Because of the smaller cascades, its perfectly safe to play around and dip in the Mayfield Falls. This is what Negril has. 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). Negril is for those looking to slow down and enjoy at their own pace. 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. Montego Bay vs Negril: Which Is Best For You? | SANDALS However, as a general reference, a car ride from Montego Bay to Negril will be approximately 1 hour and a half. For an entrance fee of just under $20, guests can come for a visit. Its always worth a look and completes your Negril tour. From the reggae music vibrating during parties to the welcoming warmth of people, all this is within your reach in Montego Bay. For more than 50 years, it has been a popular destination for all sorts of getaways, including honeymoons, destination weddings, and romantic vacations. THE TOP 10 Montego Bay Nightlife (w/Prices) - Viator Montego Bay and Negril are around 1 hour to 2 hours travel away from each other. You are blessed with many different transportation options available. Kuyaba on the Beach is a lovely thatched-roof restaurant serving Jamaican dishes. Everyone in Jamaica knows that if you want to immerse in white sand beaches, Negril is the place to be. Each offers travelers an abundant variety of ways to enjoy Jamaica's incredible climate. 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). That gives you the option for both a laid-back beer on the beach, or a night of fun on the dancefloor! For most people it doesnt take much convincing to decide to go on vacation to Jamaica. The cheapest way to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is by riding a shuttle. Negril also houses a spectacular tropical garden that anyone who loves nature will enjoy. Whether youre in the Seven Mile Beach, Booby Cay, or Bourbon Beach, your surroundings are all soothing to look at. Whichever resort you stay at, make sure it has Blue Mountain Coffee! The reason it has more is due to Montego Bay being a larger town. The ride from Montego Bay Airport to Negril is a southwest drive that can take around 2 hours. If short airport transfers and a buzzing nightlife are important to you, Montego Bay is your pick. This is definitely a bustling nightlife environment. As the cliffs get lower, quaint resort cottages appear along the edges of Negril. One beach (Bloody Bay) is quiet and the longer beach Long Bay beach is filled with pubs, bars, eateries, shopping, watersports lots of diversions. You should keep in mind that its dangerous to dive that close to the rocks, so watching the daring locals who know what theyre doing is the best option. Both Montego Bay and Negril are popular vacation destinations in Jamaica. If youre riding a taxi, the transfer will cost you more or less 110 USD. Chicken Lavish serves all sorts ofyou guessed itchicken. Choosing a private option like the Knutsford Express will allow you to shave off at least half an hour from your travel time. Extra effort is given in maintaining its cleanliness and protection. Given this, Negril has the better offer when it comes to couples going on their honeymoon. "Most likely, we will be renting a car ," A popular local place to eat in Montego Bay is Scotchies for the Jamaican jerk chicken, as well as grilled pork and fish. However, this is one of the modes of transportation that will take up the most time. These are microscopic organisms that glow at night, and Jamaicas Luminous Lagoon is one of only four such sites in the world. Montego Bay Or Negril: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose! Whichever one you decide to choose in the end, you will have a great Jamaican vacation. Dance the night away on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay at the hottest clubs in town on our nightlife adventure. However, most families prefer the tranquil ambiance of Negril to the energetic mood of Montego Bay. However, nothing beats the fun that Montego Bay offers when it comes to parties. Everyone is having the time of their lives in Montego Bay. The cheapest is the bus which will only cost around 10 to 15 USD. Do you prefer to slow down, or do you want to raise your energy? This resort was created for families and everything within focuses on ensuring not only that kids have the time of their lives, but parents too! Montego Bay is filled with music and parties left and right. Negril gives you all the options. When Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Jamaica? This beachside bar has some of the bests sea views in Negril, as well as incredible freshly made food which you can enjoy while listening to reggae music in the background. However thats just the tip of the iceberg. The resident population in Montego Bay far surpasses that of Negril. 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. Which is better, Negril or Montego Bay? All the resorts in Negril tend to be right on the beachfront too. As much fun as it is to go around Montego Bay in the morning, its no match for the experience you get at night. This factor is a big point for families traveling with children. 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. At Mayfield Falls there are about 21 mini waterfalls, with the tallest being the Washing Machine at about 10 feet high which youll get to experience along the Mayfield Falls River Walk. One beach ( Bloody Bay) is quiet and the longer beach . Related: 10 Negril All-Inclusive Resorts Worth Booking For Any Type Of Traveler. You can enjoy the sights of different birds and colorful flowers all around you. There are moments when the rate is higher because of the busy roads that you will take to your destination. Negril is about an hour and a half from the airport in Montego Bay. Another great place to enjoy the nightlife of Montego Bay is Rebab Sports Bar and Grill. Johnny Cash actually based his song, The Ballad of Annie Palmer, around this myth. In Montego Bay, youll find the unique overwater bungalows at Sandals Royal Caribbean. Its other attractive feature is its historical value as a well-preserved relic of 17th-century Jamaica. The turquoise-hued calm water at this beach is a great place to swim, snorkel, paddle board and more. Montego Bay is a popular tourist hotspot in Jamaica that appeals to travellers looking for a luxury vacation experience. We've been Sandals fans for over 12 years. The other airport that tourists can fly into is the Kingston airport which is 5 hours away from Negril. As said above, Negril accommodates everyone, so its rates and prices are more inclusive regardless of someones budget. Aside from watersports, there are plenty of outdoor activities in both Jamaican destinations. In fact, there is a fantastic family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Negril, Beaches, which has a brilliant waterpark thats perfect for kids. Itsa really fun experience, and there will be many spots along the river where you can try steering or just go for a refreshing swim! Antigua Carnival The Caribbeans Greatest Summer Festival. 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.. The hottest months are the summer months of July and August. With its unending parties and always-alive environment, theres no doubt that Montego Bay is oozing with nightlife. Both being around the west side of Jamaica, its not hard to get from one place to another. Greenwood Great House is one of the best-preserved such homes in Jamaica. Montego Bay has an energy that cannot easily be avoided. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. We will be upfront from the beginning here Negril definitely has better beaches than Montego Bay. Which may make it the easier destination to find the perfect resort for you. Expectedly, with an island so gorgeous, there are lots of nice areas to stay in while in Jamaica. Montego Bay is first and foremost a city, and isnt as targeted towards tourists. Breathtaking views with a serene vibe are the overall environment in Negril beaches. Its easy to assume that Montego Bay would have the better nightlife considering its a bigger city than Negril. Negril doesnt offer as many shopping opportunities as Montego Bay, but you can visit Times Square Mall for duty-free and souvenir shopping, local galleries and shops, Negril Crafts Market, and Rutland Point Market. Various companies are willing to take tourists out on the beach on ATVs. Negril Vs. Montego Bay: 22 Reasons To Choose One Jamaican - TheTravel 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. Entry to the beach shown above is just six bucks, according to U.S. News. On the other hand, Negril is a tranquil location. The weather in Negril is comparable to the weather in Montego Bay, although daytime temperatures from June to August can be a bit higher in Montego Bay. 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. A trip to Negril completes the Jamaican experience. The rate for buses from Montego Bay to Negril starts at 10 USD. Go to Negril! Montego Bay Airport is the nearest airport to Negril, so this is the best option that tourists have. (Recommended: Snakes in Jamaica). Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts In Negril, Jamaica - Trip101 Although both destinations are hotspots for tourists, they show different sides of Jamaica. Save. From either Negril or Montego Bay, you can take excursions into Jamaicas mountainous interior and explore the rainforests. Youll find a larger selection of hotels and resorts in Montego Bay since its a bigger city than Negril, but both areas have plenty of luxurious places to stay, including adults-only all-inclusive resorts. Johnny Cash based his famous song The Ballad of Annie Palmer on the myths that surround this house, according to the Telegraph. In addition to zooming down the beaches of Negril, you can dive into the forest for a change of pace. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We look at which is better for beaches, resorts, nightlife, activities and far more! Prices in Negril for accommodations tend to be a little cheaper than in Montego Bay. People in Jamaica are welcoming and hospitable, so you can expect that they will guide you to where you should be. Negril is on the western tip of Jamaica. 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). In Negril the biggest nightclub is The Jungle, which is regarded by some as being the best nightclub in the Caribbean. It will only cost at least 10 USD. Negril is best known for its stunning beaches and laidback feel. Bourbon Beach is another popular bar in Negril. A gourmet restaurant on Negrils cliffs overlooking the water is Zest; feast on a variety of the Caribbean and international dishes here. Negril is in a bay which insures a higher probability for calm and azure water. Hike, go on an ATV tour, or zipline through the jungle canopy. Driving is the preferred mode of transportation of both locals and tourists in these places. Its not hard to fully immerse with the locals and the culture. Situated just a short trip from Montego Bay, lies Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma. Sweet Spice has a fun atmosphere and delicious Jamaican food. Since numerous citizens inhabit Montego Bay, you can count on meeting genuine Jamaicans. In this place, you will definitely say that nature is wonderful. The average temperature for the summer is 88 degrees. The flexibility and accessibility of Negril are ideal for families. This makes Negril the go-to place for tourists because they know theres something for each individual. Both Negril and Montego Bay are go-to destinations for families. Montego Bay and Negril are separated by one road and a few hours. The Roaring River Park and Cave are set on the grounds of an old sugar plantation and feature fascinating underground caves where you can take a cool mineral water bath. These include Doctors Cave Beach, Cornwall Beach, and Dead End Beach. Home North America Caribbean Jamaica Montego Bay vs. Negril: Which Is Best for Your Jamaican Vacation? In Montego Bay, beaches are more busy and alive. No airport means no roaring planes flying overhead. Another famous part of Jamaica is the Rastafarianism movement which was borne out of the country in the 1930s. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. So sit back and relax as we pit Montego Bay vs Negril below. In Montego Bay, theres always something exciting and festive happening. 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. Negril and Montego Bay are both fun places to be in. Beaches in Montego Bay also offer the romantic mood that couples need. The roads of Jamaica are completely safe for cars, so driving shouldnt be a worry for those who prefer to drive themselves from Montego Bay to Negril. Its also very accessible, which is why its the preferred mode of transportation for tourists. However depending on your priorities, one may be better than the other. Its necessary to pinpoint which location is the best fit for each traveler in order to make the most of that vacation time. Life is fresh in Jamaica. 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. We can expect Montego Bay to be a little more expensive than Negril. A free shuttle from Montego Bay takes about 15 minutes. One fairly cheap, but no less satisfying activity, around Negril is going to Barneys Hummingbird Garden. Going to Jamaica feels like youre finally able to go at your own pace and enjoy all the wonders around you. Two of the most popular are Montego Bay and Negril. Town Vibes and Shopping In Montego Bay and Negril Theres no airport there, so no noisy aircraft ruining your relaxing day at the beach. Seating is outdoors under shade trees and cabanas at this casual spot. View all posts by Wandering our World. During the wet season in Jamaica (July - October) you can expect twice as much rainfall in Negril than in Montego Bay, but the same amount of days with rainfall per month (~ 5 rainy days a month). There is one big club in Negril - The Jungle, and lots of small bars along the beach and cliffs. Despite having a busy environment, it makes tourists feel like theyre really part of Jamaica. " Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios seem to be a drive away from another." Negril is about 90 min. Its a beautiful and hypnotizing feeling but before you can even experience it, theres so much to decide about your trip. Honeymoons are better when the couple enjoys doing activities that strengthen their bond. Both have fantastic beaches, but the ones in Negril tend to be bigger, less busy, and are home to spectacular sunsets. Depending on the individuals needs, either of the two can be heaven on Earth. However, travel can take anywhere from 1 hour and a half to 2 hours and 15 minutes. Montego Bay vs Negril For Families: Where to Take The Kids? A great underwater camera such as this one is a must. This can be more, depending on when the flight is booked and the demands for the tickets. Since Negril has a calmer vibe, families prefer it, especially those with 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. Negril and Monetgo Bay are two of Jamaica's most popular cities. Negril has the better beach, but you do not have the 1.5-hour drive when you stay in Montego Bay. It wasnt designed to suit tourists. As Suze mentioned, an AI is not. Many of the restaurants and bars here are on the water. You can either take a shuttle, taxi, or drive by yourself. There are many ways to get from Montego Bay Airport to Negril, and each one will cost differently than the other. However, 1 hour and 30 minutes is the average time for a shuttle to get from Montego Bay to Negril. Montego Bay is located on the north coast of Jamaica. Montego Bay is best for any individual seeking to explore and experience more adventure in their lives. If beaches are what youre after, theres no contest that Negril has the best. 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! Re: Negril vs Montego Bay. Regardless if youre looking to experience international cuisine by the beach or you want to immerse in authentic Jamaican food. (time depends on the specific resort and road conditions). Two of the top destinations in Jamaica are Montego Bay and Negril. However, thats not a problem youll have in Montego Bay. 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. Montego Bay has all-inclusive resorts that are more than happy to welcome families, whether big or small. 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. The lighthouse will really get your attention. There's also a Margaritaville location in Montego Bay, offering fun daily attractions and a Margaritaville After Dark nightclub with dance floors on multiple levels. That's why what is known as Negril's Seven Mile Beach has become such a draw. 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. A bus trip from Montego Bay to Negril will likely take about 2 hours if you travel using the public bus. Theres always a festive event happening that no one wants to miss out on. Depending on what you choose to take, your cost of travel can range anywhere from 10 USD to 150 USD. 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Some are able to get from Montego Bay to Negril in less than two hours. Montego Bay or Negril ( visiting mainly to party and have fun ) - Fodor's Try rafting down the Martha Brae River on a bamboo raft for a peaceful and romantic experience in Montego Bay. However, if a couple wants to enjoy their time together through thrilling adventures and fun parties, Montego Bay is the place. We are young and lively 50 year old women who like to be on a beach by day and enjoy a bustling nightlife. Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril can take up to 2 hours and 20 minutes overall. Table of Contents Laid-back and relaxing are two words that perfectly describe Negril. The House Boat Grill features waterfront dining in the Montego Bay Marine Park. Lets run through the pros and cons of each destination with a look at 22 reasons to choose one Jamaican destination over the other. If you want to start and end on a high and energetic note, Montego Bay is the place to be. Theres always something to enjoy, so you dont have to worry about missing out on anything. This means that the beaches often feel a lot emptier than they are, and you can have your private sunbathing spot on the gorgeous soft white sand. Negril is a laidback, relaxed beach-oriented town; it started as a fishing village and still is primarily about the water. In these summer months, Negril reaches 86 F, where temperatures can rise up to 91 F in Montego Bay. I'm Matt, a former globetrotting journalist who's previously worked for media like USA Today and the BBC. Montego Bay Hip Strip, Gloucester Ave Ocho Rios Island Village Negril 7 Mile Beach Celebrate With its open layout and state of the art sound system and lighting, Club Ville is the ideal venue for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduation get-togethers, corporate events, holiday parties and more. Who doesnt want a vacation in Jamaica? In Negril you have the option of big night clubs but also smaller and more cozy nightlife spots that are scattered along the beach. In the past 13 years, Kylie loved to work with various newspapers, magazines and blogs in the Caribbean. See photos and rates for Beaches here. Related: Romantic Getaway: Book These 10 Best Resorts In Jamaica For Couples. This factor is a big point for families traveling with children. The best bars in Montego Bay are located in the Hip Strip area. A tour of this area can take about an hour and a half, and youll definitely want to bring swimwear for a refreshing dip. These pretty resort destinations have so much on offer, but as weve discovered, there are some important differences you need to know. Although people dont usually come to Jamaica to spend half their vacation in the car.