This small beachside community at the western tip of Jamaica is known for its laid-back vibe and access to outdoor recreation. There are several waterfalls in the area surrounding the town, and adventurous travelers can trek through remote jungle and take a dip in the emerald waters below. More sedate activities include sailing in the bay, horseback riding, and sea swimming. Negril’s expansive beaches, waterfalls, and spring-fed swimming holes create a haven for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the country’s tropical landscapes. The coral reef just offshore is home to angelfish and grouper, which you can swim among during an afternoon’s snorkeling.

In town, you’ll find rows of shops offering local crafts and souvenirs, cafes selling refreshing drinks, and restaurants serving Jamaican lobster as well as the iconic jerk chicken.

The nearest major air terminal to Negril is Sangster International Airport (MBJ), located just east of Montego Bay and a little under two hours away by car. Taxis and private shuttles are available outside the terminal, but having a rental vehicle is the best way to get around and explore the surrounding area. Once you’ve settled in at your Negril villa, you can hail a route taxi or rent a bike or scooter. The community itself is fairly spread out, with only a few areas compact enough to navigate on foot.

Negril’s tropical climate means warm, humid days throughout the year and gentle breezes drifting through the palm canopies in the evenings. No matter when you’re visiting, pack light clothes and plenty of sunscreen. Temperatures remain more or less the same all year round, though the summers are slightly warmer. From late summer to late fall, rainfall increases substantially compared to the rest of the year, as does the risk of hurricanes, so you’ll want to check the forecast before you travel. The dry season begins in December and concludes around April.

The Blue Hole

A half an hour southeast of Negril, the Blue Hole Mineral Springs sit 24 feet below the ground in a cavernous opening surrounded by limestone karst. Climb down a ladder to access the pool. Some health-seekers come to bask in the mineral-rich waters, and you’ll spy other visitors applying white mud from around the springs to their skin.

Negril Lighthouse

Take the 103 steps to the top of this 19th-century lighthouse, just outside town, for a view of sailboats bobbing in the sea and perhaps the dorsal fins of a pod of wild dolphins. The 66-foot structure is still in use today, operated by solar power.

Seven Mile Beach

Although Seven Mile Beach isn’t exactly seven miles long, you can walk for hours along its soft white sands without reaching the end. Once you wade into the water, you’ll find that this stretch of the blue Caribbean, protected by offshore reefs, is an ideal spot to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. And when you need to take a break from the sun and sea, you’ll find beachfront cafes serving cold drinks and hot food nearby.