Rick’s Café is the best-known address in Negril and one of the most famous bars in the Caribbean. It has been serving drinks on the limestone cliffs of the West End since 1974, when it started as a modest local spot, and it has been rebuilt more than once after hurricanes. Today its terraces step down the rock in several levels, shaded by trees, with a bar, a kitchen, a stage for live music and ledges at different heights from which people jump or dive into the clear, deep water below. Local divers perform the highest leaps while confident visitors try the lower ledges. The real draw is the sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink over the open sea and the crowd on every terrace goes quiet for a moment. This experience combines a visit to the café with the surrounding West End cliffs and a taste of Jamaican culture, which makes it an easy way to see the sunset ritual without worrying about transport home.
How it works
The experience is arranged as a guided outing with transport, timed so that you arrive at the West End in the late afternoon. Cliff jumping is optional and at your own risk; the operator will explain what is included. Food and drinks are bought on the spot, and there is no cover charge at the café according to its own site, though the details of this outing can vary, so confirm what is bundled when you book.
What to expect
Rick’s is lively, social and unpolished in the best way. Tables fill early on clear evenings, so a late-afternoon arrival gives you time to choose a spot, order a drink and watch the jumpers warm up. The cliffs drop into water that is deep and clean, and a ladder lets swimmers climb back to the rocks. Musicians often play as the sun nears the horizon, and when it dips the whole place applauds.
Making the most of it
Only jump if you are a confident swimmer, check the water for other people before you leap and use the ledge height you are comfortable with. Wear footwear with grip on the wet rock, bring a towel and a dry bag, and keep valuables with the group or at your hotel. Bring cash for food, drinks and tips for the divers, and remember that on cloudy evenings the colours can be muted, so a second visit on another night is worth considering.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening outing to Rick’s Café on the West End cliffs, with time for cliff jumping, drinks and the sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon through sunset; arrive early on clear days to secure a table with a view.
How long
Roughly four to five hours including transport and a long, unhurried stay at the café.
Tips
Wear non-slip shoes, bring a towel and a dry bag, and only jump from ledges that match your swimming confidence.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the sunset ritual that Negril is famous for, with or without a jump.
- Families
- Families can enjoy the atmosphere and watching the divers, but keep children well back from the cliff edges and the ledges.
- Couples
- Share a table on the upper terrace and toast the sunset with a rum punch and a Red Stripe.
- Pair with
- A morning on Seven Mile Beach so that you see both sides of Negril in one day.
- Time needed
- Allow a full evening so that nobody feels rushed to leave before the sun goes down.
Good questions
Does Rick’s Café charge an entry fee?+
According to its own site there is no cover charge, and it is open from noon until late each day. You pay for food and drinks as you go, so bring cash or a card.
Is it safe to jump from the cliffs?+
Jumping is at your own risk. The water below is deep and clear, but you should only jump if you are a confident swimmer, use the ledges that suit you and make sure the landing zone is clear.
What time is the sunset?+
Sunset in Negril falls roughly between half past five in winter and just before seven in summer. Plan to arrive an hour or so earlier to find a table and watch the jumpers.
Is Rick’s Café suitable for children?+
Children are welcome during the day and early evening, but the cliff edges, music and drinking crowd mean that parents should watch them closely and avoid the jumping ledges.
Do I need to book a table?+
Rick’s is first come, first served for most of the terraces, which is why arriving early on a clear evening pays off. Large groups should check ahead if the experience you book includes seating.
