Voted one of the top 10 beach bars in the world, Rick’s Cafe in Negril has become one of the most popular tourist spots in Jamaica. However, when the cliffside bar and restaurant first opened in April 1974, Negril was a sleepy fishing village with very little development. It soon became known as one of the best spots in Jamaica to watch the sunsets, and the crowds never stopped coming.
Rick’s Cafe was destroyed by hurricanes in both 1988 and 2004, but each time was rebuilt better than before.
Today, the 1.5-acre property hosts a gift shop, bar, restaurant, pool and live entertainment as well as lots of seating options.
You can also go swimming or try cliff diving, if you dare, off three different levels: 10ft, 25ft or 35ft cliffs, landing into 15ft deep turquoise waters below.
I didn’t get the nerve up to jump in, but watching others was great, especially when some of the locals started jumping off the highest platform, 80ft or so up.
Terrifying, but they make it look so easy! (Only locals are allowed to jump from up there. The highest platform the tourists can jump from is 35ft.)
Be sure to secure your spot early if you want a gorgeous sunset photo free of other people’s heads and cameras. It becomes very crowded around the edge as soon as the sun starts to dip. The live Jamaican music gets started around this time, too, adding to the atmosphere.
From up on the 35ft cliffs, looking down over the sea, the colourful sunset really is remarkable.
Unfortunately, we had some clouds covering the last little bit of our sunset, but overall, it was still worth it!
Info:
-Open every day (365 days a year) from 12pm to 10PM
-Admission is FREE
-Many hotels offer tour and/or shuttle options to get to Rick’s Cafe
-Cliff diving is strictly at your own risk
Bring:
-Camera (or phone) – fully charged
-Bathing suit if you plan on swimming or cliff jumping
-Sunscreen
-Money if you wish to purchase food, drinks or souvenirs
Tales of a Travel Addict 
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