Travel: A Brief Guide to Negril, Jamaica

 

Negril in Jamaica is the ideal vacation spot for those that prefer to be away from the bustling center yet still have plenty to see and do.

Accommodation is a pleasant mixture of small independent guest houses and all-inclusive resort chains, providing something for everyone. While some areas of the beach can get busy in high season, the general vibe in Negril is relaxed and laid-back.

Brandon Glickstein got married in Jamaica and regularly returns to Negril, with a particular fondness for the people and for swimming off the cliffs at the less populated West End.

You can find out how to get to Negril by watching the short video attachment.

 

Cliff Jumping

Thrill-seekers and braver souls often travel to Negril to experience cliff jumping. The 50-foot high cliffs to the south of the main beach draw in crowds of people each year looking for adventure.

Something of an adult’s playground, this area is populated with rustic bars including the legendary Rick’s Café, all overlooking the vibrant blue of the Caribbean Sea – ideal for relaxing with a cocktail after a day’s leaping off the cliffs, or for sitting back and watching the jumpers.

Accommodation

Negril is quite neatly divided into several distinct regions, each with its own particular atmosphere. The main beach is surrounded by the majority of the resort hotels and is renowned for being party-central. Many of the resort hotels have their own private stretch of beach attached.

The West End is far more relaxed, perfect for those that like a quiet escape from the world. There are multiple cottages for rent across Negril, some with traditional palm-thatched roofs and other with classic tile. 

A Brief History of Negril, Jamaica

 

Sights and Attractions

There are plenty of things to see and do in Negril, making it suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Visitors can charter a boat for a morning fishing trip or explore the underwater marine life with a scuba dive. The Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park and Art Garden boasts lush scenery decorated with stunning stone sculptures and house paintings by local artists and is well worth a visit. Horseback riding tours take guests through shaded mangrove trails, while a rum tasting adventure at Appleton Rum offers as many as 13 varieties to try from master blender Joy Spence.

The embedded infographic looks at some of the top places to eat in Negril.