The advantage of that, is it could take only ten minutes to get to the resort from the airport after your tiring long-haul flight. Its always worth a look and completes your Negril tour. Related: 10 Best Beaches In Jamaica For A Blend Of Adventure And Relaxation. Avalon vs. Viking River Cruises: Comparison 2023, Sandals Grande St. Lucian: Our Honest Honeymoon Review, Sandals Regency La Toc Review: Our Honest Honeymoon Review. Seven mile white sand beach, small boutique hotels, reggae clubs on the beach, great for late 20-year-olds. See incredible photos of this resort, and rates here! She channels her experiences working as a teacher in Mexico to write from an honest perspective. Table of Contents Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. Given this, Negril has the better offer when it comes to couples going on their honeymoon. Thrilling adventures, live music, endless parties, and everything fun by the beach that you can think of is in Montego Bay. The Shoppes at Rose Hall in Montego Bay is a popular shopping destination as well, as is the Hip Strip, as Gloucester Avenue is known. There are plenty of casual restaurants serving authentic local fare in Negril as well. Negril is the kind of place where anyone can fit right in, regardless of their personality and wants. When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Jamaica? However, between the two, Montego Bay takes the cake. Save. The trip takes one and a half hours, and tickets cost $3. Negril has two beaches that together measure nearly 7 miles of walking. Insider tip: When in Negril, also check out the cliff jumping at Ricks Cafe. 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. With the extra accommodations of the resorts and restaurants around Negril, its no doubt that Negril can easily be a lovers paradise. There are many ways to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril, and each one will cost differently than the other. One fairly cheap, but no less satisfying activity, around Negril is going to Barneys Hummingbird Garden. 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. 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. Of all the popular options, taking a taxi is the most preferred and quickest way to get from Montego Bay to Negril. Montego Bay or Negril ( visiting mainly to party and have fun ) - Fodor's You'll find more partying and action than in Negril, which is considered more laid back. Insider tip: Much of the action in Negril happens within the resorts, so its a good idea to book an all-inclusive package that includes lots of entertainment options. A thriving port city, Montego Bay has plenty of historic and cultural attractions and a vibrant atmosphere. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Ocho Rios vs. Negril Everything you Need to Know - TravoLove Related: 10 Negril All-Inclusive Resorts Worth Booking For Any Type Of Traveler. Regardless if youre looking to experience international cuisine by the beach or you want to immerse in authentic Jamaican food. In Negril you have the option of big night clubs but also smaller and more cozy nightlife spots that are scattered along the beach. For people planning to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay after a fulfilling day in Negril Beach, its very possible. Its the place to be for the best parties in Jamaica. Kids pay half the price. Negril is about an hour and a half from the airport in Montego Bay. You know that you wont feel left out. You can expect your days to be packed in this beautiful place. Montego Bay is considered more of a party place, and Negril is more laid back. Photo by The Jungle Nightclub of Negril Jamaica Nightlife in Cancun There are more resorts, restaurants, and attractions to see. Locals would consider Montego Bay to have the best nightlife, while nightlife in Negril is more tourist-oriented. In Negril the biggest nightclub is The Jungle, which is regarded by some as being the best nightclub in the Caribbean. No airport means no roaring planes flying overhead. Montego Bay is popular among tourists. People in Negril know how to bring the beaches alive at night. There is one big club in Negril - The Jungle, and lots of small bars along the beach and cliffs. Here's a list of clubs . Learn how your comment data is processed. Is Montego Bay Safe? - A Must Read Before Travel - Layer Culture Although people dont usually come to Jamaica to spend half their vacation in the car. The traffic, time of day, and final destination will affect how long the car ride will be. The House Boat Grill features waterfront dining in the Montego Bay Marine Park. Choosing a private option like the Knutsford Express will allow you to shave off at least half an hour from your travel time. 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. Greenwood Great House is one of the best-preserved such homes in Jamaica. In addition to zooming down the beaches of Negril, you can dive into the forest for a change of pace. On-demand bus service is provided by Jamaica Regional Buses between Montego Bay and Negril. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, Jamaican culture is thick, rich and unfiltered in Negril. Pure water is used for mineral massages on land, according to TripAdvisor. Theres always something to enjoy, so you dont have to worry about missing out on anything. Because of this preference, its generally safe to drive from Montego Bay to Negril. You can take a bus, taxi, or you can drive by yourself. Similar tours are available in Montego Bay, but the unparalleled scenery in Negril adds a special element to the activity. Both places have a great nightlife that both locals and tourists will enjoy. This bustling street near Doctors Cave Beach is lined with shops, art galleries, cafes, and bars, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montego Bay. Montego Bay, on the other hand, has a limited number of public beaches that can compare to Negrils. Negrils laid-back culture and romantic mood is the reason why its the place to be for couples on their honeymoon. 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. You can move at your own pacetake a breath even. Montego Bay is buzzing with energy. I would recommend Sandals Montego Bay or Sandals Negril. Sitting down on the sand is like looking at the scenery of your dreams. Seating is outdoors under shade trees and cabanas at this casual spot. Both being around the west side of Jamaica, its not hard to get from one place to another. Try rafting down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft for a peaceful and romantic experience in Montego Bay. Bottle-feed a hummingbird sugar before getting some grub yourself at one of the nearby restaurants serving local dishes. Singles who want to slow down and relax will prefer Negril over Montego Bay. The flexibility and accessibility of Negril are ideal for families. You can also visit pristine and quiet Half Moon Beach, a private beach near Negril with a small entrance fee. This nature-based attraction is a favorite amo, Theres an unmistakable charm to Caribbean beaches that is enough to want to plan a vacation around them, just for the peace, fun, and relaxation it is sure to bring. Its not hard to fully immerse with the locals and the culture. 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. These pretty resort destinations have so much on offer, but as weve discovered, there are some important differences you need to know. Although many look at Negril as a luxurious place, its not an exclusive location. We will be upfront from the beginning here Negril definitely has better beaches than Montego Bay. Montego Bay vs Ocho Rios vs Negril - Jamaica Forum This mineral spring is located about 30 minutes away from Negril, and here you can jump (or climb down a ladder if you prefer) into the blue hole. Its the perfect mixture of overflowing culture, breathtaking sights, and adrenaline-inducing activities. It wasnt designed to suit tourists. This stunning country has some of the best beaches in the world, its home to a rich vibrant culture, and of course great coffee too! The Sugar Mill at Half Moon Bay Resort is set high on a hill and offers gourmet cuisine in an open-air setting. It just all depends on what kind of adventure the couple is seeking. Beaches are great places to be when the sun is up and the day is alive. 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. If you ask around what part of Jamaica is best for couples, a lot of people would say that its definitely Negril. What we have found is that Negril tends to have cheaper resort options, so may be the better choice for resorts if youre traveling on a budget. Breathtaking views with a serene vibe are the overall environment in Negril beaches. Founded by a former globetrotting freelance journalist (BBC, USA Today & others), now our small team is here to help you plan your next adventure! 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. 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. Although both destinations are hotspots for tourists, they show different sides of Jamaica. Green foliage may reveal some of the tropical species of lizards and birds on the island. But Montego Bay may suit you more if youre looking for a lively nightlife, opportunities to meet locals, and lots of excursion options and activities. Skip the long general admission lines and enter the club directly. Natural cliffs slope down into the crystal blue water on the western shores of Jamaica. However, the two have similarities and arent too far apart, so it makes sense why some people would think that theyre close to each other or are the same. Negril is the vacation destination of your choice. The crowd doesnt matter much if lounging on the beach is the driving factor for your vacation. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. People know that if youre in Montego Bay, you have to be up at night to immerse in it completely. Montego Bay and Negril are separated by one road and a few hours. Montego Bay is closest to the airportin fact, its the site of Sangster International Airport, one of Jamaicas 3 main airports. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Because of the smaller cascades, its perfectly safe to play around and dip in the Mayfield Falls. You can also go out on the water for scuba diving or deep sea fishing from either location. Also read: 38 Exciting Things To Do In And Near Negril. Negril is more laid-back, mixed in with some thrilling adventures and sceneries here and there. Some of the top attractions located near Negril are the Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls and Blue Hole Mineral Spring. Mobay is located near Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Rose Hall Great House. You can also learn from drum makers before the experts give their performance, according to Visit Jamaica. Finding a secluded spot is less likely. The vacation hotspot also features several big nightclubs, where dance-crazy The Jungle Nightclub is truly wild. Montego Bay has an active nightlife scene, with many clubs and bars that stay open late into the night. If this is something youve never done before then Jamaica is a great place for it. 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. Negril has beach nights where the beach is filled with live reggae music and people dancing. This is the magic of the Caribbean in general, but in Jamaica, this laid back island ambiance feels amplified. Montego Bay doesnt fall short of being a great place for couples on a honeymoon. Upbeat clubs where locals and foreigners can finally get to know one another are tangled throughout the city. Negril is approximately 80 km (49.7 mi) from Montego Bay Airport. Adventurers might consider how touristy Negril is a downside. One beach ( Bloody Bay) is quiet and the longer beach . Everyone in Jamaica knows that if you want to immerse in white sand beaches, Negril is the place to be. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Water adventures and sports top the list of the adventures to try in Montego Bay. The paintings, mostly acrylic, are Jamaica inspired and the nature tour includes a chance to see some of Jamaicas endemic birds as well as the unique blooms of this island. However, what is harder for many is deciding where to visit Montego Bay or Negril? About 2 hours away is the Appleton Rum Estate, where you can tour the operation and taste rum. The main beach is dotted with bars and restaurants, many of which can be explored on foot depending on where you stay. You can either take a shuttle, taxi, or drive by yourself. The best bars in Montego Bay are located in the Hip Strip area. Copyright Hello Paradise - The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. In these summer months, Negril reaches 86 F, where temperatures can rise up to 91 F in Montego Bay. Theres a lot of uncertainty about the availability of this flight, but it exists. east of MoBay. . However, getting to know the locals makes it clear why Jamaica isnt just any other Caribbean destination. Theres no harm in spending some time taking in the sights while youre there. Beaches are overflowing with parties, music, and authentic Jamaican culture. Theres a wide variety of options, from chill waterfront bars like Canoe Beach Bar to a nightclub that some consider being the best in Jamaica, The Jungle. Unfortunately, many of them are far away from the airport, and it takes hours to get to where you need to be. In Negril, visit the Negril Lighthouse, built-in 1894, to climb to the top for amazing views. The Negril Lighthouse was built in 1894 and is still as amazing now as it was then. We've been Sandals fans for over 12 years. This coffee is regarded by many as one of the best coffees in the world, and is the perfect way to start every day in Jamaica (we promise were not sponsored by Blue Mountain, their coffee is just very very good!). A split stay between Montego Bay and Negril might be the best option! A flight from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can cost around 250 USD. Montego Bay is more of a city-like experience. Montego Bay has all-inclusive resorts that are more than happy to welcome families, whether big or small. If you want stunning white sand beaches and huge stretches of coastline, alongside a varied nightlife, beachside resorts and restaurants, then Negril may be the better choice than Montego Bay. And as an added bonus, you can bottle feed the hummingbirds with some sugar! See photos and rates here. As the cliffs get lower, quaint resort cottages appear along the edges of Negril. Negril has the better beach, but you do not have the 1.5-hour drive when you stay in Montego Bay. You will understand and feel that through the authentic and exquisite flavors surrounding you. Negril offers a calm ambiance that is not easy to achieve in any other place. Its a beautiful and hypnotizing feeling but before you can even experience it, theres so much to decide about your trip. Margaritaville is located on the Hip Strip in Montegobay and on the Seven Mile beach in Negril. A popular local place to eat in Montego Bay is Scotchies for the Jamaican jerk chicken, as well as grilled pork and fish. In this way, they can complement each other. In Montego Bay, it feels like everything is in abundance. You can snorkel off the beach in Montego Bay or visit the Montego Bay Marine Park, which allows snorkeling and scuba diving in its protected waters. Are they looking to relax or to get up and moving? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Since flights are faster, this travel time can be reduced to as few as 30 minutes. Tour Rhodes Hall Plantation, an 18th-century estate and working fruit farm on the water near Negril, where you can ride horses and hike the grounds. Both locations provide fun in the sun, delicious food, nightlife, and plenty of options . It will probably take less than 10 minutes to get from the Sangster International Airport to your resort in Montego Bay. Guests can also climb down for a swim or watch staff members take expert dives. Be sure to try out the jerk chicken and eat it while relaxing by the beach. Montego Bay is known for its all-inclusive resorts and lively nightlife, while Negril features stunning white sand beaches and more relaxed atmosphere. Ricks Cafe is another spot you have to check out if youre in Negril. 6 years ago. 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If youre all for a wide range of attractions and activities, Montego Bay is the place to be. Although both destinations are hotspots for tourists, they show different sides of Jamaica. Welcome to Wandering our World! Read on to find the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts near Negril, Jamaica. For most people it doesnt take much convincing to decide to go on vacation to Jamaica. Correct but there are a few exceptions. When it comes to going on a vacation as a couple, both Negril and Montego Bay are good options. The average daily cost (including bed and board) for a trip to Negril is around $122 (USD) per day, which is slightly more expensive than a popular resort location such as Cancun ($97). Its a great complement to the serene mood of the beach. If youre 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.