Thank you for visiting our site on Negril, Jamaica. Below is a brief history of Negril followed by a description of trips, shopping, restaurants and night life. Once you are finished reading be sure to visit our main page for: other towns of Jamaica, pictures of Jamaica, facts about Jamaica and other Jamaican links.

Negril has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call tollfree for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

To introduce Negril, we have to quote Richard Hershman, the original owner of Rick's Cafe: " Your body has suddenly arrived where your mind has always been".

This description seems adequate. But we have space to fill; and if you have a few moments to spare, then read on.

Negril was recently discovered. Even young middle-aged Jamaicans remember when Negril was really nothing more than a lighthouse to guide ships around the rocky western coast, and its population consisted mostly of land crabs... big red ones, good for eating. Tourist accommodation consisted of one house, which could be rented, called Llandtrissant, no doubt built by a Welsh resident in the first half of the century.

Llandtrissant is still there. But it has neighbours... hostelries accommodating thousands of tourists nowadays.

Even after Negril began its first tentative steps on the road to resort fame, it maintained a very low profile, but it was impossible to keep such a place secret and so, inevitably, the trickle of visitors became a flow, and then a flood.

The first to discover Negril's charms were the "Hippies and Flower Children" of the early seventies, who naturally gravitated to the laid-back lifestyle here and related to the warmth and gentleness of the sparse population. Their influx led to the development of Negril's West End on the cliffs beyond the lighthouse.

Hippies were followed closely by the better-heeled visitor whose concept of paradise went beyond a hammock and palm-thatched bohio; so luxury hotels began to sprout. The eighties saw even more expansion as Negril's fame spread and those same hippies, now lawyers, doctors and businessmen, began to return to recapture the idyll for a couple of weeks each year.

The hippies left their mark forever on Negril, and helped to create its carefree, unhurried atmosphere where friendships spring up between visitor and local, making Negril the ideal place to meet Jamaicans on their own turf.

Nowadays the people of Negril seem to be aware of their uniqueness and exhibit a pride in their territory which almost becomes a nationalistic attitude. They take great delight in telling the tale of the promoter who marketed Negril so skillfully that one arriving tourist was heard to exclaim: "But this is Jamaica, I thought we were going to the island of Negril".

Nature blessed Negril and ensured her place in the tourist world with two shimmering beaches, stretching seven crystal white sand miles. Bloody Bay (so called because whales were once slaughtered here) is a horseshoe haven. Long Bay, as the name will tell you, barely curves. Their equal are to be found nowhere in the Caribbean.

Hotels, none more than two stories high, grace the shoreline and most of them welcome the day visitor who can use their beach facilities for a small fee or the cost of a few drinks at their beach bars.

Paradise comes in another guise as you leave this seven-mile strip and pass the roundabout in what could be called the centre of Negril. From here the road meanders along to the West End, where hotels and restaurants cling to the cliff's edge. Here there is no beach. White sand gleams from the seabed. Here there are caves to explore, and rocky bluffs where heroism can be added to holiday pastimes and doughty souls may hurl themselves from dizzying heights into the crystalline waters below.

Negril occupies no great place in the history books and especially not in the annals of naval warfare. British Admiral Benbow sailed ruefully into Negril (christened Negrillo by Spanish discoverers in 1494) and regrouped his forces after his ill-fated encounter with the French under Admiral DuCasse.

It was also from Negril that in 1814 the British expeditionary force reached New Orleans where they were defeated by Andrew Jackson two weeks after the Treaty of Ghent had already ended the 1812 war.

Negril was not too lucky for pirates, either. The infamous Calico Jack and Anne Bonney disported themselves in this area and were finally captured here. No doubt Negril's charm caused them to let down their guard.

It is easy to explore Negril. After all, it only has one road, and it runs along the beach or the foreshore. Take it easy and walk along the beach or the main highway (Norman Manley Boulevard). If you feel impelled to rush, push-bikes and motor bikes can be hired.

There are shopping plazas at the roundabout in the center of Negril and one on the hotel strip. There are also two crafts markets which are not difficult to find.

This then, is Negril, as close to the conflagration of a Caribbean sunset as you can get in Jamaica, without falling off.

Places to Visit in Negril, Jamaica

Negril has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call tollfree for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

Belvedere Estate
Belvedere is a family-owned estate set on one thousand acres a short distance from Negril. It was one of the first sugar cane plantations in Jamaica and is still a working estate. The owner, Mr. Pat McGann, has opened it up so that visitors can share the natural beauty of its rivers and waterfalls, its ruins and exotic plants and birds. Call 952-6001.

Tours of Negril
The Negril Yacht Club offers a relaxing day-trip to Little Bay and a more extended trip to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. Custom tours are also available, 957-9224

Ja-Ja Originals
Studio and art gallery is located at Coco La Palm Resort on Norman Manley Boulevard has a unique selection of paintings, sculptures, carvings and hand-crafted jewelry designed by talented Jamaican artists. Visit their web site www.jajaoriginals.com 957-4326

Diving in Negril
Negril Scuba Centre located at Mariner's Negril Beach Club will introduce you to the wonders of the Jamaican deep with courses for beginners as well as more advanced divers. Call 957-4425

Negril Light House
Perhaps the most distinctive landmark in Negril. Built in 1894, it was originally operated by kerosene.

Rhodes Hall
For horseback riding, expert guides will ensure your mount is right for you whether you are a novice or an experienced rider. A two-hour ride takes you through banana and coconut groves and high into the hills. Crocodile watching is a highlight of the tour. Climax is an exhilarating gallop, or trot, or walk, along the beach, according to desire or ability. Rhodes Hall offers air conditioned seaside villas with fully-equipped kitchens. 957-6334

Water sports in Negril
The Negril Yacht Club, located on the Lighthouse Road in Negril is the single-stop location for water sports. It offers kayak and snorkel rentals with some of the best snorkeling in town. Daily sunset and nude cruises are available as well as water taxi to the beach and glass bottom boat tours. Deep sea fishing charters run from the Yacht Club as well. 957-9224

Cambioman
Located at Risky Business on Norman Manley Boulevard will give you a highly competitive exchange rate. 995-8016

Restaurants in Negril, Jamaica

Hunan Garden Chinese Restaurant at Country is the only restaurant to offer authentic Chinese food with a chef straight from Hong Kong. The restaurant's decor is warmly inviting and the Sunday dim sum breakfast is a real treat. 957-4273.

Kuyaba is one of Negril's finest and most romantic restaurants with a reputation for superb food. Located right by the sea, it offers complete beach services and is a great place to spend your days swimming and sunning. Architecturally beautiful, with waterfalls, tropical foliage, exotic birds and even more exotic drinks, it is a place you shouldn't miss. Call to be picked up for the beach, breakfast, lunch or dinner. 957-4318.

Margueritaville Negril located on the beach on Norman Manley Boulevard claims the title of Negril's hippest party bar. A day of fun includes bouncing around on the giant water trampoline, lounging in waterside sky chairs and sipping one of the 52 tropical flavours of margueritas. The delicious all-day menu includes burgers, fajitas, grilled specialities and authentic local fare. You haven't experienced Negril if you haven't experienced Margueritaville. 957-4467

Negril Yacht Club
In the West End is a most convivial spot offering interesting company, drinks and food right on the ocean's edge. The menu is extensive with both Jamaican and North American dishes. 957-9224.

Robinson Crusoe at Footeprints hotel is right on the beach as you might guess from its name. The original Robinson was never so lucky. It serves Jamaican food and international specialities such as Dahl and Roti. Their beach barbecue with a live Mento band should not be missed. 957-4300.

Xtabi's restaurant perches high on the cliff overlooking the bay. A pleasant spot at any time, it must rank as one of the most romantic spots in Jamaica by candlelight, especially on those nights when the full moon sparkles in the waters of the bay. Seafood is their speciality and the fish is caught daily. 957-4336.

2007 Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon

Come and run in Jamaica's paradise. Negril is as lovely as Nature created it, and has embraced an event that is so natural, all it takes is your breath away! Join us on a mostly flat out and back course running along the North Coast of the island for the full or the half marathon.

Thu. Nov 29th - Negril - Thursday Before Race Day
Marathon Expo - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (12 noon to 5:00pm)
Registration Opens - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (12 noon to 5:00pm)

Fri. Nov. 30th - Negril - Friday Before Race Day
Marathon Expo - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (10:00am to 9:00pm)
Registration - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (10:00am to 9:00pm)
JHTA Pasta Party - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (5:30pm to 7:30pm)
Village Bash - Burger King Parking Lot, Negril Town Square (8:00pm)

Sat. Dec 1st - Negril - Race Day
Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon start - Long Bay Beach Park (5:15am)
Marathon Expo - Couples Swept Away Sporting Complex (12 noon to 9:00pm)
Victory Party & Awards Ceremony (5:00pm to 9:00pm)

You can contact them at:

Reggae Marathon Ltd.
87-89 Tower Street, Kingston, Jamaica
Phone: 876-922-8677 ; 876-922-8673
Fax: 876-922-0155

2006 Jamaica Carnival

Below is the schedule of events for Carnival 2006:

Sun. Mar 5th - Kingston - Carnival Heart Institute of Jamaica 3k Walk.

Fri. Mar 10th - Negril - Carnival Ocean Blue. Come out in your Blue - Jungle Club.

Sat. Mar 18th - Junction - Carnival Mermaids in Green. Come out in your Green - Pines Centre.

Sat. Mar 25th - St. Thomas - Carnival Three Finger Jack. Come dressed as Pirates and Wenches - Colonel Cove.

Sun. Mar 26th - New Kingston - Carnival Harbour Blast. Sailors in White - Street Dance.

Sun. Apr 2nd - Port Antonio - Carnival Sinking Sands. Beach Party - Folly Grounds.

Sat. Apr 8th - May Pen - Carnival May Day. Red Alert wear something red - Jamalco Sports Club.

Sun. Apr 9th - Montego Bay - Carnival Bay Watch. Beach Skimpy & Hot - (Mid-Nite Mas).

Sun. Apr 16th - St. Ann - Carnival Chukka Cove. Tidal Wave - Ride the Waves.

Sat. Apr 22nd - Kingston - Carnival Vintage vs Soca - Pegasus Poolside.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Kingston Road Parade.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Grand Finale and Last Hurrah Concert at the National Stadium.

LINKS TO INFO ON OTHER JAMAICAN TOWNS

Below is a list of other major towns in Jamaica:

Kingston

Port Antonio

Ocho Rios

Montego Bay

Negril

Mandeville & the South Coast