The Martha Brae river promises a romantic and meandering afternoon underneath the canopy of Jamaicas finest greenery. Montego Bay and Negril are around 1 hour to 2 hours travel away from each other. Another upscale restaurant overlooking the water is Ivans, which also offers Caribbean cuisine. 16 helpful votes. Its no surprise that Jamaica is a place with overflowing culture. Escape To Paradise: Experience Adventure And Relaxation At Good Hope Estate, Grenada Beaches: The 9 Best Beaches on the Island to Soak in the Sun. Thousands of birds in one place and a chance to spot lots of different species is what you can expect your day to be like if you choose to spend some time at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. While that means Montego Bay has that Jamaican vibe thats such a draw for tourists, and is brimming with culture, it does mean youll find less tourist-orientated beachside bars and resorts here. Do you prefer to slow down, or do you want to raise your energy? If you are looking for more affordable accommodations, you can find apartment rentals for around $100 a night, or smaller hotels in either Montego Bay or Negril. Its a city where the the later it gets, the harder you party! The rate for buses from Montego Bay to Negril starts at 10 USD. Montego Bay also has some beautiful beaches, and may be the better choice if youre looking for a lively nightlife, opportunities to meet locals, and lots of excursion options and activities. The ride from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is a southwest drive that can take around 2 hours. The downsides of this are quite obvious and have already been covered, but now wed like to cover a less conspicuous upside. Table of Contents Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. On the other hand, Montego Bay is a tourist hotspot with vibrant and thrilling adventures and nightlife. These include golfing; Montego Bay is home to a number of championship golf courses. Lovely little hummingbirds of all colors flutter through the sea of tropical flowers at Barney's Hummingbird Garden. Bars in Montego Bay tend to be frequented more by locals than the bars in Negril, so prices can be cheaper. Bourbon Beach is another popular bar in Negril. Montego Bay Or Negril: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose! When the beaches are exhausted, horses enter the water for a stroll through the Caribbean. Green foliage may reveal some of the tropical species of lizards and birds on the island. Who doesnt want a vacation in Jamaica? What one may not have, the other has. For people planning to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay after a fulfilling day in Negril Beach, its very possible. Its no doubt that the best parties in Jamaica are in Montego Bay. You can also find plenty of duty-free shops in Montego Bay, where you can purchase alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics at tax-free prices. For example, there are more family-friendly resorts at a range of prices. Since Negril has a calmer vibe, families prefer it, especially those with kids. However, both locations are safe to travel to. Guests at this lively adults-only resort can enjoy unlimited food and (alcoholic) drinks at 12 restaurants, 6 bars including one of the first ever swim-up bars in the world. Also read: When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Jamaica? This water is calm and crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and other watersports like wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Manage Settings There are many attractions and activities in both places for families looking to unwind and try new experiences. It features 150 luxury suites and a stunning rooftop pool and bar with 360-degree views of the mountains and bay. Located downtown on Gloucester Avenue, this family-operated restaurant has been serving classic Jamaican dishes for 50 years. Depending on the time and traffic, it can take one faster or slower. Its one of the most spectacular resorts weve ever seen, and one of those places we all want to stay in at least once in our lifetime. A taxi from Montego Bay to Negril is one of the quickest ways to get from one place to another. If you ask around what part of Jamaica is best for couples, a lot of people would say that its definitely Negril. With so much available coastline, Negril is able to put some space in between clusters of tourists. This time can still depend on a lot of factors such as time of day and the traffic. The beaches become more breathtaking because the rocky cliffs complement the turquoise waters. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Montego Bay vs Negril - Montego Bay Forum - Tripadvisor Mobay is the perfect location for singles who want to seek thrilling adventures. There are opportunities to try steering and jumping into the water for a swim. At Negril, a popular nightlife spot for tourists, you can enjoy early evening cocktails at beachside bars. There are plenty of romantic fine dining restaurants in Montego Bay. Its best for families wanting to bond more and take some time off and couples looking to strengthen relationships. Top local bars and nightclubs in Montego Bay include Margaritaville, Pier One, and Blue Beat Ultra Lounge. Fun places to go in Negril include the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls, and Ricks Cafe. The open-air Rockhouse Restaurant serves new Jamaican cuisine in a beautiful seaside setting on the cliffs. This gives tourists a breathtaking view of Negrils coast. Two of the main draws are Negril and Montego. There youll have access to some of the regions best DJs, multi-level dance floors, and a VIP lounge with reserved seating and bottle service if you want to party in style. Negril is in a bay which insures a higher probability for calm and azure water. There are many possible modes of transportation from Montego Bay to Negril. 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. We are young and lively 50 year old women who like to be on a beach by day and enjoy a bustling nightlife. Hi! A visit to the Blue Hole Mineral Spring is perfect if you want to relax in therapeutic mineral waters while taking in the beauty of Jamaica. This gives Negril a definite edge over Montego Bay in terms of beaches. The Negril Cliffs is a beautiful and dramatic 40-feet (12.2-m) addition and backdrop to the sights you see in Negril. The best bars in Montego Bay are located in the Hip Strip area. And although it does have a wide selection of nightlife options, a lot of the best bars, nightclubs and live music joints are quite far from the resorts where tourists usually stay. Negril has very few child-friendly resort options. Just a mile and a half from Negril are YS Falls park, which has 7 waterfalls, natural pools, and beautiful gardens. Considering this is more of a local city than Negril, you can expect cheaper prices in Montego Bay than Negril, as well as more opportunities to meet locals. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). Both locations provide fun in the sun, delicious food, nightlife, and plenty of options . Two of the most popular are Montego Bay and Negril. Its refreshing skies and stunning sceneries are accompanied by an energetic environment that no one wants to miss. Both Montego Bay and Negril have many wonderful restaurants, and they actually both have good nightlife options as well. Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive? Other than writing, books and TV take her on many adventures. Although people dont usually come to Jamaica to spend half their vacation in the car. UPDATE: 2023/01/16 11:03 EST BY TYLER GOLEC. However thats just the tip of the iceberg. Looking for a more quaint and laid back destination, with some of Jamaicas best beaches? The Martha Brae River, stops just short of Montego Bay and you can raft or go kayaking there if you board at Rafters Village. Flying from Montego Bay to Negril isnt as common now as it used to be, so its expected that the airfare will be quite expensive. Montego Bay values the environment, so these white sand beaches are completely protected. Uncovering The Enigma Of The 'Center Of The Universe' In New Mexico: Myth Or Reality? Negril vs. Montego Bay: Pick the Perfect Destination for You! Described as a truly magical place, a tour here is simple, and youll be able to get right out there with the birds in the garden of a quaint cottage as they shoot around eating from the feeders and maybe even from your hands - if youre lucky! 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See negril.com for the schedules. This factor is a big point for families traveling with children. I would recommend Sandals Montego Bay or Sandals Negril. From the reggae music vibrating during parties to the welcoming warmth of people, all this is within your reach in Montego Bay. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In fact the beaches in Negril are widely considered to be the best in Jamaica! Where Should You Stay in Jamaica? Ocho Rios vs. Montego Bay vs. Negril Non-stop music at many clubs on the beach, and much more festive atmosphere. Beaches in Negril are best suited for relaxing and unwinding. 12 Montego Bay: Lively Nightlife However, they offer different kinds of experiences for individuals. Last updated on December 19, 2022 by Wandering our World. Montego Bay is alive every time of every day. Both Negril and Montego Bay are go-to destinations for families. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A lot of the local restaurants and cocktail bars in Negril are located right on the beach as well. Theres decent (duty-free) shopping as well, which you can make time for in between beach hopping and maybe even some diving action somewhere like the Montego Bay Marine Park! Just north of Negril youll find another of our favorites Bloody Bay. Negril has two beaches that together measure nearly 7 miles of walking. Romantic dinners, spa sessions, long walks on the beach, and a relaxing and soothing environment is what every couple on a honeymoon dreams of. . The proximity of the two locations might make the decision between them sound like an easy one when in fact, thats what makes things so complicated. Similar tours are available in Montego Bay, but the unparalleled scenery in Negril adds a special element to the activity. If youre riding a taxi, the transfer will cost you more or less 110 USD. Another great place to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay is Rebab Sports Bar and Grill. How To Travel From Montego Bay To Negril | Sandals Since flights are faster, this travel time can be reduced to as few as 30 minutes. You can just spend countless hours on the beach, sinking into your own pace and flow. In Negril, nature overpowers. Tour boats depart after dark and glide along the lagoons waters, which glow when disturbed due to the presence of millions of dinoflagellates. Montego Bay, on the other hand, has a limited number of public beaches that can compare to Negrils. These pretty resort destinations have so much on offer, but as weve discovered, there are some important differences you need to know. Which is better, Negril or Montego Bay? A normal drive to Negril from Montego Bay will take at most 2 hours and a half without taking flights. If youre driving using a town car, its usually around 100 USD. Seven mile white sand beach, small boutique hotels, reggae clubs on the beach, great for late 20-year-olds. Antigua is known for many thi. Other top local restaurants in Montego Bay that serve Jamaican fare are Peppas Cool Spot and The Pork Pit. Negril is known for its laid back atmosphere, boasting some of the best beaches in Jamaica. It might come down to one of the attractions nearby, or maybe even a particular resort. 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. When the roads are busy, the travel time can take up as much as 2 hours and a half. The Sugar Mill at Half Moon Bay Resort is set high on a hill and offers gourmet cuisine in an open-air setting. It will cost around 110 USD, but the travel time can be reduced by a lot. Take a 20-minute boat trip out to Floyds Pelican Bar, a driftwood structure that offers cold drinks and fresh seafood. The sceneries around are stunning, and just looking at them can be fun in its own way. Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. Montego Bay vs Negril Where Should You Stay on Your Vacation? Couples who are more adventure-seeking tend to enjoy Montego Bays offerings more. A trip to Negril isnt complete without basking in the untouched sand and dipping in the clear waters. Its for the extroverts and adrenaline junkies. Upbeat clubs where locals and foreigners can finally get to know one another are tangled throughout the city. LonelyPlanet states that the club is a tourist trap by day, but as night falls, locals like to come here to dance to pounding beats.. Of course with the wonderful beaches at Negril and Montego Bay, theres plenty of beach and sea activities to do in both as well. For sure, the beach and water conditions in Negril is the better choice. Negril is for those looking for a pure beach and the laid-back lifestyle that comes with it. A split stay between Montego Bay and Negril might be the best option! west of MoBay and Ocho Rios is about 2 hr. The activities and attractions in Negril are better suited for bigger families looking to bond and enjoy their time together. At the end of the trip, visit the local store for handmade souvenirs. Kids pay half the price. Another popular local hot spot in Montego Bay is The Pelican Grill. See incredible photos of this resort, and rates here! Life is fresh in Jamaica. A trip to Negril completes the Jamaican experience. Montego Bay is crazy for parties. You'll find more partying and action than in Negril, which is considered more laid back. You can move at your own pacetake a breath even. This means that its full of life, culture, and history. Its other attractive feature is its historical value as a well-preserved relic of 17th-century Jamaica. Ricks Cafe is another spot you have to check out if youre in Negril. Cocktails under the Caribbean sun in a Jamaican paradise. Indecisive travelers will cover even more ground by expanding the limits to more than one country or city. Montego Bay also has its fair share of romantic experiences for couples. Montego Bay is known for its all-inclusive resorts and lively nightlife, while Negril features stunning white sand beaches and more relaxed atmosphere. Montego Bay isnt Montego bay without the adventures left and right. While Negril may be the better nightlife spot for tourists, Montego Bay named MoBay by locals is regarded by most Jamaicans as one of the best places to party on the island. You may think that you know everything you can do in the water, but there seem to be endless possibilities in Montego Bay. Aside from the natural view of the beaches, there are other sceneries to check out in Negril. Staying a bit longer? And as an added bonus, you can bottle feed the hummingbirds with some sugar! Surrounded by nature, it wont be hard to sink into your deepest state of relaxation while spending endless hours on the beach. First, well talk about eating in Montego Bay vs. Negril. Bourbon Beach is another popular bar in Negril. (Recommended: Snakes in Jamaica). Town Vibes and Shopping In Montego Bay and Negril Negril Vs. Montego Bay: 20 Reasons To Choose One Jamaican Destination Over The Other. 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. Club Ville - Margaritaville Caribbean You can also learn from drum makers before the experts give their performance, according to Visit Jamaica. Both being around the west side of Jamaica, its not hard to get from one place to another. However, getting to know the locals makes it clear why Jamaica isnt just any other Caribbean destination. Its necessary to pinpoint which location is the best fit for each traveler in order to make the most of that vacation time. In this way, they can complement each other. The coast is no commodity for an island nation. Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts In Negril, Jamaica - Trip101 These are microscopic organisms that glow at night, and Jamaicas Luminous Lagoon is one of only four such sites in the world. Cover image credit: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com If youre planning a trip to Jamaica, make sure to add Good Hope Estate to your itinerary for an unforgettable island adventure. Either way, youre going to have lots to keep you occupied. Situated just a short trip from Montego Bay, lies Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma. Those who dont want to do much research or planning will be thankful for the carefree days on the beach that Negrils tourism infrastructure can provide. It is the capital of Saint James Parish and visitors love this part of Jamaica because of the wide range of attractions that can be found. Most of the resorts in Negril are beachfront, as are many restaurants and bars, so if youre a beach lover, your best choice is Negril for your Jamaican escape. Its one of those places you can travel to and almost feel as though time is standing still, or at least moving slow enough that you can actually keep up. However, most families prefer the tranquil ambiance of Negril to the energetic mood of Montego Bay. Montego Bay, better known as Mobay, is best suited for thrillseekers and extroverts. Ocho Rios vs. Negril for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons You can also go out on the water for scuba diving or deep sea fishing from either location. Jamaicas quick tropical downpours seldom last long, and often makes way for an otherwise sunny day. Negril, a town described by some of its own as a place where one can experience true life, true love, and true harmony is one of Jamaicas most popular tourist areas. The traffic, time of day, and final destination will affect how long the car ride will be. You can also go to Mayfield Falls to see 2 waterfalls that fill 21 natural jacuzzis. Or, go tubing on the Great River and enjoy the scenery as you learn about Jamaican history. Plus as an added bonus, the beaches are so large in Negril that theres plenty of space for tourists and locals to spread out. Negril has an all-inclusive adults-only resort that offers a romantic experience for couples. Sometimes theres a dive show that the staff and lifeguards put on, which is fun to watch! Sunset at the Palms Resort - Adults Only - All Inclusive (from USD 387) Show all photos. Cautious travelers should dive with professionals instead. Jamaica vs Cancun: Which Destination Should You Visit? - Wanderly Margaritaville is located on the Hip Strip in Montegobay and on the Seven Mile beach in Negril. Sandals Montego Bay: Sandals Montego Bay was the very first Sandals Resort in existence, and now with all the fresh and imaginative touches, this all-inclusive resort is as luxurious as its ever been. Negril is more laid-back, mixed in with some thrilling adventures and sceneries here and there. It just all depends on what kind of adventure the couple is seeking. Born on the tropical island that is Saint Lucia affords a never-ending source of inspiration. BEST VACATION: Montego Bay Jamaica vs Negril Jamaica - We Jamaicans Be Like There are moments when the rate is higher because of the busy roads that you will take to your destination. Its also a waterfall that you can play in. For visitors to the island, the Rastafari Indigenous Village near Montego Bay is an opportunity to connect first-hand with people practicing the religion, while also learning how to make traditional drums and cuisine. Hike, go on an ATV tour, or zipline through the jungle canopy. Time at the beach might be one of the most important parts of your vacation in Jamaica, so its natural that you will want to go to the destination that has the best beaches. Despite being filled with tourists day in and day out, it does not fall short of showcasing authentic Jamaican culture to its visitors. Cheaper accommodations are more accessible in Negril. Negril Jamaica weather, Ocho Rios Jamaica weather, Kingston Jamaica weather and Montego Bay weather have temperatures ranging from 75F to 90F degrees all year round. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. Whether youre in the Seven Mile Beach, Booby Cay, or Bourbon Beach, your surroundings are all soothing to look at. Just as soon as you arrive in Jamaica (and even before), youre likely to get lots of recommendations to go to Seven Mile Beach, a gorgeous stretch of sea and sand in Negril. Montego Bay is the easier of the two locations to travel to, mainly because it has its own airport, and the fact most tourists must travel through Montego Bay if theyre on their way to Negril anyway. It doesnt matter what the familys size, preferences, lifestyles, and personality are. Ghost stories are part of what makes this landmark so alluring. This romantic adult-only resort has overwater bungalows that form a heart shape. This is a popular spot as the long stretch of white sand here is your stereotypical Caribbean paradise. I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. It usually takes around 1.5 hours to get from Montego Bay to Negril by way of the Knutsford Express. These include Doctors Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Dead End Beach. Each offers travelers an abundant variety of ways to enjoy Jamaica's incredible climate. Negril is about an hour and a half from the airport in Montego Bay. Jamaica has something for everyone, including breathtaking beaches, great snorkeling, and scuba diving, delicious local food, vibrant culture, interesting historic sites, and an active nightlife scene. Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes overall. As Suze mentioned, an AI is not. Busy beaches are the bane of beach vacations. Expect clear blue water, great snorkeling, and one of the best sunsets in the region. Negril is a smaller town with resorts along the beach or on the cliffs, it is about a 90 min. Guests of Sandals Negril get to enjoy world-class dining in 7 restaurants, unlimited water and land sports, and a host of other quality inclusions. Jamaica is a gorgeous island thats one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean for a reason. 2017 All rights reserved. Couples will surely enjoy the ambiance of Montego Bay once theyre in it to unwind and have the time of their lives as a couple. Be sure to go to Ricks Caf for a refreshing cocktail, great sunset views, and the world-famous local cliff divers. A bus trip from Montego Bay to Negril will likely take about 2 hours if you travel using the public bus. That's why what is known as Negril's Seven Mile Beach has become such a draw. This cafe was designing around the cliffs that surround it, and daring locals often eat there and then go cliff jumping straight into the sea right after. The hottest months are the summer months of July and August. Just to the north of Negril is Bloody Bay, also a gorgeous beach with calm, clear water for watersports. This means that Montego Bay adapts that inviting culture that you cant help but explore. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, Jamaican culture is thick, rich and unfiltered in Negril. Rainfall ranges from between 0.5-1.5 inches per each of these months. Top things to do: In addition to all the usual water sports, Ocho Rios offers easy access to two of Jamaica's best-known attractions: Dunn's . Instead of spending precious time relaxing and enjoying, you use it to travel even more. If this is something youve never done before then Jamaica is a great place for it. Save. Walking along this beach, theres lots of little bars and restaurants you can pop into to get a bite or something to drink while you enjoy the ambiance of this popular beach. Whilst in Montego Bay you can also visit Rose Hall Great House if youre brave enough! We look at which is better for beaches, resorts, nightlife, activities and far more! Its all about how one individual defines fun. Getting to Negril from Montego Bay Airport is easy and convenient. Despite having a busy environment, it makes tourists feel like theyre really part of Jamaica. Ricks Caf has integrated those cliffs we talked about into its design. drive from the airport. When it comes to going on a vacation as a couple, both Negril and Montego Bay are good options. 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. Montego Bay vs Negril For Families: Where to Take The Kids? Travelers can take a hike uphill for some exercise or book a room for a relaxing view from bed. Answer 1 of 14: Hoping to book a holiday for 2017 to Jamaica but we cannot decide between Montego Bay or Negril. Kenya or South Africa for A Safari Adventure? With the extra accommodations of the resorts and restaurants around Negril, its no doubt that Negril can easily be a lovers paradise. "Most likely, we will be renting a car ," The best Negril nightclub is called . Its a great complement to the serene mood of the beach.