Things to do in Negril
Negril is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who can kayak out into the protected wilderness of the Great Morass to see crocodiles and other wildlife in their natural habitat; go horse riding on the beach and through the jungle at Rhodes Hall Plantation; scuba dive or snorkel the beautiful coral reefs and caves along Negril's coast; or enjoy some extreme cliff-diving into the clear ocean water, a very popular activity with both locals and visitors.
There are also excursions into the surrounding countryside, such as a daytrip to Mayfield Falls, a natural water park where visitors can swim in the pools formed by 22 cascades. It's worth climbing the lighthouse on West End Road for lovely views of Negril's coastline. The lighthouse was built in 1894 and is open to visitors every day.
On the more untouched South Coast, visitors can explore the history of the region's rum production at the Appleton Estate or even enjoy a boat safari along the Black River, stopping along the way at YS Falls. The centre of the region is Mandeville, which was founded in 1816 and is home to the country's oldest golf course.
There is a reason, however, that this adventurer's paradise is called the 'Capital of Casual'. The most popular attraction in Negril is the famous Seven Mile Beach, where turquoise water and white sands create a paradise for lazy hedonists as well as active thrill-seekers. The Reggae Marathon held annually in December sees runners taking over Seven Mile Beach, but most of the time it's the territory of happy and relaxed tourists.
Seven Mile Beach
The reason for Negril's recent boom as a tourist destination is centred on this seven mile (11km) stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is dotted with palm trees and carpeted with …
Seven Mile Beach
The reason for Negril's recent boom as a tourist destination is centred on this seven mile (11km) stretch of beautiful shoreline, which is dotted with palm trees and carpeted with pristine white sand. Development has been restricted to palm-tree height and, despite the proliferation of guesthouses and hotels along the strip, the natural beauty of the beach has not been compromised. There are lots of restaurants, resorts and shops along the beachfront but thankfully the length of the beach usually prevents it from becoming too crowded. There are myriad activities and watersports available at the beach and the snorkelling is wonderful too.
Rhodes Hall Plantation
The beautiful estate of Rhodes Hall Plantation lies a short distance east of Negril. Guided horseback excursions give a glimpse of the magic and mystery of the Jamaican countryside…
Rhodes Hall Plantation
The beautiful estate of Rhodes Hall Plantation lies a short distance east of Negril. Guided horseback excursions give a glimpse of the magic and mystery of the Jamaican countryside, and guides will help visitors with some basic horsemanship tips as they take them through the foothills, pointing out botanical wonders and regaling them with stories and legends about local landmarks. Visitors are taken through forests of banana and coconut palms, and along a beach to the Crocodile River, where hopefully groups can meet one of the resident crocodiles. Swimming gear is a must, as the horses like to head into the surf.
Mayfield Falls
The 22 mini-cascades and numerous swimming holes that comprise the Mayfield Falls in the low-lying Dolphin Head Mountains make for a memorable day trip from Negril. Tours offer gui…
Mayfield Falls
The 22 mini-cascades and numerous swimming holes that comprise the Mayfield Falls in the low-lying Dolphin Head Mountains make for a memorable day trip from Negril. Tours offer guided walks through bamboo-shaded water holes and splashing falls. Some parts of the walk through the area involve natural whirlpools; in others, blasts of water from the rocks will hit visitors.
There is an underwater cave to swim through, and there are smooth rockslide areas and mini cliffs from which to dive. This natural water park is edged and overhung with flowers, vines and trees. Jamaican dishes are available at the eatery at the entry point, while there are also a number of stalls selling souvenirs and crafts at the end of the trail.
South Coast
The south of Jamaica is the most unspoilt part of this lovely Caribbean island. It's here that many say the true heart of the country still beats, as it's relatively untouched by t
South Coast
The south of Jamaica is the most unspoilt part of this lovely Caribbean island. It's here that many say the true heart of the country still beats, as it's relatively untouched by the tourism and resort development evident on the rest of the island.
The centre of the region is the breezy hill town of Mandeville. Founded in 1816, the British colonial influence is strong, from the village green bordered by a church and courthouse to the Manchester Club, home to Jamaica's oldest golf course, which was founded in 1868.
Negril is technically also in the south coast region, but as a booming resort town it has a different atmosphere to the rest of the south. Visitors can explore the history of the region's rum production at the Appleton Estate or even enjoy a boat safari along the Black River, stopping along the way at YS Falls.