The Best of Negril Jamaica – Negril Jamaica is home to miles of pristine sand beaches, crystal clear waters and dramatic rugged cliffs; a stunning combination of landscapes that cannot be found anywhere else on the island. The locals call Negril the “Capital of Casual” for its informal island vibe.
Travelers wanting to relax soaking up the sun, shopping at upscale boutique hotels and heading to colorful reggae joints will find Negril to be the perfect destination. It’s located between the Jamaican parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland west of Montego Bay and features Caribbean hallmarks like white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. Despite its popularity as a mainstream tourist destination, there’s plenty of opportunity for travelers to visit Negril and find total relaxation. Let our Negril Jamaica Vacations guide show you the way. And for other great Jamaica beach destinations, visit our Jamaica Travel Guide, or visit us on Pinterest.
Negril Weather – When to Visit Negril
July is the hottest month in Negril with an average temperature of 83°F and the coldest is January at 76°F with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in July. The wettest month is October with an average of 130 mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in July when the average sea temperature is 84°F. The best time to visit Negril is November to mid-December. That’s when Negril’s already beautiful weather (ranging from mid-70s to the high 80s all year-round) is the most pleasant and the hotel and flight deals are the easiest to find. Rates are also cheap during the summer, but you’ll risk the wrath of hurricane season. January to March is the peak travel season to the island — room rates can spike to more than $700 per night at some hotels.
The Best of Negril Jamaica Beaches
Booby Cay
The beach was named after a bird of the same name that migrates there each year to nest. Of course, the only way to get to the island is by boat, but there are various low-priced services that will take you over and pick you up later on. The great thing about Booby Cay is that the island is situated right by a stunning reef, home to all kinds of tropical fish and colorful marine life.
Seven Mile Beach
This is the most famous beach in Negril and the number one stop for most tourists in the area. The sands here are soft and sugary, while the waters are a beautiful sky blue with soft, frothy waves lapping at the shore. It’s a great spot to wade out into the warm Caribbean Sea before heading back to the beach and soak up the sun’s rays with a tropical drink.
Bourbon Beach
A highly popular spot on the Seven Mile Beach strip is Bourbon Beach. This Negril beach location is a prime area for parties and live entertainment. It’s not uncommon to see bands and musicians playing here each evening, offering bit of local flair and fun as the sun goes down.
.
.
Bloody Beach
Bloody Beach as soft, powdery sand and calm waters are waiting to greet you. The nearby coral reef is a nice spot to do some diving and helps to protect the shoreline from rough waves, making it a nice spot for families with young children to do some swimming.
.
.
Coral Beach
This beach is an adults-only beach offering some stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, especially late in the day when the sun starts to set. Many people gather near this part of the beach in the late afternoons to watch the sky light up in a whole host of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds, and there are lots of loungers and umbrellas to provide a lot of comfort.
.
The Best of Negril Jamaica Restaurants
3 Dives Under $10 Previously featured on The Amazing Race, the 3 Dives jerk stand is named for the surrounding limestone cliffs, which provide great diving spots as well as stunning views of the sea. The 3 Dives stand is best known for its jerk chicken served with Granny Sauce, although the seasonal grilled lobster with garlic butter is also popular. After dark, live bands and magicians perform around a bonfire. Telephone: 876-782-9990 Web: 3 Dives
Alfred’s Ocean Palace $11 – 30 Popular with the locals, Alfred’s Ocean Palace is a casual restaurant, entertainment venue, and hotel situated on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The simple, concrete restaurant provides both dining room seating and outdoor tables. Alfred’s also hosts nightly concerts, including high-energy reggae shows on Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday. The bands are often accompanied by local fire-breathers, contortionists, dancers, and comedians. Telephone: 876-957-4669 Web: Alfred’s Ocean Palace
Country Peppa Restaurant $11 – 30 The emphasis here is on Jamaican specialties such as ackee and saltfish, crab and coconut dip, and jerk chicken angel hair pasta with a sauce of cream, tomatoes, and spices. Country Peppa is also a bit of a breakfast icon on Seven Mile Beach, thanks mainly to dishes like banana pancakes, honey French toast, and omelets served with bacon, fresh fruit, and Blue Mountain coffee. Telephone: 876-957-4273 Web: Country Peppa Restaurant
Murphy’s West End Restaurant $11 – 30 Murphy’s is a simple beach hut serving spectacular breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You’ll enjoy homemade food and filling portions, for a very reasonable price. Hammocks hang under the thatched roof seating area, making it the perfect spot to hang out with friends while sipping ice cold Red Stripe and listening to reggae. Telephone: 876-367-0475 Web: Murphy’s West End Restaurant
Just Natural Under $10 A vegetarian and seafood restaurant nestled on the vegetated cliffs of Negril. Family owned and operated, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Though the menu isn’t extensive, whatever you order is extremely fresh, having been harvested or caught that day. The decor is simple and rustic, using the best from land and sea to complement the beautiful environment that will surround you no matter where you sit. Telephone: 876-957-0235 Web: Just Natural
The Best of Negril Jamaica Nightlife
Alfred’s Ocean Palace Draws mainly locals, but visitors are welcome. Set directly on the beach, it attracts primarily a young party crowd, but if you’re 80, you’ll still be warmly embraced, your cold Red Stripe waiting. The $7 cover is for shows, and in addition to grabbing a drink, you can order a bite to eat until midnight. Particularly interesting is the beach-party area, with a stage for live reggae and jazz acts. You can also boogie on the dance floor inside, shaking to hits you’ll hear at clubs stateside. Telephone: 876-957-4669 Web: Alfred’s Ocean Palace
Risky Business Sits a few feet from the waves. It can be sleepy or manic, depending on the music. In season, you can order burgers and sandwiches, and the Red Stripe is cheap year-round. It’s mostly a young hangout with parties Monday, Thursday, and Saturday beginning at 9pm. Telephone: 876-957-3008 Web: Risky Business
Bourbon Beach (tel. 876/957-4405 The most popular and versatile hangout on Negril Beach. The club features live reggae 3 nights a week. The rum and Red Stripe flow freely through the day and night — at least from 9am to 11pm (and often much later). The club also serves food, including jerk chicken or fresh fish and lobster. Telephone: 876-957-4405 Web: Bourbon Beach
Ivan’s Bar Set on top of beautiful limestone cliffs, enjoy a Red Stripe while listening to the crashing waves against the rocky shores. Stay for sunset and a beautiful view of the changing sky. The restaurant is also one of the best places to eat while in Negril. Telephone: 876-957-0390 Web: Ivan’s Bar
Drifter’s Bar The bar plays music from every genre and decade. Don’t miss Friday and Sunday nights when the house band performs and guests are invited to play their own music too. Luddy Samms (owner & musician) often takes charge in leading the band through a catalog of songs by The Drifters, as well as other Motown, Atlantic, Stax, Blues and Soul songs from the 60s. Telephone: 876-826-2116 Web: Drifter’s Bar.
Oh WOW, Jamaica looks amazing and is yet another place on my bucket list (you seem to have many of these on your wonderful website ha ha). My sister-in-law has just recently got back from a Jamaica holiday and she said it was one of the best she had been on. Full of it she was! And we both like a bit of reggae too so the music in the bars out there must be really good 🙂
I especially love the look of Negril. Imagine jumping 20 feet into that Blue Hole; don’t think I’ve got the guts for that but I now my fearless boyfriend would love it.
Yes, Jamaica is beautiful. The blue hole is a sight all in its own, and I wouldn’t do the jump either LOL. Thanks for stopping by Stefanie.
This really sounds like a vacation spot and a get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Getting away to an island paradise sure can work wonders. Thanks so much for sharing this amazing information which I am sure your readers will enjoy.
Thanks for visiting Norman and yes, it is an island paradise 🙂
Great info on Negril Jamaica. I am planning a vacation here and so this has been very informative and detailed. Exactly what I need! Thanks so much.
Great Joseph, thanks for stopping by and I am glad I could help 🙂
First of all, I love reading your blog. Just being on your pages make me feel relaxed.
Secondly, I was quite taken aback with the value of the J$130. I had to look that up and Jamaican money is .04 on the American dollar. I guess each nation would have to do their own calculations.
Thirdly, I’m a Sandals girl even though The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel rivals it.
However, I was curious about the Zimbali Culinary Retreats. The word culinary in the name makes we wonder, do they teach cooking classes. When I clicked on the link, their description matched yours, but I couldn’t help but to wonder if they accidentally left a work out. In other words, the last sentence in their description says ” It also offers special vegan and vegetarian gluten-free dishes, plus it features a professional private chef cooking.” I couldn’t help but to wonder if it is a professional private chef cooking class.
Anyhoo, Jamaica is a place that I want to visit – especially during the best weather, not the $700 per night time.
Hi Lane, yes they do offer cooking classes on the Zimbali Culinary Retreats. I am sure that must be the reason for the name. If you are a foodie, than this is the place for sure. I would have a tough decision between this hotel and the Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel. Both are wonderful. I hope I answered your questions. Thank you for stopping by and visiting Negril Jamaica Vacations.
One of my cousins is living in Jamaica, more precisely in Montego Bay and I thought it would be nice to visit him this summer. Your article made me want to flight right now! When we go on vacation, we love to have some beers with friends. I was just wondering if alcohol is expensive in Jamaica? Anyway, maybe you some cheap stores?
Thanks again!
Well alcohol is a bit more expensive. Anything imported is going to be more expensive. If you drink Jamaican Rum, then you are in good hands 🙂 Have a wonderful time!
Hi. Thank you for this thorough, well-organised information. Things I haven’t even thought about yet are covered with details and contact information. The food sounds amazing and the pricing guide for the restaurants is a good touch. And seeing that video, I can already imagine soaking up some sun on that pristine beach and the Blue Hole, parasailing and zip line parts are perfect for an adventurer like me. I just don’t see the need for all those features in those fancy hotels when the island and beach itself has so much to offer. What about less pricey accommodations that will allow you to go out and spend more time exploring the real Jamaica instead of relaxing in a spa, playing golf or swimming in a pool?
There are those too Dylan. You can go for a less expensive hotel minus all the thrills. That is generally how I travel, as I don’t spend any time in the room, other than to sleep. I will add a bargain hotel to the list 🙂 so make sure you check back!
This looks absolutely amazing! But, wow, $700 per night? That’s madness, yet at the same time it makes me think that if they’re able to charge that much and stay in business then there are enough people going to allow those businesses to stay alive. It also makes me think that it must be awesome since so many people are going every year and I’m sure a lot of people make it a yearly trip!
Yes, the $700 is definitely for a reason. It is popular and beautiful. People will pay the price as and there is plenty of demand 🙂
Great and amazing post, I always cherish post that involves learning about a new place or location, Your review of negril is completely cool and I will love to go there someday, July is the best Month to swim? That’s incredible!! What about that blue hole, am a little bit scared that it is not safe for newbies.
Hi Clement, July just has the warmest water. You can swim anytime in Jamaica. The Blue Hole is very safe, and you would enjoy 🙂 Thanks for stopping by Negril Jamaica Vacations.
wow I had no idea how beautiful jamaca really was. I have always wanted to go to Hawaii but after reading your post I think I’d rarher go here now.
Also you say the best time to go is December? That would be perfect, because I could escape the cold where I live and go to a hot sunny beach instead.
Also it looks like there’s no shortage of things to do while there, so I know I’ll never be bored.
Thank you again for sharing this with us. I’ll bookmark as a place to go.
Yes, December and January are going to be the best months to visit Negril Jamaica. And what a wonderful way to escape the cold! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
I enjoyed your post on Negril Jamaica, I have never been, but after seeing all the beautiful pictures and reading about the attractions, I will definitely put it on my list of places to see. I would want to go in November or December, as you said that’s the best time to visit. The Blue Hole looks stunning, I would take the steps down instead of jumping off the cliff though. The Catcha Falling Star resort sounds really nice, and I love the name. I can picture myself there, enjoying the sandy beaches and blue water.
You will have to visit Negril Jenny. And it sounds like it will be the perfect place for you! Always nice to go in the winter and escape the cold. Thanks for stopping by beach travel destinations.
wow this is a very beautiful place to go. This is definitely worth adding to me and my sister’s bucket list of places to visit. We both love nature, the beach, hotels, stunning landscapes anything about nature. This perfect article, it tells everything we need to know. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for visiting Negril Jamaica Vacations Sheila. You are right, sounds like the perfect destination for you!
As I sit here , the snow is falling outside and the temperatures are freezing. So a Jamaican beach vacation sounds amazing. Zimbali Culinary suites with it be ranked #1 farm to table cooking tour sounds like something I would like to have on my list. I participate in the farm to table movement in the US. I think I would enjoy a guided tour to the waterfalls also. I would love the opportunity to photograph such beautiful waterfalls.
Well, I think it is time for me to seriously look at my calender to figure out a time to go on a holiday to Negril, Jamaica. Thank you for bring it to my attention.
Glad you enjoyed reading about Negril Jamaica Vacations Sondra. Yes, time to get out of the snow! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Awesome post , Negril Jamaica is home looks like a great place to go . I was actually considering on heading to Montego Bay next Fall , it’s sort of a bucket list thing that I would like to do and With the miles of sandy beaches at Negril it looks like a “No Brainer ” , I think I will wonder that way for a few days. Love the drone video of Seven Mile beach , any idea how Mayfield Falls are from Negril ? Thanks Rick
Thanks for stopping by Rich. Mayfield Falls are going to be a good hour drive from Negril, but there are tour companies that will take you to the falls. It’l cost you between $60 – $80 to travel from Negril to Montego Bay or vice versa, and it’s about a 2 hour drive. I think spending time at both locations would be ideal if you can.
Thanks so much for this post. Sounds like Jamaica is the best place to go for a relaxing holiday. The beaches look perfect. The amusement parts are so inviting. The weather around November and December seems ideal. I can’t wait to taste the food from these restaurants. The hotels are great as well. What mode of transport would be advised? Is a hired car needed?
Most of the hotels and all of the all-inclusives offer a shuttle service. This will get you any way you need to go. A lot of people walk the area as well, it is just not recommended (as with any foreign travel) to walk alone at night.
So now I’m torn between Negrill and Ocho Rios, but I think this actually sounds better for me. One reason is my husband really likes more calm places, less “touristy” which this seems to fit that bill. Plus the Blue Hole mineral springs is right up his alley for sure. That looks absolutely amazing. The Mayfield Falls looks pretty secluded, too. You have given me so much to think about, I can barely concentrate on the holidays. I just want to plan my vacation!!! Thanks again.
Great Babsie! Exactly what I intended 😀 Yes, you will find Negril to be a bit more relaxed and less “touristy” than Ocho Rios and Mahogany Bay as well. Out of the three, I would pick Negril as well. Let me know when you are ready to start planning 🙂
Wow! Thanks for the totally comprehensive article. You seem to have covered pretty much everything I would need to know for a Jamaica vacation. It looks like such a beautiful place and my travel bug is starting to act up just by looking at it.
I have heard that Jamaica can be a dangerous place. Do you have any information about that? Are the places you recommend all safe for tourists. I would assume so but I heard some statistics that made me shy away from Jamaica recently. I would appreciate it if you could put my mind at ease.
Hi Mariah, the tourist destinations of Ocho Rios, Negril and Montego Bay are going to be a LOT safer than other areas. Just because they are big tourist areas and it is a big part of their economy. Of course, you will want to take the same precautions you would take anywhere when vacationing. It is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.