Negril Jamaica is a resort area located on the crystal clear Caribbean Sea and famous for its iconic Seven Mile Beach, which is frequently named one of the best beaches in the world. You will also find majestic cliffs, mysterious caves on the West End, and epic sunset spots. We took a family trip to Negril, Jamaica during the Winter break a few years ago.
We stayed at Riu Negril, a beautiful property with turquoise waters and white sand beaches where we enjoyed the early morning walks, relaxed while the kids played table tennis or volleyball or built sandcastles, and watching the sunsets everyday!
After Sunset we would eat dinner at one of the a la carte restaurants in our all-inclusive resort (considered one of the top resorts in Negril). Most required a reservation. At night, you can dance to the best Jamaican beats at the Pacha club or listen to the live music or entrainment that they put together, which was cheesy but catchy.
Things to do near Negril, Jamaica
There are plenty of opportunities for adventure-seekers to get an adrenaline rush in Negril Jamaica, whether it be a zip-line high above the ground with the Caribbean Sea as your backdrop, ATV rides, cliff jumping or deep sea fishing!
Where you get to all these things to do in Negril or just enjoy a cocktail or two with your toes in the sand on the 7 mile beach or spend your time building sandcastles, you are sure to leave with some great memories.
See crocodiles sunning in the mangroves
We did a trip to see Jamaica’s natural wonders of mangroves and to YS Falls. We saw crocodiles sunning when we went on the boat tour to the mangroves.
Visit the YS Falls
Set amid the lush landscape of St Elizabeth parish, YS Falls stands 120 feet tall and provides a naturally beautiful place to cool off and play in the water. It is a scenic destination near Negril Jamaica with 7 waterfalls that cascade into natural swimming pools amid lush gardens.
You can swim in the cascading pools and swing through the air like Tarzan. Miss Tween was our daredevil who swung like a Tarzan and jumped into the natural pool.
Eat some Jerk Chicken
While you can have Jerk Chicken at the resort, if you want to venture out, try 3 Dives Restaurant and Bar, a popular spot in western Negril that offers some of the best jerk chicken in Jamaica. Their version of Jerk Chicken is accompanied by its own special sauce. They also have a good view of the sunset that you can enjoy while having a few drinks. In addition to the jerk chicken, you can also find grilled lobster with butter and callaloo. Vegetarians can also enjoy some callaloo(a green leafy dish cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, thyme ) along with rice and peas.
Go Deep Sea Fishing or Snorkeling
In the Jamaican waters, you can catch dolphin fish, tuna, marlin, mahi mahi and plenty of other tropical fish, plan a day out in the Sea with a boat captain for some deep-sea fishing.
Not up for fishing, then try snorkeling in the shallow Negril Reef that has tiny jellyfish, conch shells and a variety of urchins and even some sea fans. At Half Moon Beach and Pristine Cove, you can marvel at the beautiful coral reefs, while Booby Cay Island has a vibrant marine life and great visibility.
We opted for a glass bottom boat tour to see all the colorful fishes.
Visit the Rhodes Hall Plantation
Many Caribbean islands offer a chance to visit historic plantations, The Rhodes Hall Plantation is one such venue in Jamaica. The 18th-century estate and working fruit plantation is located on the coast near Negril.
Horseback riding tours of the estate are available, as are hikes, beach excursions, and tours near the crocodile-infested mangroves!
Cliff jumpers and sunset at Rick’s Café & Bar
Located on a cliff 35 feet high in the western part of Negril, adventure loves come to jump off this cliff and into the cool, deep blue waters below. They jump for the thrill of it or to explore the cove nearby. If you’re not into the cliff jumping, you can sit back, grab a bite to eat or even chill in a cabana as you take in the breathtaking sunset! One of the best in Jamaica!
Photos from our winter trip to Negril, Jamaica
Other Resorts in Negril, Jamaica
Negril has some of the best resorts and villas in Jamaica. Other than Riu where we stayed at here are a couple of other good resorts in Negril:
Beaches Negril, family friendly resort with a waterpark
Sandals Negril, an adults-only resort in Negril
Hope this inspired you to plan a trip to Negril, Jamaica!
Have you been to Jamaica? Which is your favorite family beach destination?
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