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Jamaica is a popular tourist destination for people all over the world. If you know how to budget your money, it can also be extremely cheap. I spent two weeks in Jamaica and everything (including round-trip tickets, lodging, activities, etc.) cost less than $700.
One of my favorite cities in Jamaica is Negril. Here you will find a laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and lively parties. The best part is that you can visit Negril without breaking the bank! This guide will provide all the information you need to travel to Negril on a budget.
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Where is Negril?
Negril is located in western Jamaica. This small town of about 6,000 people is located in Westmoreland Parish and is about 70 km west of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica.
Is Negril Worth Visiting?
Negril attracts travelers from around the world due to its world-famous beach and all-inclusive resorts. The coast around Negril is a popular place for scuba diving and snorkeling due to the abundance of sea life. Local restaurants offer fresh seafood that is caught daily by fishermen.
While Negril is a much more relaxing alternative to larger Jamaican cities, there is also vibrant nightlife present there. Prices in Negril are often cheaper compared to larger Jamaican cities like Montego Bay and Kingston. For those who are interested in history, Negril was also where the famous pirate Calico Jack was captured in 1720.
How to Get to Negril
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Negril is to first fly to Montego Bay. This large city is less than 2 hours away from Negril by bus. Once you are in Montego Bay, you have to make the important decision of how to get to Negril.
Private Taxi
From the city center of Montego Bay to Negril by private taxi can cost upwards of $75 USD. There are private shuttles at the Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay offering transfers from anywhere between $50 to $60.
Bus
I do not recommend taking the public bus to Negril!
Although it will only cost a couple of dollars, it’s important to keep in mind how dangerous Jamaica is. When people talk about visiting Jamaica, very few of them ever leave the safety of their resorts. A much smaller number ever utilize public transportation there.
I went to the bus station in Montego Bay to travel to Kingston by myself, and it was not an experience I would recommend. It is extremely dangerous, you will be uncomfortable the entire time, and all eyes will be on you. If you are carrying anything more than a backpack, you will make yourself an even bigger target. I love traveling as frugally as possible, but I don’t recommend taking a public bus in Jamaica. If you do decide you want to take the public bus, make sure you go with a few friends. Preferably some who can fight.
The Best Option
The best option to get to Negril is via shared transfer service. This transfer service will pick you up from the Montego Bay airport and drop you off directly at your hotel in Negril. Not only is this cheap (less than $15 USD), but it is also very safe.
It is the best option to get to Negril.
What to Do in Negril
Cliff Jump at Rick's Cafe
Rick’s Cafe is one of the most popular destinations in Negril for both tourists and locals. While the food at this restaurant is decent, Rick’s Cafe is more well-known for its location along the West End cliffs. These cliffs, which range from 2-13 meters (8-40 feet) high, attract professional and amateur cliff jumpers to dive into the water in front of cheering spectators.
If you can swim and are a thrill-seeker, you should consider jumping from the cliffs. If the top cliff is too high for you, there are smaller cliffs you can jump from. One of the best times to go is around sunset. You will be treated to amazing views and a lively crowd!
The best part – it’s free to jump!
Visit Blue Hole Mineral Spring
Another must-see destination while visiting Negril is the Blue Hole Mineral Spring. This location is about a 30-minute drive from Negril, but it is worth the journey. The actual Blue Hole refers to an underground spring that can be accessed through a large hole in the ground. Guests can jump into this hole and splash down into the water 7 meters (24 feet) below. The water supposedly contains minerals that are therapeutic for you. You can climb out of the hole via a ladder and jump back in as many times as you want.
The Blue Hole, along with the Bimmah Sinkhole in Oman, was the most impressive sinkhole that I have had the privilege to swim in.
There is a small resort around the Blue Hole where you can relax and get a massage after your swim. You can also find a swimming pool which is supplied with the same water as the Blue Hole. If you are nervous about jumping down, you can opt for the swimming pool instead.
Admission is $10 USD.
Seven Mile Beach
The rest of the time at Negril should be spent at the beach! Seven Mile Beach is the most popular beach in Negril due to its white sand and turquoise-blue waters. Depending on the time of year that you come, there may be certain events happening on the beach as well.
Popular Tours
There are all kinds of additional experiences you can have in Negril. A popular tour is horseback riding in the ocean. After exploring the countryside, you’ll be able to ride your horse into the waters of the Caribbean Sea!
For a more luxurious day trip, there are catamaran cruises that take you around all day. During this tour, you’ll have the option to relax on deck, go snorkeling, or enjoy the bar.
Where to Stay in Negril
Negril is a fairly popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of accommodation options for every budget.
As a general rule, the closer you want to stay to the beach, the more expensive your lodging will be. Most of the budget accommodations are found to the southwest of Seven Mile Beach, just west of Negril’s city center. If you don’t mind walking about a mile to get to the beach, you can find private rooms for a great deal.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
Best Time to Visit Negril
If you are deciding on when to visit Negril, you should consider both the weather and the increased costs associated with peak tourism season. The months from December to February experience the highest average hotel costs, which coincides with the dry season. This is also when Negril experiences its coolest weather, with an average of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. March to May is a slightly cheaper time to visit due to hotter temperatures and more rain. The cheapest months to visit are from June to November.
I would recommend planning a trip between June and August to take advantage of the cheapest prices while avoiding too much rain.
