Negril, at the far western tip of Jamaica, is the island’s laid-back beach capital, and a day trip from Montego Bay is the easiest way to see its two sides. First comes Seven Mile Beach, a long curve of pale sand and calm, clear water lined with low-rise hotels, beach bars and jerk shacks, where you can swim, take a glass-bottom boat or simply lie under a palm. Then the road climbs to the West End, where the beach gives way to limestone cliffs and caves, and to Rick’s Café, opened in 1974 and famous for its cliff divers and sunsets. Rick’s has been flattened by hurricanes twice, in 1988 and 2004, and rebuilt each time; Negril itself escaped major structural damage from Hurricane Melissa. The Viator trip we link is run by SNL Jamaican Tours, rated 4.3 from 85 reviews, and includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned van and a guide, with beach access and the stop at Rick’s built in.
How it works: the day lasts about seven hours, with pickup from most Montego Bay hotels in the morning and a mid-morning start. The drive west along the coast takes around an hour and a half each way. Food and drinks, water sports and gratuities are extra. The trip needs at least four travellers to run, so the operator may offer another date or a refund if it does not fill. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours ahead.
What to expect: you have several hours on Seven Mile Beach to swim, eat and relax, then move on to Rick’s Café on the West End cliffs. The bar opens from noon to late every day and charges no cover, according to its own site, and its terraces drop to the sea in several levels; local divers leap from the highest ledges and the bravest guests jump from the lower ones. Drinks and food are bought on the spot.
Making the most of it: bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and cash. Only jump at Rick’s if you are a confident swimmer and use the marked ledges. If you would rather see the sunset itself, check the return time when booking or consider a private driver for flexibility.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip by air-conditioned van from Montego Bay to Seven Mile Beach in Negril, followed by a stop at Rick’s Café on the West End cliffs.
Best time
Any dry day; the calm water of Seven Mile Beach is at its clearest on sunny mornings, and the cliffs glow late in the afternoon.
How long
About seven hours including around an hour and a half of driving each way.
Tips
Bring a towel, sunscreen and cash for lunch and drinks, and only jump from the cliffs if you are a strong swimmer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers who want to see Negril’s famous sand and cliffs without moving hotels.
- Families
- The calm, shallow water of Seven Mile Beach suits children well, but keep them well back from the cliff edges at Rick’s.
- Couples
- Share a rum punch on the cliff terraces at Rick’s and watch the divers as the sun drops.
- Pair with
- The catamaran snorkel cruise in Montego Bay on another day for a second dose of Caribbean blue.
- Time needed
- A full day, so plan a quiet morning by the pool the next day.
Good questions
Is Negril open after Hurricane Melissa?+
Yes, Negril bounced back quickly and was spared major structural damage. Hotels, beaches and Rick’s Café are welcoming visitors again.
How long is the drive from Montego Bay to Negril?+
Allow around an hour and a half each way along the coast road. Traffic and roadworks can add time.
Does Rick’s Café charge an entry fee?+
Rick’s says on its own site that there is no cover charge, and it opens from noon to late every day. You pay for food and drinks on the spot.
Can I jump from the cliffs at Rick’s?+
Yes, guests jump from the lower ledges while local divers use the highest points. Only jump if you are a confident swimmer, and always use the marked spots.
Will I see the sunset on the day trip?+
Not always, because return times depend on the operator and the season. If the sunset matters most, ask about the return time or hire a private driver.
