10 Great Things To Do In Negril Jamaica

Negril is a place of such simple, yet surreal beauty. Hotels and restaurants are built into the area’s rocky cliffs and the brightly painted vending stalls and shacks only add to the town’s charisma and laid-back charm. Even if you can’t cross all the activities off our list, you’ll enjoy every minute of exploring this tiny paradise.

1. Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach

One of Jamaica’s most beautiful beaches is actually only four miles long, but it seems to go on much farther as the gentle lapping of crystal blue water wraps around the white sand coastline. You might be staying in one of the many hotels or resorts built right onto the beach, but if not, we recommend making every effort to spend some time enjoying the beach. There are shops close by where you can rent snorkeling gear, and a few water sports outfitters offering everything from parasailing to windsurfing.

Rick’s Café

Located on one of Negril’s most dramatic rocky seaside cliff, Rick’s Café is known for its ambiance and entertainment. Visitors have easy access to the ocean via steps and stairs carved into the rock. For adrenaline junkies there are diving boards at different heights for anyone brave enough. Perhaps the most incredible thing about Rick’s is watching the professional divers that jump from the massive trees along the cliff. Stay for evening cocktails and you’ll witness one of the most stunning sunsets of your life.

Deep Sea Fishing

The Caribbean Sea is a diverse ecosystem that sustains many of its islands. Jamaica is no exception. If you’re interested in discovering the bounty of Jamaica’s waters, Stanley’s Deep Sea Fishing is one of the best charters in Negril. With several boats and packages to choose from, wonderful, attentive staff, and years of experience, you’ll be sure to hook something on your trip. Test your luck catching mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and maybe even a blue marlin. You might also spot other marine animals on your trip, like dolphins, sea turtles and sharks.

Stanley Deep Sea Fishing, Negril, Jamaica,+1(876) 957-6341

Scuba Diving

If you prefer to have a more immersed experience in the sea, try a scuba diving or snorkeling tour. Most resorts have basic equipment for snorkeling, but a few great dive charters include Sundivers, Dream Team Divers, and Marine Life Divers. The calm and clear waters in the western part of Jamaica provide excellent visibility and diversity in ecosystems. The divers and guides are incredibly knowledgeable and reliable. Your safety and enjoyment will be their first priority. All three dive shops also offer lessons and licensing for anyone hoping to do more diving in the future.

Bloody Bay

Don’t let the name of this beach turn you away. Legend says the bay got its name from a violent pirate battle that occurred at the height of buccaneering in the Caribbean. It’s now a beautiful public beach dotted with hotels along the bay. Lots of nearby vegetation provide the perfect escape from the harsh Caribbean sun. The water is always clear, warm, and calm, and tends to be less crowded than Seven Mile Beach. Lots of restaurants and shops close by are perfect for dinner, lunch, or a quick snack.

Day Trip to Montego Bay

Chances are you either flew into or drove past Montego Bay before arriving in Negril. About an hour and a half by car, Montego Bay is the perfect place to go if you are looking for a little more excitement and adventure. The second largest city in Jamaica has a lot to offer in terms of nightlife and activities. You could do anything from going horseback riding on the beach to ziplining in the jungle or hanging out at any of the awesome bars and eateries the city has to offer. Check out our list of the top 10 things to do for a few ideas.

Historic illustration of Roaring River Park

Roaring River Park and Cave

Roaring River Park is off the beaten path but well worth the trek. The beautiful park was once a thriving sugar plantation and estate in the 1770s. Located in the mountainous region of Petersfield just east of Negril, the estate has a unique history. It was founded and owned by Colonel Peter Beckford, the governor of Jamaica in 1702. The park’s main feature is the limestone cave through which the Roaring River flows. The impressive rock formations and eerie natural pools add to the allure and mystery of this often forgotten location.

Run the Reggae Marathon

Jamaica is known all over the world for being a “sprint factory,” producing some of the fastest runners the world has ever seen. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any runners willing to slow down and go the extra mile. Every year on the first weekend in December, Negril prepares itself for the Reggae Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 10km. You’ll run along the beautiful coastline while watching the sun come up. DJs and live bands will be playing Reggae along the route, motivating you every step of the way. At the finish line you’ll enjoy a cold Red Stripe, fresh coconut water, and a wonderful dip in the crystal blue sea while celebrating on Seven Mile Beach.

Kool Runnings Adventure Park

A fairly new attraction in the Negril area, the park has a variety of activities perfect for the whole family. Their adventure zone features a bungee trampoline, paintball, and go-kart racing, among other things. In the water park section, there are a number of water slides and swimming pools. There are also a number of restaurants, cafés, and gift shops located throughout selling lots of Jamaican souvenirs and memorabilia from your trip to Negril.

Kool Runnings Adventure Park, Norman Manley Blvd., Negril, Jamaica, +1(876) 957-5400

2. Royal Palm Reserve

Park

Royal Palm Reserve

The Royal Palm Reserve is an eco-tourism attraction located in the Negril Great Morass wetlands. The protected park is home to 114 plant species and over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies, and reptiles. If you love bird watching, this is the perfect place to see some of Jamaica’s most beautiful birds, including the indigenous swallowtail hummingbird. You’ll be amazed by the height of some of the Royal Palms on the property, some more than 80 feet tall.

Royal Palm Reserve, Sheffield Road (turnleft after passing the Negril Hills Golf Club), Negril, Jamaica, +1 (876)364-7407

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