If you’re looking for a tropical destination with a laid-back atmosphere and authentic Jamaican culture, Negril is the place to be. This beautiful beach town on the western tip of Jamaica offers more than just pristine beaches. There are also plenty of exciting things to do inland and along the coast. From snorkelling and diving to hiking and exploring the local markets, there’s something for everyone in Negril. Come and discover the top things to do in Negril for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.
Unmissable Things to See and Do in Negril, Jamaica
Join the Action on Seven Mile Beach
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril

Seven Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in the world, and the highlight of many visitor’s trips to Negril. Located between Bloody Bay and the Negril cliffs, this beach boasts soft sand, crystal blue waters, and many things to do such as walking, swimming, snorkelling, and watersports. This stretch of beach also has a wide variety of hotels that make the perfect base for exploring all that the area has to offer.
Relax Under the Palms at the Long Bay Beach Park
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril
Near the northern tip of Seven Mile Beach lies one of Negril’s hidden gems, the Long Bay Beach Park. Far more peaceful than the other beaches in the area, this public beach boasts shallow waters and plenty of shade. There is also a snack bar, picnic tables, changing rooms and even a lifeguard on duty. The entry fee to the Long Bay Beach Park is $150 JMD for adults and $50 JMD for children.
Walk along Bloody Bay
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril

Although it sounds gruesome, Bloody Bay is, in fact, a beautiful sand beach that lies north of Seven Mile Beach. It’s the perfect destination in Negril for those seeking the clear, warm waters of Negril without the crowds. This stretch of beach is home to several all-inclusive resorts, including the Riu Palace Tropical Bay, which was where we stayed on our second trip to Jamaica.
Enjoy the Tranquil Half Moon Beach
Green Island, Hanover, Jamaica +1 (876) 531-4508
Located just north of Negril, Half Moon Beach is a private beach ideal for those seeking a secluded place to enjoy the day. Unlike the 7 Mile Beach, this undisturbed stretch of coast is great for snorkelling as it features some of Jamaica’s stunning undisturbed coral reefs.
Other things to do at Half Moon Beach include eating at their open-air restaurant and taking a boat tour to a small bar on a private island nearby. The cost of admission to the beach is $5 USD. The boat ride to the island is an additional $5 USD.
Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

One of the most popular things to do while in Negril is taking a glass-bottom boat tour. Offered by captains on the beach in Negril, these tours offer unique glimpses of the coral reef and tropical fish below. Prices for glass-bottom boat tours in Negril range from $25-50 USD.
If you are prone to motion sickness like I am, check out these great tips for overcoming seasickness.
Spend the Day at Kool Runnings Adventure Park
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril +1 (876) 957-5400
After spending a few days on the beach, you might want to switch things up and visit the Kool Runnings Adventure Park. One of the Negril area’s newest attractions, this theme park has many fun things to do for the whole family. There is go-kart racing, a bungee trampoline, a log flume, as well as water slides and swimming pools. With restaurants and gift shops on-site, you can easily spend an entire day here. Admission to Kool Runnings Adventure Park is $39 USD per person.
Eat at Kool Vybes Bar & Jerk Centre
West End Road, Negril +1 (876) 489-6487
If there’s one thing you need to do while in Negril it’s indulging in some authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. The best jerk chicken in the city is served at Kool Vybes Bar & Jerk Centre, which is located in the West End across from Tensing Pen Resort. Their extensive menu also features traditional dishes such as curry goat, grilled pepper shrimp, brown stew chicken, and steamed fish.
Visit Rick’s Café
West End Road, Negril +1 (876) 957-0380

The world-famous Rick’s Café is an essential stop while in Negril. Here, the massive limestone cliffs which rise up 35 feet out of the sea are a popular spot for cliff diving. While we were there, several local men were jumping and doing flips off the highest perches, and tourists jumped from the 10-foot cliff. We opted not to jump and instead chose to sit, relax and watch all the action.
Go on the One Love Bus Bar Crawl
+1 (876) 874-6631
Unleash your inner party animal on the One Love Bus bar crawl, which is easily the craziest thing to do in Negril. Stopping at seven local bars in the city’s west end, the One Love Bus bar crawl combines a lot of alcohol with magnificent ocean views and true Jamaican culture.
Snorkel in the Caribbean

The clear, calm waters of the coast of Negril are filled with coral reefs and tropical fish, which make it an ideal destination for snorkelling. Although you can snorkel off the beach, your best option is to book a snorkelling tour to Booby Cay. This tiny island off the coast is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and serves up one of the best lobster lunches in the city. Snorkel tours to Booby Cay range from $100-150 USD.
Go on a Zipline Canopy Tour
Another thing to do in Negril for those who are adventurous at heart is zip lining. The nearby Jamwest Motorsports & Adventure Park offers Canopy Tours which are run by knowledgeable and safety-conscious guides. Tours cost $115 USD per person.
Try Out Scuba Diving

If snorkelling isn’t quite adventurous enough for you, why not try scuba diving! With calm water and excellent visibility, Negril is the perfect place for beginners who want to learn to scuba. Dive shops such as Negril Adventure Divers and Marine Life Divers offer lessons with expert guides who make not only your enjoyment, but your safety, a priority.
Ride on Horseback Along the Beach
One of the most popular activities for tourists in Negril is going for a horseback ride on the beach. It’s a great way to see the sights and a fantastic way to connect with nature. Local company, Reggae Horseback Riding, offers an iconic “Ride “N” Swim” adventure, which takes riders along a four-mile trail through the picturesque Jamaican countryside. There is no experience necessary and rides cost $80 USD (includes free photos).
Go Deep-Sea Fishing

The Caribbean Sea is an angler’s paradise, and the waters off the coast of Negril are no exception. If you’re interested in trolling these waters, book a charter tour with Stanley’s Deep Sea Fishing. Offering a choice of boats and a variety of packages to choose from, it is the best charter company in Negril. Even if your line comes up empty, you’re guaranteed a great time.
Venture to Mayfield Falls
3254 Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica +1 (876) 792-2074
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, head out of Negril to visit Mayfield Falls. This series of small cascading waterfalls has 21 natural soaking pools perfect for relaxing and connecting with nature. Located in the dense jungle, Mayfield Falls is accessible only by wading through the river for roughly an hour. Water shoes are recommended for the hike to the falls.
Take a Trip to YS Falls
2 Market St., South Coast, Jamaica +1 (876) 997-6360
Located about an hour and a half outside Negril is YS Falls, one of Jamaica’s most scenic natural attractions. This seven-tiered waterfall cascades into natural swimming pools below. It also features a zipline and rope swing for those who want a more adventurous experience. Water shoes are recommended as the riverbed can be rocky.
Marvel at the Negril Lighthouse
West End, Negril

The Negril Lighthouse, which was built in 1894, is one of Negril’s most famous landmarks. It is the tallest structure in the Westmoreland Parish and offers breathtaking bird’s-eye views of the coast. Although the Negril Lighthouse is currently closed to visitors, the grounds are a great place to see unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea.
Visit Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden
Hylton Avenue, Negril +1 (876) 521-9709
Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden is a private garden in Negril’s West End where visitors can have up close and personal experiences with Jamaica’s endemic hummingbirds. Here, tropical plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and bromeliads attract not only hummingbirds, but also butterflies, bees, and lizards. Admission to Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden is $19 USD. Tours are limited to 6 people and must be booked in advance.
Set Sail with Tiki Pon Da Sea
+1 (876) 442-8811
Currently the hottest thing to do in Negril, the Tiki Pon Da Sea is a floating tiki cruise that sails the waters of 7 Mile Beach. There are several cruise options available, the most impressive of which is the sunset booze cruise. This cruise includes a 90-minute cruise and all the Red Stripe and Rum Punch you can drink for a cost of $60 USD per person.
Watch the Sunset

When I was in Negril, one of the things I loved doing most was watching the sunset. Watching the colours change in the sky over the Caribbean Sea was like nothing I had seen before. Some of the best places to watch the sunset in Negril are in the West End at Rick’s Cafe, the Xtabi Resort and Restaurant and Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant.
Cruise Out to Floyd’s Pelican Bar
Treasure Beach, Jamaica +1 (876) 354-4218
If you’re looking to take a day trip from Negril, one thing you can do is visit Floyd’s Pelican Bar. Located close to a mile offshore from Parottee Bay in Jamaica’s South Coast, this tiny bar made from driftwood is easily one of the best and most unique bars in the Caribbean – if not the world. Boats to Floyd’s Pelican Bar depart from Black River, Treasure Beach, Parottee Point daily and cost $20 USD per person.
Take a Dip in the Blue Hole Mineral Spring
1 Blue Hole Mineral Spring Road, Brighton District, Little Bay, Jamaica +1 (876) 860-8805
The Blue Hole Mineral Spring is located about 25 minutes southeast of Negril near the community of Little Bay. As suggested by the name, this popular attraction is actually a limestone cavern filled with cool clear mineral water. Accessible only by jumping or climbing down a 22 ft. ladder, these waters are said to have healing properties that leave visitors energized and refreshed. And don’t worry if you have a fear of heights! Those who’d rather not brave the hole are welcome to take a dip in the neighbouring spring-fed pool to receive the same benefits. A visit to the Blue Hole Mineral Spring costs $10 USD per person.
Have Some Drinks at Margaritaville Negril
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril +1 (876) 957-4467
For a signature Jamaican experience, visit Margaritaville Negril. As the original home of the popular Margaritaville franchise, this is the place to be for endless fun. Featuring private cabanas, signature margaritas, live entertainment, and many other fun things to do, Margaritaville Negril is guaranteed to be a good time.
Party at the Jungle Night Club
Norman Manley Blvd., Negril +1 (876) 850-1247
For a night of dancing, head to Jungle Night Club. Voted the “best nightclub in the Caribbean”, Jungle Night Club features two floors, seven bars, and a VIP lounge. With 4 DJs spinning and two dance floors (one indoor/one rooftop), this is the best place to party with locals and other tourists.
Listen to Live Reggae

When in Jamaica, be sure and listen to some live reggae at one of the local restaurants and bars. Most venues have reggae acts scheduled on specific days each week. In Negril, Alfred’s Ocean Palace is a great beach hangout to hear live reggae on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, while the Roots Bamboo cafe is the place to be on Wednesday nights.
Run the Reggae Marathon
One of the most memorable things to do in Negril for those who are athletically inclined is taking part in the Reggae Marathon. Occurring on the first weekend of December, this annual Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 10km race takes runners along a beautiful coastal route at sunrise. Unlike most other marathons, the Reggae Marathon weekend spreads nothing but good vibes with DJs, live musicians, and an atmosphere like none other.
Take a Tour with Chukka Caribbean
With so many tour companies to choose from in Negril, it can be difficult to know which one is best. Personally, we have had several great experiences with Chukka Caribbean and would recommend their services to others.
Drink a Red Stripe

Red Stripe is a popular lager-style beer brewed in Jamaica. The traditional variety is served all around the island both on-tap and from its signature stubby bottle while the Lemon Paradise, Sorrel, and Melon varieties are much harder to find.
What was your favourite Things to Do in Negril? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!
PIN IT FOR LATER

Leave a Reply