Only an hour and a half’s drive from Montego Bay, laid-back is a way of life in this sunny resort town, which retains the sleepy tropical charm that first attracted seekers of sun and solitude three decades ago.

Peaceful strolls on powdery white sand, swimming and snorkeling in limpid aqua-blue water, and clothing-optional sunbathing are only part of your "do-as-you-please" Negril vacation.

Craft markets and duty-free shopping opportunities abound. Golf and tennis are available at the Negril Hills Golf Club, just south of town. Horseback-riding treks to the romantic ruins of Whitehall Great House and boat rides to Booby Cay, where the rare, blue-footed booby bird breeds (and portions of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" were filmed) are other popular pastimes.

With its remarkable coral reefs and calm, clear waters, Negril is a diver’s version of paradise. The Negril Scuba Centre is one of the oldest dive operations in Jamaica and offers PADI certification. There are several excellent local companies offering numerous other watersports, including leisurely catamaran cruises.

Negril boasts a broad range of accommodation options, from comfortable, moderately priced rooms, studios and suites to fine all-inclusive resorts catering either to couples or to families.

Villa rentals, inexpensive guesthouses and charming small beachside hotels, are also plentiful. And strung along the grotto-lined cliffs that stretch to the Negril Lighthouse (built in 1895), unique properties with stylishly rustic d?cor are tucked into the rock face leading down to tranquil hidden coves.

None of Negril’s hotels is taller than the average palm tree, the result of local efforts to limit development and protect natural resources, including the area’s spectacular offshore reefs.

According to legend, Calico Jack Rackham and a band of fellow pirates were captured near Negril Harbour (called Bloody Bay for its history as a whaling port) after drinking too much rum. They may have also been distracted by the blaze of orange, mauve and red that makes the end of every day here a cause for celebration.

Today the lighthearted ritual is celebrated by sunset cruises and at several popular viewing spots: the Pickled Parrot, for instance, with its rope swings and slide; and Rick’s Cafe, where pre-sunset entertainment includes fire-eaters, jugglers and daring cliff divers.

Negril also has one of Jamaica’s liveliest music scenes--everything from festive calypso beach barbecues, to all-night dancing at DeBuss, Alfred’s Ocean Palace and other local clubs, to outdoor concerts where the pulsating rhythms of reggae provide the perfect soundtrack for balmy tropical nights.

Negril is one of life’s rare pleasures, the ultimate freedom vacation. It’s a kick-off-your-shoes, shrug off your blues way of life. Eat and drink, love and laugh, play party and be happy. Negril. Come and take pleasure here in the capital of casual.

Activities
In addition to the highlighted sports, the following are also available in the resort areas:

Camping, Jogging, Parasailing, Sailing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Tennis, Waterfall Climbing, Waterskiing

Biking
Bicycles are available for rental at some resort properties and at bike rental companies who also rent motorcycles of various CC ratings.

Coco Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4250

Dependable Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4764

Elvie's Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4331

Gas Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4835

Holiday Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4968

Jah B's Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4235

Jolly's Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-3385

Kool Bike Rental Limited
Tel: 876-957-9224

Nortigo Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4711

Pedro Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4757

Reid's Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4369

Tykes Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-0388

Wright's Bike Rental
Tel: 876-957-4908

Deep Sea Fishing
Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300, includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.

Independent operators:

Best Boat Reef Tour
Tel: 876-995-9709

Blue Whale Divers
Tel: 876-957-4438

Dolphin Divers
Tel: 876-957-4944

Sea Raider, Our Past Time
Tel: 876-957-4224

Wild Thing, Mahogany Inn
Tel: 876-957-4401/4402

Diving
Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular caves, canyons and crevices...schools of shimmering tropical fish...star, rose and giant pillar coral. All the equipment you need is available from licensed diving operators.

Blue Whale Divers
Tel: 876-957-4438/3792-5

Dolphin Divers
Tel: 876-957-4944
Fax: 876-957-4849

Hedonism II
Tel: 876-957-5200
Fax: 876-957-5289

Negril Scuba Centre
Tel: 876-957-4425

Sandals Resort
Tel: 876-957-5216

Sundivers Negril
Tel: 876-957-4331

West Point Watersports
Tel: 876-957-5170-9

Golf

Negril Hills
18 holes, 6,333 yards, par 72. Clubhouse, bar, restaurant, pro shop, tennis.
Tel: 876-957-4638

Nightlife

• Alfred's Ocean Palace
• Central Park
• Chances
• Close Encounters Disco
• Club Palm Disco
• Compulsion
• DeBus
• Fun Holiday Beach
• Hedonism II Disco
• Hedonism II
• Jungle Nightclub
• Legends
• Margaritavilla
• Mariners Inn
• MX 111
• Negril Inn
• Negril Yacht Club
• Pickled Parrot
• Red Snapper
• Rick's Café
• Risky Business
• Roots Bamboo
• Sam Sara
• Private Affair
• Visions
• Negril Gardens