Viajá con Gus
HomeJamaicaGreen Island and Negril West End
🇯🇲 Jamaica · West coast and Negril

Green Island and Negril West End

📌Parish
The West End of Negril is the coral-cliff area south of Seven Mile Beach, in the parish of Westmoreland, at the western tip of Jamaica. Unlike Negril's sandy beach, here the coast is formed by rocky bluffs that drop to the sea, with caves, cliff jumps and viewpoints: it is the area of the famous sunsets from the heights and of the iconic Rick's Cafe. Green Island, by contrast, is a small coastal town and area of the neighboring parish of Hanover, north of Negril, with a local, untouristy character, surrounded by nature, reefs and quiet coves
📌Service city
The reference city is Negril, with all tourist services (hotels, bars, restaurants, pharmacies, ATMs and agencies), a few minutes from the West End. The main airport is Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, about 80 km (1.5 to 2 hours by car). Green Island is on the coastal road between Negril and Lucea (capital of Hanover), on the way to Montego Bay, and relies on the services of Negril and Lucea
📌Best time to go
The dry season, December to April, is ideal: sunny days, calm sea, good visibility for snorkeling in the caves and clear sunsets over the sea, the great attraction of the West End. From May to November it rains more and the Atlantic hurricane season sets in (peaking between August and October), though many days are still good. For the cliff jumps and snorkeling, a calm sea and good visibility are best
📌Suggested days
The West End can be enjoyed in a half day or a day, ideally combined with a stay on Seven Mile Beach: it's enough to explore the cliffs, snorkel in the caves, dare a cliff jump, visit the Negril lighthouse and enjoy the sunset from Rick's Cafe or another viewpoint. Green Island and the coast of Hanover are a half-day getaway for those seeking quiet coves, reefs and a more local atmosphere, far from the crowds
💱 Cambio de USD
Loading rate…
🌤️ Clima en Green Island and Negril West End
Loading weather…

If Seven Mile Beach is the white-sand face of Negril, the West End is its other face, equally seductive but very different: a coast of coral cliffs that drop to the turquoise sea, with caves, cliff jumps, viewpoints and a more bohemian, adventurous atmosphere. Here, south of the great beach, the geography changes: there is no sand but rocky bluffs from which you leap into the Caribbean, snorkel in grottoes and take in one of the most celebrated sunsets in all of Jamaica.

The West End is the realm of the legendary Rick's Cafe, where every evening people gather to watch the sun go down while the boldest (and the local divers) leap into the sea from the cliffs. But beyond the bustle, this area holds quiet corners, charming hotels on the rocks, the historic Negril lighthouse and a seabed full of life ideal for diving and snorkeling.

To the north of Negril, by contrast, the coast of Hanover offers a serene contrast: Green Island and the surroundings are a more local, untouristy Jamaica, of coves, reefs and fishing villages, far from the crowds. This guide covers the essentials of the West End and Green Island with a practical and warm eye, for those who want to go beyond the beach and discover the cliff coast, the dramatic sunsets and the nature of the far west of Jamaica.

📖 History of Green Island and Negril West End

The West End is part of Negril, a town at the western tip of Jamaica that for centuries was a remote, sparsely populated corner, isolated by the Great Morass wetland and the lack of roads. While Seven Mile Beach became famous from the 1960s and 70s with bohemian tourism, the West End —the cliff area to the south— developed its own profile, tied to the sunsets, the cliff jumps, the snorkeling in caves and a more alternative, smaller-scale atmosphere, with little hotels perched on the rocks. At the western point stands the Negril Lighthouse, built in the early 20th century to guide navigation at this tip of the island. Green Island, north of Negril, in the parish of Hanover, is a coastal town of colonial roots and an economy traditionally tied to fishing and farming, which stayed on the margins of the big tourism development and preserves a local character. The whole region (Westmoreland and Hanover) shares the colonial past of plantation and slavery common to Jamaica, and today combines tourism, fishing and nature. The full history of Negril and its western area is on our history page.

Read the full history →

🏛️ Green Island and Negril West End is in Parish of Hanover

The smallest parish in Jamaica, in the northwest between Montego Bay and Negril: its capital, the quiet and picturesque Lucea, keeps the colonial Fort Charlotte and a curious German-style clock tower that arrived by mistake, destined for Saint Lucia. Birthplace of the first prime minister, Alexander Bustamante, in Blenheim, land of cane, authentic coves and the Jamaica of small towns far from mass tourism.

Read the history of Parish of Hanover →

🗺️ What to see

1
The West End cliffs and the cliff jumps
Negril's coral-cliff coast, with caves, platforms for jumping into the water and viewpoints over the Caribbean.
The West End cliffs are the great distinctive feature of this part of Negril and a spectacular setting. Unlike the sand of Seven Mile Beach, here the coast is formed by coral rock bluffs that drop vertically into the turquoise sea, pierced by caves and grottoes, with natural and built platforms from which you can jump into the water. The whole creates a dramatic, very photogenic landscape, especially at sunset. Many of the West End's hotels, bars and restaurants are built on these cliffs, with staircases, terraces and diving boards that give access to the sea. Jumping from the rocks into the Caribbean (at heights that vary by spot) is one of the classic and thrilling experiences of the place, though it's best to always do it with caution, checking the depth and conditions, and only where it's allowed and safe. The water by the cliffs is clear and deep, ideal for swimming and for snorkeling and diving, since the bottom is full of marine life, coral formations and underwater caves. It is a setting that combines relaxation, beauty and adventure. Getting there: the West End is a few minutes south of the town of Negril, along the West End Road that skirts the cliffs. Best time: sunny days and calm sea, to swim and jump safely; sunset for the views. Tips: jump only at safe, permitted spots, checking the depth; use water shoes; mind your belongings; respect the reefs when snorkeling. Access to most jumping spots is free or with a minimum spend at the bar/hotel.
ℹ️ Distance: A few minutes south of the town of Negril (West End Road) · Best time: Sunny days and calm sea; sunset for the views · Admission: Free to low cost; access via cliff bars/hotels with a minimum spend (US$ 5-10, 2025) · Duration: Half a day
2
Rick's Cafe and the sunset from the cliffs
The iconic bar on the cliffs of Negril, famous for its sunsets, its music and the divers who leap into the sea.
Rick's Cafe is, without doubt, the most famous place in the West End of Negril and one of the best-known tourist spots in Jamaica. It is a bar-restaurant perched on the cliffs, open since the 1970s, which became synonymous with the Negril sunset. Every evening, crowds gather here to watch the sun set over the sea with a drink in hand, live music or a DJ, and a festive atmosphere. It opens from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The great spectacle, besides the sunset, is the cliff jumping: both bold visitors and local divers leap into the water from various heights (some considerable), even from trees and platforms, in displays that draw applause from the crowd. It is a vibrant, much-photographed experience, part of Negril's tourist folklore. Rick's Cafe is, of course, a very touristy and busy attraction, especially in high season and at sunset. Those seeking something quieter can enjoy the same sunset from other West End bars and hotels, equally spectacular but with fewer people. Even so, experiencing the atmosphere of Rick's at least once is a classic. Getting there: it is on the West End Road, on the cliffs of Negril; by taxi from Seven Mile Beach or the town. Best time: arrive before sunset to get a spot; dry season for clear skies. Tips: entry is free (no cover), but food and drink have tourist prices (dishes US$ 15-35, cocktails US$ 8-14); go with time, carry little cash and mind your phone in the crowd.
ℹ️ Distance: On the West End Road, cliffs of Negril (taxi from the beach) · Best time: Arrive before sunset; dry season for clear skies · Admission: Free (no cover); food and drink purchase required at tourist prices (2025) · Duration: An evening
3
Negril Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse at the western point of Jamaica, a viewpoint and landmark of the West End coast.
The Negril Lighthouse rises at the westernmost tip of Jamaica, at the point of the West End, and is one of the historical and scenic landmarks of the area. Built in the early 20th century (the sources date it to around 1894-1895) to guide the ships that sailed by this tip of the island, it is still in operation and has become a tourist attraction. The white, slender tower marks the point where the sun sets over the sea, so its surroundings are another excellent place to contemplate the sunset, usually with fewer crowds than Rick's Cafe. In some cases it is possible to access the lighthouse grounds (check availability and hours), from where the views of the coast and the sea are broad. Visiting the lighthouse lets you combine history, scenery and the feeling of being at the western 'end' of Jamaica. It is a quiet, panoramic stop within the tour of the West End. Getting there: it is at the end of the West End Road, at the western point; by taxi or car from Negril. Best time: by day to visit it, and at sunset for the views. Tips: access to the outer grounds is free; confirm whether you can climb the tower and the hours; bring water and sunscreen; combine it with the cliffs and the sunset.
ℹ️ Distance: At the end of the West End Road, western point of Jamaica (taxi/car from Negril) · Best time: By day for the visit; sunset for the views · Admission: Free (access to the outer grounds); climbing the tower subject to availability · Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
4
Snorkeling and diving in the West End caves
A seabed full of life, with reefs, grottoes and underwater caves accessible from the cliffs.
The waters of the West End of Negril are one of the best places in the area for snorkeling and diving. Unlike the sandy beach, here the bottom by the cliffs is rocky and coral, with reefs, coral formations, caves and grottoes that host abundant marine life: colorful fish, corals, sponges and, at times, larger fauna. The good water visibility (up to 25-30 meters), especially with a calm sea, makes the area an ideal setting for exploring the underwater world. Several cliff hotels and bars give direct access to the sea for snorkeling, and there are certified dive centers (PADI) that offer outings to the most interesting sites, both in the West End and in nearby areas. Among the underwater attractions, the coral caves and tunnels stand out, adding a component of adventure for divers. It is an activity suitable for different levels: from simple snorkeling by the cliffs to more technical cave dives for experienced divers. It's always best to operate with serious dive centers and to respect the marine ecosystem, which is fragile. Getting there: from the West End hotels and bars, or with Negril dive centers. Best time: calm sea and good visibility, especially in the dry season. Tips: a guided snorkeling outing costs between US$ 35 and US$ 65 per person (2025); the intro dive (Discover Scuba, with a PADI instructor) runs about US$ 120; choose certified operators; don't touch the corals.
ℹ️ Distance: By the West End cliffs (access via hotels/bars and dive centers) · Best time: Calm sea and good visibility; dry season · Admission: Snorkeling US$ 35-65 per person; intro dive US$ 120 approx. (2025) · Duration: 1 h to half a day depending on the activity
5
Green Island and the coast of Hanover
A quiet local coastal town north of Negril, with coves, reefs and the least touristy Jamaica.
To the north of Negril, on the road that leads to Lucea (capital of Hanover) and Montego Bay, is Green Island, a coastal town in the parish of Hanover that offers the perfect contrast to Negril's tourist bustle: here life is local, quiet and tied to fishing and farming, far from the crowds and the big resorts. The Green Island area and the coast of Hanover hold coves, small beaches, reefs and natural landscapes that invite a more unhurried, authentic kind of tourism. It is a good place to get to know rural, coastal Jamaica, chat with the people, try fresh fish at a local eatery and enjoy the sea without crowds. Some spots in the area are home to charming villas and lodgings that make the most of the calm and the views. Beyond the town itself, the coast of Hanover between Green Island, Lucea and Montego Bay offers a scenic route, with viewpoints and little-traveled corners. For those staying in Negril, Green Island is a half-day getaway to escape the tourist circuit. Getting there: on the coastal road north of Negril, on the way to Lucea; by taxi, minibus or car. Best time: sunny days of the dry season. Tips: bring small cash, buy from the locals, check sea conditions before swimming at beaches with no services and drive carefully on the coastal road.
ℹ️ Distance: On the coastal road north of Negril, on the way to Lucea (Hanover) · Best time: Sunny days of the dry season · Admission: Free (tour and public beaches; activities separate) · Duration: Half a day
6
Seven Mile Beach and the Negril sunset
Negril's great white-sand beach, next to the West End: the perfect complement to the cliffs.
Although this guide focuses on the cliff coast, no visit to the West End is complete without seeing its neighbor and counterpart: Seven Mile Beach, the long stretch of white sand and calm turquoise waters that made Negril famous around the world. It extends north of the West End, along Norman Manley Boulevard, and is one of the most celebrated beaches in the Caribbean. Unlike the rocks of the West End, here the coast is of very fine sand and the sea is usually calm and shallow near the shore, ideal for families, for swimming and for lying in the sun. Along the beach are lined resorts, beach bars, restaurants, water-sports stands and chairs for rent, with a relaxed atmosphere that comes alive in the afternoon with music. Beach access is public on many stretches, though the resorts occupy much of the frontage. The sunset is, as in the West End, the great moment of the day: the sun sinks into the sea over the sand, and many bars organize happy hours and live music to accompany it. Combining a day of sand on Seven Mile with an afternoon of cliffs and sunset in the West End is the classic —and perfect— way to experience the two faces of Negril. Getting there: north of the town of Negril and the West End, along Norman Manley Boulevard; by taxi or route taxi (the 'beach' line) from the West End in a few minutes. Best time: dry season (Dec-Apr) for a calm sea and clear skies. Tips: beach access is free on the public stretches; a chair and umbrella rental runs about US$ 5-10; mind your belongings and check sea conditions; there are water sports (jet ski, parasailing) at a separate cost.
ℹ️ Distance: North of the West End, along Norman Manley Boulevard (a few minutes by taxi/route taxi) · Best time: Dry season (Dec-Apr); sunset for the great moment · Admission: Free on the public stretches; chair and umbrella rental US$ 5-10 (source: Negril beach operators, verified July 2026) · Duration: Half a day to a day
What nobody tells you

💵 Prices

Tickets

TypePrice
West End cliffs (access and cliff jumps)Free to low cost; minimum spend at bars/hotels US$ 5-10 (source: West End operators, verified July 2026)
Rick's Cafe (access and sunset)Free (no cover); food and drink at tourist prices, dishes US$ 15-35 (source: rickscafejamaica.com and Traverse Jamaica, verified July 2026)
Negril LighthouseFree (access to the outer grounds); climbing the tower subject to availability (source: Visit Jamaica, verified July 2026)
Guided snorkeling in the West End cavesUS$ 35-65 per person (source: Reef Explorer Jamaica and Negril Adventure Divers, verified July 2026)
Intro dive (Discover Scuba, with an instructor)US$ 110-130 per person (source: Negril PADI dive centers, verified July 2026)
Green Island and the coast of HanoverFree (tour and public beaches; activities separate)
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying

Activities and tours

ActivityPriceDurationOperator
Snorkeling and diving on West End reefs and cavesUS$ 35-65 snorkeling; US$ 110-130 intro dive (source: Reef Explorer / Negril Adventure Divers, verified July 2026)1 h to half a dayNegril dive centers (Reef Explorer, Negril Adventure Divers and similar)
Sunset and cliff jumps at Rick's CafeFree entry; consumption from US$ 15 (source: rickscafejamaica.com, verified July 2026)An eveningRick's Cafe
Visit to the Negril lighthouse and sunset at the western pointFree (access to the grounds)1-2 hOpen access
Boat trip along the cliff coastUS$ 40-80 per person depending on duration (source: Negril boat operators, verified July 2026)Half dayNegril boat operators
Getaway to Green Island and the coast of HanoverUS$ 40-70 per person with taxi/guide (source: local taxis and guides, verified July 2026)Half dayLocal taxis and guides
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying

🚌 How to get there and distances

Getting around

ModePriceDurationNotes
West End route taxis (local shared transport)J$ 150-300 (approx. US$ 1-2) per leg within Negril/West End; cash only in Jamaican dollars (source: Road Affair and Negril forums, verified July 2026)VariableThe shared route taxis are the locals' transport: at the Negril bus park the 'beach' (Seven Mile) and 'west end' routes split. The West End ones run along the West End Road stopping at any point for J$ 150-300. Payment is CASH ONLY and in Jamaican dollars (they don't accept USD or card and don't give change for big bills): bring J$ 100 and J$ 500 notes. They are cars with red 'PP' plates (licensed)
Private / charter taxi (JUTA and licensed taxis)US$ 8-15 for a short trip in Negril/West End; agree the fare BEFORE getting in (source: Welcome Pickups and the Negril.com forum, verified July 2026)VariableThe most comfortable for going from the West End to the beach, the town or Green Island, and at night. Use licensed taxis (red 'PP' or JUTA plates); there is no meter, the price is negotiated in advance. You can pay in USD or JMD if agreed
Intercity route taxis and minibuses (Negril ↔ Lucea/Green Island/Sav-la-Mar/MoBay)J$ 150-500 per leg depending on distance; cash only in JMD (source: Transport Authority ta.org.jm, verified July 2026)VariableCheap and local; they connect Negril with Green Island, Lucea, Savanna-la-Mar and Montego Bay. For MoBay you usually have to connect (Negril→Lucea→MoBay). They go full; an authentic experience
Knutsford Express (air-conditioned intercity bus)Fares by route bookable online or in the app; Negril is one of its 20+ stops (source: knutsfordexpress.com and the Knutsford Express Travels app, verified July 2026)VariableThe comfortable and safe option for getting between cities (Negril, MoBay, Kingston, Ocho Rios). Booked and paid via the website or the official 'Knutsford Express Travels' app (App Store / Google Play), with assigned seating. It doesn't stop at any point in the West End: it's best to combine it with a local taxi
Bicycle or scooter rentalUS$ 25-45 per day (source: local Negril operators, verified July 2026)VariablePopular for touring the West End Road and getting around between cliffs, town and beach. You drive on the LEFT; wear a helmet and be careful
On foot along the West End RoadFreeVariableThe West End Road skirts the cliffs and can be walked, with hotels, bars and viewpoints. Watch out for traffic (there isn't always a sidewalk) and the sun; at night, a taxi is better
Real-time / planning appFree (apps)For Negril and the West End there is no official app for live route-taxi tracking (it's an informal system of shared cars). Moovit has a Jamaica transport guide and Google Maps helps estimate routes and times by road; for the intercity bus the Knutsford Express Travels app is used. In practice, in the West End you flag the route taxi by hand on the West End Road (verified July 2026)
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying

How to get there

RouteAirlines / operatorsAvg. priceDuration
Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) → Negril / West End (transfer or taxi)Private transfers, shuttles and licensed taxis (JUTA); also Knutsford Express with bookingUS$ 80-120 private transfer 1-3 people; shared shuttle from US$ 25 per person (source: Welcome Pickups and JUTA, verified July 2026)1.5 to 2 h (about 80 km along the coast)
Seven Mile Beach → West End (taxi or route taxi)Licensed taxis and West End route taxisUS$ 5-10 by tourist taxi; J$ 150-300 by shared route taxi, cash only in JMD (source: Negril forums, verified July 2026)A few minutes by car
Montego Bay → Green Island (route taxi / minibus)Local shared transport (via Lucea)J$ 300-500 approx., cash only in JMD (source: Transport Authority, verified July 2026)Approx. 1.5 to 2 h
Negril → Green Island (taxi or minibus)Taxis and shared transportUS$ 15-25 by tourist taxi; J$ 150-300 by route taxi (source: local taxis, verified July 2026)Approx. 30-45 min along the coast
🔄 updated monthlyOfficial / reference values · double-check when buying

🏨 Where to stay

No exact prices: a scale from $ (budget) to $$$$$ (luxury), with 2-3 options per category.

CategoryPriceRecommended options
Boutique hotels and resorts on the cliffs (West End)$$$$$US$ 150-300 a night; the West End has boutique hotels and resorts perched on the cliffs, with sea access, terraces and spectacular sunsets. A more intimate, charming atmosphere than the big beach resorts
Mid-range hotels and cabins of the West End$$$$$US$ 70-140 a night; along the West End Road there are mid-range hotels and cabins, with good value for money and access to the cliffs and the sea
Guesthouses and budget (West End and Negril)$$$$$US$ 30-65 a night; the West End keeps Negril's bohemian spirit with guesthouses, hostels and budget lodgings on the rocks, much chosen by backpackers and travelers on a tight budget
Villas and quiet lodgings in Green Island / Hanover$$$$$US$ 160-280 a night; the coast of Hanover, around Green Island, offers charming villas and lodgings in a quiet, untouristy setting, ideal for those seeking privacy and nature far from the crowds

🍴 Where to eat

TypePriceOptions / signature dish
Restaurants on the cliffs (West End)$$$$$US$ 18-40 per dish; the West End bars and restaurants, built on the cliffs, offer Jamaican and international cuisine, seafood and cocktails with views of the sea and the sunset. A unique atmosphere
Fresh fish and seafood$$$$$US$ 15-35 per dish; because of its coastal location, there are plenty of fresh fish and seafood restaurants (lobster, shrimp, fish), both in the West End and in the towns of the coast of Hanover
Traditional Jamaican cuisine (jerk and stews)$$$$$US$ 7-16 per dish; in Negril, the West End and Green Island you eat classic Jamaican creole cooking: jerk chicken and pork, curry goat, escovitch fish, rice and peas and festival. Local eateries and jerk stands
Street food and cheap eats$$$$$US$ 2-8 per portion; vendors of tropical fruit, coconut water, fresh juices, patties and snacks in Negril and the coastal towns. The cheapest and most local option

❓ Frequently asked questions

How is the West End different from Seven Mile Beach?+
They are the two faces of Negril. Seven Mile Beach is the great white-sand beach with calm waters; the West End, to the south, is the coral-cliff coast, with no sand, with caves, cliff jumps, viewpoints and a more bohemian, adventurous atmosphere. The West End is famous for its sunsets from the top of the rocks and for Rick's Cafe.
How much does it cost to enter Rick's Cafe?+
Entry is free, there is no cover charge. However, you can't bring your own food or drink: you have to consume on site, and the prices are the typical ones of a tourist establishment (dishes between US$ 15 and US$ 35, cocktails from US$ 8). It opens every day from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Is it safe to jump into the sea from the cliffs?+
It can be if done with caution: only at safe, permitted spots, checking the depth and sea conditions, and never under the effects of alcohol. The heights vary and there are experienced local divers. If you have doubts, better enjoy the spectacle from below or swim without jumping.
Where is the Negril lighthouse and what is it like?+
The Negril Lighthouse (from the early 20th century) is at the westernmost tip of Jamaica, at the end of the West End Road. It is a historical landmark and an excellent viewpoint for the sunset, usually with fewer people than Rick's Cafe. Access to the outer grounds is free; sometimes you can climb the tower, it's best to confirm availability.
How much does snorkeling or diving cost in the West End?+
A guided snorkeling outing costs between US$ 35 and US$ 65 per person (2025), depending on the operator and whether gear is included. An intro dive with a certified instructor (Discover Scuba Diving) runs about US$ 120 and includes training and a reef dive. It's best to choose PADI-certified dive centers.
What is Green Island and why visit it?+
Green Island is a quiet local coastal town in the parish of Hanover, north of Negril, on the way to Lucea and Montego Bay. It offers a contrast to Negril's tourism: coves, reefs, fishing and rural, authentic Jamaica. It is a half-day getaway for those seeking calm far from the crowds.
How do I get around the area?+
The most comfortable option is a licensed taxi (JUTA), especially at night, with short trips between US$ 8 and US$ 15. The West End's shared route taxis run along the West End Road and stop by hand for J$ 150-300. The West End Road can also be traveled on foot, by bicycle or by rented scooter (US$ 25-45 per day). For Green Island and the coast of Hanover, there are taxis (US$ 15-25) and route taxis. If you drive, remember you drive on the left.
How do you pay for public transport in Negril and is there an app for the bus?+
The shared route taxis and minibuses are paid CASH ONLY and in Jamaican dollars (JMD): they don't accept US dollars or card and don't give change for big bills, so it's best to bring J$ 100 and J$ 500 notes. There is no official app that shows live where the route taxi is (it's an informal system): in the West End you flag them by hand on the West End Road. Moovit has a Jamaica transport guide and Google Maps is useful for estimating routes and times. To travel between cities comfortably with a reserved seat, the Knutsford Express Travels app (App Store / Google Play) lets you buy the air-conditioned intercity bus ticket (verified July 2026).
Sources consulted (19)
Still planning?
Explore more destinations in Jamaica
See all destinations →