Negril Craft Market
Discover authentic Jamaican artistry at the Negril Craft Market, featuring unique wood carvings and handmade souvenirs from local artisans.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Negril Craft Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover authentic Jamaican artistry at the Negril Craft Market, featuring unique wood carvings and handmade souvenirs from local artisans.
"Legit Jamaican vibe crafts and souvenirs. Everyone is friendly AF, obviously they all want you to come in their shop but are still nice."
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than the asking price and meet in the middle for a fair deal. :moneybag:
Look for Authentic Artisans
Seek out shops like 79, 80, and 81 for genuine ironwood and mahogany carvings, not mass-produced items. :crafting:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hand-Carved Wood Art
Various stalls
Discover intricate carvings from local artisans, showcasing Jamaican culture and wildlife. A true piece of the island to take home.
Authentic Jamaican Crafts
Norman Manley Blvd
Find unique, locally made souvenirs beyond typical tourist fare. Support Jamaican artisans and take home a piece of genuine island artistry.
Rasta-Inspired Items
Various stalls
Explore colorful Rasta-themed items, from pencils to apparel, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Jamaica.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authentic Souvenir Hunting
Navigating the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than the asking price and meet in the middle for a fair deal. :moneybag:
Look for Authentic Artisans
Seek out shops like 79, 80, and 81 for genuine ironwood and mahogany carvings, not mass-produced items. :crafting:
Cash is Preferred
While credit cards are accepted, expect a fee. Carrying cash can make transactions smoother. :dollar:
Explore Beyond the Front Row
Many unique finds are in the stalls further back. Take your time to discover hidden gems. :mag_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Prices Wisely
Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than the asking price and meet in the middle for a fair deal. :moneybag:
Look for Authentic Artisans
Seek out shops like 79, 80, and 81 for genuine ironwood and mahogany carvings, not mass-produced items. :crafting:
Cash is Preferred
While credit cards are accepted, expect a fee. Carrying cash can make transactions smoother. :dollar:
Explore Beyond the Front Row
Many unique finds are in the stalls further back. Take your time to discover hidden gems. :mag_right:
Friendly but Persistent Vendors
Vendors are nice, but can be persistent. A polite 'no thank you' usually suffices. :wave:
Great for Souvenirs
Find everything from wood carvings to Rasta-themed items. The vibes are unmatched! :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Negril Craft Market for its authentic Jamaican vibe and friendly vendors, highlighting the unique hand-carved wood items. While some found the market less safe or felt vendors were too pushy, many enjoyed the shopping experience and the opportunity to find genuine local crafts. The ability to negotiate prices is a key aspect of the shopping experience.
"Legit Jamaican vibe crafts and souvenirs. Everyone is friendly AF, obviously they all want you to come in their shop but are still nice and not too pushy if you don't buy anything. The wood carved items are quite amazing and make it worth a look around."
Brian Junger
"Went there on the way to Rick's Cafe. Lots of huts/shops selling gifts and souvenirs. We were the only ones there at the time of a vist and tbh, didn't feel overly safe. Vendors weren't being that pushy to be fair, the usual, but all the items were inside the dark shops with not much outside. Not for us."
Nic Banister
"For handcrafted real (authentic) Jamaican Iron wood and/or Mahogany wood, not made in China but by trained Jamaican craftsmen, look for shop 79, 80, and 81. They are one row back from those folks you see up front. All the shops are friendly. Go here first! Everything else, including some of the wood carving, can be found on Amazon. Finally, they do take credit cards. Not their first desire, but you can use one with a fee bigger than the Visa 2% in the US. Something like 5%-6%."
Winter Rhodes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Negril Craft Market is conveniently located along Norman Manley Boulevard in Negril. Many visitors arrive as part of organized tours that include stops at popular Negril attractions like Rick's Cafe and the lighthouse. You can also take a taxi or local route taxi to reach the market.
Parking can be limited directly at the market. If you're arriving by private transport or tour, parking arrangements are usually made. For independent travelers, it's best to ask your taxi driver for the most convenient drop-off point.
Absolutely! The craft market is often included in tours that visit Margaritaville, the Negril Lighthouse, and Rick's Cafe, making it easy to see multiple sights in one day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to enter the Negril Craft Market. You can freely browse the stalls and enjoy the atmosphere. Entry is free for all visitors.
The market generally operates daily, but hours can vary. Most vendors are open from morning until late afternoon or early evening, especially when cruise ships are in port or during peak tourist season. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to browse the Negril Craft Market. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase from the vendors.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of authentic Jamaican crafts, including hand-carved wooden items (like ironwood and mahogany), Rasta-themed apparel and accessories, local art, jewelry, and other handmade gifts. 
Yes, negotiation is a common practice at the craft market. Vendors expect you to bargain for a better price. It's recommended to have an idea of what you're willing to pay and start with a lower offer.
For genuine, locally crafted ironwood and mahogany pieces, look for shops numbered 79, 80, and 81, which are often located a row back from the main front stalls. These artisans create unique, high-quality work.
While some vendors do accept credit cards, cash is generally preferred. If you use a card, be aware that there might be an additional fee (around 5-6%) on top of the purchase price.
Vendors are friendly and will invite you to look at their stalls, but they are generally not overly pushy. A polite 'no thank you' is usually sufficient if you're not interested in purchasing.
📸 📸 Photography
It's generally acceptable to take photos of the crafts. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors, especially if you are not purchasing anything. Some artisans may appreciate being photographed if they are showcasing their work.
Late afternoon, as the sun begins to set, offers beautiful golden hour lighting that can enhance the colors of the crafts and the market atmosphere. Early mornings can also be good for softer light and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the market can get busy, so holding hands with younger children is advisable. While vendors are friendly, it's wise to keep an eye on your belongings. The negotiation aspect might be a fun lesson for older children on how to interact in different market settings. Consider purchasing a small, affordable carved item as a memento of your Jamaican adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Don't feel pressured to buy from the first vendor you encounter. Compare prices and items across different stalls. Visiting earlier in the day or on weekdays might also lead to less competition and potentially more room for negotiation. Remember that while credit cards are accepted, the added fees can increase your overall spending, making cash a more economical choice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Jamaican Woodcraft
+1When exploring, pay attention to the details and the quality of the finish. Some of the most skilled artisans can be found in the stalls located further back from the main thoroughfare. Look for shops numbered 79, 80, and 81, as recommended by past visitors, for exceptional craftsmanship that truly represents Jamaica.
Remember that these are handmade items, and slight variations are part of their charm. Don't hesitate to engage with the artisans; they are often happy to share the story behind their work and the techniques they use. This interaction adds another layer of appreciation to your purchase.
Navigating Vendor Interactions and Negotiation
When you find something you like, don't be afraid to haggle. A good strategy is to offer a price lower than what the vendor initially states and work towards a mutually agreeable figure. Most vendors are reasonable, and a friendly negotiation can be a fun part of the experience.
While cash is the preferred method of payment, many vendors do accept credit cards. However, be prepared for an additional fee, typically around 5-6%, which is higher than standard transaction fees.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit