Rick’s Café Jamaica: Unveiling the Cliff-Diving Mecca’s Hidden Gems

There are several reasons to visit Rick’s Café in Jamaica. Set upon the stunning cliffs in Negril, this location is renowned for its captivating sunset views and especially a chance to watch cliff jumpers in action or get into the fun yourself. Established in 1974, Rick’s Café was the first of its kind in Jamaica and has grown leaps and bounds since opening its doors to the public.

Though compelling, these aren’t the only reasons to visit. This vibrant yet unassuming Jamaican café is more than just an attraction—it’s a testament to resilience. Over the years, Rick’s Café has overcome several challenges, most notably the damage caused by Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988 and Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. In true Caribbean spirit, the owners did not give up. They were determined to rebuild and take the café to new heights. And that they did. Despite the odds, they demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

Picture: Take off with the family from the all-inclusive Beaches Negril to visit Jamaica's best attractions including the lively Rick’s Café.

The Rick’s Café of today is worth celebrating. The views, the ambiance, the warm hospitality, and the undeniable spirit of resilience—you can feel it all the moment you arrive. Watch skilled divers leap into the crystal-clear waters below, enjoy live entertainment, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery and soak up the experience. After all, island gems like this are few and far between!

Good to know: Admission to Rick’s Café in Negril, Jamaica, is free. A variety of food and drinks are available for purchase, and there’s also a souvenir shop on-site.

Table of Contents

● The Untold History of Rick's Café
● The Art of Cliff Diving at Rick's Cafe
● Rick's Cafe Sunset Experience: More Than Meets the Eye
● What to Wear and Bring to Rick’s Café

The Untold History of Rick’s Café

It’s hardly surprising that Rick's Café in Jamaica attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. With its rich history, iconic cliff-diving culture, and the unforgettable sunset experience that has made it a must-visit spot in Negril, this attraction leaves a lasting impression. Positioned atop 35-foot cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the café spans 1.5 acres and features multiple viewing platforms and bars.

Taking a deeper look at its history, Rick’s Café began simply as a local hangout, far from the international sensation it is today. The years since the café’s opening have been marked by challenges, innovations, and a touch of serendipity.
As we get deeper into this post, we’ll explore the visionary behind the name, the art of cliff diving, and what you can expect during your Rick’s Café experience.

Expert tip: Heading to Jamaica for your tropical escape? Here are the most popular Negril excursions for a fun-filled vacation!

The Visionary Behind the Name

Rick’s Café was conceptualized by Richard “Rick” Hershman, an American entrepreneur. At the time, Hershman saw potential where others might have seen risk. With persistence and dedication to seeing his dream come to life, he began to lay the foundation for what would over time become a famous Jamaican attraction.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Rick’s Café, particularly in the early days of operation. This isn’t unusual for any new business, but at the time the Hershman faced many challenges ranging from skeptical locals, to balancing the logistics of his own clifftop establishment with safety concerns also mixed in. The plans to build the café were developed at a time when Negril was still growing into the popular destination it is today. While the area lacked modern amenities like running water, telephone and electricity, that didn’t stop Rick’s Café from opening its doors in 1974—becoming one of the first public bars and restaurants of its kind on the West End Cliffs.

Good to know: The establishment of Rick’s Café was part of a wave of other significant developments in Negril Jamaica that collectively spurred the growth of this area, once a quiet fishing village.

The Art of Cliff Diving at Rick’s Café

Cliff jumping is one of those things to do in Jamaica worth adding to your vacation itinerary. And when it comes to cliff jumping at Rick’s Café, the best way to learn is by watching. During your visit to this Jamaican café, there will be no short supply of island divers to learn from. If you take a moment to observe them, you’ll see for yourself how much they’ve mastered the jumps and know exactly where to land. Pay attention to the safest spots and the best way to get back to shore.

The thing we love most about cliff jumping at Rick’s Café is that there are varying heights that you can choose from. There are usually lifeguards on duty as well. Whether you decide to jump in or just soak up the thrill, the best time to visit Rick’s Café for this experience is between 2 PM and 4 PM. Fair warning—once you’ve done it once, you just might be hooked on the adrenaline rush!

Good to know: Got questions? This is one of these things that go without saying, but ask before you jump—knowing what to expect will make the experience even better.

The 35-foot Leap

The highest diving platform at Rick’s Café is 35 feet above sea level. This jump should only be attempted by experienced divers. That’s because for jumps this high, proper diving technique significantly reduces the impact force. Experienced divers perform up to 20 dives per day during peak season. If you’re not quite sure whether you’re ready for the big jump, it’s perfectly okay to stick to the smaller jumps at Rick’s Café; they’re just as entertaining!

Good to know: The water depth at the base of the cliff at Rick’s Café varies between 10-15 feet, depending on tides.

The Unsung Heroes: Local Divers

With the way cliff jumping at Rick’s Café has evolved over time, it’s good to remember where it all started—with daring locals, bold enough to take the leap and put on a show. While there, you might even see some of the divers climb the trees at the cliff’s edge before shooting into the ocean. The divers often jump from the highest platforms performing daring stunts along the way before plunging into the waters below. There’s a bit of a challenge to this as the water is relatively shallow, and they must skillfully avoid rocks at the bottom. These professional divers earn their living through these impressive feats and often rely on tips from spectators for their performances.

The divers at Rick’s Café are average Jamaicans that have honed their craft with years of practice. Often, this requires at least 6 months of training before the divers can get out there to confidently perform their tricks. They truly are unsung heroes and the heartbeat of Rick’s Café. Their dedication and the skills they demonstrate continue to shape the visitor experience at this Jamaican locale.

Beyond Diving: Rick’s Café’s Cultural Impact

Rick’s Café is celebrated for its cultural and entertainment value. At this Negril hotspot, it’s not just about cliff diving, but showcasing the amazing things Jamaica is known for. As you ease into your Rick’s Café experience, you’ll get to know more about the island’s rich history and culture. As it relates to music, Rick’s has served as a platform for both emerging and established artistes. Some of these individuals are now local legends, which in some way shows that the café’s influence extends far beyond its geographical location.

Rick's Cafe celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, marking half a century of resilience and renewal in the face of natural disasters and changing tourism trends. Over the years, the café has been featured in several international travel documentaries and has been the venue for various events. For visitors who want something tangible to remember their visit to Rick’s Café, it’s possible to purchase Rick’s Café memorabilia on location during your visit. Available items range from T-shirts, hats and towels, to bags, mugs and other unique souvenirs.

The Science of the Perfect Sunset

Rick’s Café is famous for its unobstructed sunset views, and for good reason. Perched on Negril’s West End cliffs, it offers a vantage point that transforms the horizon into a living masterpiece. The café’s elevation allows for sweeping 180-degree panoramas, making each evening’s display nothing short of breathtaking.

More than just chance, there’s science behind the spectacle. The open Caribbean waters reflect and amplify the sun’s warm hues, creating a more immersive, vivid display than you’d find in urban settings or areas with obstructed horizons. The region’s clean air enhances color clarity, while the expansive sea and minimal light pollution ensure sunsets here are bright, unforgettable, and worthy of every captured moment.

Seasonal Variations

Sunsets are infused with an enchanting uniqueness, painting the island skies with an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colors. And at Rick’s Café, you can settle in for some of the most striking sundown moments around. This experience changes throughout the year, so what you’ll see depends on when you go. From the vibrant oranges and yellows of January's sunsets to the deep purples and reds of May, and from the warm golden hues of August to the soft pastels of December, each month in Jamaica paints the sky with a unique palette, as the colors linger, swirl, and leave a lasting impression.

Good to know: Summer sunsets at Rick's Café last an average of 30-35 minutes. Winter sunsets are briefer, typically lasting 20-25 minutes.

The Cuisine

If there’s one thing that can draw anyone to an attraction, it’s great food—or the promise of it. At Rick’s Café in Negril, Jamaica, you’ll find a menu packed with Caribbean flavors. Favorites include jerk chicken, escovitch snapper, and the West End Trio. You can also get chicken wings, salmon fillet, and a host of other options. Round up your meal with desserts like rum cake, banana bread, or sweet potato pudding. Local ingredients are key in bringing the best dishes at Rick’s Café together.

Signature Sunset Cocktails

During peak season, the bartenders at Rick’s Café stir up hundreds of cocktails a day. This is no easy feat, and they do it with a smile. If you’re lucky, in addition to your drink, you’ll get to meet a bartender that can share a little bit of the island’s history. Popular cocktails at the café include signature drinks like Rick’s World Famous Rum Punch, the Cliff Hanger, and the bold Shark Bite. You can also keep things simple with a local Red Stripe Beer or even something refreshingly non-alcoholic. With its lively vibe and unique charm, Rick’s Café is a must-visit for anyone exploring Jamaica.

Acoustic Ambiance

Once thing you’ll notice straight away when you arrive to Jamaica is that this island is all about music. You can expect to hear reggae, dancehall and even international favorites being played as you venture to the various restaurants, bars and shopping centers. At Rick’s Café, you can look forward to live musical performances on most days. The performances typically begin around 45 minutes before sunset. Musicians might perform around 3 sets on average, each lasting around 45-60 minutes. Local artistes are typically the star of the show, though on special occasions, you might catch an international act. As for the sunset playlist at Rick’s Café, you’ll always find at least a couple of your favorites, even without the live acts!

Expert tip: If you want to explore beyond your resort in Jamaica, including a couple off property excursions to the best beaches in Jamaica is highly recommended!

Getting to Rick’s Café by Boat

For an even more scenic experience, consider booking a tour that arrives to Rick’s Café by boat. Several catamaran cruises and sailing tours include a stop at Rick’s, often departing from spots like Margaritaville Negril or Montego Bay. These tours usually offer snorkeling, swimming, and the chance to enjoy a breathtaking sunset at the café.

Keep in mind that Rick’s Café does not have a dedicated boat dock. Instead, these tours provide a scenic journey to the area, and depending on sea conditions, you may need to disembark nearby and transfer to Rick’s Café by land.

What to Wear and Bring to Rick’s Café

Rick’s Café has a laid-back, tropical vibe, so dress comfortably. Casual beachwear like shorts, sundresses, and light, breathable clothing will be just what you need. If you’re planning to jump from the cliffs, bring swimwear, but pack a cover-up for dining. Flip-flops or sandals work well, though water shoes can be helpful for navigating rocky areas.

Essentials to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected from the Caribbean sun. A waterproof bag is great for keeping your phone and valuables dry, especially if you’re near the water. And of course, don’t forget a camera or phone to capture the stunning sunset and thrilling cliff jumps!

Insider tip: If you want to stay close to some of Jamaica's top attractions during your vacation, consider booking a stay at one of the Ocho Rios all-inclusive resorts. All you need for your vacation is included with your stay!

Rick’s Café a Must Visit in Jamaica

Rick’s Café is a destination so lively that even guests from all-inclusive resorts in Negril venture off property just to soak up the festive atmosphere, take the plunge off its famous cliffs, and chase that perfect Caribbean sunset.

When Richard Hershman founded the café in 1974, he saw an opportunity to create something truly special—an open-air escape perched on the cliffs of Negril, offering unmatched views and an energy unlike anywhere else. His vision was clear, and it came to life in the best way possible. And as fantastic as this café is, it’s just one piece of an unforgettable Jamaican adventure. Sandals Resorts makes it easy to explore the best of the island, offering a comfortable and convenient home base with all the vacation essentials – accommodation, dining, entertainment, land and water sports and more—included with your vacation!

Picture: Enjoy mellow sunset moments with family near the ocean at the all-inclusive Beaches Negril in Jamaica.

So, when it comes to an island vacation that you can cherish, say yes to all-inclusive ease and legendary sunsets, Rick’s Café style!

Picture: Ready to take the leap—off the cliffs and into a dream vacation? Book your all-inclusive Jamaica vacation today and let Negril’s most iconic spot be part of your story.