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Rick’s Café in Negril is the spot for good vibes, captivating sunsets, and a little thrill if you’re up for a cliff jump. From the moment you start planning your trip to Jamaica, you’ll hear whispers (or shouts) about this legendary clifftop hangout. The first of its kind in the area, Rick’s Café has only grown in fame—and for good reason.

The magic of this Jamaican café isn’t just in the views—it’s in the flavors, the vibe, and the energy of the crowd. Live bands often take the stage, bringing even more rhythm to the scene. Whether you’re daring enough to take the plunge, happy to watch the pros in action, or just here to savor bold flavors and sip on tropical cocktails, there’s always something to enjoy at Rick’s Café.

Planning to check it out on your Jamaica getaway? Here’s what to expect!

Picture: Serenity in focus at the all-inclusive Sandals Negril. Next stop, Rick’s Café!

Expert tip: Other than cliff jumping in Jamaica and indulging in soul-stirring sunset views, there’s lots of interesting things to do in Negril. Start your adventure in this Jamaican locale by checking out some of the best restaurants in Negril.

Table of Contents

The Untold History of Rick’s Café
The Art of Cliff Diving at Rick’s Café
Rick’s Café Sunset Experience: More Than Meets the Eye
Interesting Things to Know About Rick’s Café
How to Get to Rick’s Café
Key Learnings Recap
Rick’s Café in Negril: An authentically Jamaican Experience

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The Untold History of Rick’s Café

Founded in 1974 by Richard Hershman (aka Rick), Rick’s Café was the first public bar on the West End Cliffs of Negril. At the time, Seven Mile Beach was growing in popularity, and this laid-back clifftop hangout was a welcome addition. Back then, Negril was still a quiet fishing village, drawing travelers looking for a scenic escape by the sea.

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In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert tore through Jamaica, causing widespread destruction—including Rick’s Café. But like a true island legend, it came back stronger than ever. Sixteen years later, Hurricane Ivan struck on September 11, 2004, once again leaving its mark. Yet, the café was rebuilt once more—bigger, bolder, and ready for more sunsets and celebrations. Today, Rick’s Café spans 1.5 acres, still perched atop a 35-foot-high cliff, offering some of the best ocean views in Jamaica.

Good to know: Rick’s Café operates from 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily. It is open to the public and there is no cover charge.

Things to Do at Rick’s Café

Cliff Diving at Rick’s Café

Beyond the stunning views, cliff jumping is the main event at Rick’s Café. This thrilling activity is a must-try in Jamaica, and here, you can get right in on the action. If you’re feeling bold, take the leap from cliffs of varying heights into the cool, clear ocean below. And fair warning—once you’ve done it once, you just might be hooked on the adrenaline rush.

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If you’re not up for the big plunge, no worries! Just grab a comfy spot with the best views of the action and cheer on the experienced jumpers. These pros know how to put on a show—some even climb the trees at the cliff’s edge before making their daring leap into the sea! Whether you’re jumping or just soaking up the thrill, the best time to visit Rick’s Café for cliff diving is between 2 PM and 4 PM.

Wondering how to get started with cliff jumping in Jamaica? The best way to learn is by watching. If you’re new to it, take a moment to observe the locals—they’ve mastered the jumps and know exactly where to land. Pay attention to the safest spots and the best way to get back to shore. Got questions? Ask before you jump—knowing what to expect will make the experience even better.

Good to know: Even beginners can have fun cliff jumping in Jamaica. The lower cliffs at Rick’s Café are about 10 feet high, which makes them suitable for first-timers. But remember, you should know how to swim before taking the leap!

Watch the Sun Set Over the Cliffs at Rick’s Café

There’s hardly a better place in Jamaica than Rick’s Café to watch nature paint the skyline at sunset. You can absolutely take in some of the best sunsets in Jamaica from this location. If you choose to enjoy this experience at Rick’s Café, it can indeed be one of the highlights of your island vacation.

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As Rick’s Café is located right on the cliff edge, sunsets here can be surreal. Get there early for the best spots. Many people choose to spend the afternoon at Rick’s Café relaxing and taking in the cliff jumping scene, then cozying up later in the day to watch some color mixing in the sky!

Insider tip: Adults-only all-inclusive resorts can be just the right fit for romantic honeymoons in Jamaica. At the beachside Sandals South Coast, you can enjoy an island retreat that’s lively when you want it to be, and tranquil when you don’t.

Other Things to Know About Rick’s Café

There’s so many reasons to get excited about a visit to Rick’s Café. This exceptional cliffside eatery and bar has a lot to offer, from lively entertainment and stellar views to tasty cuisine and adrenaline pumping fun. Visitors to Jamaica can have the Rick’s Café experience with no entry fee required. This means you’ll only need to bring money for food and tips. The latter applies only if you want to show some appreciation to the local cliff divers. Tips are optional.

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If you plan on going to Rick’s Café with a large group, you may need to book a table. You can also choose to book a cabana for the day*. These are located near the pool and seat up to 10 people. If you’ll be going swimming while there, don’t forget to bring your swimwear, a towel to dry off, and an optional change of clothes.

Good to know: Not sure what to order at Rick’s Café? Start with the famous Jamaican Red Stripe Beer or perhaps some cocktails. Sampling Jamaican food, like the spicy and delicious jerk chicken, is highly recommended.

How to Get to Rick’s Café

While there are a few ways that you can get to Rick’s Café while in Jamaica, catching a taxi might be the easiest option. A taxi will pick you up straight from your resort to get to this location. There are quite a few hotels and resorts within 5 to 10 minutes of this café and so, it won’t be hard to get here at all if you stay at one of these. If you’ll be staying a bit further away, you can explore Rick’s Café by way of a tour. One of the popular options is the Island Routes Rick’s Café Experience.<

Tours to Rick’s Café usually last around 2.5 hours. With the Island Routes experience, you can get to this location just in time to catch the sunset. The Mini Routes Drive Your Own Adventure to Negril excursion is another option to explore Rick’s Café. This tour literally puts you in the driver’s seat of a mini cooper as you follow a guide to famous Jamaican landmarks and locations. Rick’s Café is one of the stops along the way where you’ll be able to see the daring cliff-jumpers, take some pictures, and enjoy the food and magnetic views.

Other than these options, the next best way to visit Rick’s Café would be by renting a car. There is a parking lot at the café, which makes this a convenient option. Rick’s Café is close to most of the popular Negril resorts, and about 90 minutes by car from the hotels and resorts in Montego Bay. Consider distance and other factors before making your decision on how to get to Rick’s Café during your Jamaica vacation.

Good to know: For guest safety, there are professional lifeguards and security personnel on duty at Rick’s Café at all times throughout their operations.

Key Learnings Recap

• Rick’s Café has a rich history dating back to 1974, overcoming numerous challenges to become a Jamaican icon
• Cliff diving at Rick’s Café has evolved into a carefully orchestrated art form, blending local techniques with international styles
• The cafe’s sunset experience is a multisensory spectacle, combining visual beauty with culinary delights and carefully curated music
• A Sandals Resorts vacation makes it possible to incorporate a visit to Rick’s Café into an all-inclusive beach vacation in Jamaica!

Rick’s Café in Negril: An Authentically Jamaican Experience

Going to Rick’s Café should be high on your list of reasons to visit Negril Jamaica. This is one of the best places to go on the island for a couple’s adventure. Rick’s Café has in the past been voted one of the top ten bars in the world and this alone is a great reason to go!

Image credit: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com

If you want to see what all the buzz is about when it comes to Rick’s Café, consider staying somewhere that isn’t too far from this attraction. There are quite a few Negril resorts that will put you near this café and there are other popular Jamaica points of interest you can check out while you’re in the area. Sandals Negril is a great option where couples can enjoy an adult-only environment and plenty of quality inclusions

At Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, you can easily book tours and excursions through your resort to explore must-visit spots like Rick’s Café. Or you can simply unwind in the pool or beachside without leaving the property. With multiple dining options, vibrant entertainment day and night, and just the right setting for romance, everything you need for an unforgettable getaway will be at your fingertips.

Insider tip: Check in at one of the all-inclusive Negril resorts or the all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay for a vacation that’s all about relaxation. Here’s how you can go about getting from Montego Bay to Negril while in Jamaica.

Picture: Pool views meet ocean blues at the all-inclusive Sandals Negril in Jamaica. Check in to begin your island exploration!