Rick's Café Negril: Sunset Timing, Cliff Jumping and How to Get There

Perched on the cliffs of Negril's West End, Rick's Café has been the island's most famous place to watch the sunset since the 1970s. Come for the cliff divers, stay for the rum punch, and watch the sun drop straight into the Caribbean Sea. Here's how to get the most out of an evening there.

When to arrive

Sunset in Jamaica ranges from around 5:30pm in winter to about 7pm in summer, and Jamaica doesn't change its clocks. Aim to arrive about 90 minutes before sunset. That gives you time to find a good spot on the terraces, order a drink and watch the cliff jumping before the main event.

Rick's gets busy, especially when cruise ships are in, during peak season (mid-December to April) and on weekends. Arriving earlier is the easiest way to get a view.

The cliff jumping

There are two kinds of jumping at Rick's:

• Guests can jump from platforms set into the cliffs at different heights. It's optional, and you'll need to be a confident swimmer, as the water below is deep open sea. Use the ladders to climb back out.
• Local cliff divers perform from much higher up, including from the trees above the cliffs. It's spectacular to watch, and tips are appreciated.

If you jump, follow the staff's instructions and only use the official platforms.

What to bring

• Swimwear under your clothes if you plan to jump.
• Cash or a card for food, drinks and tips. Check the latest on entry charges before you go.
• A light layer for after sunset, when the breeze picks up.
• A phone with plenty of battery. You'll take more sunset photos than you expect.

Getting to Rick's Café from Montego Bay

Rick's Café is on the West End of Negril, about 1 hour 20 minutes from Montego Bay airport and a little longer from the Rose Hall resorts. There are two easy ways to do it:

1. As part of a Negril day. Spend the afternoon on Seven Mile Beach, then head to the West End for sunset. This is our most popular Negril tour.
2. On the way to your hotel. Landing at MBJ in the early afternoon and staying in Negril? Ask us about stopping at Rick's on the way.

Either way, arrange your ride back in advance. Taxis get scarce right after sunset, when everyone leaves at once.

Make it a full Negril day

Combine Rick's Café with:

• Seven Mile Beach for swimming and lunch.
• The West End caves and snorkelling spots along the cliffs.
• A catamaran sunset cruise if you'd rather watch from the water.

Tell us what you'd like to fit in and we'll plan the timing so you're on the cliffs for golden hour.