Negril Seven Mile Beach
Westmoreland
Negril Seven Mile Beach, located in the Westmoreland parish of Jamaica, is renowned for its expansive stretch of white coral sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach actually extends roughly seven miles, encompassing two main bays: Bloody Bay to the north and Long Bay to the south. Bloody Bay hosts large, all-inclusive resorts, while Long Bay offers a mix of all-inclusive and smaller family-run hotels. The beach is famous for its natural beauty and vibrant tourism scene, attracting visitors worldwide for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The nearby West End cliff resorts provide additional attractions, including high diving points over 40 feet. Over the decades, Negril has evolved from a remote village with limited access into a premier Caribbean resort destination, featuring well-known hotels such as Couples Swept Away, Sandals, and Hedonism II. The area also offers lively shopping and dining options, including the popular Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Negril Seven Mile Beach's unique combination of natural splendor, rich tourism infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy makes it a must-visit location in Jamaica.
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Tip: The best time to visit Negril Seven Mile Beach is during the dry season from November to mid-December and from January to April for optimal weather and fewer crowds. Booking accommodations and tours in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Visitors can find discounts on multi-day packages and some resorts offer special rates for families and groups. Exploring both Bloody Bay and Long Bay areas provides a balanced experience of large resorts and more intimate family-run hotels. Consider visiting during weekdays to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and take advantage of local vendors and shops primarily located at the south end of the beach.
Interesting facts
- •Negril Seven Mile Beach is actually approximately 7 miles (11 km) long, divided into Bloody Bay and Long Bay.
- •The West End cliffs near Negril offer diving points over 40 feet (12 meters) high.
- •Negril was originally named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494 due to the presence of black eels along the coast.
- •The first guest house in Negril, Palm Grove, was founded by Daniel Connell in the late 1950s.
- •Negril Aerodrome was built in 1976 to support growing tourism in the area.
History
Originally named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494, the area was noted for black eels along the coast, which influenced its name.
Negril's development as a resort began in the late 1950s, initially accessible only by ferry with visitors staying in local homes or tents.
The first guest house, Palm Grove, was established by Daniel Connell, followed by the first hotel, the Yacht Club, in the 1960s.
Infrastructure improvements in the early 1970s, including a paved road from Montego Bay and the construction of Negril Aerodrome in 1976, significantly boosted tourism.
Since then, Negril has grown into a major destination, with numerous resorts and attractions catering to international visitors, including spring break tourists from the U.S.
Place Guide
Bloody Bay
The northern section of Negril Seven Mile Beach, home to large all-inclusive resorts and vibrant beach activities.
Long Bay
The southern section of the beach featuring a mix of all-inclusive resorts and smaller, family-run hotels, with a more relaxed atmosphere.
West End Cliffs
Located south of downtown Negril, these cliffs provide privacy and access to snorkeling and diving spots with high jumping points.
Negril Aerodrome1976
Small airport built in 1976 near Rutland Point to facilitate tourist arrivals and support the growing resort infrastructure.
