At the western end of Jamaica, laidback Negril has the sleepy tropical charm that first attracted tourists in the 1960s. It is much more relaxed than Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, but also offers plenty of attractive natural attractions, both inland and along the coast. One of the main draws is Negril Beach. Also known as Seven Mile Beach, this beautiful stretch of soft, white sand and azure sea fronts many of Negril’s hotels and resorts and is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
Besides basking on the powdery shores, other fun things to do include exploring the coral reefs, enjoying therapeutic mineral springs and waterfalls in the rainforest, hand-feeding hummingbirds, and zooming through the jungle descent on ziplines. After a day of relaxation and adventure, head to the famous Negril Cliffswhere tourists and locals alike flock to watch divers dive from the limestone peaks as the fiery sun dips into the sea.
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1 Negril Beach
Stretching out Bloody Bay in the north to Long Bay and the Negril Cliffs to the south, Negril Beach, is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Also known as Seven Mile BeachAlthough only a few kilometers long, this beautiful stretch of soft sand and turquoise sea is great for walking, swimming and sunbathing. You’ll find plenty of water sports here, as well as a number of persistent hawkers walking along the coast selling souvenirs. Several areas of the beach are also designated as clothing optional. Hotels and restaurants line the sand, but most are hidden behind sea fruit and coconut palms.
If you want to go snorkeling in Negril, you can take a boat trip to the surrounding coral reefs Booby Cayjust north of Negril Beach, or snorkel at the Negril Cliffs to the south.
Address: Norman Manley Blvd, Negril
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Negril
2 Diving the Negril Cliffs
Rising above the sea, south of Negril Beachthe picturesque Negril Cliffs were used as the setting for the James Bond film Thunderball. At their highest points, these limestone cliffs rise up to 12 meters high and are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to dive into the calm sea below. Rick’s Caféhigh above the ocean, is a favorite location to relax at sunset and watch all the action.
Some of Negril’s most luxurious resorts have stunning ocean views atop the cliffs here, including The Caves, one of the best luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. A short walk from Rick’s Café Negril Lighthouse. It was built in 1894 and towers 30 meters above sea level. It is the tallest structure in Negril but is no longer open to visitors.
Location: West End, Westmoreland Parish
3 Mayfield Falls
About an hour’s drive from Negril, past papaya trees and plantations, Mayfield Falls is smaller and less commercialized than Dunn’s River Falls and blissfully less crowded. These spring-fed waterfalls fall into more than 20 basins and provide tranquil places to soak under the invigorating flow of water. The road through the jungle to reach the falls is rough and rugged, but that’s part of the adventure. You can take a taxi to the trailhead and hire a guide once you arrive, who will lead you to the falls on the hour or so and point out interesting birds, butterflies and plants. Another option is to join an organized tour from Negril. It’s a good idea to wear water shoes and only bring items you’re willing to get wet, as you’ll need to walk through the river for about an hour to reach the falls. Before you dive into the cool water, you can store your belongings in lockers that can be rented.
4 Half Moon Beach
Quieter than Seven Mile Beach, the private Half Moon Beach is a tranquil stretch of hammock coastline, where you can sunbathe on the sand and enjoy freshly grilled lobster at the open-air restaurant. A daily fee covers use of the beach and facilities, and a short boat trip takes you to a small island for snorkeling and drinking. Wooden cabins are also available here, and animal lovers love hanging out with the friendly dogs that patrol the grounds.
Location: Green Island, Hanover
Official site: https://www.halfmoonbeachjamaica.com/
5 Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden Jamaica
Tucked away in tropical foliage, a five-minute drive from Rick’s Cafe, Barney’s Flower & Hummingbird Garden is a little treasure chest of birds. Here, hummingbirds hover above hibiscus, bougainvillea, ginger and other tropical plants in this small one-acre garden. Visitors are offered a bottle of sugar water to feed these winged beauties, so you can enjoy close-ups and fantastic photo opportunities. Other small animals such as butterflies, bees and lizards also visit the garden, and if you are lucky you may even see the doctor, Jamaica’s national bird, the swallow-tailed hummingbird. Keep in mind that weather and other conditions affect hummingbird activity.
Address: Hylton Avenue, Negril
Official site: https://www.barneyshummingbirdgardenjamaica.com/
6 Zipline Canopy Tours
If you want a taste of the jungle and tear yourself away from Negril’s beautiful beach, a canopy ziplining tour is a great option. Not far from Negril, you can fly through the treetops on a series of ziplines, connected by platforms high in the trees. The Canopy Tour usually lasts about two hours and includes hotel drop-off and pickup, as well as safety instructions and expert guides. Along the way, learn about Jamaica’s ecosystems and enjoy panoramic views of the lush landscape below.
7 Blue Hole mineral spring
About 25 minutes southeast of Negril, Blue Hole Mineral Spring sits in a limestone cave, where you can soak in the cool, clear waters and test the claims of its therapeutic qualities. The white clay-like mud surrounding the feather is said to be soothing to the skin. If you’re flexible, you can jump off a cliff into the chilly waters or climb down the long ladder, and those who are physically challenged can soak in the spring-fed pool.
Location: Brighton District, Westmoreland Parish
Official site: https://www.facebook.com/BlueHoleMineralSpringJamaica/info
8 Kool Runnings Adventure Park
The family-friendly Kool Runnings Adventure Park is a great place to spend a few hours if you have kids. You and the kids can float around the lazy river ride, zoom down Jamaican-themed slides, cruise in the go-karts, and bounce on the bungee trampoline. Little kids will love Captain Mikie’s Coconut Island, with smaller slides and interactive water features, and paintball is fun for the older kids. After a day of water fun, you can have a bite to eat in one of the on-site restaurants.
Address: Norman Manley Boulevard, Negril
Official site: www.koolrunnings.com
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