Negril Beaches

Seven Mile Beach

Beloved by the hippies of the 1960s, Seven Mile Beach is still as beautiful as ever, but it's no longer the idyllic retreat it once was. Resorts now line this beach, attracting an international crowd. Nudity, however, is just as prevalent: This Negril beach promotes a laid-back lifestyle and carefree ambience more than any other in Jamaica or, perhaps, in the Caribbean. Clean aquamarine waters, coral reefs, and a backdrop of palm trees add to the appeal. When you tire of the beach, you'll find all sorts of resorts, clubs, beach bars, open-air restaurants, and the like. Vendors hawk everything from Red Stripe beer to ganja.

Except for the crowds and harassment, this is one of the prettiest beaches in Jamaica - though the harassment can be a big turn-off. One traveller found the constant hassle "high-octane-never ending. I was offered everything almost on an hourly basis from the hustler himself to drugs. A simple no often wouldn't do".

In the spirit of the place, topless bathing is common along the entire stretch of the Negril beach, although a small section near Cosmo's Restaurant officially condones total nudity. Many of the big resorts also have nude beaches. The hottest and most exotic is found at Hedonism II, although Grand Lido next door draws its fair share. When these hotels rent "rooms with a view", theirs is no idle promise: Nude beaches at each of these resorts are in separate and "private" areas of the resort property. Security guards keep Peeping Toms at bay; photography is not permitted. Most of the resorts also have a nude bar, a nude hot tub, and a nude swimming pool.

If you want to escape the hair-braiders, hustlers, aloe masseurs, nude bodies, reggae music, and the rest, escape to Long Bay Beach Park at the far northern end of Negril Beach. Out beyond the hotel belt, this stretch of beach is set against a backdrop of picnic tables and changing rooms. It the least crowded of all Negril's beaches, even during the busy winter months. These days, we don't even detect a whiff of ganja here.

If you have kids in tow, take them to Anancy Fun Park on Norman Manley Boulevard, close to the Poinciana Beach Resort. It offers an array of activities ranging from miniature golf to a merry-go-round, train ride, pedal boating, fishing, and other attractions. The park is open daily from sunup to sundown, charging no admission-you are charged, however, for rides or activities. The park is corny, but recommended for children.

A favorite retreat-and we're letting you in on a secret-is the half-moon shaped Bloody Bay Beach lying beyond Long Bay Beach Park. Nude bathers do frequent the place, and because of its relative emptiness there is some danger of a possible mugging or theft, even during the day. That's the only downside; otherwise, it's wonderful. Use the center of the beach, near an open-air barbecue where the smell of jerk pork permeates the air.

Discuss This Article (Negril Beaches)

Are you serious??

by Khelexa from NC

If you don't want your "children" to see or be around a nude beach, you may want to think about choosing a different vacation destination. This is what they offer and if you are offended by it, don't go. It's that simple.

discussing

by andrea from canada

that nude beach shouldn't aloud in Jamaica it really surprise me. That is so

Nude beaches OK but not with my teenagers... Advice please!

by Cymba from WI, USA

Can anyone tell me where to go in Negril that won't have nude people running around? I am taking 3 teenagers and my 2 adult sons and that's not an obstacle I want in the way of my vacation. I honestly wouldn't mind if I were going alone with "the ladies" but come on now...

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