Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. It boasts the best beaches with silky soft white sand and breathtaking turquoise waters in Jamaica. On the other hand, Montego Bay is a tourist hotspot with vibrant and thrilling adventures and nightlife. Neither is lacking in attractions and adventures, but they complement each other perfectly.
Negril
You can experience some rich Jamaican culture in the western part of Jamaica: Negril. Despite being filled with tourists day in and day out, it does not fall short of showcasing authentic Jamaican culture to its visitors. A trip to Negril completes the Jamaican experience. The 7-mile (11 km) stretch of pure white sand beach is something no one should miss out on.
Negril is the place for relaxation and soothing experiences. You can just spend countless hours on the beach, sinking into your own pace and flow. But it doesn’t end there. Negril is quiet and calm, but it is also a home for party-goers and adventurers.
What Makes Negril Unique?
Breathtaking Beaches
Everyone in Jamaica knows that if you want to immerse in white sand beaches, Negril is the place to be. More than being welcomed by the Seven Mile Beach, this seven-mile (11-km) stretch of beach is purely silky soft white sand and clean and clear waters.
The beaches become more breathtaking because the rocky cliffs complement the turquoise waters. Sitting down on the sand is like looking at the scenery of your dreams. This stunning scenery goes one level up because of the locals and tourists’ happy-go-lucky vibe and environment on the island.
A trip to Negril isn’t complete without basking in the untouched sand and dipping in the clear waters.
Accommodates Everyone
Although many look at Negril as a luxurious place, it’s not an exclusive location. Regardless of your budget and goals in the area, there’s always something for you to enjoy. Negril is very welcoming of tourists and visitors, which is why whatever adventure or activity you plan to do, there are endless options for you.
The locals of Negril are warm and more than happy to share a part of their culture with everyone. You know that you won’t feel left out. Negril is the kind of place where anyone can fit right in, regardless of their personality and wants. This makes Negril the go-to place for tourists because they know there’s something for each individual.
Perfect for the Eyes
Aside from the natural view of the beaches, there are other sceneries to check out in Negril. Your eyes will be more than satisfied just looking at the beautiful attractions around you. There’s no place in Negril that will not take your breath away with how fun and captivating it seems.
Mayfield Falls
Mayfield Falls isn’t only an amazing sight to see. It’s also a waterfall that you can play in. It’s a waterfall consisting of smaller cascades. As with any waterfall, the water flow here is exhilarating but also calming. Because of the smaller cascades, it’s perfectly safe to play around and dip in the Mayfield Falls.
Negril Lighthouse
The Negril Lighthouse was built in 1894 and is still as amazing now as it was then. This gives tourists a breathtaking view of Negril’s coast. The lighthouse will really get your attention. It doesn’t matter if you’re in that part of Negril to try out the restaurants and attractions or to visit the lighthouse itself, you won’t be able to resist it. It’s always worth a look and completes your Negril tour.
Negril Cliffs
The Negril Cliffs is a beautiful and dramatic 40-feet (12.2-m) addition and backdrop to the sights you see in Negril. The stone of the cliffs is a perfect contrast to the turquoise waters and foliage of the stretch of beaches. It’s the ideal location for stunning photographs and sunset watching.
Barney’s Hummingbird Garden
Negril also houses a spectacular tropical garden that anyone who loves nature will enjoy. Barney’s Hummingbird Garden, the home of a wide variety of hummingbirds, is the perfect place to walk around and be one with nature. You can enjoy the sights of different birds and colorful flowers all around you. In this place, you will definitely say that nature is wonderful.
Energetic Nights
Beaches are great places to be when the sun is up and the day is alive. However, the thing about Negril is that the beaches are even more fun and enjoyable at night. There’s no better way to cap off your night at Negril than to spend it with live reggae music, parties, and the company of locals and other tourists at the beach. There’s never a dull night on Negril beaches.
Magnificent Flavors
The culture in Negril is well and alive. You will understand and feel that through the authentic and exquisite flavors surrounding you. Every restaurant and eatery in and around Negril offers a wide array of fresh and superb food. Negril gives you all the options. Regardless if you’re looking to experience international cuisine by the beach or you want to immerse in authentic Jamaican food.
Be sure to try out the jerk chicken and eat it while relaxing by the beach. It’s a different kind of experience that anyone who has tried it will recommend.
Montego Bay
If you’re all for a wide range of attractions and activities, Montego Bay is the place to be. Situated on Jamaica’s north coast, it’s the second-largest Jamaican city. This means that it’s full of life, culture, and history. In Montego Bay, it feels like everything is in abundance.
Montego Bay, better known as ‘Mobay,’ is best suited for thrillseekers and extroverts. Its refreshing skies and stunning sceneries are accompanied by an energetic environment that no one wants to miss. Mobay is diverse. It’s the perfect mixture of overflowing culture, breathtaking sights, and adrenaline-inducing activities.
What Makes Montego Bay Unique?
Adventures Everywhere
Montego Bay isn’t Montego bay without the adventures left and right. Water adventures and sports top the list of the adventures to try in Montego Bay. Everyone knows that the water in Montego Bay is amazing, but it’s even better to dip in the water and experience it to the fullest.
You may think that you know everything you can do in the water, but there seem to be endless possibilities in Montego Bay. Snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, sunset sails, and rafting are just some of the activities you can do. You can expect your days to be packed in this beautiful place.
Alive 24/7
In Montego Bay, there’s always something exciting and festive happening. Thrilling adventures, live music, endless parties, and everything fun by the beach that you can think of is in Montego Bay. When you get there, you will realize that everything you could possibly need and want is there.
Montego Bay is alive every time of every day. There’s always something to enjoy, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on anything. There are many amazing places in Montego Bay that scream ‘fun.’ It’s a must to check out these places where you’re always guaranteed to have the time of your life.
Authentic Jamaican Culture
It’s no surprise that Jamaica is a place with overflowing culture. This means that Montego Bay adapts that inviting culture that you can’t help but explore. Despite having a busy environment, it makes tourists feel like they’re really part of Jamaica.
It’s not hard to fully immerse with the locals and the culture. From the reggae music vibrating during parties to the welcoming warmth of people, all this is within your reach in Montego Bay.
Less Travel Time
There are many beautiful places in Jamaica to enjoy your vacation. Unfortunately, many of them are far away from the airport, and it takes hours to get to where you need to be. Instead of spending precious time relaxing and enjoying, you use it to travel even more.
However, that’s not a problem you’ll have in Montego Bay. From the airport, you only need around 20 minutes to get to your destination and start enjoying your days away.
Which Is Better – Negril or Montego Bay?
Both Negril and Montego Bay deserve your attention. In this case, it’s not about which is better, but which one you’ll want to immerse in first. Both locations are breathtaking and thrilling. However, they offer different kinds of experiences for individuals.
Negril is for those looking to slow down and enjoy at their own pace. It’s best for families wanting to bond more and take some time off and couples looking to strengthen relationships.
Negril is best known for its beaches, and beaches are known to be serene and calm. If beaches are what you’re after, there’s no contest that Negril has the best. Negril is more laid-back, mixed in with some thrilling adventures and sceneries here and there.
Despite leaning towards being tranquil, Negril is more flexible. Regardless of whether you want to party or you want to lay down, the white sand and crystal clear waters will give you a fulfilling and enjoyable time.
Montego Bay is best for any individual seeking to explore and experience more adventure in their lives. It’s the perfect place for new experiences and adventures. If you want to start and end on a high and energetic note, Montego Bay is the place to be.
Montego Bay is buzzing with energy. If vibrant and thrilling is the kind of pace you want to follow, Montego Bay will not fall short of it. You will fit right in with the plentiful and diverse activities, attractions, and events that the place offers.
The Bay boasts nightlife that is alive and overflowing with people’s energy and happiness. Everyone is having the time of their lives in Montego Bay.
There’s no better option between the two very different places because they’re both the best options. It’s now only a matter of understanding which kind of experience you want to dive into. Do you prefer to slow down, or do you want to raise your energy? Either way, both places will be able to offer you something to enrich your experience in Jamaica.
FAQ
Is Negril or Montego Bay Safer?
It’s easy to think that Negril is safer because of its calm and tranquil nature. However, both locations are safe to travel to. People in Jamaica are welcoming and hospitable, so you can expect that they will guide you to where you should be. Most even go out of their way to help you out more than you’re expecting. With this, safety shouldn’t be a big problem for travelers, regardless of whether they’re staying in Negril or Montego Bay.
However, it’s best to always be cautious of your surroundings when traveling. There’s nothing wrong with taking extra precautions to ensure that you are safe so that you can enjoy your vacation better.
Is Negril More Expensive Than Montego Bay?
We can expect Montego Bay to be a little more expensive than Negril. This is because Montego Bay is a bigger place than Negril. There are more resorts, restaurants, and attractions to see.
As said above, Negril accommodates everyone, so its rates and prices are more inclusive regardless of someone’s budget. Cheaper accommodations are more accessible in Negril. In Montego Bay, resorts and hotels lean towards more luxurious experiences for their customers. Since Montego Bay is more luxurious overall than Negril, it is also more expensive.
Montego Bay vs. Negril Beaches
Montego Bay and Negril are both popular for their white sand beaches that are so soft they feel like silk. In this case, both places should be on the top of your list if you’re looking for the best beaches.
In Negril, you have a long stretch of beaches which means you have endless options. Wherever you go, you will be surrounded by beaches. This long stretch of beaches has silky soft white sand and clear turquoise waters.
Beaches in Negril are best suited for relaxing and unwinding. Whether you’re in the Seven Mile Beach, Booby Cay, or Bourbon Beach, your surroundings are all soothing to look at. Breathtaking views with a serene vibe are the overall environment in Negril beaches.
On the other hand, Montego Bay is home to sparkling waters and soft white sand beaches. Montego Bay values the environment, so these white sand beaches are completely protected. Extra effort is given in maintaining its cleanliness and protection.
In Montego Bay, beaches are more busy and alive. Beaches are overflowing with parties, music, and authentic Jamaican culture. If you’re looking to enjoy the beach in a high-energy environment, Montego Bay is the place to be.
Negril or Montego Bay for Families
Both Negril and Montego Bay are go-to destinations for families. There are many attractions and activities in both places for families looking to unwind and try new experiences. However, most families prefer the tranquil ambiance of Negril to the energetic mood of Montego Bay.
Since Negril has a calmer vibe, families prefer it, especially those with kids. The activities and attractions in Negril are better suited for bigger families looking to bond and enjoy their time together.
The flexibility and accessibility of Negril are ideal for families. It doesn’t matter what the family’s size, preferences, lifestyles, and personality are. Negril also has more all-inclusive resorts that are very accommodating to children. This factor is a big point for families traveling with children.
The fact that most families prefer Negril doesn’t mean that Montego Bay is a bad choice for families. Montego Bay has all-inclusive resorts that are more than happy to welcome families, whether big or small. Montego Bay, though, is more alive at night with endless music and parties, so it may not be the ideal setting for families with younger kids.
Negril or Montego Bay for Couples
When it comes to going on a vacation as a couple, both Negril and Montego Bay are good options. It just all depends on what kind of adventure the couple is seeking. Are they looking to relax or to get up and moving?
If you ask around what part of Jamaica is best for couples, a lot of people would say that it’s definitely Negril. Negril has an all-inclusive adults-only resort that offers a romantic experience for couples.
There’s nothing more romantic than spending precious time with your loved one on the breathtaking beaches of Negril. A simple evening stroll by the beach with Negril’s vibe is already more romantic than most experiences a couple can have. With the extra accommodations of the resorts and restaurants around Negril, it’s no doubt that Negril can easily be a lover’s paradise.
Montego Bay also has its fair share of romantic experiences for couples. Beaches in Montego Bay also offer the romantic mood that couples need. However, if a couple wants to enjoy their time together through thrilling adventures and fun parties, Montego Bay is the place. Couples who are more adventure-seeking tend to enjoy Montego Bay’s offerings more.
Negril or Montego Bay for Honeymoon
Honeymoons are better when the couple enjoys doing activities that strengthen their bond. However, a honeymoon is also the time to relax and unwind. Given this, Negril has the better offer when it comes to couples going on their honeymoon.
Negril’s laid-back culture and romantic mood is the reason why it’s the place to be for couples on their honeymoon. Some resorts offer special accommodations for couples to give them an extra romantic time in Negril. Romantic dinners, spa sessions, long walks on the beach, and a relaxing and soothing environment is what every couple on a honeymoon dreams of. This is what Negril has.
Montego Bay doesn’t fall short of being a great place for couples on a honeymoon. Montego Bay has an energy that cannot easily be avoided. Couples will surely enjoy the ambiance of Montego Bay once they’re in it to unwind and have the time of their lives as a couple.
Negril or Montego Bay for Party
Despite both locations having incredible parties, there’s no question about it. Montego Bay is crazy for parties. It’s the place to be for the best parties in Jamaica.
Negril has beach nights where the beach is filled with live reggae music and people dancing. It’s a great complement to the serene mood of the beach. The night is alive, and you get to experience Jamaican culture. However, nothing beats the fun that Montego Bay offers when it comes to parties.
Montego Bay is never out of parties. There’s always a festive event happening that no one wants to miss out on. Loud music, dancing, drinks, and overflowing positive energy are what’s in store for you every night in Montego Bay. It’s no doubt that the best parties in Jamaica are in Montego Bay.
Is Negril or Montego Bay Better for Nightlife?
Both places have a great nightlife that both locals and tourists will enjoy. However, between the two, Montego Bay takes the cake. With its unending parties and always-alive environment, there’s no doubt that Montego Bay is oozing with nightlife.
Montego Bay is all about having fun by the beach and beautiful sceneries while sipping cocktails along to reggae music that you want to dance to. The night is always alive in Montego Bay.
As much fun as it is to go around Montego Bay in the morning, it’s no match for the experience you get at night. People know that if you’re in Montego Bay, you have to be up at night to immerse in it completely.
Negril is also as fun as Montego Bay at night. People in Negril know how to bring the beaches alive at night. However, a more chill vibe to the place makes the nightlife as soothing as the morning is.
Which Is More Fun – Negril or Montego Bay?
It’s all about how one individual defines fun. Negril and Montego Bay are both fun places to be in. However, they offer different levels and kinds of fun to both locals and travelers. What one may not have, the other has. In this way, they can complement each other.
Negril is fun in a soothing and relaxing way. The sceneries around are stunning, and just looking at them can be fun in its own way.
In Negril, nature overpowers. It’s fun because the attractions and activities are connected with nature and its beauty.
In the morning, Negril is alive, but you will only feel like you can slow down and unwind for the hustle and bustle of your daily life.
On the other hand, Montego Bay is fun in an exhilarating way. Montego Bay is filled with music and parties left and right. Although the sceneries are beautiful, the fun is in experiencing the positive energy with the stunning works of nature around.
Negril or Montego Bay for Singles
When it comes to vacations, singles prefer crowds and brand new experiences. Negril and Montego Bay can offer exactly that to tourists coming in on their own. Depending on the individual’s needs, either of the two can be heaven on Earth.
Montego Bay is more of a city-like experience. Singles who are looking to party up and meet new people in a busy but enjoyable environment are more likely to make the most out of Montego Bay. Mobay is the perfect location for singles who want to seek thrilling adventures. It’s for the extroverts and adrenaline junkies. There are a lot of activities that you can do even if you’re not accompanied by anyone.
On the other hand, Negril is a tranquil location. Singles who want to slow down and relax will prefer Negril over Montego Bay. Negril offers a calm ambiance that is not easy to achieve in any other place. Introverts and people who get stressed with their fast-paced and busy lives will enjoy Negril the most.
Is Negril in Montego Bay?
No, Negril is not in Montego Bay. However, the two have similarities and aren’t too far apart, so it makes sense why some people would think that they’re close to each other or are the same.
Negril is in the deep western part of Jamaica, while Montego Bay is in the northwestern region.
Is Negril Close to Montego Bay?
Negril isn’t close to Montego Bay; however, it’s not far either. Both being around the west side of Jamaica, it’s not hard to get from one place to another.
Negril is around 76 to 80 kilometers away (~48 mi) from Montego Bay.
How Far Is Negril From Montego Bay?
Montego Bay and Negril are around 1 hour to 2 hours travel away from each other. Tourists planning to visit both places can definitely do so without spending much time on transfers or travel.
How Far Is Negril Beach From Montego Bay?
For people planning to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay after a fulfilling day in Negril Beach, it’s very possible. Negril Beach is not too far away from Montego Bay. It’s approximately around 79 kilometers (49 mi). A visitor can travel the distance in less than two hours.
Do You Fly Into Montego Bay for Negril?
Going to Negril requires you to fly to either of the two closest airports and then drive or ride a shuttle to Negril. Montego Bay Airport is the nearest airport to Negril, so this is the best option that tourists have.
The other airport that tourists can fly into is the Kingston airport which is 5 hours away from Negril. It’s a longer route than the 2 hours from Montego Bay Airport.
How to Get From Montego Bay to Negril
There are numerous options for travelers when they’re looking to go from Montego Bay to Negril. The most popular options are taking a taxi, riding a shuttle, and driving a car.
Of all the popular options, taking a taxi is the most preferred and quickest way to get from Montego Bay to Negril. It will cost around 110 USD, but the travel time can be reduced by a lot. Some are able to get from Montego Bay to Negril in less than two hours.
The cheapest option is by bus. The rate for buses from Montego Bay to Negril starts at 10 USD. However, travel can take anywhere from 1 hour and a half to 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How Long Is the Transfer From Montego Bay to Negril?
Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes overall. This time can still depend on a lot of factors such as time of day and the traffic.
Are There Flights From Montego Bay to Negril?
Buses, shuttles, and taxis aren’t the only ways to get from Montego Bay to Negril. Unknown to most, flights from Montego Bay to Negril and vice versa are possible. However, it’s not available all the time. There’s a lot of uncertainty about the availability of this flight, but it exists.
How Long Is the Flight From Montego Bay to Negril?
A normal drive to Negril from Montego Bay will take at most 2 hours and a half without taking flights. Since flights are faster, this travel time can be reduced to as few as 30 minutes. For those wanting to transfer from Montego Bay to Negril quickly in order to enjoy more of Jamaica, flights can reduce travel time by more than half.
How Much Does It Cost to Fly From Montego Bay to Negril?
Flying from Montego Bay to Negril isn’t as common now as it used to be, so it’s expected that the airfare will be quite expensive. A flight from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can cost around 250 USD. This can be more, depending on when the flight is booked and the demands for the tickets.
Is It Safe to Drive From Montego Bay to Negril?
Driving is the preferred mode of transportation of both locals and tourists in these places. Because of this preference, it’s generally safe to drive from Montego Bay to Negril. It’s relatively not too long of a drive, so there’s not much that may happen in the time. The roads of Jamaica are completely safe for cars, so driving shouldn’t be a worry for those who prefer to drive themselves from Montego Bay to Negril.
How Long Is the Car Ride From Montego Bay to Negril?
Many factors contribute to how long a car ride from Montego Bay to Negril will take. The traffic, time of day, and final destination will affect how long the car ride will be.
However, as a general reference, a car ride from Montego Bay to Negril will be approximately 1 hour and a half. When the roads are busy, the travel time can take up as much as 2 hours and a half.
How Long Is the Shuttle From Montego Bay to Negril?
If you’re to count the time, including the transfers, the scheduled shuttle from Montego Bay to Negril can take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, or even longer. It completely depends on the time you’re departing and the traffic you will experience. However, 1 hour and 30 minutes is the average time for a shuttle to get from Montego Bay to Negril.
How Much Does It Cost From Montego Bay to Negril?
There are many possible modes of transportation from Montego Bay to Negril. You can take a bus, taxi, or you can drive by yourself. Depending on what you choose to take, your cost of travel can range anywhere from 10 USD to 150 USD.
How Much Is a Taxi From Montego Bay to Negril?
A taxi from Montego Bay to Negril is one of the quickest ways to get from one place to another. It’s also very accessible, which is why it’s the preferred mode of transportation for tourists. A taxi from Montego Bay to Negril will cost around 110 USD to 130 USD, depending on the travel time and final destination.
How Far Is Negril From Montego Bay Airport?
Negril is approximately 80 km (49.7 mi) from Montego Bay Airport. However, it depends on the mode of transportation that you choose to take. This distance can be greater if you take a different route than a normal drive.
How to Get to Negril From Montego Bay Airport
Getting to Negril from Montego Bay Airport is easy and convenient. You are blessed with many different transportation options available. You can either take a shuttle, taxi, or drive by yourself. In rare cases, it’s also possible to get a flight from Montego Bay Airport to Negril.
The cheapest way to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is by riding a shuttle. It will only cost at least 10 USD. However, this is one of the modes of transportation that will take up the most time.
The quickest way is the most expensive out of the popular options. Taking a taxi from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can take only an hour and a half, but it will cost 150 USD. There are moments when the rate is higher because of the busy roads that you will take to your destination.
How Long Is the Ride From Montego Bay Airport to Negril?
The ride from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is a southwest drive that can take around 2 hours. However, this isn’t a set time. Depending on the time and traffic, it can take one faster or slower.
How Much Does It Cost to Get From Montego Bay Airport to Negril
There are many ways to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril, and each one will cost differently than the other. If you’re riding a taxi, the transfer will cost you more or less 110 USD. If you’re driving using a town car, it’s usually around 100 USD. The cheapest is the bus which will only cost around 10 to 15 USD.
