Negril – Beaches, Epic sunsets & Island Fun  

Negril is a laid-back resort town on Jamaica’s westernmost tip. Famous for its stunning sunsets, pristine beaches, and a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere, Negril offers a tranquil escape from the bustling pace of city life.

History and Culture

Negril was first inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people, who called it “Xtabi,” or “the meeting place of the gods.” The town’s modern name, a corruption of the Spanish “Negrillo,” meaning “little black ones,” is believed to refer to the dark cliffs or the black eels once common in its waters. For centuries, Negril remained a quiet fishing village and a haven for pirates, its isolation maintained by the surrounding mangroves and swamps.

In the 1960s, Negril’s tranquil charm began to attract adventurous travelers, including hippies and backpackers seeking an off-the-beaten-path paradise. This influx of a counterculture movement helped establish the town’s famously relaxed and welcoming vibe. Despite significant development since the 1970s, Negril has preserved its rustic charm, with a local bylaw once dictating that no building should be taller than the tallest palm tree. 

Top Attractions

Negril is split into two main areas: the famous Seven Mile Beach and the dramatic West End cliffs. Each offers a unique experience:

• Seven Mile Beach: A long stretch of soft, white sand and clear turquoise water. This beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and a variety of water sports like parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

• Negril Cliffs: These rugged limestone cliffs rise majestically above the Caribbean Sea, offering breathtaking views and incredible sunset experiences. The cliffs are dotted with hotels, restaurants, and bars, many of which feature platforms for cliff diving.

• Rick’s Café: Perched atop the West End cliffs, this is arguably Negril’s most famous spot. It’s a popular place for watching the sunset, listening to live reggae, and for brave visitors and professional divers to jump from the cliffs into the sea.

• Negril Lighthouse: Located on the westernmost point of Jamaica, this historic lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea.

• Blue Hole Mineral Spring: A short drive from Negril, this natural sinkhole offers a unique experience. Visitors can take a leap into the deep, turquoise mineral-rich waters or simply relax in the ground-level mineral pool.

• Royal Palm Reserve: For nature lovers, this protected wetland area is a great place for a guided tour, bird watching, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna.

Food and Nightlife

Negril’s culinary scene is a reflection of its “casual” nature, with a mix of roadside shacks, beachfront eateries, and elegant cliffside restaurants.

• Jerk: A visit to Negril is incomplete without trying authentic Jamaican jerk. You can find some of the best jerk chicken and pork at local spots like Best in the West and Kool Vybes.

• Seafood: Freshly caught seafood is a staple. Enjoy grilled lobster, escovitch fish, or garlic shrimp at beachside restaurants with your feet in the sand.

• Cliffside Dining: For a romantic and upscale experience, dine at restaurants perched on the West End cliffs, offering gourmet international and Jamaican fusion cuisine with a spectacular sunset backdrop.

• Street Food: For a quick and affordable bite, explore the roadside food stalls for classic Jamaican patties, roasted corn, or peppered shrimp.

Negril’s nightlife is as vibrant as its sunsets. From casual beach bars with live reggae music to high-energy nightclubs, there’s a place for every mood.

• The Jungle Nightclub: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this club offers a high-energy environment with multiple bars and dance floors.

• Bourbon Beach: A classic beach bar that hosts nightly parties with live reggae bands.

• Live Reggae Shows: Many of the open-air venues along Seven Mile Beach feature live performances by local and international reggae artists.

• Full Moon Parties: Check for these enchanting gatherings at venues like Lighthouse Inn, which feature drumming, bonfires, and live music under the moonlight.