Bloody Bay beach

A heavenly beach of fine, white sand with turquoise waters. This is where the two RIU hotels in the area are located: the Clubhotel Riu Negril and the Hotel Riu Tropical Bay. Protected from the strong currents by a reef, Bloody Bay is perfect for water sports such as sailing, windsurfing or water skiing. Unlike the neighbouring beaches, it is very quiet and you will rarely see it full.

The nearby reef is home to colorful tropical fish, in what seems like an invitation to put on your diving goggles and explore. The Riu hotels will provide you with all the material necessary for discovering this wonderful bay.

Seven Mile Beach

An extremely long beach with very calm waters, perfect for bathing and all kinds of water sports. The beach is extremely lively, as it is lined with numerous bars and restaurants. It runs along the majority of Long Bay, a few minutes south of Bloody Bay.

Long Bay Beach Park

The natural continuation of Seven Mile Beach. Less busy than the former, it has no services or restaurants. Nudism is permitted here.

Rhodes Hall Plantation

A few kilometres north of Bloody Bay, on this beautiful beach, you can swim amidst bubbling thermal waters. At the southern end is one of mouths of the River Orange, where crocodiles are frequently seen.

The Great Morass

This large swampy area houses endemic birds and American crocodiles. Fed by the South Negril and Orange rivers, it begins very close to Bloody Bay and reaches around 3km inland.
In the Royal Palm Reserve, located in the centre of the mangrove, you can observe the flora and fauna from specially-prepared pathways and observation towers.
You can also contract canoeing excursions along the two rivers in the area. If you’re lucky, you will be able to see crocodiles and other reptiles.

Roaring River

This beautiful meadow is watered by a spring that has created a wet area with water lilies and water hyacinths. You can also access a nearby cave where you can bathe alongside inoffensive bats. The Blue Hole, a cavity formed by erosion, is also a good place for a refreshing dip.

Lucea

This picturesque coastal village, with its typical wooden houses with large porches, has managed to retain its Caribbean style. Lucea has several places of interest that are worth visiting:

Alexander Bustamante Square: Picturesque, and very lively. It is dedicated to the national hero who was the country’s first Prime Minister.

Courthouse: Its stone balustrades are a striking feature as is the large clock, which locals claim has never gone wrong since being installed 1817.

Hanover church: The church has a Jewish cemetery, bearing witness to what was once a vibrant Jewish community, no longer in existence now.

Cleveland Stanhope Market: Busy market containing local agricultural produce.

Snorkelling

The stretch of coast between the southern tip of Long Beach and West End offers shallow reefs ideal for snorkelling. The Hawksbill turtle, an endangered species, is very common in this area. There are guided tours to help you discover this part of the coast as well as possible.

Diving

There are many interesting diving sites on the coast of Negril, both for experts and beginners:

Long Bay: The reef that protects this bay is shallow and stands out for the dense colony of tube sponges that inhabit it. Ideal for beginners.

Aweemaway: Another shallow reef area. You will be able to dive amongst the docile schools of manta rays that inhabit the waters here.

West End: The grottoes and caves of West End are remarkable, and it is also a departure point for nighttime excursions. There is an abundance of Hawksbill turtles, an endangered species, in its waters.

The Throne: A 15-metre-wide cave with great biodiversity: giant sponges, sharks, rays and barracudas.

Cycling

There are several excursions available in the Negril Hills. The itineraries run along narrow goat tracks until reaching the highest peaks in the area. The views are incomparable.

Golf

Negril Hills Golf Club: An extremely good course that borders the marshy area of Great Morass. One word of advice: if you lose a ball in the water, don’t bother looking for it – it’s probably been swallowed by crocodiles!

Specialities

Peppers stuffed with crab: This tasty delicacy is a speciality from the west coast of Jamaica.

Meat: There is also an abundance of dishes made of fish, pork and goat with curry sauces and coconut milk. This delicious method of preparation is reminiscent of Indian food.

Rum: Nowhere in the Caribbean is there a greater variety of rum than in Jamaica. You will find all kinds, from smooth whites to extremely expensive amber-coloured rums.

Going out

Negril is famous all over Jamaica for its nightlife. The road bordering Long Bay, from Negril to Bloody Bay, is full of bars with a very good atmosphere indeed. Parties and concerts with reggae bands are also organised on the beach here. If you prefer a different kind of atmosphere, you can go to the RIU-Pacha nightclub on Bloody Beach, next to the two luxurious RIU hotels in the area.

Shopping

The two best places for shopping for local crafts are Rutland Point Craft Centre and Negril Crafts Market, in the village of Negril.
The ceramic creations known as Wassi art are very common in this area. They are usually made by local craftspeople, and their motifs are associated to the countryside, nature and the sea.