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Negril

Negril was a sleepy, little fishing village until the American Hippies and some other adventuresome travelers discovered it in the Early 60's. People slept in hammocks on the beach or in makeshift cabanas right along side the working fishermen and other locals.

About Negril

The Negril area is basically divided into three separate and distinct areas. At the far Northwestern end are the large Hotels and the All Inclusive Resorts. Heading more to the South, you find the smaller hotels and restaurants lining both sides of the Norman Manley Blvd. (referred to as the Beach Road) that runs through that area to the roundabout. At the roundabout, a road goes West towards the town of Savanna-la-Mar while another goes further South and takes you to the Cliffs on the West End Road. Small, medium and small hotels, restaurants and other businesses are dotting both sides of the West End road until you reach the Negril Lighthouse. Generally, the Cliffs is the least expensive area to stay followed by the Beach Area up to the most expensive Hotels and All-Inclusives. However, there are several exceptions to that rule.

Places to See

Roaring River & Blue Hole

Not to be confused with the Roaring River that is a tributary to the Dunns River in St. Anns, this Roaring River and Blue Hole are located just a few miles Northeast of Savanna La Mar in the little village of Shrewsbury. Shrewsbury was one of the 24 estates owned by Peter Beckford, a horse trader who arrived in 1660 and broke his neck some 50 years later when he intervened in a riot in the Jamaica House of Assembly.

There are two sources of the Roaring River. Once source of water gushes from and old aqueduct while the other is a Blue Hole where the upwelling of water flows down to meet the other source in a confluence at a 300-year-old Cottonwood tree. Part of the subterranean flow of this river passes through Karst limestone caverns snaking through a rock formation across the river from that tree. A footpath ascends up this rock outcropping to a locked iron gate at the top of the path. Residents of the area have the key and provide guided tours for $10.00 US per person.

The cathedral-like caverns are quite large with a small amount of electrical light place conveniently out of sight providing a wonderful ambiance. Smaller pools and caverns branch off along the way requiring a small bit of stooping to avoid the overhanging formations. Be sure to bring a bathing suit and a towel, as the water is very clean and loaded with healing minerals. Dr. Scott, a Massage Therapist and Healer can be hired as a guide if you ask for him.

During the Winter Months, a Mento-like band plays songs in the caverns for your entertainment. The percussion is provided by striking pieces of bamboo with a stick and by cleverly playing a set of stalactites like a xylophone. A tip for their services is requested after the music is played. All along the passages, the guide points out, with his flashlight, shapes and textures in the walls and on the ceiling that through suggestion become recognizable animals and people. About a mile or so up a poorly maintained road is the Blue Hole that has been encircled by a private enterprise that charges a pricey admission. Rustic cabins are available to rent and I-tal food meals can be prepared. For all you people who desire to see a stellar attraction that has yet to be totally commercialized, Roaring River is the spot for you! Tour Guide/Massage Therapist, Dr. Scott Call him at 876-365-6173 for a Special Tour and Massage!

Mayfield Falls

A favorite arranged tour is provided by "The Riverwalk Tour" which is an excellent and well organized tour organization. You can just go there and hire a guide and go at your own pace as well. Mayfield Falls is a little more than an hour drive from Negril. Located just a few miles South of Pennycoke, Mayfield Falls has a newly constructed Bamboo Village on the Mayfield River. They have a Morning pick-up between 8:00am and 8:45am in an air conditioned mini-bus that will have you back by 3:00pm at your hotel. The River Walk Tour begins with bamboo bridge crossing into the Bamboo Village where you can walk through river currents and splash in 7 natural Jacuzzis. A short hike of less than a mile away can take you to the 21 waterfalls to enjoy. At the Bamboo Village you can get a private hut overlooking the Mayfield River too. As your tour ends, a Caribbean feast is served. Prepared fresh daily, a choice of Red Snapper or Chicken with Rice and Peas, vegetables and a non-alcoholic beverage. Dining at the river's edge is as special as the meal you are served! Full bar service in a separate hut is optional for those who desire. Tour Includes: Round Trip Transportation, Entrance to Bamboo Village, Guided Tour of Falls & Village & Lunch Overlooking the Mayfield River.

Operated by Bike Mountain Waterfall Tour Ltd.

For further information contact:

Royal Palm Reserve

The Royal Palm Preserve, a ten-minute drive from Negril, affords an experience deep in the heart of Jamaica. Established to protect the Morass Royal Palm (from which the preserve obtains its name and which grows in wetlands in western Jamaica), the preserve encompasses 300 acres of lush tropical environs unspoiled by development. On this quiet outing, follow a boardwalk to a lookout tower, fish for perch and tarpon in a lake, unveil that checkered blanket for a family picnic, or simply rent horses for a leisurely equine-enabled trek through the countryside.

For more information:

Negril Lighthouse

The lighthouse is located on the westernmost point of the island about 3 miles south of the center of Negril a short drive down West End Road. The 66' tall tower was built in 1894. It was powered by kerosene until 1956 when they switched over to acetylene. In 1985, they switched the power source over to solar energy. It flashes every 2 seconds through a prism made in Paris. There is no admission charge to visit the lighthouse. It is open 9 am to sunset daily. Superintendent Wilson Johnson will take you for a tour inside. There are 103 stairs that will take you to the top for a bird's eye view. It is suggested that you give Wilson a tip in exchange for his services. You can make a day trip out of this by packing a picnic lunch, and planning on spending the day on the lovely grounds of the lighthouse. There are some rather rickety stairs to the sea, but if you're careful you can get down there no problem. Snorkeling is great in the early morning and watch for the school of dolphins that love to swim just off of this point.

Little Bay

The "Negril" of 30 years ago this small fishing, farming and hand crafts community is just 10 miles south of Negril yet surprisingly remote and quiet. There are plenty of drivers in Little Bay who can make the trip to pick you up, no problem. Sand and coral beaches and warm tropical surroundings await you and welcome greetings like "Wa Go On" make neighborly introductions easy and hassle free. Easy up a bit an take a load off. The local community sends you a greeting an say "Galang Ta Little Bay" for an unforgettable change of mind. Try it, you'll love it. Go for a Mineral Spring Swim, also called Bob Marley's bathing spring, this brackish mineral spring is a great cool off spot on those sunny hot days, is an easy walk from anywhere and is near in the town center though private. Any local can show you the way. In February, look out for "Uncle Sam's" annual donkey races and it is a great way to sample the foods and drinks of Jamaica in a day of donkey racing competition with hugely entertaining riding and party time Jamaica style fun.