NEGRIL EXCURSIONS

We offer the MOST competitive rates for excursions as we work directly with the tour operators here in Jamaica... Feel free to compare our rates!

NEGRIL EXCURSIONS

We offer the MOST competitive rates for excursions as we work directly with the tour operators here in Jamaica... Feel free to compare our rates!

Listed below are some popular excursions from Negril:

Listed below are some popular excursions from Negril:

Karandas Tours
Limited

Friday, November 15, 2024

Welcome to Negril & Lucea Excursions

Welcome to Negril. The name "Negril" is a shortened version of "Negrillo," as it was originally named by the Spanish in 1494. The name is thought to be a reference to the black cliffs south of the village. Although Negril has a long history, it did not become well known until the second half of the twentieth century. Negril's development as a resort location began during the late 1950s, though access to the area proved difficult as ferries were required to drop off passengers in Negril Bay, forcing them to wade to shore. Most vacationers would rent rooms inside the homes of Jamaican families, or would pitch tents in their yards. The area's welcoming and hospitable reputation grew over time and the first of many resorts were constructed in the mid to late 1960s.

 When the road between Montego Bay and Negril was improved in the early 1970s, it helped to increase Negril's status as a new resort location. It was a two-lane paved road that ran approximately 100 yards (91 m) inland from two white coral sand beaches, at the southern end of which was a small village. The long paved road from the village ran north to Green Island, home to many of the Jamaican workers in Negril, and was straight enough to double as a runway for small airplanes, which was why there were lengths of railroad track standing on end along the side of the road - to discourage drug smugglers from landing on the road to pick up cheap cargos of marijuana.

After Negril's infrastructure was expanded -- anticipating the growth of resorts and an expanding population, a small airport, the Negril Aerodrome, was built in 1976 near Rutland Point, alongside several small hotels mostly catering to the North American winter tourists. Europeans also came to Negril, and several hotels were built in order to cater directly to those guests.Negril was named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494 but has little history except as a haven for shipping. In 1702 British Admiral Benbow sailed into Negril and regrouped his forces after his ill-fated encounter with the French under Admiral DuCasse and in 1818 fifty warships and 6600 men sailed from Negril to tackle the American rebels and were put to fight the battle of New Orleans. The infamous Pirates Calico Jack and Anne Bonney were captured in Negril and were executed near Port Royal. 

Negril remained relatively unknown until the 60’s and 70’s, when American “flower children”, college kids and Vietnam veterans gravitated towards the West End. They lived in the homes of locals and shared family meals and came in ever increasing numbers. Soon more luxurious hotels were built which appealed to a wider range of visitor and visitor numbers increased significantly. The influx of visitors led to the formation of The Negril Chamber of Commerce in 1983. The Chamber’s aim is to foster the business community and to support Negril’s businesses, visitors and locals. Several environmental agencies were also formed in Negril to provide solutions for environmental issues affecting the area. They include the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society (NCRPS) and The National Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT). Negril.com was formed 10 years ago and is the premier destination website for Negril and other popular areas of Jamaica. No doubt Negril.com has done its share to expose Negril to some of the over 300,000 visitors who come here every year.

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