Montego Bay to Negril: Sunset at Rick’s Café & Beach Day

Summary

From Montego Bay to Negril for beach time and Rick’s Café sunset

You’ll ride along Jamaica’s north coast with a local guide from Montego Bay to Negril, stopping for snacks and shopping before relaxing on Seven Mile Beach. Try jerk chicken or fresh juice from local vendors, then end your day at Rick’s Café with music, cliff diving (if you’re brave), and an unforgettable sunset over the ocean.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you wake up somewhere new and the air smells different? That’s how it started for me in Montego Bay — warm, a little salty, with this soft buzz from the street outside. Our driver, Andre, showed up right on time (I was still finishing my coffee), and we piled into the van. The drive along Jamaica’s north coast wasn’t just scenery; it was reggae drifting from roadside stalls, flashes of turquoise sea between palm trees, and Andre pointing out tiny fruit stands I’d have missed otherwise. He told us about his favorite spot for fresh coconut water — we stopped, and I’m not sure if it was the heat or the coconut itself but it tasted way sweeter than anything back home.

Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is kind of famous, but honestly I didn’t expect how soft the sand would feel under my feet. There were families picnicking, kids chasing each other near the waterline, and vendors calling out about patties or fresh juice. We wandered a bit — I picked up some jerk chicken from a guy named Devon who laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in patois (I probably butchered it). The main keyword here is relaxation. Even if you’re not usually a beach person, something about Negril just slows you down without asking.

Later in the afternoon we headed over to Rick’s Café. It gets busy before sunset — music playing loud enough to feel in your chest, people lining up to watch (or try) those wild cliff jumps. I didn’t jump (maybe next time), but watching locals flip off the rocks while everyone cheered felt like being part of something bigger for a second. The sky turned this ridiculous orange-pink as the sun dropped behind the cliffs. Someone handed me a Red Stripe and I just sat there for a while — not really talking much, just listening to laughter and waves below. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour from Montego Bay to Negril

• Depart Montego Bay
• Enjoy guided north coast tour
• Shop for food and souvenirs
• Relax at Negril's Seven Mile Beach
• Watch sunset at Rick's Cafe
• Swim or dive at Rick's Cafe
• Have beer and jerk chicken

Top questions

How long is the drive from Montego Bay to Negril?

The drive typically takes around 1.5 hours each way along Jamaica’s north coast.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup is included from your accommodation in Montego Bay.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available.

What can you do at Rick's Café?

You can watch or try cliff diving, swim in the ocean, enjoy live music, or relax with food and drinks while watching the sunset.

Are there shopping opportunities during this day trip?

Yes, there are stops for shopping where you can buy food, juices, and souvenirs along the way to Negril.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is included but you’ll have chances to buy local food like jerk chicken or patties during stops.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; activities like swimming or cliff diving are optional.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned vehicle pickup from Montego Bay with a certified local guide; stops for shopping and snacks; free time on Negril’s Seven Mile Beach; an evening visit to Rick’s Café for sunset views; plus options for swimming or cliff diving before heading back.