Is there anything more magical than a tropical sunset? If you’re wondering where to see the best sunsets in Jamaica, look no further than this list.
From the gorgeous west coast to surprising eastern destinations, so many spots on this little island are perfect for viewing that one-of-a-kind Jamaican sunset.
Negril
Negril is the relaxation capital of Jamaica, having made a name for itself as one of the more romantic and laid-back vacation spots on the island.
Located on the island’s western tip, Negril is naturally one of the best places to see the sunset in Jamaica. Here are the top 3 spots in town to visit.
Rick’s Cafe
Atop rugged cliffs, at a spot that’s 35 feet above the Caribbean Sea, sits Rick’s Cafe. This lounge is known as one of the best places in Jamaica to view the sunset — if not the best!
Cliff jumping is popular here but watching the sunset is equally rewarding. If you’re in Negril, consider ending your day with a drink here while you watch the sky and sea shift into deep orange and purple tones.
As it’s such a popular spot for cliff jumping, Rick’s Cafe is also free to enter even if you’re not dining there, so there’s really nothing to stop you from experiencing the wondrous view!
Rockhouse Hotel & Pushcart Restaurant
Another spot overlooking the Negril Cliffs is the Rockhouse Hotel. This chic and relaxed spot is one of the best boutique hotels in Negril and is known for its eco-consciousness.
If you’re staying in Negril and are especially keen on seeing a gorgeous sunset, this hotel is highly recommended.
Even if you’re not staying at the Rockhouse Hotel, you can still stop by their in-house restaurant, Pushcart, and watch the sky go ablaze as you dine on some authentic Caribbean dishes.
Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant
Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant is the in-house eatery of the Catcha Falling Star Hotel but it’s immensely popular with all visitors to Negril, regardless of where they’re staying. At 5 pm, the doors open to non-guests — usually there’s a flood of them, so make a reservation!
This restaurant is family-friendly but also popular with couples. If you’re looking for an extra special way to view the sunset with your other half, consider making a reservation for the restaurant’s special “Night of 100 Candles”. You two can enjoy champagne and a 5-course meal in a private, outdoor dining area as you watch the sky transform from day to night.
Treasure Beach
Treasure Beach is a collection of beaches and fishing villages that span about six miles on Jamaica’s southwest coast. It’s become increasingly popular as a tourist destination but is still quite the hidden gem.
Being near the western end of the island, it’s naturally a good place to see the sunset, where the sun goes over the water from a bit further east than Negril.
Pelican Bar
Pelican Bar is no doubt one of the coolest bars in Jamaica. With its surprisingly strong structure made of driftwood, coconut tree trunks, and palm leaves, it sits a mile off the coast of Treasure Beach. That’s right, it’s an over-the-water bar!
This bar is one of the most unique places to see the Jamaican sunset because you get a 360-degree view of the shifting sky and sea around you. Grab a drink and indulge not only in the fine Jamaican liquor but in the beautiful sunset, too.
Taino Cove
Taino Cove is a lovely, down-to-earth guest house in Treasure Beach that promises a serene vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the traditional tourist areas on the north coast.
This beachside villa is known for being one of the best places in Treasure Beach to view the sunset. It makes a great spot to see the sunrise, as well. Consider stopping by this villa for a day to see what makes it so popular among sunset chasers.
Kingston
Perhaps unintuitively, the city of Kingston in eastern Jamaica has amazing places to view the sunset, too!
Kingston is Jamaica’s bustling capital and home to almost half of the island’s population. As the post-work rush hour begins to slow down, a wondrous sight unfolds over the rolling hills and interconnected streets.
Strawberry Hill
In the folds of the majestic Blue Mountains lies the Strawberry Hill Resort. It overlooks the city of Kingston, all the way from the plains to the harbor and airport.
This homely yet luxurious boutique hotel is only a 30–45 minute drive from central Kingston yet it takes you so high up that you get a panoramic view!
Seeing the sunset drown the city and its surrounding landscape in orange hues is an experience that simply must be had! Bonus: afterward, you get a bird’s-eye view of the gradual lighting up of Jamaica’s largest city as night falls.
Kingston Waterfront
Like most of Jamaica’s major cities and towns, Kingston is located on the island’s coast. After driving through the city’s slightly run-down downtown, Kingston opens out into a gorgeous business and recreation district on the waterfront.
As the day winds down and the sun approaches the horizon, the sea and sky come aglow in glorious shades of orange and pink.
Watching the sunset with ice cream or over dinner at the Victoria Pier is a popular date activity with local couples. Try it out and see what makes the sunsets over the Kingston waterfront so romantic!
Other Locations
Lovers Leap
This 1700-foot-high cliff in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Jamaica’s south coast is famed for its romantic sunsets.
Lovers Leap got its name from a local legend. It says that two slaves were in love but a jealous plantation owner wanted to keep the woman for himself. Unable to bear the thought of not being together, the couple jumped off the cliff. This folk story has a happy ending; the moon used a golden net to catch the pair and lower them to safety.
Here, you get a panoramic view of the sea and rolling mountains as they get bathed in the sunset. Lovers Leap has a restaurant and observation deck and is also home to the highest lighthouse in the western hemisphere — it’s a great spot to spend an evening at!
Dead End Beach
Dead End Beach used to be known as Sunset Beach and it’s not hard to see why. Despite the now uninspiring name, this beach still offers one of the best sunsets in Montego Bay. In fact, sunset is the time of day that this beach is most crowded!
At high tide, there’s little actual beach to speak of, yet it remains a popular spot nonetheless. If you’re in Montego Bay, stop by Dead End Beach to see what all the fuss is about: a stunning fiery sunset overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
The beach is also very close to the airport (which is the reason why the road it’s located on ends abruptly, hence the “dead end”) so airplane-watching is also a popular activity here.
When is the Best Time to See the Sunset in Jamaica?
So now you know where the best places to see the sunset in Jamaica are, but what about the best time? Thanks to Jamaica’s tropical location, the day length doesn’t vary too much throughout the year.
Generally, the sun sets at about 6 pm in the winter and 6:45 pm in the summer. In the dead of winter, it can be as early as 5:30 pm. Similarly, at the height of summer, the sunset may happen as late as 7:15 pm.
Spring and autumn sunset times will fall somewhere in the middle, depending on whether it’s closer to summer or winter.
Of course, if you’re in the eastern part of the island, you’ll want to be ready to see the sunset a bit earlier than if you’re in the west.