Life is fresh in Jamaica. It’s one of those places where you travel and it feels like time stands still, or at least moves slowly enough that you can actually keep up. You can move at your own pace and take your breath away.
This is the appeal of the Caribbean in general, but in Jamaica, this laid-back island vibe is amplified. It’s beautiful, it’s an enchanting feeling… but before you can experience it, there are a lot of decisions to make about your trip, like where to stay.
As expected, on such a beautiful island, Good area to stay while in JamaicaThe two most popular are Montego Bay and Negril. Montego Bay and Negril are both popular holiday destinations in Jamaica.
Montego Bay is known as a popular tourist spot and is known for its luxurious An all-inclusive resort, Mobay is located near Las Natango Gallery and Gardens, Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Rose Hall Great House. Negril is known for its laid back atmosphere,Several Jamaica’s best beachesPopular attractions near Negril include Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls, and Blue Hole Mineral Spring.
Photo: Sandals Negril on Seven Mile Beach. Negril is known for its laid-back atmosphere and mesmerizing sunsets.
Overall, there are a lot of things to consider before deciding to stay in either place, and if you’re having trouble choosing, this article should help you decide which one is best for you.
Montego Bay or Negril, which is better for you?
Montego Bay: Jamaica’s most vibrant destination
Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination in Jamaica. Luxury Vacation ExperienceAs the capital of the Parish of St. James, this part of Jamaica is beloved by tourists due to its wide range of tourist attractions.
This part of Jamaica is packed with resorts, restaurants, bars and entertainment of all kinds, and you can also find time for duty-free shopping between beach hopping and diving. Montego Bay Marine Park!
Location of Montego Bay
Montego Bay is located on the north coast of Jamaica and is the second largest city in Jamaica after the country’s capital, Kingston. It will probably take you less than 10 minutes to get from Sangster International Airport to the resort of Montego Bay.
This makes Montego Bay an ideal Caribbean island getaway destination from the U.S., minimizing travel time, especially if you’re only staying for a few days.
Places of interest in and around Montego Bay
1. Ahh…Ras Natango Gallery and Gardens
As the name suggests, this place allows you to enjoy art and nature in one place. This is one of the best combo tours of its kind in Jamaica. Visitors are free to view (and buy) the artworks in the gallery. The paintings are mostly acrylic and Jamaican in style, and the nature tour also includes a chance to see some of the Jamaican paintings. Jamaica’s endemic birds You can also enjoy the unique flowers of this island. Carp Pond Petting turtles, Some small waterfalls.
2. Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
Photo credit: Sujatha Vempaty/Shutterstock.com
Spending time at Rocklands Bird Sanctuary means you can expect the chance to see many different species, with thousands of birds gathering in one place. “A truly magical place”Tours here are simple, with the opportunity to flit with the birds in the quaint cottage gardens, feed from a feeder or, if you’re lucky, from your hand.
3. Martha Brae River
The Martha Brae River promises a romantic, meandering afternoon beneath some of Jamaica’s most beautiful green trees. The river is located on Jamaica’s north coast, in an area known as Trelawny. Rafting AdventureIf you’re traveling to Jamaica as a couple, this activity should definitely be on your to-do list.
Read also: Top 42 things to do in Montego Bay and surrounding areas
Where should I stay during my time in Montego Bay?
Sandals Montego Bay: Sandals Montego Bay is Sandals Resorts’ first resort, and with a fresh and imaginative twist, this all-inclusive resort is more luxurious than ever before. The open-concept resort fronts a long private white-sand beach. Guests at this vibrant, adults-only resort can enjoy unlimited food and (alcoholic) drinks at 12 restaurants and 6 bars, including one of the world’s first swim-up bars.
Sandals Royal Caribbean: Sandals Royal Caribbean Experience includes a private island and overwater bungalows, perfect for couples looking for a luxurious getaway for a special occasion. This laid-back, adults-only resort features nine restaurants and five bars, including a swim-up bar. All food and drinks are unlimited and included in the rate.
Insider Tip: Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean are just a five minute drive away, meaning Sandals guests can travel between the resorts. Enjoy access to amenities and restaurants at both resorts at no extra cost (Transportation between these resorts is also included).
Negril: True Life, True Love, True Harmony
Negril, described by some residents as a place where you can experience “true life, true love and true harmony,” is one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations. Jamaican culture is vibrant, rich and alive in Negril.
It’s easy to spend hours on the beach surrounded by nature and find yourself in a state of deep relaxation. Seven Mile BeachMayfield Falls, Rick’s Cafe.
Negril location
Negril is on the western tip of Jamaica. 1 hour 30 minutes drive from Sangster International Airport in Montego BayBut it’s worth the drive!
Places of interest in and around Negril
1. Seven Mile Beach
As soon as you arrive in Jamaica (or even before), you’ll likely be encouraged to visit Negril’s beautiful sea and sand, Seven Mile Beach. As you walk along this beach, you’ll find plenty of little bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a snack or drink while you soak up the atmosphere of this popular beach.
Want to enjoy unlimited cocktails at Seven Mile Beach? How to book Sandals Negril Beach Negrilall food and drinks are unlimited and included in your booking fee!
2. Mayfield Falls
Photo credit: Michael Kucsmas/Shutterstock.com
Do you feel like taking a dip in a waterfall? If you’ve never experienced it before, Jamaica is the perfect place to do so. Mayfield Falls is about 21 small waterfallsThe tallest is the 10-foot-tall “Washing Machine” along the Mayfield Falls River Walk. A tour of the area takes about an hour and a half. Be sure to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip.
3. Blue Hole Hot Springs
The Blue Hole Mineral Springs is the perfect place for anyone wanting to relax in the healing mineral waters while enjoying the beauty of Jamaica. The Blue Hole is literally A large sinkhole filled with water from a natural springThe springs are about 30 minutes from Negril, and here you can jump into the blue hole (or climb down a ladder if you prefer). There’s also a ground-level pool filled with the same springs, which you can access without having to jump in or climb out. There are also occasional dive shows put on by staff and lifeguards which are fun to watch.
Insider Tip: If you’re in Negril, be sure to try some cliff jumping at Rick’s Cafe, a laid back, easy-going Jamaican chill-out spot with a pool, lounge areas, restaurant, bar and stage area with a stunning ocean backdrop.
Read also: 38 Activities to Enjoy in Negril and Surroundings
Where should I stay while in Negril?
Sandals Negril: Sandals Negril Located on Jamaica’s Seven Mile Beach, this is a veritable paradise. It is one of the few adults-only all-inclusive resorts that reflects the beauty of the surrounding space and highlights its most beloved features in the most enchanting way. Guests at Sandals Negril can enjoy world-class dining at seven restaurants, unlimited water and land sports and many other quality perks.
Negril Beaches: Beach Negril This all-inclusive resort is located on Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. This resort is designed for families and is designed to ensure that parents have a great time as well as the kids. This resort has: Pirate Island Water Park, Kids Camp There’s unlimited land and water sports for kids of all ages, plus Club Liquid, a “nightclub” where teenagers can mingle.
Insider Tip: As most of the activities in Negril take place within the resorts, we recommend booking an all-inclusive package that includes plenty of entertainment options. Nightly entertainment at both Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril ranges from lavish beach parties to live reggae music, fire shows to steel drum bands, so you’ll never get bored for a second.
Negril vs Montego Bay: Differences in Weather
Negril’s weather is similar to Montego Bay’s. Daytime temperatures can get a little hot in Montego Bay between June and August.During the summer, temperatures in Negril can reach 86°F and soar to 91°F in Montego Bay.
During Jamaica’s rainy season (July to October), Negril can expect twice as much rainfall as Montego Bay, but the number of rainy days per month is the same (about five days with rain per month).
Don’t worry, Jamaica’s tropical downpours rarely last long and are usually followed by long periods of sunshine.
Read also: When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
Montego Bay vs Negril… which would you choose?
It may be hard to choose between two amazing places in an already amazing travel destination, but you have to choose. Okay, so maybe there’s no need to rush too much — after all, a vacation (and the planning process) should be relaxing.
But on a more serious note, when it comes to choosing between these two destinations, your biggest deciding factor may ultimately be just a few things: You might settle on one of the nearby tourist attractions, or even a particular resort.
Photo: One of Sandals Montego Bay’s beachfront restaurants, perfect for lunch with a Red Stripe beer.
The truth is, they’re both great places. If a short transfer from the airport and great nightlife are important to you, Montego Bay is the place to go. Looking for something more quaint and laid-back with some of Jamaica’s best beaches? Negril is just the perfect getaway. Whichever dream destination you choose, you can’t go wrong.
Would you like to stay a little longer? Splitting your stay between Montego Bay and Negril might be your best option. The drive from Montego Bay to Negril takes approximately 1.5 hours.
