Negril has been a favorite tourist destination for many people long before it ever became a popular and convenient place to visit. This small beach resort town spreads across Hanover and Westmoreland, two parishes on the island. While those names may not mean anything to you, surely the Seven Mile beach does? Well, this is where you’ll find that long path of white sand and tropical scenery.
Negril – Past and Present
In 1494, the Spanish named the area Negrillo which referred to the black cliffs located at the south side of the village. While the city has a long colorful history, much wasn’t known about it until late in the 20th century.
During the 1950s, Negril saw a lot of development to become a resort area but access was challenging. There were no roads to get into the city then so ferries would drop visitors close to shore and they would have to wade through the water. There were also no resorts so vacationers would pitch a tent or rent a room from the friendly locals.
When the road to Montego Bay was better established in the 1970s, the popularity of Negril exploded. The long paved road even doubled as a runway for small airplanes, opening up many more opportunities for this small town.
Today, many travel magazines rate Negril as one of the world’s top most beautiful beach areas. There’s a well known cliff area that offers jumping points and some premium spots for diving and snorkeling as well. Some argue that Negril is underdeveloped for what it is but others say the pureness just adds to the town’s charm. It’s not always necessary to tamper with nature, this is a natural area that Jamaicans are happy to see kept as is.
Things You Must Do In Negril
- Blue Hole Mineral Springs – Rated as the number one attraction in Negril, this amazing mineral spring is nestled away in the hills. The best way in is to jump about 25 feet down into the center and then you’re surrounded by bubbles, beautiful grounds, a pool and a bar.
- Seven Mile Beach – It doesn’t really matter what part of the beach you go to, it’s intoxicating everywhere. This is a beach you could spend everyday of your vacation at and never get tired of it, in fact, many people do.
- Kool Runnings Water Park – Named after the movie, there’s 10 water slides, bungee trampolines and go-karts here. This is definitely a place the whole family can enjoy together.
- Royal Palm Reserve – This 300-acre reserve boasts more than 300 animal species and 114 indigenous plants, this includes the Jamaican crocodile and the Royal palm. The boardwalk takes you to a four-story observation tower, offering plenty of photo opportunities of Negril and Morass.
- Negril Lighthouse – Just stop and knock at the caretaker’s cottage next to this 100-ft lighthouse and ask for a tour. Make sure that you have good shoes, there’s a lot of iron steps to climb but the views are more than worth it.
- Scuba Diving – Negril is well-known for having the best places to dive on the island. Dive sites range from beginner to advanced, including The Throne Room, Sands Club, Treasure Reef, Pete Wreck and an area with two wrecked Cessna planes.
- ATV Off-road Adventure – Beginning at Blue Hole Estate, you’ll tour through Sandy Bay’s off-road area to see farming villages, an old church and native wildlife on your own ATV.
- Black River Safari – View crocodiles and explore remote mangrove swamps in an untouched area of Jamaica. You’ll even have the opportunity to swim in the refreshingly cool waters or lay along the sandy banks. Don’t forget your camera, there’s some picture-perfect moments you will definitely want to capture!