Negril, Jamaica is a tropical paradise where people come to enjoy the sandy beaches, calm turquoise waters, reggae music, and legendary sunsets.
This post focuses on things to do close to Negril on the western tip of the island since that is the area we’ve stayed in several times. While there are fun things to do all around Jamaica, as one of the biggest Caribbean islands, you’ll probably want to limit your search to things nearby unless you want to spend hours in a car or boat getting to other parts of the island.
Let’s get into our Top Things to Do In Negril Jamaica!
Quick Note: Many tours, activities, and restaurants will be cash only, accepting US dollars and Jamaican Dollars. So be sure to bring some cash for any adventures that interest you.
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Rick’s Cafe
This iconic bar and restaurant is one of the most famous attractions in all of Jamaica. Perfectly situated atop dramatic cliffs on the western tip of Jamaica, it’s known for cliff jumping and beautiful sunsets.
They also have a swimming pool, several bars, a gift shop, and more.
They have cliff jumping spots with all different heights so anyone can participate. And locals often put on a show jumping from the highest perch.
Most people get here by car or by boat. And what kind of experience you are looking for might dictate how and when you visit.
Rick’s has grown so big and popular that it can definitely feel like a bit of a tourist trap.
If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t visit during mid-afternoon til sunset. Like when we arrived just after 3pm, there was practically nobody there, and by the time we left Ricks around 4:30 it was packed!
We have always done the sunset catamaran cruise with Scuba Caribe through our resort. This is definitely more of party boat type trip with loud music, open bar, and dancing. And we like that is also includes a stop for snorkeling on the way. Book a Catamaran Cruise.
These type of big boat tours are offered daily from both 7-Mile beach and Bloody Bay, the two primary beachfronts in Negril.
For us, it’s fun to have that party energy from being with a bigger group, and it help keeps the price down.
But the negative of going with one of these big boat tours is that you are kind of stuck doing things with a big group. And the large boats can’t pull right up to the cliffs at Rick’s. So most of them use a smaller powerboat to transfer people to and from land. And with a big group this can be a bit of a tedious process.
So for a more relaxed and customizable experience, consider hiring a private boat or car that can drop you off at a less popular time. Glass-bottom boats are one of the most common smaller tour boats around Negril. And for just for a couple people or a small group that can be affordable as well.
Below is our suggestion for a smaller cruise that includes snorkeling and Rick’s Cafe.
And also worth noting that if you want to actually be at Rick’s for sunset a car is the better option, since most of the quote unquote sunset cruises will leave Rick’s well before sunset to get back before dark. You could choose a tour like this one.
Blue Hole Mineral Spring
Tucked away in the countryside near Negril, Blue Hole Mineral Spring is a natural wonder worth exploring. Unlike the oceanfront beaches Negril is famous for, this enchanting natural spring sits inside a deep limestone cavern, creating a mesmerizing pool of crystal-clear blue water.
The entrance fee is $20 per person, but first you need to get there. And the taxi ride is not very cheap. Most people quoted us $120 roundtrip. But after some haggling, we were able to get the price down to $80 for the two of us. However, the journey is worth it for the immense beauty and unique experience awaiting you.
You could book this Blue Hole + Weed Farm tour, but we suggest asking around to get a better price!
For the adventurous, jumping from the cliff’s edge into the refreshing spring below is a must! But if you’d rather take it slow, a ladder allows for a more relaxed entry into the cool, mineral-rich water. Once inside, you can swim, float, and soak while surrounded by the stunning limestone formations that make this spot so unique.
Afterwards, soak up the sun at their pool that is filled with the same mineral water. And their modest on-site bar can keep the drinks and music flowing if you want to indulge.
Beyond the spring, there’s an upper-level viewpoint at the resort, offering breathtaking panoramic ocean views—a perfect place to take in the lush beauty of Jamaica’s countryside.
To round out your adventure, you can also explore their weed farm here. This costs an additional $20 per person. But we felt the additional price was a bit to steep for us, so we decided to skip it. But if it interests you, by all means, I think it can be a worthy Jamaican addition to your trip.
Explore Negril’s 7 Miles of Beaches
If you like long walks on the beach, seven miles ought to do it! While people often refer to Long Bay as “Seven Mile Beach,” it’s actually more like four miles. The full seven-mile coastline includes both Bloody Bay and Long Bay, but something to note is the two bays aren’t connected by beach. To explore both, you’ll need to walk along the road or take a taxi between the public access points.
Luckily, most resorts provide direct beach access, so if you’re staying along one of these bays, you’ll have plenty of shoreline to enjoy.
We always stay in Bloody Bay, so we’ve spent a lot of time walking these shores. Almost all the beachfront here is lined with resorts, meaning public access is limited, but there’s a small section where local vendors set up souvenir shops, which can be great for picking up unique gifts or handcrafted items.
Since we always stay on Bloody Bay, we wanted to experience Long Bay, the other side of Negril’s coastline. So we hopped in a taxi and headed over. The nearest public access point was The Boardwalk, where we were greeted by a fun turtle pond, a public bar, and a few local shops before stepping onto the sand. From there, it was all crystal-clear waters and endless beach views.
Long Bay has a livelier vibe, with beach bars, restaurants, and shops scattered along the shore and a bit more inviting to the people not staying at the resorts that line the beach.
One thing true for both bays is the presence of local vendors walking the beach selling their goods—and they can be persistent. If you’re not interested, the best approach is to politely ignore them. Otherwise, they’ll invite themselves over and try every tactic to make a sale.
After visiting Jamaica several times now, our perspective on the beach vendors has changed. At first, it felt annoying, but now it brings a bit of nostalgia—we’ve seen the same vendors year after year, wearing the same outfits, chanting the same slogans, and some even remember us! As a first-time visitor, though, it can definitely feel overwhelming. But you get pretty good at politely saying “no thank you”, or the line that never fails is, “have a blessed day”.
If your resort isn’t located along these two bays, or if you’re visiting Negril from a different area, we’d suggest spending time on Long Bay (aka Seven Mile Beach). It has better public access, more amenities, and plenty of spots to rent lounge chairs and soak up the sun.
Try Some Watersports
Jamaica’s calm waters along the west coast make it the ultimate destination for watersports. Whether you’re into paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, waterskiing, or just splashing around, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
Most resorts along Bloody Bay and Long Bay offer watersports included with your stay. Each with a dedicated watersports shack right on the beach.
For example, our resort includes free water activities through Scuba Caribe, so we could easily enjoy everything from kayaking to sailing without worrying about extra fees. Other resorts on the coast offer similar services through different companies, so if you’re keen to try watersports, it’s worth booking a resort where they’re included.
Early mornings are perfect for exploring the calm bays—whether you’re paddleboarding or kayaking, you’ll likely spot colorful fish, turtles, and stingrays in the crystal-clear waters.
As the day goes on, the afternoon breeze picks up, making it the perfect time to head out for a sailing adventure. The wind makes for smooth sailing on the calm waters, offering beautiful views as you glide across the water.
If your resort doesn’t include watersports, you might still be able to get a day-use access pass to a nearby resort. For instance, with Scuba Caribe, you can book a pass to the RIU resort (with a 48-hour advance reservation) for around $60 per person. This grants you access to all the resort’s amenities—all-inclusive bars and restaurants, pools, and of course, their watersports equipment.
But there are some unaffiliated businesses offering watersports that anyone can hire. Things like parasailing, water tubing, etc. But, how do you find these watersports for hire? Locals will roam the beach finding anyone interested in these activities.
Don’t forget to book insurance for your next trip.
Explore The Cliffs Along The West Coast
Jamaica’s west side is home to some of the most breathtaking cliffs, offering jaw-dropping views where rugged limestone meets the deep blue Caribbean Sea. The best way to experience these stunning cliffs is either staying in Negril’s West End, where boutique hotels and cliffside resorts offer unreal views above the cliffs, or to explore them from the water on a boat tour.
Here are some cliffside hotel and resort recommendations:
- The Caves
- Catch A Falling Star
- Rockhouse Hotel & Spa
Many cliffside resorts not only give you front-row seats to epic sunsets but also offer direct access to the ocean, hidden swimming spots, and even secret caves waiting to be explored.
One popular “secret” cave worth adding to your Negril bucket list is Joseph’s Cave. You can reach this spot by car, but you’ll need a guide or a reservation to enter. This one is still on our bucket list, but if you love discovering hidden gems, it’s definitely a spot to consider.
For most visitors, a boat tour is the best way to experience these cliffs. These tours cruise along the coastline, stopping at hidden caves, offering snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and even giving you the chance to take the leap with some cliff jumping at safe, well-known spots. Whether you’re here to soak in the scenery or chase a thrill, the cliffs of Negril promise an unforgettable adventure.
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Negril is a fantastic way to experience Jamaica’s underwater world, offering clear waters, unique coral formations, and tropical marine life. While the reefs have faced challenges over the years due to overfishing, pollution, hurricanes, disease, etc there’s still plenty to see—especially if you take a boat tour to offshore reef sites where marine life is more abundant.
We’ve always been to Sandy Key Reef, but I believe there are others.
Below is a fun Snorkel Tour that brings you around the a few different places to snorkeling Negril.
Many resorts offer guided snorkeling trips, or you can book a private tour with a local boat operator for a more personalized experience. You might spot colorful fish, stingrays, or even a sea turtle gliding through the water!
To help protect the reefs and keep them thriving, we encourage you to choose a reef-safe sunscreen like Sea2Stream or similar. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral, but mineral-based, eco-friendly options allow you to enjoy the ocean while preserving its beauty for future generations.
While Negril may not have the most abundant marine life compared to some other destinations, it’s still a peaceful and scenic way to explore beneath the waves. Every snorkel trip is unique, and with the sun shining and the crystal-clear water surrounding you, it’s always a great way to spend time in the Caribbean Sea!
Try Jamaica’s Local Cuisines
One of the tastiest ways to experience Jamaica’s vibrant culture is through its flavor-packed cuisine. From smoky tangy jerk chicken and pork to fresh, buttery Reggae Lobster, every bite bursts with Caribbean flavor. One thing to note about Caribbean Lobsters is they don’t have claws, which in our opinion is debatably the best part of Maine Lobsters.
Since our resort offers all-inclusive dining, we’ve had the chance to enjoy jerk-style dishes daily, along with Reggae Lobster on select nights, each prepared with a unique twist on Jamaican flavors.
If your resort doesn’t offer these dishes, or you just want to explore off-resort dining, Office of Nature on Bloody Bay is a great spot to check out. Located right next to our resort, this place is always buzzing with tourists. Here, you can even handpick your own lobster straight from their shoreline enclosure before it’s grilled to perfection. But keep in mind, lobster isn’t necessarily cheaper in the Caribbean, with smaller ones starting around $25 and prices climbing based on size.
Of course, there are plenty of other great spots to try in Negril. Ask a local for recommendations near your accommodation, you never know what hidden gems you might find!
Honorable Mention
Of course, the list of fun things to do doesn’t end there. So here are a few other things to consider.
Booby Cay is a small island off the coast between Bloody Bay and Long Bay. It’s a popular spot for grilled seafood and snorkeling.
There are many great waterfalls around Jamaica, but the one that piqued our interest the most is YS Falls. With its series of gorgeous cascading waterfalls. But it is like a 2-hour drive one way from Negril.
Book a Deep Sea Fishing tour to catch big fish to grill or just for sport. You’re likely to encounter Mahi-Mahi, Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Barracuda, and more.
Consider exploring a local farm and learning about the plants that make up Jamaica’s jungles. You can book tours or head to Barney’s Botanical Garden.
Where To Stay In Negril, Jamaica
There are three popular areas to stay in Negril: The sandy beaches of Bloody Bay, Seven Mile Beach, or amongst the cliffs in West End.
We have always stayed in Bloody Bay at Sunset At The Palms. We would happily recommend them as one of the best-value all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. If you are looking for something different than the mega-resorts, Sunset At The Palms is a small, adults only resort with romantic little bungalows set in the jungle, and their own private slice of beachfront.
Check out the map below to find other great recommendations for places to stay in Negril.
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