and sea-kayaking.
Honeymooners
Ultimate carefree attitude for those who want to eat, drink, laugh, relax, and play.
Divers
The Negril Scuba Center is one of the most established dive operations in Jamaica.
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
86° F |
86° F |
90° F |
89° F |
| Average Low |
74° F |
75° F |
79° F |
78° F |
| Average Rainfall |
1.2" |
0.9" |
3.8" |
6.8" |
The northeast trade winds and mountain breezes keep the temperature pleasant year-round. Water temperature is approximately
78°F.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Roundtrip transfers between the airport and your hotel is included with your vacation package. Negril is located 55 miles from Montego Bay. Transfer time to Negril hotels is a 60-minute ride from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay; transfer time to Sandals Whitehouse on the south shore is 90 minutes.
Car
Car rentals are not recommended. Once in Negril, walking or taking a taxi are the best options.
Taxi
Passengers should always settle on the fare with the driver before departing to avoid any misunderstanding.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
All-inclusive resorts offer several on-site dining options and many all-inclusive resorts offer on-site discos as well. See the hotel descriptions for more detailed information.
- Gambino's
A taste of authentic Italian cuisine including fresh, homemade pastas, or traditional Jamaican fare.
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Negril
The fun never stops at Negril’s version of the place to “waste away.” A great choice is the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and a tropical margarita.
- Mary's Bay
An exciting, waterfront restaurant, bar, and beach club featuring a tasty menu, live reggae music, sun loungers, an Internet Café, and a stunning view of the bay.
- Rick’s Café
Better than ever with the same food and lively atmosphere that made it a world-famous night spot. Featured in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List, by Patricia Schultz.
- Ristorante Da Gino
Fine Italian cuisine set against the gorgeous, starlit Caribbean sky for one of the most romantic experiences imaginable. Great food at moderate prices.
- Selina's Coffee Bar and Eatery
Selina's is the home of Bigrays famous banana pancackes and hand-roasted blue mountain coffee.
As for live music, you can dance the night away at a calypso beach barbecue, local club, or outdoor concert. For live reggae, head out to Aldred’s Ocean Palace on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. For all-night dancing, DeBuss is where you want to be.
Where should I go shopping?
Browse the outdoor markets packed with crafts and souvenirs. Expect to bargain at the markets; stores, however, usually have fixed prices. Craft vendors are creative and aggressive at selling their wares. Duty-free shopping is also available.
When are the local events?
The Spring Break Experience
March/April. Negril comes alive with live reggae concerts, beach volleyball competitions, fashion shows, prizes, and surprises.
Carnival
May. Music, dancing, and partying.
What are my golf and recreation options?
Golf
Customize your vacation and gain access to hotel-affiliated golf courses with a stay at select hotels.
Hotel-Affiliated Courses
- Negril Hills Golf Club
Lush tropical greenery, elevated tees and greens, and undulating fairways, surrounded by water hazards. Designed by Robert Simmons. Unlimited golf is included at this course when staying at the following hotels:
- Couples Negril
- Couples Swept Away
Sportfishing
Most hotels can arrange half or full day deep-sea fishing charters. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish, and mahi mahi.
Snorkeling
Negril sets the standard for calm, protected, warm waters stretching along seven uninterrupted miles of white-sand beach. Popular snorkeling sites are Middle Shore, Sandy Key, and Anchor Reef, so named for the anchor and cannon reputed to be left over from days when pirates sailed these waters. Here you can view a variety of tropical fish, huge sea-stars, giant sponges, and coral of every description.
Scuba Diving
A variety of dives are available for both novice and certified divers. The underwater terrain includes caves and overhangs, as well as "coral cottages" in depths of 60-plus feet. There are several close-to-shore wrecks to explore, including two coral-encrusted Cessna airplanes and a 50-foot tugboat known as the Pete Wreck. Other popular Negril dive sites include the Throne Room, where you can view sponge, nurse shark, and cubera snapper through a crack in the reef; the Sands Club, where divers can have a close encounter with an array of colorful fish at depths of 40-80 feet; and Treasure Reef, a great place to see eel, basslets, and large star coral heads.
Travel tidbits
Airport Lounges
A stay at Sandals, Couples Resorts, or SuperClubs come with a special airport treat. After clearing customs, make your way to their private airport lounges to wait for your transfer to your hotel. Once there, grab a Red Stripe and relax from your day of traveling. Remember though, the transfer drivers and anyone who carries your bags to the transfer van are not employed by the resort, so tip them if you receive good service.
New Waterpark
Located in Negril, Kool Runnings is a new and exciting waterpark that is fun for the whole family. An amazing fun-filled day can be spent on the 10 amazing water slides, interactive children's play area, lazy river, and go-kart racing. You can even hang out at the Knot Out Sports Bar, get a caffeine fix at the Guava Jelly Coffee Shop, wet your whistle at the Blendz Juice Bar, or grab a bite at the Sweet Potato Grill.
Waterfall Lovers
Visitors to Jamaica are often familiar with the world-famous Dunn's River Falls, but Negril has it's own waterfall nearby. Mayfield Falls is situated on a five-acre property and is a great spot for hiking and picknicking. You can also embrace the excitement of cliff diving, cave diving, or relaxing in one of the natural whilrpools. Also, visitors will be taught local folk dances and learn how to cook local specialties with tropical spices and herbs.
Great View
Climb the 100 stairs to the Negril Lighthouse, built in 1894, for a spectacular, panoramic view of the area.
Get in the Vacation Mood
One way to get into the vacation state of mind is to alter your appearance. Be "Negrilized" with a fabulous new braided hairdo tipped with beads and shells that serve as a consant reminder that you're not at home and are enjoying the vacation of a lifetime.
Good to Know:
Sangster International Airport
MBJ |
| December – April |
| May – November |
| Jamaican Dollar (called Jay) |
| English |
| Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time, one hour ahead of Central Standard Time, and does not adjust to Daylight Saving Time. |
| Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| 10-15% is customary, but make sure the tip hasn’t already been added to the bill. At many of the all-inclusive resorts, tipping in the restaurants and bars is not allowed. |
| Jamaica is very casual. Shorts are allowed at most restaurants, except fine dining establishments. Bring a sweater, since some of the air-conditioned places can be cool. |
| 1-800-233-4582 |
Negril, Jamaica