Negril is the epitome of relaxation. Famous for beautiful sunsets, a 7-mile stretch of bright white sandy beach, and picturesque cliffs overlooking the emerald green sea, this is the place for you to come and soothe your soul.
Montego Bay vs Negril: Conclusion
Montego Bay is overall well-suited for families, as it has more attractions and family-friendly activities available. Negril is better for couples, especially those who love to just relax. The tourist-oriented nature of both locations makes either one great for first-time vacationers.
Home to 7 Mile Beach, Negril has so much more to offer than merely a beautiful stretch of land. Having been to this area a few times over the years, I've discovered some hidden gems, and some of the best places to eat, drink, and truly take in the island life.
If you're looking for a night club, head over to The Jungle in Negril, voted the best nightclub in the Caribbean. Both tourists and locals alike head to this haunt to enjoy dancing and great music. During the high season, you might encounter some big-name DJs here from New York City and Miami!
The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 32 C and an average low of 26 C. The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 23 C.
The snorkeling and scuba opportunities on the beach are ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers. The water is mostly tranquil and clear, and shallow in some areas. You can rent equipment from a local dive shop in Negril.
If you're looking for more of a secluded beach experience, Ocho Rios is the better choice. However, if you want more of a party atmosphere, then Negril is the way to go!
Jamaica's beach destinations, such as Negril and Montego Bay, are popular with tourists and locals alike. For a bustling city, you can't beat Port Antonio or the capital of Jamaica, Kingston. Or for cruise ports, docking in at Ocho Rios is always a great experience (plus there's plenty to do, too)!
Which airport do you fly into to get to Negril? If you're staying in Negril, your best option is to land at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ). Once you arrive at the Montego Bay Airport, you'll then be able to travel to Negril via ground transportation.
Is Negril or Montego Bay cheaper?
Prices in Negril for accommodations tend to be a little cheaper than in Montego Bay. In Montego Bay, you'll find the unique overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
You can in theory walk the entire 7 miles but not all in one piece and you'd have to get escorted through both Breezes Grand Negril and Hedonism unless you are staying at one or the other of those yourself. As yamangurl points out, you can do about 5 miles in either direction along the Long Bay portion.
With daily highs around 88°F, July is one of the hottest months in Negril. If you go on vacation to Negril in July, you won't see temperatures go below 86°F or above 90°F very often. About 79°F is the average for nighttime temperatures in Negril.
Yes, while our four resorts are reserved exclusively for couples, we highly recommend Idle Awhile's three properties in Negril: Idle Awhile The Beach, The Cliffs, and The Villas, which offer a variety of accommodations ranging from guest rooms to private, full-staffed villas.
Puerto Rico is not only the nightlife capital of the Caribbean, but also the birthplace of the piña colada- the quintessential island cocktail.
Located 79 km off the coast of Valencia, Ibiza is a party island famous for its world class, summer club parties which attract large numbers of tourists. Ibiza is most known for its large clubs. Examples are Privilege and Space.
October is the wettest month of the year in Jamaica – you're likely to see some rain on around half of the days.
Negril has its wettest month in October, averaging 8.7 inches of rainfall, while December to March averaging less than 3 inches of rainfall, as the driest months of the year. In a year, Negril receives around 62 inches of rain - slightly more than other Jamaican hotspots.
High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is February.
Skylark Negril Beach Resort is a 75-minute scenic drive from Montego Bay's Donald Sangster International Airport, so you'll need to arrange transportation.
How long is the ride from Montego Bay airport to Negril?
From the airport at Montego Bay, it is an 81km (50-mile) drive southwest to Negril, a trip that usually takes 2 hours but could take more or less, depending on traffic conditions.
- Montego Bay.
- Negril.
- Ocho Rios.
- Treasure Beach/South Coast.
- Runaway Bay.
- Trelawny.
- Lime Cay.
There are different taxi companies available at the Montego Bay airport and a taxi to Negril costs around $150 (€133).
Negril in Jamaica is considered to be the best place for couples and people above 18 years of age. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous (and mostly secluded) and the Seven Mile Beach is home to several bars and clubs, which makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Jamaica.
When people think which side of Jamaica has the best beaches, many would say Negril. This is because Negril is home to one of the most famous beaches on the island, Seven Mile Beach. Home to crystal clear water and white gold sand, it's easy to see why both visitors and locals enjoy spending time at Seven Mile Beach.
What are the safest places to visit in Jamaica? Most resort towns have adequate security measures to keep locals and tourists safe. The safest places in Jamaica include Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and Negril.
Negril and Montego Bay are around 50 miles (80 km) away from each other, and both of these incredibly popular areas are known for their amazing beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and fun attractions.
American Airlines, jetBlue, KLM, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines all fly non-stop to Jamaica.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
U.S. citizens are generally required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Jamaica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica. If you are traveling to Jamaica on a cruise, you may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document.
US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas, but if you pay with a note you'll receive Jamaica currency coins as change. This can often be at an unfavourable rate. So, if you're planning to explore less touristy places as part of your holiday, we recommend taking Jamaican Dollars to get the best prices.
Is Jamaica cheaper than Bahamas?
Jamaica is known as one of the most affordable islands in the Caribbean. There is a wide range of places to stay on the island, and food can be very inexpensive—it averages about 20% cheaper than in The Bahamas.
Cancun is slightly more competitive on flights, and budget accommodation can be extremely cheap. Jamaica actually offers a wider range of all-inclusive price points, although ultra-luxe suites beat out Cancun's offers. Generally, the two destinations balance out, especially if you try for an all-inclusive stay.
In the Montego Bay area au natural (nude) areas for sunning can be found on a small island which is part of Sandals Royal Caribbean resort. The Sandals island also offers a pool, bar, etc. and is reached by a short free shuttle boat ride from the hotel.
Do you need water shoes in Negril? Tevas are all you need. If you don't have a pair, then flip flops and beach shoes are fine too. The beach shoes are nice protection against scrapes and urchins when swimming, and are handy to walk along the road and cliffside paths.
It is possible to swim all year in Negril.
The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 86°F / 30.0°C. The coldest month is January with an average water temperature of 80.2°F / 26.8°C.
Average annual water temperature on the coast in Negril is 83°F, by the seasons: in winter 81°F, in spring 82°F, in summer 84°F, in autumn 85°F. Minimum water temperature (79°F) in Negril it happens in February, maximum (86°F) in September.
Average daytime and nighttime temperatures
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees, but has few truly tropical and sticky months. It is warm to hot all year round, inviting bathing at average water temperatures of 28 degrees.
The term “adults only” means that there is an age restriction to enter the resort. Most of these resorts consider the age of adulthood to be 18 years old and therefore put the restriction as such. If you are wanting to bring kids, babies, or anyone below that age into the resort you will not be able to.
Yes. No law in the country denies an unmarried couple a stay in a hotel. However, checking-in a couple is at the discretion of the hotel owners / managers.
Do couples resorts allow singles?
Couples Resorts accommodates adults only, couples only, and guests must be 18 years of age or older to book and stay at any of our resorts.
This archipelago of 32 islands took the No. 1 spot this year. "St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a unique old-school Caribbean vibe, very low-key," said one of our readers.
Trinidad and Tobago has been named the “happiest” Caribbean country to live in according to the United Nations (UN).
1. Montserrat. With just 1,591 stay-over visitors in 2021, Montserrat is the least touristy Caribbean island. Lush green mountains abound on the island of Montserrat, known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean.
Ibiza. Frequently referred to as the 'Clubbing capital of the world', there is no wonder why Ibiza makes the cut.
Oahu, Honolulu in particular, boasts some of the best nightlife of all the Hawaiian islands. Whatever the preference, there is something for every taste from cheeky Tiki Bars, to live music at chic lounges to music thumping night clubs.
Jamaican Culture and reggae revelries
You can listen to reggae anywhere in Jamaica (the birthplace of the genre), but Negril is legendary for hosting stellar shows. One hot spot is Bourbon Beach–a vivacious venue on Seven Mile Beach that attracts fun-loving tourists and locals alike.
If you're looking for more of a secluded beach experience, Ocho Rios is the better choice. However, if you want more of a party atmosphere, then Negril is the way to go!
What is Jamaica known for? Jamaica is known to be the birthplace of reggae, Bob Marley, world's fastest sprinters, Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, beautiful beaches, jerk dishes, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and majestic waterfalls.
Around the spring you'll find white, clay-type mud, which is said to be good for your skin. Rub it right on for a massage of your own creation, soak it off, and later, cliff jump into the cold waters if you dare.
What is the nicest part of Jamaica to visit?
Jamaica's beach destinations, such as Negril and Montego Bay, are popular with tourists and locals alike. For a bustling city, you can't beat Port Antonio or the capital of Jamaica, Kingston. Or for cruise ports, docking in at Ocho Rios is always a great experience (plus there's plenty to do, too)!
Montego Bay has some of the island's best beaches, but also the most touristy. Apart from being a major cruise port, it's a playground for the rich and famous, with luxurious resorts, undulating golf courses, and glorious white sand beaches. What is this?
The best areas to stay in Jamaica for first-timer are the beautiful neighborhoods of Negril, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Treasure Beach, Kingston, Runaway Bay, Port Antonio, Mandeville. These areas are very popular and safe for tourist that offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
- Jerk Chicken. Synonymous with traditional Jamaican food, jerk chicken can be found on almost every street corner on the island. ...
- Ackee & Saltfish. ...
- Coconut Drops. ...
- Fish and Festival. ...
- Run Down or Dip and Fall Back. ...
- Curry Goat. ...
- Oxtail. ...
- Pepper Pot Soup.
Jamaica's national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island's traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish. This pear-shaped produce features a mild, nutty taste, which is why it is commonly curried over rice or cooked with tomatoes, onions, and codfish.
1. Negril Beach (Seven Mile Beach) & the Negril Cliffs. Negril Beach, also known as Seven Mile Beach, is one of Jamaica's most beautiful stretches of white sand and aqua sea. Backed by the famous Negril Cliffs, it's also one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.