The laid-back beach town of Negril is one of our favorites in the world. Whether you’re a beach bum or an adventurer, there’s no shortage of great things to do in Negril Jamaica. Located on the far western tip of Jamaica, Negril has stretches of long white sand beaches and also rocky cliffs, both surrounded by clear calm waters.
Negril was our first international trip together and we’ve been back a total of 5 times so far, and even got married there. We know what to do in Negril and we know you’ll love it as much as we do!
Things Do In Negril Jamaica
1. Walk Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is often listed as one of the best beaches in the world, as it should be. There aren’t many beaches in the world where you can walk on the white sand for MILES and MILES.
There are hotels on Seven Mile Beach for everyone’s budget. Some may argue it’s not actually seven miles but more like four, but who’s counting?
To get a photo like about definitely consider buying a drone, nowadays they are so small and affordable it’s worth it! We’ve been flying drones for over 3 years, check out our drone guide here to see which travel drone is best for you.
Related Article: The Best Sandals Resorts Rates
2. Watch The Sunset
Negril sunsets are the best sunsets in the Caribbean. Every night just head down to the beach for the free show. Remember to stick around a few minutes after the sun sets as the colors continue to change. If you’re on a honeymoon in Jamaica there is nothing more romantic than sunset on the beach.
3. Booze Cruise Sunset Catamaran
If you are up for a crazy sloppy fun time jump on the booze cruise catamaran that sets sail to Rick’s cafe. It’s totally worth the $59 with an open bar for 3 hours with plenty of rum punches & Red Stripe beers.
We’ve personally done this cruise twice and it has always been a blast. It’s advised to book in advance as it does sell out, book online here.
There are some amazing Airbnb’s on the cliffs, sign up here for a $40 credit! –>> sign up here!
4. Take a ride on the Floating Tiki Bar
Negril’s newest and coolest bar Tiki Pon Da Sea is a floating tiki bar that you can rent by the hour that includes unlimited drinks. We’ve never seen any bar like this and it’s an awesome way to spend the day in Negril.
We suggest renting it out during sunset to enjoy a sunset cruise. Prices are currently $60 USD per person per hour. Mention code “GettingStamped” for $5 off.
5. The One Love Bus Bar Crawl
Jump on the One Love Bus bar crawl for the craziest but yet amazing thing to do in Negril. Lenbert a Negril native bought a bus and pimped it out as a reggae bus bringing guests to a number of local bars on the West End of Negril for FREE.
Email Lenbert in advance and he’ll pick you up right at your hotel and you’ll be joined by other party-goers looking for a good time. You’ll visit some local bars and some amazing ones located right on the cliffs a great spot to be for sunset. Make sure to tip Lenbert he’s a great guy, suggested tip $10-20 per person. Beers at most bars run $3-4USD but if you pay in the local currency you’ll get a better deal.
To arrange a trip with Lenbert contact him via:
- [email protected]
- https://www.facebook.com/One-love-shuttle-bus-232284856811172/
- +1 876-874-6631
6. The Pelican Bar Jamaica
Catch a ride out to the coolest bar in the world. Located about a half mile from shore is the world famous Pelican Bar. Made of sticks and palm-thatched roof, the bar is simply awesome. Grab a cold Red Stripe from Floyd the bar owner and chill for the afternoon at this one of a kind place.
You can hire a driver for the day to take you or join this tour for $80 which visits the Pelican Bar & Ricks Cafe, which in our opinion is really cheap as the boat ride out to the Pelican Bar typically costs $20 per person. The drive to the boat launch is about 2.5 hours from Negril so this is a great price.
Recommended Driver in Negril
We’ve personally have hired Jackson on several trips both for long day trips and for driving us around Negril to some of the best restaurants in Negril and other attractions. If you’re wanting to hire a driver for the day to visit several attractions in Negril or Jamaica contact Jackson in advance to book and get rates.
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 1-876-481-8719 (call or text just like a US number)
7. Visit YS Falls
About 1.5 hours south of Negril is the beautiful YS Falls. A series of tiered waterfalls gently cascade over stone ledges with small swimming pools below. There is a zip line the traverses the falls and a rope swing for those looking for more excitement.
Water shoes aren’t required but would make your visit more comfortable, you can get a cheap pair online here for under $5. A little bit further is the famous Dunn’s River Falls.
8. Parasailing
Get high in Negril, but not how you were thinking. A parasailing tour of the beach in Negril is one of the top things to do while in Jamaica. Even if you aren’t a fan of heights the parachutes are still fun to watch as they glide up and down the beach.
The average price is $60 USD for a single or $100 USD for two people. You can just book this in person on the beach, there will be several beach stalls you can book at or beach vendors offering parasailing.
9. Dunn’s River Falls
Often Regarded as one one of Jamaica’s top waterfalls, Dunn’s River Falls is around a 3-hour drive from Negril. Just outside of Ocho Rios is a great spot for adventure lovers. Put on a pair of water shoes and you can make your way up the set of terraced falls all the way to the top.
Most people spend around 45-minutes to an hour playing around in the pools and climbing their way to the top. Guides are strongly suggested and at times required to pass the length of the falls.
Related Article: Must Do Things In Jamaica
10.Glass Bottom Boat Tour
All aboard this one of a kind boat where the floor has been replaced with a see-thru glass bottom. Cruise over reefs and schools of tropical fish off the shores of Negril.
You can find the captains of these glass bottom boats all along the beach in Negril and it’s one of the city’s most popular activities. The average price is $35 USD per person per hour.
11. Snorkeling tour in Negril
Strap on your fins and kick your way around beautiful reefs and swim with colorful sea life while in Negril. There are several spots to snorkel around the beaches of Negril. A snorkel tour is a must while in Negril.
There are several different snorkeling tour option varying in length and where you go. On average it’s $30 USD per person per hour for a snorkeling trip. We suggest negotiating a trip that would be a glass bottom boat with a snorkel stop that goes to Booby Cay for a fresh lobster lunch.
12. Eat A Jamaican Patty From The Patty Man Norman
You can’t leave Negril without having an authentic Jamaican Patty. Our favorite patties are from a guy known as Norman The Patty Man.
He doesn’t have a location, you will have to look for him walking his bike on Seven Mile Beach. His bike has a big metal cooler in the front that he calls his patty box as it is full of fresh patties! He has several flavors of patties: beef, vegetable, chicken, and coco bread.
If you find him in the afternoon he possibly will be sold out of some flavors. We have often seen him in front of Negril Treehouse. If you can’t find him ask a local when Norman the Patty Man usually comes around.
13. Listen To Live Reggae
Every day of the week there is live reggae playing somewhere in Negril. Most restaurants and bars have a specific day of the week they have live reggae.
We love the Hiyah Grade band, we actually had them play at our beach wedding in Negril. They play every Tuesday at Drifters Bar 3pm-7pm, which is located right on Seven Mile Beach. Click here to check their Facebook page and schedule.
14. Mayfield Falls
One of the closest waterfalls to Negril is Mayfield Falls. Strap on some water shoes and make your way up the river that leads to the Mayfield falls. It’s a nice day trip from Negril and a break from the beaches.
Along with the river and falls tour, the guide will also show you many local plants and culture, most tours will include a small lunch.
15. Drink Red Stripe
When in Jamaica you drink Red Stripe and more Red Stripe. There are two types, regular and light but stick to the regular Red Stripe. Most all-inclusive hotels will have Red Stripe on tap. If you’re looking for something to do in Negril, Red Stripe is always a good idea!
16. Jump Off the Cliffs at Rick’s Cafe
If you’re looking for an adrenaline thing to do in Negril then why not jump off a 35-foot cliff into the ocean! There are 3 cliffs at Rick’s Cafe to jump off: 10 feet, 25 feet, and 35 feet. Even if you aren’t a jumper it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. Usually, there are local men that will climb the trees and do higher jumps & tricks, tips are expected for the show.
17. Day trip to Booby Island and lunch
You can take the short boat ride out to the small island that sits between 7 Mile Beach and Bloody Bay for some snorkeling and a plate full of fresh Caribbean lobster. Often referred to as lobster island the restaurant on the island has got the reputation for cooking up some delicious crustaceans.
Lobster prices range from $20+ depending on the size of the lobster. Go early, on our last trip we arrived at 3 pm and they were out of lobster.
18. Eat at Three Dives Jerk Chicken
Come hungry! Jamaican jerk chicken can be found all around Negril on the beach, on the street, but our favorite place is Three Dives Jerk Chicken. It’s located in the West End not far from Rick’s Cafe.
We suggest heading here an hour before sunset so you can watch the sunset while you wait for the best jerk chicken in the world. We had our rehearsal dinner here and everyone loved it and we loved the prices, amazing food at local prices.
19. Indulge at the resort
That’s right don’t do a DAMN thing all day! On our last few visits, we’ve always stayed at all-inclusive resorts. We’ve stayed at Couples Swept Away, RIU Negril, and Sandals Negril and we enjoy a day of nothing but indulging in the tasty drinks and food at an all-inclusive resort. You have everything you need right at the resort.
Depending on your budget there is an all-inclusive in Negril for everyone. Our personal favorite is Sandals Negril.
20. Horseback Riding on the Beach
Pony up and take a horse for a trot along the beautiful beach in Negril Jamaica. One of the favorite things to do among visitors is a sunset ride on the beach. Click here for rates.
21. Beach Bar Crawl
Are you a fan of day drinking? Us too! One of our favorite things to do in Negril Jamaica is to make our own little beach bar crawl on Seven Mile Beach. Pick one end of the beach to start on around 11 am and start drinking your way down the beach.
There are several beach bars where you can get a bottle of Red Stripe for 200 J ($2) but the prices will range from 150-300 J. Just keep your eyes open if you’re on a budget stay away from the hotel bars and head to the local little bars/shacks.
22. Floatie Time
Don’t forget an Instagramable floatie, it will pair great with the white sand and turquoise waters of Negril. The bigger the better when it comes to floaties. We get all of our floaties from Amazon and they have lots of ridiculous floaties that would be perfect for Jamaica!
23. Drink a Rum Punch
Rum Punch in Jamaica is amazing but can sneak up on you. Most places I swear serve more rum punch than water. Rum punch is either made with Appleton Rum or the other local favorite Overproof Rum.
24. Paddle Boarding
For a change of pace on your Jamaican vacation do something a little more healthy. As much fun as paddle boarding is, it’s also a great workout. Many resorts have boards available, or they are also for rent on the beach by the hour or by day.
25. Just Chill
Your beach chairs await in Negril. As many things as there are to do in Negril, be sure to leave some time to just relax and enjoy the beauty of this place. Negril has some stunning waters and powder soft sand, so take a day to just enjoy the surrounds.
Don’t forget to pin me for later!
What’s are your favorite things do to in Negril Jamaica? We are always looking for new ideas for our next trip back to Negril. We have traveled to Jamaica 6 times so it’s safe to say we’ll be back again.
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Over by ricks there’s a ‘cool vibes’ jerk chicken, brother of the 3 dives. They’re delicious.
But the next few places up, they have a little wooden stand out in front advertising magic mushrooms and have wooden carvings for sale.
The restaurant behind that has the most amazing patties. They have 10 different kinds, and they’re not your traditional patty. They’re a MEAL. They’re so good, and insanely affordable. $3 for everything but the lobster $5. (The lobster was soooooo good) we had chicken, lobster, beef and cheese. And they were all so good.
Is there a place in Negril that would rent just a paddle for paddleboarding if one were to bring their own boards? Also, is there anywhere that would sell paddles? Staying for 12 nights and we can check through our inflatable paddleboards but the paddles don’t break down small enough to avoid a second checked bag with baggage fees. Thank you for any help and advice you can give me!
You should be able to find a watersports rental company on the beach that would rent paddles to you. However, they will most likely be something like $5 per day, so you might consider just buying a collapsible paddle for this and future trips. If you do choose to rent, try to negotiate since you will be renting for a long period of time, try to get at least 25-40% off of whatever they first propose. Have a great trip to Negril, it’s one of our favorites!
Hi!
My husband and I are traveling in August.l, staying in Negril. Your blog has helped me map out things to do. We’re thinking of renting a car since we’ll be there 5 days and want to visit around the island. Would you say renting a car is ideal for transportation?
You’re going to love Negril! If you’ve already visited the island and have a general idea of the layout and how Jamaicans drive it is possible to rent a car if you’re a confident driver. It isn’t the easiest country to drive BUT if you’re mainly going from MBJ airport to Negril and then around Negril, we personally would do it. We actually rented a car on our last trip and did this. If you’re looking at taking day trips from Negril make sure you have good cell service as the roads aren’t well marked. It honestly will come down to how comfortable you are with driving in a foreign country and your driving skills. Make sure to take insurance though.
Have fun in Negril!
Hi, we are thinking of Negril for our honeymoon. We have been looking at Couples Swept Away. I am curious as to why Sandals Negril is your top pick, it is such an important aspect to get the best resort for us? Thanks in advance.
They are both great options and we’ve stayed at both. Couples Swept Away is a better location while Sandals has more room types & room amenities (more modern/comfortable). Food and drinks are relatively comparable. Either is a great decision. If you stay at Sandals and walk down Seven Mile Beach you can go to Beaches Resort (right next to Couple Swept Away) and eat/drink there whenever as well. Usually, price point they are similar as well. Have a great honeymoon in Jamaica.
Catcha falling star resort. Close to ricks you can hear the music.
Sunsets are beautiful. Several personal villas to choose from. Most have excellent views of the ocean. Ocean swimming, wonderful pool and hot tub that over looks the ocean. It has an EXCELLENT bar and restaurant- Ivan’s. The shooting stars were our favorite to sip on at the pool.
Thanks for all your info. This will be our 1st time. My husband doesn’t like big cities so I figure best to get out of Montego Bay but some sights I have read seem to think Negril is getting busy too. So was then thinking maybe better to travel to Ocho Rios. We will do a Sandals Resort and like to do the water sports. Like your idea of taking kayaks on own to Booby Bay, that is more Jon’s style than with the tour group
Both Ocho Rios and Negril are the same distance from Montego Bay about 90 minutes. Negril is our personal favorite and if you like water sports and the beach then Negril would be best for you. You can do more activities independently in Negril over Ochi. Both properties are great though.
I’m going to Negril at the end of June and staying at the Royalton is that located on 7 mile beach?
No, the Royalton is in Bloody Bay the next beach to the north from 7-mile beach. Enjoy your trip to Negril!
My husband and I are going to Negril (Samsara Resort) at the beginning of June. We will be on a tighter budget cause of my mistake in choosing the airport. Is it cheaper to book excursions in person or thru travel sites like Expedia?
You’re going to love being on Seven Mile Beach! It will be cheaper to arrange your transport in advance to Negril. What excursions are you looking at? Some might be full but you should be able to book them all in person with cash. USD is commonly used so no reason to exchange. Feel free to email us if you have any other questions.
I’m planning my 40th Birthday and will be visiting in July (NO Lobster… Sniffles) Your blog is more than useful… Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Happy early birthday – We hope you have a great trip!
I highly recommend the blue hole mineral spring in Westmoreland.
I’m planning to go to Negril soon and cant decide on where to stay! I had read that the bloody bay beaches are not nice and muddy to swim in…. did you like the riu negril and beach ?
If you are going for the beach then you should definitely stay at a hotel on Seven Mile Beach. The water is much clear and the beach is better too. We have stayed at Riu Negril Twice and 3 other times at hotels on Seven Mile Beach (Sandals Negril, Negril Tree House, Couples Swept Away, and Negril Beach House). Our top pick would be Sandals Negril if your budget allows or Negril Tree House if you’re on a budget.
Enjoy Negril!
This is great info as we will be in Negril in just over a week! The Booby Bay trip sounds great as we are staying at Little Bay Country Club, but is lobster in season right now?
Hope you have a blast in Negril next week. Yes, you should be able to get a lobster in Negril next week. Lobster season in Jamaica is closed April 1 through June 30t.
Great information… thank you, we are going to Negril in June for my friends 50th birthday… girls only!!! Unfortunately no lobster during that time, something I was looking forward to. But wrote down your ideas for us to do while there.
Negril will be one heck of a place & party for a 50th birthday. Sadly no lobster then but the jerk chicken will make up for it. What hotel are you staying at?
Pretty good info!
Glad you think so. We love Jamaica and keep going back. It’s slightly addicting.
We’ve been to Booby Cay twice on our first trip.You just talk to one of the guys hanging on the beach with the boats. Best lobster we ever ate.Pick out your own and it’s cooked over a wood fire.Fantastic!
What did you pay for the boat driver and the lobster? We are heading back to Jamaica later this year and def heading out there! We love lobster.
Where was the best area on 7 mile beach to find the boat to take you to Booby Cay? Up near Sandals Resort?
If you are up by sandals you could even take one of the free kayaks and go. Alternatively, I would go to one of the shops on the beach selling glass bottom boat tours or parasailing and they will get you out there. From the middle of 7 Mile Beach the price is $30-35 per person round trip usually with a snorkel stop, but might be less if you go from Sandals because it’s so close.
Hey – thanks for this. I think you have nailed a lot of the top items. My wife and I have been over 20 times and now come with our kids every year. Some things to consider adding:
-fly there instead of driving just for the experience of the little TimAir connector which gets you to the beach in 15 minutes from Mobay
-go to Zimbali’s in the hills for drumming and farm to table food
-visit the Royal Palm Reserve which is a wonderful nature hike
-the lighthouse is worth a stop when going to the west end
Thanks for the suggestions, we will have to check them out. We actually took some of our engagement photos on the lighthouse on the west end – it’s a nice photo spot!
Hello, were going to Beaches Negril in a week. We would like to do Island Tour with stopping for shopping. Do you know of a company or person that’s reliable?
We have used Jackson, a local taxi driver for many years. You can find him here –> email: [email protected]
How can I contact Lenbert for the one love bus
You can try to get a hold of Lenbert using Email or Facebook or by phone:
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/One-love-shuttle-bus-232284856811172/
+1 876-874-6631
Hey Hannah Love your blog like you I’m also approaching my fifth trip to Negril (can’t seem to get enough of the 7-miles white sand beach) 🏖 and I’ve done 20 out of the 24 on your list…. yeeaaah! I’m looking forward to the One Love Bus bar I’m not a drinker but sounds like fun and how do I get to Booby Island?
I would add Dinner at Ivan’s located at the Catch a fallen star resort.. the snapper is delicious😜
Also Sweet Spice for the Best authentic Jamaican cuisine on the island… safe travels
Thanks! You should be able to arrange a trip to Booby Island while you are there from the resort or if you ask around on the beach. I haven’t seen anywhere where you can book it online. I know it is often paired with a snorkel trip or glass bottom boat trip too.
Is it easy to get around? I will be in Negril over Christmas with my husband and 21 and 19 year olds. Can u get cabs? I don’t want to rent a car
Hi Amy – Yes it is easy to get around, taxis run regularly along the road behind Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. Your hotel can organize you one, or flag down a marked taxi on the road. If you find a driver you like take his card or number and you’ll get even better service using the same driver for your stay.
My husband & I are going to Negril a week before Christmas with our 20 & 19 yr olds. We are staying at RIU Negril! Thanks for all the great suggestions!
That’s a great time of year to travel to Jamaica. Negril is our all-time favorite place in Jamaica and the best beach in Jamaica too. You kids are going to have a blast, just keep an eye on them though!
What is the cheapest way to get from Negril to pelican bar?
Well, that really depends on where you are staying in Jamaica. Most likely it would be to hire a private taxi driver for the day and include a stop at the Pelican Bar and check out a few other of the best things to do in Jamaica in the area like YS Falls or Appleton Rum Tour. It’s worth the trip!
Can you provide information on transportation and who to call for getting to Booby Island please?
I do not have contact info for the Booby Island tours, this should be possible to arrange while you are in Jamaica at the resort or on the beach.
I’d add walking the West End, visiting the Light House there – checking out Half Moon Beach and visiting Calico Jacks – a bar on a private island in their bay. For some out of town adventure do a farm and cooking tour at Zimbali Retreat outside of Little London. Check out Blue Hole in Brighton.
Thanks for some additional things to do in Negril we’ll have to check them out on our next visit.
Last I heard #19 horseback riding on the beach is illegal.
Never heard that, but even if it is – it happens on the beaches in Negril every day.
HI there,
I am searching info about sailing the the caribe. Trying to find a good itinerary to plan our trip. We usually sail in Europe so quite excited. Which Islands should we visit?
I would love to try the parasailing tour! Very enlightening post, Hannah!
Negril was the first place I ever went parasailing actually back in 2007. It def is one of the best things to do in Negril.
Always love traveling to the Caribbean Islands. Still haven’t visited Jamaica, but Negril looks perfect. Seven Mile Beach looks fabulous as well. Thanks for sharing your journey, photos and suggestions for traveling to this Island in Paradise! 🙂
Seven Mile Beach in Negril is one of the best beaches in all of the Caribbean if not the best beach. Where is your favorite spot so far in the Caribbean? Make sure to check back again soon as we are publishing a bunch more articles on Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. Safe travels!