Negril Jamaica

Interesting Negril Facts

When Christopher Columbus arrived, he was so enamored with the scenery, he called the area Golfo de Buen Tiempo, Fair Weather Gulf.
The Spanish gave Negril its name in 1494, originally called Negrillo, "little black ones;" while stories vary, it's possible that the town founders were inspired by the large number of black eels in the water or the distinctive black cliffs.
Negril long has been an agriculturally rich area; even today, you can tour sugar plantations and explore groves of pimento trees whose berries are known as allspice.
The Royal Palm Preserve was created to preserve Great Morass wetlands, an important wildlife habitat home to towering palm trees.
The Negril Lighthouse, built in in 1894, occupies the westernmost point in Jamaica.
Several species of hummingbirds make their home in Negril, including the national bird of Jamaica, the doctor bird, also called the swallow-tailed hummingbird.

Negril, a laid-back and charming seaside town, lies on the western tip of Jamaica, just over an hour from the cruise ship paradise of Montego Bay. Negril is many things at once, a picture of Jamaica itself; it's modern with a long history, packed with things to do while feeling remote, and home to several resorts without feeling crowded. With its all-inclusive hideaways, long stretches of golden-sand beaches and longlist of natural wonders, Negril is a delight to visit in any season. Its visitors are also treated to beautiful sunsets, the azure waters of the Caribbean and black cliffs rising over the seas.

This island scenery has long captured the attention of its visitors, first with Christopher Columbus and later with vacationers looking for an all-inclusive getaway. Author Ian Fleming spent 20 years vacationing in Jamaica, writing many of the James Bond novels while on holiday to this delightful slice of paradise. Today's visitors also discover the charms of Negril no matter what time of year they arrive on the west coast of Jamaica.

The coastline of Western Jamaica features dramatic scenery that beckons people to come and explore. The town's main beach, Seven Mile Beach, seems to stretch on forever. Technically, it's more like four miles, but regardless, this is one of the best beaches in Jamaica. Along this stretch of soft golden sand, much of the activity of Negril takes place. All-inclusive resorts, restaurants, nightspots, and other visitor amenities are all in hand, just a few steps away from the lovely waters of the Caribbean. But the beach, also called Negril Beach, is also a place to experience the typical shoreline experiences, including swimming and sunbathing. With warm temperatures year-round, there's not a bad time to visit Seven Mile Beach.

Once the sun sinks below the horizon and views of the Caribbean Sea fade into the darkness, Negril transforms from a quiet beach town to one of the finest places on the island to enjoy the nightlife. Bourbon Beach specializes in live entertainment and some of the finest jerk chicken served in Jamaica. Located right along Seven Mile Beach, the hotspot typically springs to life at 9 p.m. when the concerts begin. Another favorite nightspot, Rick's Café is so much more than a restaurant. It's a place to catch live music, gather to watch the sunset each evening, and enjoy tropical cocktails.

In this beach town, fun things to do are found both on and underneath the water. For a chance to get away from it all, a kayak excursion will give the chance to connect with nature and paddle away from all of the noise and hustle back on land. At the Negril Marine Park, another natural wonderland is awaiting those who strap on a snorkel and take a peek into what lies beneath. Without a lot of equipment or expensive prep time, snorkeling offers entry into a tropical paradise filled with color and brilliant life. For those who would like to experience the scenery without getting wet, a relaxing boat ride is the way to go. As the captain narrates the experience, passengers enjoy the sun on their shoulders, often with a cocktail in hand. More adventurous experiences await as well, including diving, wildlife watching at the Royal Palm Preserve, horseback rides on the beach and windsurfing.

Jamaican cuisine is much loved around the world, especially by anyone who appreciates fresh food and spicy flavors. The most famous dish of Jamaica is jerk chicken, flavored with two island specialties: the Scotch bonnet pepper and allspice, which the locals call pimento. While the most common preparation is chicken, other meats can be prepared with the jerk spice mix. Restaurants throughout Negril also serve curry goat, also featuring the peppers, which are similar in heat and taste to the habanero pepper. The dish, often served with rice and plantains, is considered party food for occasions ranging from weekends to national holidays. While these two dishes might be the best known, they're just the beginning of the picture. The Negril dining scene includes chic eateries located at its beach resorts as well beachfront restaurants specialize in both local cuisine and international flavors.