
Top Ten Negril Attractions
Negril is a laid-back vacation destination known more for its long stretch of beautiful beaches and relaxed casual atmosphere. It is not a destination to choose if you are looking for lots of action and activities. Nevertheless, like many people, you might want to take a break from you hotel or the beach and explore a little bit of Jamaica outside the confines of you resort and the Negril strip.
Taking a tour or excursion is nice way to break up your vacation and see some of real natural beauty of Jamaica. As I alluded to before, Negril is not a destination like Montego Bay or Ocho Rios and as such the activities and attractions are not going to be off-the-chart in excitement. Here is the top ten list of attractions and activities I think you should try if you need to take a break from your everyday Negril routines.
The Royal Palm Reserve is one of Jamaica's main Eco-tourism attractions. It is an beautiful and tranquil forest within the Negril Great Morass. You can enjoy nature walks, picnics, fishing, and bird watching. You'll get a chance to see many wildlife which resides in the thick and dense mangroves. These include the endangered national bird, the "Doctor Bird", herons, egrets, black parakeets, numerous butterflies.
Sheffield, Negril Phone 957-3890 This is unpretentious but challenging 18-hole par 72 course in beautiful Caribbean setting. If you need a break from the beach, this is a way to spend a relaxing day and get back in the "swing" of things. This is one of Jamaica's top rated golf course.
If you happen to have kids, this place is great way to spend the day. It has a carousel and power wheels which the kids are sure to enjoy. There is also a 18-hole miniature golf course, go-kart racetrack, paddle boats. You can also enjoy hiking and fishing in the well-stocked pond.
At 100 feet above sea level, this is the highest structure in Negril. Built in 1895, the lighthouse is used to guide ships safely around Jamaica's western edge and uses solar power. The iron steps to the top are steep so make sure you are in good health before attempting to climb this structure.
This is an old sugar plantation that also offers accommodations. But you go there just for a tour of the plantation or to do horseback riding and scuba diving.
If you visit Negril, then you must go to Ricks Cafe. You will witness some the most beautiful sunset in your life. While here, you can enjoy dinner as well as you favorite cocktails or beers. Watch teenage boy take death defying plunge from high cliffs to the sea below. Of course, there is great reggae music for you dancing pleasure.
A little American familiarity in Negril. This is great place to get "wasted" or dance the night away. A very Lively and electric party atmosphere in a open-air seaside setting, this is a great place to hang with friends. You can watch sporting events on big screen TVs or just listen and grove to some great reggae music.
Tucked in a Valley between two mountains is Appleton Estate, Jamaica's oldest rum distillery. Take a guided tour through the fermenting and distilling processes that turns sugar cane into rum, sugar, and molasses. You may get to squeeze cane juice from sugar cane and see how they harvest the sugar cane. At the end of the tour, you will get to taste all the different brand of rum made by Appleton Estate and get to take home a complimentary bottle of rum.
This attractions is located about 1 1/2 hours from Negril. It is a day tour and is often combined with guided tour or Black River. Although not as popular as Dunn's River Falls, YS it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Jamaica and set in a pristine environment on the unspoilt South coast of Jamaica. The great thing about YS Falls is that it is never crowded. Be sure to bring you swim suit, trunks, and pair of water shoes as well as a pair for walking.
This is a good tour if you love nature and want to avoid the crowds. You actually hike up the river which has several places where you can swim around. It is much closer to Negril than both Dunn's River or YS Falls.