Half Moon Beach
Half Moon Beach
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
446 reviews
Excellent
317
Very good
81
Average
26
Poor
10
Terrible
12
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coccomoe
Manchester, NH11 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Peaceful alternative to the busy 7 mile beach in Negril. We went to enjoy the day by the water without disruptions from beach beach vendors and we were not disappointed. The small fee of $5 US/pp or $750JMD/pp was a small price to pay to not be bothered (heck, I hand out more than that for bracelets and fruit on 7 mile to make pushy vendors go away) The beach was a little rocky and the sea has not been as calm lately so the water in bay was a little sandy. I recommend water shoes if you’re going for a swim - because the water in the bay was sandy you couldn’t see the bottom when walking, and there was def sharp things and things I just didn’t want to step on. The hammock was nice. We didn’t pay to use the kayak or go out to the island, we just wanted to soak in the sun and swim in peace - and peace we had! The restaurant has enough of a selection everyone should be able to find something if you’re hungry. The staff was friendly and polite. It was a great way to spend the day and will now be a must visit on my future trips.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro Z
2 contributions
Feb 2023
The location is fantastic: about 30 minutes by car from Negril and the super crowded (and super expensive) Seven-mile beach area, Half moon beach is a peaceful and silent oasis, surrounded by trees. There isn't much space, with around fifteen sunbeds available, so hope you are privileged. There is an entrance fee, and the use of the sunbeds is included in this payment. We paid 10 US dollars each to enter, although reading other reviews it seems that the price varies from case to case.
The restaurant offers a choice of several dishes, some seasonal, which you can enjoy at one of the many tables nestled among the trees, right in front of the sea.
We rented snorkel gear, but didn't see much. The cost of such equipment is 10 US dollars. The only negative point, also common in many other places on the island, is the attempt to make extra profit from tourists: when we rented the snorkeling equipment we paid in Jamaican dollars to the same person who charged us the entrance, giving him more than he asked for and waiting for the change, because "he didn't have any smaller pieces" at that moment. At the end of the day, paying our restaurant bill, I asked if such change would ever be returned, asking if it could be deducted from the final bill. Apparently the owners of the establishment knew nothing about it, and the staff person, when questioned, made up some excuse before giving us the money owed (taking it from a stack in which the "small pieces" weren't missing).
An excellent day, an isolated and heavenly oasis where you can enjoy the Jamaican Caribbean Sea..but a little more respect for the customer would not hurt.
Strongly recommended.
The restaurant offers a choice of several dishes, some seasonal, which you can enjoy at one of the many tables nestled among the trees, right in front of the sea.
We rented snorkel gear, but didn't see much. The cost of such equipment is 10 US dollars. The only negative point, also common in many other places on the island, is the attempt to make extra profit from tourists: when we rented the snorkeling equipment we paid in Jamaican dollars to the same person who charged us the entrance, giving him more than he asked for and waiting for the change, because "he didn't have any smaller pieces" at that moment. At the end of the day, paying our restaurant bill, I asked if such change would ever be returned, asking if it could be deducted from the final bill. Apparently the owners of the establishment knew nothing about it, and the staff person, when questioned, made up some excuse before giving us the money owed (taking it from a stack in which the "small pieces" weren't missing).
An excellent day, an isolated and heavenly oasis where you can enjoy the Jamaican Caribbean Sea..but a little more respect for the customer would not hurt.
Strongly recommended.
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NRJ
Toronto, Canada8 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Beautiful secluded area worth the visit. It cost 5US to enter the area and use the dilapidated loungers, chairs. There was only 2 tables with chairs available to be used. We went mid week so there were not many people there. There is a restaurant and bar where you can sit order drinks and food. The beach was gorgeous. Getting over to Calico Jack private island was an additional cost of 10US per person, not 5 as advertised. Captain Micheal had a small boat that can accommodate only a small number of ppl at a time. No problem. Was put off at the condition of the loungers must be honest. Vist, just bring your own towels and prepare to sit on the sand.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krisnmeme
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Went on a snorkelling trip then a visit to half moon beach. We were greeted with some rum punch. We then had a lobster dinner (which was included in the price of our excursion). It was a beautiful experience only a handful of people there, crystal clear water and golden sand. no shops or vendors which was bliss.We only got to spend an hour there which was no where near enough time to soak up the experience. If you like to get away from the crowds I would definitely recommend this but I would go for half a day or full day
Written February 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We spent the afternoon here on our vacation. You pay $5 US entry and you can use the beach and chairs all day. They have a bar and restaurant, and you can also pay to take a boat ride out to a private island with another bar. The beach is so quiet, water very calm and just a very relaxing place to visit. About 20 min outside Negril area . And I had the best drink I have ever had in my life there, a frozen Dirty Banana! You need to try! Highly recommend
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
letsgo
Boston, MA1,555 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
The great- beach was lovely and clean..only $5us entry fee. Snorkeled and had a great time in the water.
The bad- arrived around 12:30. Ordered food around 1:00. I was told there would be a 40 min wait as a large boat full was ahead of us which is no problem. Got our drinks at least a half hour later. 3:30 rolls around and we tell the girl behind the bar we have a ride picking us up at 4. 3:45 as we have our bags in hand and are heading to the gate they beg us to stay and eat as the food is done. Offer to make it to go. We sit. Wait 10 more minutes and finally we are served by 3:55. During our long wait no one came to check on us. Never offered other drinks. The ones we did get were not that great. I think the bartender was new as she seemed to be getting instructed. Lovely location. Do go. Just beware
Our late lunch turned into an early dinner. We we all starving. Also we had wanted to take the boat to the island but never did as after that 40 min wait the server had warned about we kept waiting for our food as we were told repeatedly it was on it's way. We expect island time but it was beyond.
The bad- arrived around 12:30. Ordered food around 1:00. I was told there would be a 40 min wait as a large boat full was ahead of us which is no problem. Got our drinks at least a half hour later. 3:30 rolls around and we tell the girl behind the bar we have a ride picking us up at 4. 3:45 as we have our bags in hand and are heading to the gate they beg us to stay and eat as the food is done. Offer to make it to go. We sit. Wait 10 more minutes and finally we are served by 3:55. During our long wait no one came to check on us. Never offered other drinks. The ones we did get were not that great. I think the bartender was new as she seemed to be getting instructed. Lovely location. Do go. Just beware
Our late lunch turned into an early dinner. We we all starving. Also we had wanted to take the boat to the island but never did as after that 40 min wait the server had warned about we kept waiting for our food as we were told repeatedly it was on it's way. We expect island time but it was beyond.
Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keiranfrantic
13 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We were greeted by a lovely man, where we paid 1500 JMD (cash only) and entered a very beautiful private cove.
Along the small path to the beach you come across the cute bar/restaurant that serve a very humble offering - tip - just get red stripe or water for a simple life!
The sun loungers where spaced out well, All facing the stunning view. The beach is small, it feels almost exclusive. There’s no extra fee for loungers or anyone selling you anything. Just chill vibes and the land owners chilled dogs!
We stayed to see the sunset, and it was breathtaking. It’s such a clear sight, one of the best I’ve seen in the world.
This beach is a must go.
Along the small path to the beach you come across the cute bar/restaurant that serve a very humble offering - tip - just get red stripe or water for a simple life!
The sun loungers where spaced out well, All facing the stunning view. The beach is small, it feels almost exclusive. There’s no extra fee for loungers or anyone selling you anything. Just chill vibes and the land owners chilled dogs!
We stayed to see the sunset, and it was breathtaking. It’s such a clear sight, one of the best I’ve seen in the world.
This beach is a must go.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roberta S
Bologna, Italy30 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Beautiful location. Fabulous suggestive views. The sunbeds would have to be changed as really dilapidated. Characteristic restaurant where you eat well. Well-kept gardens. Negative note, the presence of a large catamaran that for several hours stopped in front of the beach.
Automatically translated
Written December 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile435420
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The room we had booked was no longer available despite the confirmation. The same dream room was no longer available either. We were promised an upgrade but we got a much worse room than the one we had booked. Absolutely acceptable for the money. The friendliness of the staff also left a lot to be desired when we complained.
Written April 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha M
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Wonderful place to stay or just hang out. We've stayed multiple times and always make sure to come here when we go to Negril. Peaceful, private beach, and friendly people. The restaurant has good food, too.
Written September 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Calico Jack’s still open? I haven’t seen any recent reviews of it. The most recent in 2023 suggested it had fallen into disrepair.
I intend to just swim out there. Wise or prudent to take a boat?
Written March 30, 2024
Hi where do i sign up for the snorkelling sessions on half moon beach ?
Written December 10, 2018
How much is it go get on the beach and how much for food?
Written January 15, 2018
It is $5 to access the beach. We didn't order from the restaurant, but got a bbq meal at Calico Jack's for around $20.
Written March 9, 2018
Is it safe for children ?
Can you snorkel off the beach?
How deep is the water?
Thank you
Written January 29, 2017
Yes yes and varies from a meter to deep
Written June 17, 2017
Do you have to pay to go to Half Moon Beach (is it private)? If we hired a cab to take us, could we just go visit and decide if we wanted to boat out to the bar? :)
Written January 9, 2017
Yes, it's $5 to access the beach, and $5 for the boat ride out Calico Jacks (which was worth it! so relaxing!) I think they typically bring people out there starting around 11:30-12:00 and come back 3:30-4ish.
Written March 9, 2018
Hi, about Calico Jack, Jamaica. I've read that you can Snorkel around that little island. Do you think that's the case? Thanks !!
Written April 8, 2015
I have been there twice and I have never seen anyone snorkle around the Calico Jacks Island. But at the actual Beach people snorkle.
Written September 13, 2016
Are coolers allowed? We have no problem spending money at attractions but we have one traveller with dietary issues and she likes to bring her own cooler of drinks.
Thanks for the help!
Written January 24, 2015
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