Negril beaches Travel Guide

About Negril beaches

Laid-back Negril is known as Jamaica's 'capital of casual.' It is less developed than the island's other resort towns, although it is still filled with hotels, restaurants and shops ranging from low-end to fancy and all-inclusive hotels. It's best known for its beautiful Seven Mile Beach, frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

Beach:

The famous Seven Mile Beach (approximately 11km/7 miles) has aqua blue water, white sand, scenic cliffs, many friendly vendors and open-air restaurants and ranks as one of the top shorelines. Big all-inclusive resorts are on the north end, with smaller, family-run hotels on the south end. Besides lounging in the sun with a cold drink, there are dozens of different water activities available, including scuba diving, fishing and tubing. West End Road, just south of Negril, is the area's best place to snorkel, dive, and if you dare, cliff jump off 12m (40ft) bluffs.

Beyond the beach:

Travelling into Negril's hidden nooks or up into the lush mountains is a pleasurable change-of-pace from the beach. The rushing waterfalls and mineral springs at Mayfield Falls are fun, and a sunset cruise is a must. It can be combined with a late-afternoon snorkelling trip or a stop at a private beach. For the best view of the island, climb to the top of the century-old Lighthouse at West End Road.

Family fun:

Let the boys go fishing while girls get their hair braided with beads along the beach. Most restaurants are kid-friendly, and the beaches offer a wide range of watersports suitable for all ages. Explore caves at Roaring River, a natural area just outside Negril, or for equestrian lovers, Rhodes Hall offers two-hour horseback rides through banana and coconut groves, high into the hills and along the beach, with stops for crocodile watching.

Exploring further:

There are tour companies in Negril offering day trips to relaxing Little Bay, or the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. If you're a fan of the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back, you can go past the luxurious house featured in the film, which is just outside Negril, in Hanover.