Seven Mile Beach In Negril: The Best Beach In Jamaica

Finding beaches in the Caribbean is easy. Finding beaches that are accessible, clean and family friendly, is a bit of a more difficult task. The best beaches in Jamaica can be found in places like Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. Among the most beautiful beaches, Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica is the shining star.

Powdery white sand, crystal clear water and loads of watersports set the tone for an experience at Seven Mile Beach which has skyrocketed in popularity over the years. The beach is near Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril, which is a relatively small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. Considered a legendary beach for experienced beach hoppers, Seven Mile Beach consists of a long four-mile stretch, while the other three miles extends into Bloody Bay.

Insider tip: Unlimited free cocktails and watersports at Seven Mile Beach Negril? Stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts in Negril, and it’s all included! For a romantic getaway, stay at Sandals Negril (adults-only). Bringing along the kids? They’ll love the Pirate Islands waterpark that comes with Beaches Negril.

Set aside two or three hours out of your day and you’ll have enough time to see the highlights of Seven Mile Beach Negril. Lots of families come to the beach because of its shallow and calm water, and the fact that it’s simply impossible for children to get bored on these shores – there’s just way too much to do!

There’s so much to do and see at Seven Mile Beach, and a visit here will be among the highlights of your trip to Jamaica. Read on and find out why!

The magic of Seven Mile Beach Jamaica

Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica has a history of pirates. In fact, it was once said to have been ruled by a broad of unruly pirates, but those days are long gone. Nowadays, Seven Mile Beach Negril is famous for something else in entirety, and that is relaxing on pristine shores on one of the best beaches in Jamaica.

Some days you’ll find a larger crowd than others, but mostly the size of the beach accommodates in a way that you won’t have to be stepping over people just to find a good spot. A good place to set up by Seven Mile Beach standards is somewhere you’ll be able to take in the views of the surrounding cliffs, feel the ambiance of a real like postcard worthy beach complete with swaying palm trees, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the mysterious lighthouse. The beach is so big that depending on where you go, you’ll have a slice of paradise to yourself – at least for an afternoon! Many people love this beach because of how far the sand seems to stretch out, beckoning you to explore more of this all-natural territory which is uniquely Jamaican.

Things to do at Seven Mile Beach Negril

Swim, eat, explore, socialize… Seven Mile Beach is the perfect space for it all. Just make sure you get there early enough to have time for it all! Below we listed the things to do at Seven Mile Beach Negril:

1. Take it easy & relax!

Here there are plenty of places where you will be able to lounge and take in your surroundings. Remember too that it’s not every day that you get to bask in such beauty. Go for a walk and let the sun be your guide as the cool waves wash over your toes and ankles. Take in some shade and close your eyes as the warm breeze blows over you. No matter which way you choose to relax, if you let yourself enjoy the experience to the fullest, you will feel your stresses melt away.

2. Go on a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure

Seven Mile Beach Jamaica is a great location for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

A dive here tends to come with lots of sightings so don’t be surprised if you see things like angel fish, seahorses, puffer fish, or even stingrays. The coral in the area is spectacular, and amid the vibrant colors you can expect to cross paths with lots of sea fans, bubble, brain, star, red cauliflower, and flowerpot coral, as well as purple base anemone, green anemone and more.

You can snorkel or scuba dive right off the shore in some areas along the coral reefs at Seven Mile Beach. The snorkeling and scuba opportunities on the beach are ideal for both beginners and more experienced divers. The water is mostly tranquil and clear, and shallow in some areas. You can rent equipment from a local dive shop in Negril.

Insider tip: Are you a first-time snorkeler? Here are some useful snorkeling tips for beginners that may come in handy for your visit to Seven Mile Beach Negril.

3. Try out some of the other watersports

You’ll find watersports galore on the beach front, so much so that by sundown, you may not even be ready to leave as you wouldn’t have had time to try them all. Whether you want to Jet Ski, take some kayaks out, sail in a Hobie Cat, get on the Banana Boat, Seven Mile Beach offers it all. You can even get on Catamaran cruises or Glass Bottom Boat tours which stop off at the popular Jamaican beach. Horseback riding is also available at Seven Mile Beach.

Pro tip: All-inclusive resorts Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril offer free snorkeling and scuba diving trips during your stay, professional Scuba equipment included. If you’re not already PADI® certified, you can also start the process at the resort at additional costs. Plus, you get to make use of their stand up paddle boards, kayaks, hobie cats and more. Even water skiing and tubing is included!

4. Eat local & grab some souvenirs

The food options are plentiful on Seven Mile Beach, but there are some spots which stand out, like the restaurants at Sandals Negril (7 restaurants in total), Beaches Negril (9 restaurants in total) and the Fireman’s Lobster Bar. Enjoy some fresh lobster (seasonal), grilled and served with the perfect seasonings. Pair that with other amazing options like king crab, and a variety of seafood including grilled fish and conch, and the result is some of the tastiest food options you’ll find on Seven Mile Beach.

On Seven Mile Beach, you'll find a concession stand and a few vendors selling food and other locally made items. This is a less costly alternative to getting snacks or a light bite to eat or even some souvenirs. You’ll be able to try some Jamaican favorites from the concession stand, as well as some more international options.

Note: restaurants & bars at Beaches all-inclusive resort are only available for guests. Enjoy unlimited gourmet food and cocktails during your entire stay! The same applies for Sandals Negril.

5. Enjoy a Red Stripe & watch the sun set

End a picture-perfect day at Seven Mile Beach taking in a mesmerizing sunset you won’t soon forget. The beach is known for its gorgeous sunsets, which you can take in with a cocktail (virgin if you’d like) or a cold Red Stripe beer in hand. Want to find out when the sun rises and sets on the one of the best beaches in Negril? Check out Time & Date for exact timings for that picture perfect moment.

Looking for more things to do in Negril? Check out ‘Things to do in Negril’ and ‘40 amazing things to do in Jamaica’, where you’ll find an extensive list of things to do on the island.

Best part of Seven Mile Beach Negril

The best part of Seven Mile Beach Negril is up for debate; it could be the fine white sand stretching for miles, or the sparkling crystal clear turquoise waters… or perhaps the starfish lining the shore.

As you might have noticed by now, Seven Mile Beach is much more than a chill on the sand and dip in the water experience; on these shores you can have an experience that is as laid-back, or as amped up as you desire. And by amped up we mean that Seven Mile Beach is also party central, so depending on what part of Seven Mile Beach Negril you decide to set up for the day you can expect lots of music, food, and drinks flowing in abundance. You can also bring along your own snacks and drinks, but if you don’t, you’ll still have plenty of options for dining, from casual to higher end.

At Seven Mile Beach, you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to hangout; some spots come with lounge chairs where you can chill. Unlike some of the other more secluded beaches on the island you’ll find restrooms and changing facilities. It is recommended that you use the ones in the more popular establishments which are usually better appointed, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Frequently asked questions about Seven Mile Beach

What is there to do at Seven Mile beach? As you’ve already guessed, there is so much to do at Seven Mile beach! It receives rave reviews from visitors who have been there, and there are also quite a few questions on the web from people who have not, who sometimes pose questions on whether Seven Mile Beach is as stunning and extensive as they say. Easy answer? Yes, it is! Below, we’ve answered the most pressing questions from hopeful visitors.

Is Seven Mile beach free?

Although there are many resorts with private access beaches along those crystal clear shores, Seven Mile beach is free with plenty of public access beaches for all to enjoy. Perfect for a long family walk along the sand to watch the sun go down before a well-earned cocktail or two!

Where does Seven Mile beach start and end?

The start point of Seven Mile Beach begins at Bloody Bay to the north, which is approximately 2 miles long and ends at the southernmost point at the end of Long Bay, which is just under 5 miles long.

Is Seven Mile beach public?

Seven Mile Beach Negril, much like all the other beaches in Jamaica, is a public beach.

Is Seven Mile Beach Negril safe?

Jamaica's Seven Mile Beach Negril is a safe beach to visit. There are security guards who patrol the shores night and day near the resorts. In terms of swim safety, there are always lifeguards on duty monitoring swimmers and action on the shore. Some people feel intimidated when approached by beach vendors or peddlers, but most are harmless, and a “no thank you” will suffice.

Is Seven Mile beach family-friendly?

Seven Mile Beach is super family-friendly, and that’s the reason so many people flock the shores of this beach every day. The beach is big enough, so you won’t need to worry about navigating super crowded shores with small children. Once you get there, the only thing you’ll need to think about is protecting your skin and that of your children with sunscreen and other cover-ups and staying hydrated. There are plenty of restaurants and bars along the strip where you can sit to eat, which facilitate restrooms for changing.

How far is Seven Mile beach from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay?

The closest international airport is located in Montego Bay (Sangster International Airport) and a one hour and a half drive from Seven Mile Beach Jamaica. If you stay at a Sandals or Beaches Negril the resort offers a complimentary shuttle which will take you from the airport to the resort and back.

What should you bring when you visit Seven Mile Beach?

Beach essentials for visiting Seven Mile Beach include a swimsuit or swim shorts, sunscreen (which can be purchased at your resort in case you forget it), a camera, a towel and some cash. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort like Beaches Negril, this list is more than cut in half. If you’re travelling with kids, you may also want to bring along some beach toys, and whatever other gear they may need.

Planning a visit to Seven Mile Beach Jamaica?

The highlights of Seven Mile Beach in a nutshell. Of course, there’s no review that beats an actual visit to any location, but you can head on over to Seven Mile Beach in Negril knowing you simply won’t be disappointed as those shores are hands down some of the best beaches in Jamaica.

Insider tip: The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and April. Heading to Jamaica and not quite sure what to bring along? Read our handy 'What To Pack For A Vacation In Jamaica' guide.