Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, so seeing it all in 48 hours is impossible—even for the most ambitious traveler. (Trust me, I’ve tried.) A better plan: Enjoy one area of Jamaica on your first trip, then book a return visit before leaving the beach.
This two-day itinerary takes you to Negril in the western tip of the island, known for its gentle development (not a cruise ship in sight), craggy cliffs, and white-sand Seven Mile Beach. My travel style follows a “beach and…” philosophy—beach and cave diving, beach and a booze cruise, beach and cliff diving at sunset. Although the pristine shore is your constant backdrop, there’s so much more to see and explore.
I’ve weaved together my insider picks and real Tripadvisor traveler reviews, all selected with an eye on transit times (especially on Jamaica’s winding roads), and season. Here’s my guide to this laid-back corner of the island.
DAY ONE
MORNING: Beach time and snorkeling adventures
The fastest way to get on island time is to hit the beach. Negril is known for its slow pace and uncrowded shores, even along its most popular stretch of coast, Seven Mile Beach. This is the destination for lounging, lunching, and snorkeling right from the sand. The northern end of the beach is home to some enormous all-inclusive resorts, so head to the southern tip where it has quieter condos and B&Bs, instead. You’re here for the morning but know that there are some epic sunset scenes at dusk, too.
Embrace the quiet morning or schedule a group boat ride with Captain Jace Allen Glass Bottom Boat Tour. A longtime, popular tour operator, Captain Jace’s crew put together classic or custom itineraries including visits to Booby Cay with a lobster lunch and open bar, or guided snorkeling adventures at Middle Reef or Anchor and Cannon Reef.
Travelers say: “What an awesome way to spend a couple of hours. Captain Jace and his trusty sidekicks provided not only an opportunity to see some amazing sights underwater (turtles, puffer fish, lobsters, and anemones) but what a feast cooked for us! The lobster was delicious, the side dishes tasty, and of course the rum punch could not be missed! Great opportunity as a solo traveler to meet others.” —@TinkerBell
- See all of Negril’s highlights with Jamaica Mesmerizing Tours. The six- to nine-hour excursion includes a pick up in Negril, a visit to the Blue Hole Mineral Spring, watching the famous cliff divers at Rick’s Cafe, chill time on Seven Mile Beach, and a souvenir-hunting trip to the Times Square Mall.
- Find your sea legs on a catamaran cruise with Holiday Services, with options for adults-only and family-friendly itineraries.
- Head into the countryside on an active half-day ATV tour with Rastasafari Adventures, a traveler favorite.
AFTERNOON: Lunch break and spa treatments
If you skip the picnic lunch on the boat tour, head to one of the many low-key eateries along Seven Mile Beach. Miss Lily’s has a good-time vibe with an indoor/outdoor bar area and colorful tables in the shade of sea grape trees. Tuck into grilled red snapper, jerk chicken (a must-try), and sweet pineapple and plantains. There’s music pumping all day, plus live DJ sets in the evening.
Post-lunch, head for a relaxing massage at Ocean View Spa. Owned and operated by Negril native Claudette, this two-bed operation on the sand offers everything from Swedish and hot stone massages to body scrubs and facials. Note: It’s cash only and treatments are 30 to 90 minutes.
EVENING: Jamaican fare in a knockout setting
Dinner tonight is at Jamaica’s celebrated Rockhouse Restaurant. This splurge-worthy spot is on a romantic, spectacular clifftop. Choose from a menu of modern Caribbean fare, with dishes like ackee dip and plantain chips, Rockhouse lobster, and oxtail patties. There are options for vegetarians, too. Dinner service ends at 9:30 p.m., but Negril offers plenty of after-hours entertainment, from sipping a cold Red Stripe with new friends at Collette’s Bar to a night of dancing at The Jungle.
Worthy detours along the way
DAY TWO
MORNING: River floating
Fuel up on breakfast at your hotel ahead of a half-day rafting tour on the beautiful Lethe River with Aloha Jamaica Tours. Transportation, lunch, a riverside open bar, and a foot massage with limestone mud are all included, but the real highlight is experiencing Jamaica’s lush interior and wealth of wildlife. The length of the tour changes with the speed of the flowing river, but this is generally a three-hour adventure.
Travelers say: “The driver Ryan was amazing. He arrived promptly at pickup and explained things about Jamaica during our drive. The rafting trip was so much fun! We enjoyed the views, rum punch, and music. Our rafting captain was Souja Boy, and he was the best!” —@Shamika T
- Take a half-day tour to the must-see YS Falls and Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a memorable watering hole perched on stilts in the sea.
- Discover the uncrowded Mayfield Falls on a morning exploration and nature walk with Jamaica Hidden Treasures.
- Hop aboard some of the largest bamboo rafts on the Lethe River with local experts, DG Tours.
AFTERNOON: Seaside party and rum punch
Head back to Seven Mile Beach or north to quiet Half Moon Bay for some downtime before a busy afternoon of cliff jumping, rum punch, and sunset views at Rick’s Cafe. One of the most popular spots in Negril, you’ll find party-ready crowds who arrive by catamaran to watch the professional divers (who encourage cash tips!) and sip on sweet rum punch as the sun sets. Expect a busy scene but good energy here. Or, for an alternative Jamaican party, hop on a One Love Bus Bar Crawl in the early afternoon and experience up to seven distinctive island bars, all in the company of beloved host, Lenbert Williams.
EVENING: Romantic date night
Whether you’re at Rick’s Cafe or wrapping up the One Love Bus Bar Crawl, you’ll have time for one last dinner after sunset on your final day in Negril. Check out romantic Zest Restaurant for the tasty braised oxtail and jerk chicken or book in advance to snag a seaside table at the dreamy Lodge Restaurant at Tensing Pen Hotel.
Worthy detours along the way
Know Before You Go
-
Visit from November to June for guaranteed sunshine and temperatures in the mid-80s. Hurricane season is from August to November, when you can expect afternoon showers, but also snag the lowest hotel rates.
-
Any day! Airports are busiest at the weekends, but cruise ships dock every day, so the island’s most popular attractions will always have a steady flow of visitors.
-
Most essential businesses are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, and close earlier on Fridays. Many restaurants close for lunch and reopen for an evening service.
-
Negril: The West End is home to some of Jamaica’s most romantic hotels, including cliffside Rockhouse Hotel with its dreamy suites perched over the water, and destination wedding–favorite, The Cliff Hotel. For an easy all-inclusive set up, there’s Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma, which has a mix of family-friendly suites and an adults-only section, while honeymooners go to Couples Negril for its lush grounds, live music, and friendly staff.
-
By car: You’ll find all the major car rental companies at the three main airports. Request a 4WD if you plan to explore beyond the cities as roads are often unpaved. Uber operates in the capital, Kingston, but otherwise you’ll need to take a local taxi or shared minibus to get around.