Getting close to the beaches and forests is one of the best ways to feel refreshed from the chaotic city life. And there’s no better place to plan a great escape this summer other than the dispersed beach resort town of Negril.
Tucked away in the western tip of Jamaica, Negril emerges as one of the hottest destinations in this lush, tropical country. Negril is a laid-back coastal town with everything leisure-related tucked into one place.
No matter what your heart is after, either a lazy day staying put on the beach watching the sunset, treating your empty stomach with a scrumptious Jamaican meal at a stellar restaurant, or screaming your heart out jumping off a hidden cliff, Negril has everything it takes to be your next favorite place.
Venturing out to Negril for the first time but not sure what to do? Read on to find out the six coolest things to do in Negril and rock this summer paradise in your own way.
Walk the Seven Mile Beach
No visit to Negril is complete without hitting one of its most celebrated beaches. The fine coral sandy shoreline pressed against the turquoise water dotted with deckchairs becomes the biggest hook for anyone seeking a lush, tropical paradise this upcoming weekend.
Not only is Seven Mile the most visited beach in Negril but also recognized as “The Caribbean’s Best Beach” by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine. Snorkeling and swimming with the sea turtles are the most popular activities here. On any given sunny day, you will see outdoor enthusiasts and families with kids coming over to this deserted part of town to keep up with the main happenings.
Looking for something fun and thrilling to enjoy the waves to the fullest? Rent one of the jet skis going offshore and admire all the coral reefs underneath. Planning to stay put and relax for a day? Put your sunscreen on and take one of the deckchairs to enjoy the dramatic sunset casting its glitters over the crystal water to call it a day.
Set Sail on a Fishing Cruise
Negril is one of the most famous parts of Jamaica where fishing charter companies are at full capacity year-round. Get a troll offshore as far as eight miles looking out for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Blue Marlin. Fall going on to March is the perfect time to spot migrating sperm whales. Meanwhile, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins can be seen year-round.
Joining a fishing cruise is a top call for those looking to celebrate the abundant ecosystem and marine life outside the shore of Negril to the fullest. Chumming, chunking and spinning cast around hidden logs and weed lines are parts of the great fun.
Let Loose at Kool Runnings Adventure Park with Your Little Ones
Negril’s stunning beaches are great but it doesn’t mean you have to stick to the shoreline all day! Get on an invigorating adventure and scream your hearts out at one of the most famous attractions in town with your kids and put a bright smile on their faces. This massive theme park is home to gigantic water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a heap of games, and even an artificial island inside.
Kool Runnings Adventure Park is all about crazes and adventures. Start the day at one of the water slides and wrap it up at the new Adventure Zone or Park Mascot. Even though the recommended time to spend here is three hours, you may want to linger a little bit longer so make sure to clear half of your day!
Getaway to Mayfield Falls
Nestled deep in the woods of Westmoreland, Mayfield Falls is a beautiful place to hide out with your loved ones and be close to nature as much as possible. Mayfield is an eco-tourism attraction, split into two calm waterfalls and comprises 21 natural pools.
A day at Mayfield Falls will cleanse your mind and help you unplug from the social buzz. Everything that surrounds you is either exotic flowers, plant species, rare birds, ginger, turmeric, or wicker. Listen to the rumbling sound of the falls as you strap on the water shoes before marshaling up a rocky river that leads to the falls on a small hike. If this is not enough to complete your day, we don’t know what is!
Visit Bobby Cay Island on a Glass Bottom Boat
Bobby Cay Island is a sweet little gem nestled between Seven Mile Beach and Bloody Bay. You can set sail on a glass-bottom boat within a few minutes to the island for snorkeling in the morning before settling with some hearty Caribbean lobster bites and grilled chicken for lunch.
Bobby Cay is the biggest hook for picnickers, snorkelers, sunbathers, and foodies. A massive series of coral reefs swathing around the island makes it some of the best places in Negril for snorkeling and scuba diving. Even though the island remains open to the public all day long, the best time to hit the island is in the morning, especially if you want to try its world-famous lobsters.
Friendly reminder: lobsters on Bobby Cay Island are usually sold out by 3 pm.
Throw a Romantic Dinner at Bongos Restaurant
Located right on the Negril strip as part of the Sandy Haven Resort, Bongos restaurant is a cozy, dimly-lit restaurant to take your spouse on a date. You can choose between stylish indoor seating and patio tables outdoors to book your seat.
Get some fine wines at the ready to pair with some pan-fried snapper filet glazed with jerk aioli and parmesan cheese. Then move on with a succulent whole lobster tail drizzled with garlic lemon butter while the tropical rhythm and piano blues are on the play.
Other than the fusion surf and turf, vegetarian options are also available with ackee, vegetable, and mixed-bean stew with a cilantro-tomato sauce. Don’t forget to take a long stroll around Sandy Haven Resort to soak in its rural coastal vibe before dinner time!
Now that you have the six best things to do in Negril, Jamaica ranging from dining to adventures and family-friendly activities. Make sure to venture out to Negril from December to March when the weather is most settled and the temperature hovers between 23°C and 28°C!