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

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, a relatively small town with 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 extend into Bloody Bay.

Insider tip: Want 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 at Beaches Negril.

Set aside two or three hours of your day, and you’ll have enough time to see the highlights of Seven Mile Beach Negril. Many families come to the beach because of its shallow and calm water and the fact that children cannot 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 board of unruly pirates, but those days are long gone. Nowadays, Seven Mile Beach Negril is famous for something else in its 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 so that you won’t have to step 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 ambience of a real 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.

Insider tip: The best time to visit Jamaica is between December and April. 

Things to do at Seven Mile Beach Negril

Swim, eat, explore, socialise… Seven Mile Beach is the perfect space for it all. Just ensure 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 you don’t get to bask in such beauty every day. Go for a walk and let the sun guide you 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 how 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 snorkelling or scuba diving adventure

Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica, is great for snorkelling and scuba diving. A dive here brings many sightings, so don’t be surprised if you see angel fish, seahorses, puffer fish, or stingrays. The coral in the area is spectacular, and amid the vibrant colours, you can expect to encounter lots of sea fans, bubble, brain, star, red cauliflower, and flowerpot coral, as well as purple base anemones, green anemones, and more.

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

3. Try out some of the other watersports

You’ll find watersports galore on the beachfront, so much so that you may not even be ready to leave by sundown 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, or 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 snorkelling and scuba diving trips during your stay, with professional scuba equipment included. If you’re not already PADI® certified, you can start the process at the resort at additional costs. Plus, you can use their stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, Hobie cats, and more. Even water skiing and tubing are included!

4. Eat local & grab some souvenirs

The food options are plentiful on Seven Mile Beach, but some spots 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.

Seven Mile Beach has a concession stand and a few vendors selling food and other locally-made items. This is a less costly alternative to getting snacks, a light bite, or even some souvenirs. The concession stand offers some Jamaican favourites and more international options.

Note: Restaurants and bars at Beaches all-inclusive resorts are only available to guests. Enjoy unlimited food and cocktails during your entire stay. The same applies to Sandals Resorts!

5. Enjoy a Red Stripe & watch the sunset

End a picture-perfect day at Seven Mile Beach, taking in a mesmerising sunset you will never forget. The beach is known for its gorgeous sunsets, which you can take in with a cocktail, mocktail, or a cold Red Stripe beer. Want to know when the sun rises and sets on one of the best beaches in Negril? Check-out Time & Date for exact timings for that picture-perfect moment.

The 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, 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 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 trouble finding somewhere to hang out; some spots have lounge chairs. Unlike other secluded beaches on the island, you’ll find restrooms and changing facilities. You should 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 many resorts have 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 is a public beach like all the other beaches in Jamaica.

Is Seven Mile Beach Negril safe?

Jamaica's Seven Mile Beach Negril is a safe beach to visit. Security guards patrol the shores night and day near the resorts. Regarding swim safety, lifeguards on duty always monitor swimmers and their actions 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 why so many people flock to its shores 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 things you’ll need to consider are protecting your skin and 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 facilitates restrooms for changing.

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

The closest international airport is Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica. If you stay at Sandals or Beaches Negril, the resort offers a complimentary shuttle that 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 some beach toys and other gear they may need.

Planning a visit to Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica?

Photo credit: Mike Bruek/Shutterstock.com

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