Travel Photo Thursday: Negril
Negril is located on the western tip of Jamaica. It got its name from the Spanish word, Negrillo, which either refers to the black cliffs south of this small community or the black eels that used to be found along its coast.
Whenever I go to this world famous spot, I always think of my first visit. I was 10 or 11 years old at the time. All Negril was then was a main road, the beach, a couple places to stay and a few houses. I wish I had photos.
Thirty-plus years later, Negril is a busy resort area that plays host annually to more visitors than the estimated 3,000 people who live there year round. It is this year’s Spring Break destination. Its well known white-sand beach is lined with all inclusive hotels, guest houses and cottages, and its main road — the only way in — now a boulevard that bears a famous name: Norman Manley, national hero and leader.
I took these photos on my most recent trip.
Negril - Early morning beach scene
Negril - Beach scene
Negril - Beach sign
There might be no nude bathing allowed but I did see a few nude sunbathers.
Negril - Starfish
This starfish was washed ashore just as I walked by.
Negril - Beach scene
Negril - Riu Hotel
Negril - Waiting for the sunset, Rick's Cafe
Rick’s Cafe has been a fixture in Negril for about 30 years. Crowds gather to watch the sunset with the same enthusiasm as they do in Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Years Eve, except there are fewer people.
Negril sunset
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website.
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
Looks like a great getaway with swimming year-round !
It sure is, Mike.
Twitter: talestold
says:
Nice shots. I’ve been to the British Virgin Islands, but not Jamaica.
Dick Jordan recently posted..Love Found on the Road: Dante, Mayo and the Libidinous Finns
Thanks, Dick! I’ve not been to the BVI, but from the photos, they look absolutely beautiful.
Twitter: travelnwrite
says:
Oh, I do love the beach and sunsets. These make me want to be on one instead of watching it rain in the Pacific Northwest!
Jackie Smith recently posted..TP Thursday: The Train in Spain
The sun will come out again, Jackie. Hope it’s warm there.
Twitter: scaseandscups
says:
Such warm, wonderful pictures on a cold day.
Jessica recently posted..Rules are What you Make Them: Paving Your Own Way Through Family Travel
Hope it reminded you that spring’s around the corner.
Twitter: TravelingWithS
says:
Beautiful Negril captured so well in your photos. That starfish is really cool.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Inside Passages
Thanks, Cathy. Yeah, it was and it just washed ashore as we walked by.
Jamaica is really beautiful! I’ve only been to Montego Bay. (I think the resort was in a place called “Runaway Bay” if I remember correctly.)
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Photo Essay: Colorful Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
It sure is, Michael. Yes, I know Runaway Bay, it’s in St. Ann, the neighboring parish so you would have landed in Montego Bay.
Twitter: hikebiketravel
says:
As beautiful as it looks now, I bet it’s state 30 years ago was even prettier. Lovely sunset photo and I can see why the tourists come.
Leigh recently posted..A Room With a View at Tonto National Monument
It was. Lots of lush green everywhere. There’s never a bad sunset in Negril.
I like places where people gather to watch the sunset. It’s a cool sort of community of people enjoying nature.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..State of the blog at one year
It is, isn’t it, Scott? Your right, it’s a pretty cool communal experience.
Twitter: thismyhappiness
says:
Looks lovely. I would like to go to Jamaica one of these days. Seems so relaxing.
Jenna recently posted..The Carmel Mission in Photos
Hope you do one of these days. Yes, Negril is known for its laid back attitude.
Twitter: AnwarYafai
says:
Lovely! Wow makes me wish for an end to winter
Anwar recently posted..Friday Photo: Parliament House of Canada
Winter’s definitely on the wane but a trip to the beach would help.
Thanks for visiting Anwar.
Twitter: worldbooktravel
says:
Those early morning scenes are beautiful and look so peaceful. We heard so much about Negril during our trip to Jamaica but never made it. Love the sunset photo.
Mary recently posted..A Stop in El Morro, Puerto Rico
It is quite peaceful, not very many people out. Negril’s definitely worth a visit, even if only for a day.
Twitter: SophieR
says:
Negril looks very pretty. Love the sunset!
Sophie recently posted..Sunday snapshots – Sunrise at Taj Mahal
It is quite pretty and well-known for its sunsets.
Twitter: rwethereyetmom
says:
GORGEOUS!!! I love the photos – makes we want to hop a plane and go hang out at Rick’s!
Becca recently posted..Friday Daydreamin’: Still in LOVE!
You won’t be disappointed, Becca. It’s a great hang out spot.
Twitter: countryskipper
says:
I love beaches in general! Your pics of this one are beautiful and make me want to head there
Sabrina recently posted..What Do People Eat in China? Dragon Fruit
Me too, Sabrina. They’re quite soothing and I love the feel of sand under my feet.
Hope you find your way to Negril or some other beach soon.
Twitter: artofslowtravel
says:
oh how I miss the beach!
Denise recently posted..Picture Perfect: in Love with the Berliner Dom
Hope you get to go soon, Denise. It’s such a beautiful, soothing place to be.
Twitter: www.totsymae.com
says:
Now, that’s the place to be. It looks so clean.
I can see that people couldn’t help stripping down. To enjoy the beach in its purest form, you know.
So, you’re good and settled now?
totsymae1011 recently posted..100 Words: Nobody Could Love Him More
It’s definitely a beautiful place, Totsy. I didn’t even think of it being clean, it was just so nice to walk the beach in the morning and watch the sun come up.
Well, not yet. Still feel like I’m on an extended vacation. Coming this way anytime?
Twitter: www.totsymae.com
says:
Not anytime soon. A vacation would be nice. Did I tell you a friend of mine was building his retirement home there? He’s Jamaican. He’s invited me to visit once it’s done. He still goes every year. Me? I think I’m trying to make a buncha money rather than vacationing at the moment.
totsymae1011 recently posted..Live Drawing/Painting Lessons
Vacations are always nice! Yes, you did. Hopefully, by the time he’s finished, you’ll visit?
I know what you mean about making money. Will have to do the same so I can take a vacation later.
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
Gorgeous! I would love to visit Negril some day. I’ve seen stunning photos and heard great things. Beautiful photos.
ElizOF recently posted..Reflections: Just Sit & Be Still…
Let me know when you’re coming, Elizabeth. I’ll be your tour guide.