Popular Negril Excursions For A Fun-Filled Jamaica Getaway

Negril is a charming Jamaican town that is loved by travelers all over the world. Perhaps this alluring city has been calling your name, and you’re wondering if it’s really worth a visit. Our simple answer? Absolutely, yes!

Negril is, without a doubt, worth visiting since there are lots of amazing experiences you can have while there. In addition to Negril’s exquisite all-inclusive family resorts and its stunning white-sand beaches, there are tons of exciting excursions you can embark on while you’re in town. Imagine you and your family tearing down trails in a dune buggy, drifting lazily on a river raft, exploring the coastline on a powerboat, or catching a big one while deep-sea fishing! It will be a vacation none of you will ever forget.

Everything you can possibly imagine is beachside at Beaches Negril — from lively pools to restaurants and bars.

If you’re planning to visit Negril and want to add in some awesome activities, read on. We’ve compiled a list of our top 12 excursions and tours to give you some great ideas for an extraordinary stay!

Family-friendly excursions you can do in Negril, Jamaica

This is way more than just a beach town! Here are some fun excursions and tours to do while in Negril:

1. Negril Highlights Catamaran Cruise

A catamaran cruise is a great way to see the gorgeous island of Jamaica from a new perspective. On your visit to Negril, book the Negril Highlights Catamaran Cruise if you want to see some of the island’s best attractions. This oceanic adventure includes appetizers and cocktails that you can enjoy as you sail along the coastline.

You’ll admire the striking cliffsides, and spot popular landmarks like the Negril Lighthouse, and Rick’s Café, a bar that’s beloved for its great food, remarkable view of the sunset, and cliff jumping locals.

The Negril Highlights Catamaran Cruise also includes a stop at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for a delicious meal. We recommend doing this tour early on in your trip to Jamaica so you’ll preview some of the attractions you may want to visit later on.

2. Reggae Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling for the family

The Reggae Catamaran Cruise & Snorkeling family tour is another catamaran cruise available from Negril, Jamaica. This family-oriented excursion lasts for several hours and will ferry you to one of the best snorkeling spots in Jamaica.

Cruise along the open waters as Reggae beats fill the atmosphere and indulge in as many refreshments and drinks as you want! Once you’ve snorkeled among the vibrant creatures of the reef, you can soak up some sun and enjoy the onboard entertainment.

Next stop? Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville! You’ll love bouncing on the water trampolines at Margaritaville and splashing around in the Caribbean sea.

Expert tip: Be sure to pack your waterproof camera! It will come in handy for this tour. If you’re wondering what else to pack for your Jamaica vacation, check out our full guide.

3. Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Can you think of anything better than dancing to smooth Reggae beats while sailing across the ocean? If not, then the Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise might be just right for you.

This tour offers everything you’d expect on a catamaran cruise adventure — amazing views, great music, snorkeling, and lots of cocktails and appetizers.

Plus, you’ll learn some of the latest dance moves while grooving to the island beat. You can even freestyle if you prefer! As evening approaches, you’ll make one last stop at Rick’s Café. It’s one of the best bars in the Caribbean and the perfect place to take in a magical, tropical sunset.

4. Zipline, River Tubing at Great River, and Horseback Beach Ride

Combo tours are well-liked in Jamaica, especially if you’re on a short trip and want to do as many activities as possible. Try the Zipline, River Tubing at Great River, and Horseback Beach Ride for a blast of adventure and a chance to explore the west side of Jamaica.

This tour starts with a land and sea horseback ride that’ll take you to Reading Heights, which is known for its incredible views. There you’ll settle in for a tasty Jamaican lunch.

After lunch, it’s time for river tubing! See how fast you can make it to the end of the Great River where a beautiful waterfall and natural springs await you. Relax for a bit under the soothing waterfall, then make your way to the next segment of this tour — a 1,265-foot long zipline! The famous Inter-Parish Express is capable of propelling you through the lush forest canopy at speeds of over 35mph.

You’ll have the chance to cool down a bit afterward by plunging from a rope swing into the river for one last dose of adventure.

5. 4x4 Jeep Adventure to Mayfield Falls

Mayfield Falls is one of the most beautiful attractions in Jamaica. This stunning waterfall features 44 mineral pools and 21 natural jacuzzis, including the famous ‘Washing Machine’. Mayfield Falls offers the longest river walk in Jamaica and a chance to swim in underwater caves as well.

There are several ways to get to Mayfield Falls, Jamaica, but the 4x4 Jeep Adventure to Mayfield Falls is definitely one of the most exciting. On this tour, you’ll explore the rugged and alluring countryside of Jamaica as a part of a jeep safari, before arriving at Mayfield Falls.

You’ll learn a lot about Jamaican history on the way to the falls while soaking in the surrounding natural beauty.

6. Dune Buggy Sandy Bay Adventure

Dune buggies are always a good time. While you’re in Jamaica, try the Dune Buggy Sandy Bay Adventure for a chance to explore lesser-known parts of the island. You’ll explore a historic estate, tour a traditional Jamaican village, and roam freely over hills and plains on your dune buggy.

Powerful but easy to maneuver, these vehicles will give you a chance to let your hair down and see the best of Jamaica. This tour also includes a stop at a historic Presbyterian Church and plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

7. YS Falls Experience

No list of things to do in Negril, Jamaica would be complete without including YS Falls. This fantastic combination of seven waterfalls, numerous natural pools, and mesmerizing garden settings is just too gorgeous to skip.

While great for families, a trip to YS Falls can be a romantic excursion for couples as well. The YS Falls Experience includes a short, open-air jitney ride into the Jamaican countryside. Along the way, you’ll spot a variety of flora and fauna, as well as flowing rivers. Once you arrive at the falls, admire your dreamlike surroundings as you can trek the wooden walkways to the top of the falls. There, you’ll enjoy a refreshing dip into the natural pools.

8. Bamboo River Rafting at Martha Brae & Swamp Safari

The Bamboo River Rafting At Martha Brae Swamp Safari is an authentically Jamaican experience and is one of the most exciting things to do in Jamaica with kids. This adventure involves riding a 30-foot bamboo raft down the Martha Brae River in the parish of Trelawny.

You’ll see native plants and various species of wildlife, such as crocodiles in their natural habitat, while bamboo rafting in Jamaica. You may also run into raccoons, the Jamaican Boa Constrictor, the gray fox, the capuchin monkey, and more. You can also visit Jamaica’s largest walk-thru aviary as part of this experience.

9. Dolphin Royal Swim and Dunn's River Falls Experience

By combining dolphins and Dunn’s River Falls together, you get one of the most interesting tour options there is in Jamaica! If swimming with dolphins in a deepwater natural lagoon, then relaxing at a refreshing waterfall sounds like your idea of a good time, this is the tour for you.

So much is possible on this combo tour! You’ll interact with exotic birds, snakes, and iguanas along a nature trail, have a blast on the 40ft water slide, ride around in a mini-boat, snorkel, and interact with stingrays (withs barbs removed), before enjoying the most scrumptious buffet lunch. The tour concludes with a visit to Dunn’s River Falls, the famous, 600-foot waterfall loved by travelers from all over the world.

Good to know: As a part of the Dolphin Royal Swim and Dunn’s River Falls Experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to watch an exciting shark show performed with shark trainers!

10. Private Appleton Estate Historical Rum Tour

The Private Appleton Estate Historical Rum Tour will give you a chance to taste something truly special and Jamaica-made. Appleton Rum is world-famous, and this experience allows you to tour the estate where it’s made.

Learn some rum-making techniques, and try your hand at cane cutting if you wish. At the estate, you’ll watch as sugar cane is processed into rum, then try rum blending and cocktail making for yourself! You’ll leave knowing much more about rum-making than you did when you arrived.

Good to know: This tour includes a delicious Jamaican meal that you can enjoy with a tasty cocktail. There’s also a souvenir shop where you can pick up mementos for your loved ones.

11. Negril to Montego Bay Powerboat Adventure

There's a good reason this tour is considered the experience of a lifetime! The Negril to Montego Bay Powerboat Adventure is ideal if you’re the adventurous kind, or you’re hoping for lots of amazing vacation photos. You’ll traverse the western coast of Jamaica on a high-speed powerboat and see some of the most beautiful parts of this island.

First, you’ll pass by the stunning Seven Mile Beach as you head for Montego Bay. Then, take a refreshing dip and snorkel the reef at Round Hill’s offshore fish sanctuary. Your next stop will be Margaritaville, a Montego Bay hotspot just a short distance away. Refreshing cocktails and great food await you there, as well as some tropical tunes.

Finally, you’ll spend the afternoon at Doctor’s Cave Beach. Decide for yourself whether this beach lives up to its therapeutic moniker as its water is alleged to have healing properties.

12. Deep-Sea Fishing

Fishing is a popular pastime in Jamaica for locals and visitors alike. Deep-sea fishing is especially popular, so if you like the sport, you’ll love Deep Sea Half Day Fishing In Negril.

Book your tour and you’ll be well on your way to conquering one of the best places for deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean. A seasoned captain and crew will take you to the most promising fishing locations where you might finally make that big catch!

Species from Blue Marlin, Wahoo, and Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), to Tuna and Sailfish, can be found in these bountiful waters. Even if you’ve never fished a day in your life, this can be an exciting adventure!

Your whole family will be thankful for these great excursions in Negril!

Beaches Negril epitomizes paradise with spectacular gardens beside the sea, a sprawling Pirates Island waterpark, and plenty of activities and amenities for the whole family.

There are lots of things Jamaica is known for, such as year-round sunshine and gorgeous historical buildings, but the countless incredible excursions and tours available really take the cake! Don’t miss out on ziplining through the forest canopy, snorkeling with brightly colored fish on the reef, bathing under a cascading waterfall, or traversing mountainous terrain on a jeep safari. No matter which excursions you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

If you’re traveling to Jamaica, remember that Negril and Ocho Rios are among the best places to stay in Jamaica when traveling with family. Resorts like Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios offer considerable fun inclusions for kids like the Kids Camp, X-Box Play lounges, Pirates Island Waterpark, and so much more. Plus, both resorts allow you to easily book tours and excursions through them, stress-free.

Negril’s attractions are suitable for every member of your family and should definitely be added to your plans for a memorable vacation!