Relaxing on your lounger you feel warm sunshine on your skin, sugar sand beaches underfoot and view sparkling turquoise water as far as the eye can see; all while sipping a refreshing drink. You’ve found heaven on earth on the 7 Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Voted, many times over, as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this stretch of beach allows for both relaxation and adventure.
7 Mile Beach is comprised of 2 bays; Bloody Bay which is 2 miles in length & Long Bay which is 5 miles in length. There is a large selection of all-inclusive resorts on both bays and a smattering of small, family run hotels, mostly located on Long Bay. On 7 Mile Beach there is plenty to do, or absolutely nothing to do if that’s your thing.
Activities
Relaxing
My #1 activity when visiting is watching the waves roll in. Secure a beach chair, dig your toes in the sand and sit! The crystal clear turquoise waters rolling in will leave you in a trance. Need I say more?
While enjoying the beach, you may encounter some entertainers and salesmen. If you’re on Bloody Bay, be sure to keep an eye out for Donnavon Dalrymple. You’ll recognize him as the only guy in cowboy boots on the beach, slinging a guitar. “Good Morning, Good Morning,” is his welcome call or you’ll hear a fine tuned whistle coming down the beach. Don’t miss his serenading!
Sailing & Parasailing
Take a sailing lesson on a Hobie Cat for fun adventure out on the water. Once you’ve learned the ropes, you’ll be free to cruise around the bay on your own and take in the sights of island. If you’re not up to the role of a helmsman, consider booking a sunset Catamaran Cruise. The pinks, reds and oranges of Negril sunsets are postcard perfect.
For the adventurer, book a parasailing excursion. You won’t have to look very hard to find one of the parasailing company reps roaming the beach. You’ll experience a bird’s eye view of the crystal clear waters and the stunning blue mountains as you glide through the air. You may even dip your toes in the water on your way back in.
Paddling, Peddling & Water-Skiing
At most all-inclusive resorts, water sports are included as well. Try your hand at a paddle board, paddle boat or kayak. For the thrill seeker; slip into some skis, grab the tow rope and jump some waves behind the water skiing boat.
Snorkling & Scuba Diving & Glass bottom boating
There is a whole other world within those turquoise waters. Throw on your goggles and jump in to see the beauty that lives beneath the water’s surface. If you’re afraid of getting your hair wet, you can still enjoy the beauty of the ocean bottom by hopping on a glass bottom boat tour.
Cliff Jumping
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, head over to Rick’s Cafe on the West End of Negril for some cliff jumping. Hold on to your trunks as you take the plunge from the highest drop of 35 feet! Not feeling that brave? You can jump from one of the lower platforms or just watch as the professionals flip and dive from high above the Carribean blue waters.
Eats & Drinks
When you’ve exhausted yourself from all the activities or relaxed the day away, there are plenty of delicious options to satisfy your hunger and quench your thirst.
Delectable Dishes
- Jerk Chicken-the quintessential dish of Jamaica, best eaten from a beachside hut
- Saltfish & Ackee-the national dish of Jamaica
- Jamaican Patties-a hand pie, usually filled with meat or vegetables
- Rum Cake-Jamaica is known for its rum production, so this is only fitting
Libations
- Appleton Rum-“Crafted in the Heart of Jamaica”
- Red Stripe Beer-“Jamaica Pride in a Bottle”
- Ting-a lightly carbonated citrus drink made from Jamaican Grapefruit
- Blue Mountain Coffee-a smooth cup of Joe
- Dirty Banana-blended drink of rum cream, coffee liqueur and of course banana
- Hummingbird-a dirty banana with a strawberry twist
Jamaica is a beach lover’s paradise with calm lapping waves, Caribbean blue waters, soft sugar sand beaches and warm rays of sunshine. You can be as adventurous as you want, whether that be cliff jumping or diving into a book while lounging on a beach chair. Either way, you’ll create a vacation to remember.
