Jamaica Dive Accommodations: Where to Stay in Each Dive Region
The best Jamaica dive accommodations are the ones closest to your dive shop's dock. This guide covers where to stay in Negril, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston, and what a dive-friendly hotel needs.
What Makes a Hotel Good for Divers
Any comfortable room will do for a beach holiday. A dive holiday has a few extra needs, and the right base saves time and hassle every morning.
- A dive shop on site or within walking distance. Early boats are much easier when the dock is on your doorstep.
- Somewhere to rinse and dry gear. A rinse tank, hanging space or shaded balcony keeps your wetsuit and computer in good shape.
- Early breakfast. Many boats leave around 8:30 am. Check that the restaurant opens in time.
- Dive packages. Some resorts include dives in the room rate or sell discounted dive packs. Compare the price per dive with a nearby independent shop.
- Quiet nights. A good night's sleep matters more on a dive trip than on a beach trip. Ask for a room away from the main stage at larger resorts.
Where to Stay by Dive Region
Read about the dive sites in each area in the Jamaica dive travel guide, then pick a base close to them.
Negril: Seven Mile Beach or the West End
Negril has two very different areas. Seven Mile Beach is a long run of sand lined with all-inclusives, guesthouses and dive shops, with calm water out front. The West End sits on low limestone cliffs with small hotels, cottages and sea-view decks where you can swim straight off the rocks. Divers who want to step off the beach onto the boat tend to prefer Seven Mile Beach; snorkelers love the clear water at the cliffs.
Montego Bay: closest to the airport
Montego Bay has the widest choice, from large resorts along the coast east of town to smaller hotels near the Hip Strip. It is ideal for short trips, because the marine park is close and the airport is minutes away. Choose a hotel near a dive dock rather than inland.
Runaway Bay: resort diving
Runaway Bay is mostly large resorts with their own dive centres. It is quieter than Montego Bay or Ocho Rios and suits divers who want several dives a day with as little travel as possible. Day trips to Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls are easy from here.
Ocho Rios: town, waterfalls and reefs
Ocho Rios mixes resorts, villas and in-town hotels. It is the best base if you want to combine diving with rivers, waterfalls and the gardens of the north coast. Cruise-ship days are busy, so stay a little outside the centre if you prefer calm.
Kingston and Port Royal
Few visitors base a dive trip in Kingston, but it is the right choice if you want to dive the cays off Port Royal, visit the Blue Mountains or explore the capital's museums and music history. Hotels in New Kingston are a short drive from Port Royal and the airport.
Villas and guesthouses
Groups of divers often rent a villa and dive with an independent shop. It can be the best value, but check the drive time to the dock and whether the shop offers hotel pickup.
All-Inclusive or Room Only?
All-inclusive resorts are popular in Jamaica, and many include a dive or two per day for certified guests. That can be excellent value if you only want one or two dives a day and plan to stay on the property in the evenings.
Room-only hotels and guesthouses give you more freedom to choose your dive shop and to eat out. In Negril and Ocho Rios especially, some of the best food is outside the resorts; our Jamaica restaurants guide for divers lists the dishes to look for.
If you are learning to dive, ask whether the course is included or just the dives for certified guests. Courses are usually extra, and booking them in advance is wise. The Jamaica dive shops guide explains which courses suit a holiday.
Booking Tips
- Book early for December to April, especially over the holidays.
- Summer rates are often lower. Look for flexible or refundable rates during hurricane season.
- Check the transfer time from the airport. Negril, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios are all well over an hour from Montego Bay.
- Ask whether the beach in front of the hotel is calm enough to swim and snorkel, especially on the north coast in winter.
- Plan a non-diving final day near the airport before your flight home.
Jamaica Dive Accommodation Questions
Where is the best place to stay in Jamaica for scuba diving?
Negril and Montego Bay suit beginners and short trips. Runaway Bay suits divers who want many dives with little travel. Ocho Rios suits divers who also want waterfalls and sightseeing.
Do Jamaican resorts have their own dive shops?
Many larger resorts do, especially in Negril, Montego Bay and Runaway Bay. Check who runs the shop, what is included in your stay, and whether courses cost extra.