Negril
Everything you need to know before you go.
Negril is one of the most beautiful towns in Jamaica, defined by seven miles of white sand beaches and another seven miles of 40 foot cliffs. The vibe is more laid back than Montego Bay, though it feels more touristy than Ocho Rios. It is a great spot for anyone who wants to spend their days in clear, warm water. If you stay at a beachfront hotel, you can walk straight from your room onto the sand. For the softest white sand and gentlest water, head further away from town toward the all inclusive resorts.
To get around, stick to Route Taxis to save money. A ride from the Rui Resort on Bloody Bay to downtown Negril costs about $2 per person, while a trip from Rui to Ricks Cafe is around $4 per person. If you are taking a taxi along the beachfront road to the roundabout in the Negril township, expect to pay 200 Jamaica dollars, with another 100 added for trips past that point toward the cliffs. Just remember to double those rates if you are traveling at night and always agree on the price before getting in the car.
You will likely fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and take a scenic 60 to 90 minute shuttle van ride west to reach the area. While there, you can visit landmarks like Ricks Cafe or relax in Bloody Bay. The region is also known for visits from foreign janes.
Here are some things to do in Negril based on my travels:
Sightseeing Negril Sunset - Watch the famous sunset over the west side of town. $0, 2h.
Food & Drink Fresh Coconut Water - Get it straight off the tree with a machete for heart health. $2, 0.5h. SamSara Hotel Happy Hour - Head to the west part of Negril past Rock House for buy one get one free drinks from 4 PM to 7 PM. $10, 3h. Red Stripe Beer - Try this local Jamaican concoction at any beach bar. $5, 1h.
Outdoor Nature Martha Bray River - Visit one of the longest rivers in Jamaica. $20, 3h. Glass Bottom Boat Snorkeling - Take a tour to see the reefs from a boat. $40, 3h.
Shopping Tourist Crafts Market - Pick up souvenirs at the edge of town and bargain with sellers for better prices. $15, 2h.
Day Trips Martha Bray River Excursion - Travel outside the main Negril area to explore the river. $30, 5h.
Here are some spots to stay in Negril based on what you're looking for:
Budget
- Negril Yoga Center - West End. $30 to $65 per night. Peaceful villas with daily yoga lessons and vegetarian food.
- Judy House Cottages - West Land Mountain Road. $54 per night. Cozy cottages in a local community near beaches and cook shops.
Mid-range
- Blue Cave Castle - Lighthouse Road. $50 to $120 per night. A castle on the cliffs with ocean views and rooms above an old pirate cave.
- Negril Tree House Resort - Norman Manley Blvd. Price not listed. Offers treehouse style suites with full kitchens and free buffet breakfast.
Luxury
- Hotel Riu Palace Tropical Bay - Bloody Bay. Price not listed. A Victorian style resort with deluxe rooms and a liquor dispenser in the room.
- Moon Dance Cliffs Resort and Spa - West End Road. Price not listed. A boutique hotel with royal villas and a massive pool with waterfalls.
For food, try these places:
- Moon Dance Cliffs (Jamaican and American) - West End Road. Mid-range to high end.
- Riu Negril Buffets (International) - Bloody Bay Beach. Included in resort stay.
- Local cook shops - Near West Land Mountain Road. Budget friendly.
- Negril Yoga Center Kitchen (Vegetarian) - West End. Budget friendly.
Fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. From there, the best bet is to take a shuttle van to Negril. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes and follows a scenic route along the north coast heading west. There are plenty of taxi companies at the airport that handle these transfers.
Flight costs from major US cities like New York or Miami usually range from $300 to $600 depending on the season, though you can find deals if you book early.
Once you are in Negril, avoid the private drivers who try to convince you that "Route Taxis" aren't safe. They just want more money. Stick with Route Taxis for the cheapest way to get around. For example, a ride from the Rui Resort on Bloody Bay to downtown Negril is about $2 per person, and going from Rui to Ricks Cafe costs about $4 per person.
If you are traveling along the beachfront road to the roundabout in Negril township, current 2025 rates are around 200 Jamaica dollars. If you need to go past that point toward the cliffs, it is another 100 Jamaica dollars. Just keep in mind that these prices double if you are riding at night. Always agree on the price with the driver before you get in the car.
There are no trains in Jamaica, so your only other option besides shuttles and taxis is to rent a car and drive from Montego Bay.
Since the reference data doesn't list specific dates, I'll give you the breakdown based on Jamaica's general climate patterns combined with the local Negril layout.
Peak Season: December to April This is when most people visit because the weather is dry and comfortable. Temperatures usually sit between 75°F and 85°F. You'll find the most crowds here, especially at the all-inclusive resorts at the far end of the beach where the sand is the whitest and softest. Prices for hotels and rentals jump during this window. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, stay away from the Christmas and Spring Break rush.
Sweet Spot: May to June and November These months are your best bet. You get warm water and plenty of sun, but hotel rates drop significantly compared to January. The temperatures hover around 80°F to 90°F. It is a great time to explore the 7 miles of white sand beaches or hang out on the 40 foot cliffs without fighting for space.
Avoid: August to October This is the height of hurricane season. While you might find the cheapest deals, you risk heavy rain and storms that can ruin a trip. It is also the hottest time of year, often feeling humid and oppressive.
Practical Tips If you want the best beach experience, book a place further away from town toward the all-inclusive section. The water stays shallow for a long distance and the sand is smaller grained.
For food, look for jerk chicken and festivals at local roadside stands. You can usually find these for $5 to $12 USD. For a sit down meal in town, expect to pay $20 to $40 USD per person.
If you are heading to the cliffs for sunset, bring cash for drinks. A local rum punch usually costs between $7 and $15 USD depending on where you are sitting.