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. This laid back adults-only resort features 9 restaurants and 5 bars including swim-up bars. You can either take a shuttle, taxi, or drive by yourself. Beaches Negril: Beaches Negril is another all-inclusive property on Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. Montego Bay is alive every time of every day. 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! Choosing the perfect Jamaican vacation is never easy. Take a 20-minute boat trip out to Floyds Pelican Bar, a driftwood structure that offers cold drinks and fresh seafood. This gives tourists a breathtaking view of Negrils coast. Regardless if youre looking to experience international cuisine by the beach or you want to immerse in authentic Jamaican food. Montego Bay also has its fair share of romantic experiences for couples. Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. In addition to zooming down the beaches of Negril, you can dive into the forest for a change of pace. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. Surrounded by nature, it wont be hard to sink into your deepest state of relaxation while spending endless hours on the beach. Negril and Montego Bay are both fun places to be in. Cheaper accommodations are more accessible in Negril. Getting to Negril from Montego Bay Airport is easy and convenient. 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. Negril is best known for its beaches, and beaches are known to be serene and calm. Plus as an added bonus, the beaches are so large in Negril that theres plenty of space for tourists and locals to spread out. Its the perfect place for new experiences and adventures. Seating is outdoors under shade trees and cabanas at this casual spot. Montego Bay and Negril are separated by one road and a few hours, which makes it tough to choose one Jamaican destination over the other. These pretty resort destinations have so much on offer, but as weve discovered, there are some important differences you need to know. However, they offer different kinds of experiences for individuals. Montego Bay is considered more of a party place, and Negril is more laid back. 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. Another great place to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay is Rebab Sports Bar and Grill. Try rafting down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft for a peaceful and romantic experience in Montego Bay. The culture in Negril is well and alive. A limestone cavern opens up the ground an hour away from Negril. Since it has a cruise port available, unlike Negril and many other coastal cities, its a common port of call. This water is calm and crystal clear, perfect for snorkeling and other watersports like wakeboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Or enjoy a leisurely glass bottom boat tour of the waters around Negril. 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. Kenya or South Africa for A Safari Adventure? In this case, its not about which is better, but which one youll want to immerse in first. You can take a bus, taxi, or you can drive by yourself. With so much available coastline, Negril is able to put some space in between clusters of tourists. Negril is a smaller town with resorts along the beach or on the cliffs, it is about a 90 min. This time can still depend on a lot of factors such as time of day and the traffic. Antigua is known for many thi. Jamaicas legendary Seven Mile Beach is in Negril, as is another top beach, Bloody Bay. In Negril, you have a long stretch of beaches which means you have endless options. Sweet Spice has a fun atmosphere and delicious Jamaican food. Since Montego Bay is a bigger city, there are more resorts to choose from. For a two-week luxury stay in Cancun, the average is $4,092 (USD) per person, whereas in Negril it's as high as $4,207 (USD). Airbnb's listings also show a wider price variety on the site. Correct but there are a few exceptions. It features 150 luxury suites and a stunning rooftop pool and bar with 360-degree views of the mountains and bay. We are young and lively 50 year old women who like to be on a beach by day and enjoy a bustling nightlife. Water sports in Montego Bay are also good due to the clear and calm waters. Its other attractive feature is its historical value as a well-preserved relic of 17th-century Jamaica. Montego Bay and Negril are separated by one road and a few hours. Travelers can take a hike uphill for some exercise or book a room for a relaxing view from bed. Since Montego Bay is more luxurious overall than Negril, it is also more expensive. Its best for families wanting to bond more and take some time off and couples looking to strengthen relationships. 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. Another upscale restaurant overlooking the water is Ivans, which also offers Caribbean cuisine. The best Negril nightclub is called . Unfortunately, many of them are far away from the airport, and it takes hours to get to where you need to be. When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Jamaica? The downsides of this are quite obvious and have already been covered, but now wed like to cover a less conspicuous upside. On the other hand, Negril is a tranquil location. This is one of those all-inclusive adults-only resorts that echoes the beauty of its surrounding space and amplifies the most loved attributes in the most magnetizing way. The beaches become more breathtaking because the rocky cliffs complement the turquoise waters. Negril vs Montego Bay - Jamaica Forum - Tripadvisor It usually takes around 1.5 hours to get from Montego Bay to Negril by way of the Knutsford Express. Another famous part of Jamaica is the Rastafarianism movement which was borne out of the country in the 1930s. Montego Bay vs Negril Where Should You Stay on Your Vacation? 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. In Montego Bay, beaches are more busy and alive. Mayfield Falls isnt only an amazing sight to see. We can expect Montego Bay to be a little more expensive than Negril. See photos and rates here. Today it is known as one of the best sports bars in town as well as one of the hottest nightclubs on the scene. Sunset at the Palms Resort - Adults Only - All Inclusive (from USD 387) Show all photos. The crowd doesnt matter much if lounging on the beach is the driving factor for your vacation. Its a different kind of experience that anyone who has tried it will recommend. Jamaica is a gorgeous island thats one of the top honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean for a reason. Negril gives you all the options. If youre driving using a town car, its usually around 100 USD. Each offers travelers an abundant variety of ways to enjoy Jamaica's incredible climate. Its easy to assume that Montego Bay would have the better nightlife considering its a bigger city than Negril. 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 . However if youre heading to Negril then youll need to go from the airport to Montego Bay and then on to Negril. As Suze mentioned, an AI is not. Ocho Rios vs. Negril for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons Depending on the time and traffic, it can take one faster or slower. Even if you arent interested in ghost stories, this plantation mansion is historically valuable considering its so well-preserved despite being built in the 17th century. There are many attractions and activities in both places for families looking to unwind and try new experiences. Resorts, restaurants, bars, and entertainment of all kinds are in abundance in this part of Jamaica. One beach ( Bloody Bay) is quiet and the longer beach . You can move at your own pacetake a breath even. With the extra accommodations of the resorts and restaurants around Negril, its no doubt that Negril can easily be a lovers paradise. This makes Negril the go-to place for tourists because they know theres something for each individual. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. The main beach is dotted with bars and restaurants, many of which can be explored on foot depending on where you stay. Mobay is located near Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and Rose Hall Great House. You can also visit Barneys Flower and Hummingbird Garden to marvel atand feedthese beautiful birds. Many of the restaurants and bars here are on the water. See incredible photos of this resort, and rates here! Negril is known for its laid back atmosphere, boasting some of the best beaches in Jamaica. Negrils laid-back culture and romantic mood is the reason why its the place to be for couples on their honeymoon. That gives you the option for both a laid-back beer on the beach, or a night of fun on the dancefloor! Both beautiful and full of tourist attractions, they are perfect choices for relaxation and adventure. This is because Montego Bay is a bigger place than Negril. Introverts and people who get stressed with their fast-paced and busy lives will enjoy Negril the most. With so much available coastline, Negril is able to put some space in between clusters of tourists. Montego Bay is closest to the airportin fact, its the site of Sangster International Airport, one of Jamaicas 3 main airports. Skip the long general admission lines and enter the club directly. 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. We look at which is better for beaches, resorts, nightlife, activities and far more! The traffic, time of day, and final destination will affect how long the car ride will be. Every restaurant and eatery in and around Negril offers a wide array of fresh and superb food. With its unending parties and always-alive environment, theres no doubt that Montego Bay is oozing with nightlife. If you ask around what part of Jamaica is best for couples, a lot of people would say that its definitely Negril. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. It completely depends on the time youre departing and the traffic you will experience. Montego Bay Airport is the nearest airport to Negril, so this is the best option that tourists have. Of course with the wonderful beaches at Negril and Montego Bay, theres plenty of beach and sea activities to do in both as well. Because of this preference, its generally safe to drive from Montego Bay to Negril. Tour boats depart after dark and glide along the lagoons waters, which glow when disturbed due to the presence of millions of dinoflagellates. 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. Whether youre looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a few drinks with friends, youll find plenty of options in Montego Bay. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Negril vs. Montego Bay: Pick the Perfect Destination for You! One of the biggest attractions is Margaritaville. 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. However to help with your decision, here are some of the main activities you can do in either destination: For a bit of action, Montego Bay contains Jamaicas top river rafting spot! Negril is quiet and calm, but it is also a home for party-goers and adventurers. 2. Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive? Travel writing is Kenyetta's speciality. There are rope swings and ziplines for the adventurous. Best Sandals Resorts; We Visited All 16 Sandals Resorts So You Dont Have To. Consider booking a Caribbean cruise, and Montego Bay might be included. A flight from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can cost around 250 USD. Everyone knows that the water in Montego Bay is amazing, but its even better to dip in the water and experience it to the fullest. Montego Bay is known for its all-inclusive resorts and lively nightlife, while Negril features stunning white sand beaches and more relaxed atmosphere. Just to the north of Negril is Bloody Bay, also a gorgeous beach with calm, clear water for watersports. Blue spring water fills the pool at the bottom. Its also a waterfall that you can play in. NO AI because food is pretty cheap and good, and you can watch gorgeous . If youre looking to enjoy the beach in a high-energy environment, Montego Bay is the place to be. Sandals Negril: Sandals Negril is a paradise within itself in Jamaica, located on Seven Mile Beach. 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. Daily average temperatures during these months range from 78-80F, with highs of 83F and lows of 75F (February is the overall coolest month to visit Montego Bay). Negril Vs. Montego Bay: 22 Reasons To Choose One Jamaican - MSN 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. However, 1 hour and 30 minutes is the average time for a shuttle to get from Montego Bay to Negril. Be sure to try out the jerk chicken and eat it while relaxing by the beach. Fun places to go in Negril include the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, Mayfield Falls, and Ricks Cafe. Its the perfect mixture of overflowing culture, breathtaking sights, and adrenaline-inducing activities. 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. 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. Sandals Negril vs Montego Bay ReviewWhich Is Best for You Montego Bay is known to be the tourist hotspot and for its opulent all-inclusive resorts. Related: 10 Best Beaches In Jamaica For A Blend Of Adventure And Relaxation. Margeurites offers sophisticated fine dining and fresh seafood at the edge of the Caribbean. 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. Where as in Negril, you can find Sandals Negril located on the famous Seven Mile Beach. Upbeat clubs where locals and foreigners can finally get to know one another are tangled throughout the city. The Negril Cliffs is a beautiful and dramatic 40-feet (12.2-m) addition and backdrop to the sights you see in Negril.