Things to see and do Negril

North of Negril, Bloody Bay marks the geographical beginning of the seaside resort of Negril. In the 18th century, this bay, well protected from the swell and sea currents, was one of the favorite haunts of pirates based in Jamaica. They could watch for Spanish galleons sailing between Spain and its colonies, Hispaniola and Cuba, before attacking them to plunder them and extort copious colonial spoils. But the English authorities kept a close eye on the situation. In 1720, the English army captured the pirate Jack Rackam, called Calico Jack because he had the habit of wearing Indian underwear, with his crew on the beach at Bloody Bay. The prisoners were transferred to Spanish Town for trial. It was during the trial that it was discovered that two of her acolytes were wearing petticoats. The two female pirates were identified, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and executed with their captain.

The whalers also used to stop in the cove. After unloading their cargo of freshly caught whales, the sinister sailors would butcher their prey in peace. The blood regularly reddened the calm waters of the cove. It is from this practice that the bloody bay inherited its name, and not from a bloody fight between pirates and settlers as one might think! Today two large luxury resorts occupy the bay, the Riu Palace Tropical Bay and the Couples Negril.

Located at the northern tip of the main beach, Booby Cay is a modest islet of white sand dotted with rocks and covered with tropical vegetation. Its deserted beaches were chosen for the filming of the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, based on the work of Jules Verne. The island takes its name from a bird, the Booby bird which, after spending a long year at sea, returns to nest in the islets near the coast. Its eggs, once considered a delicacy, are no longer available today. The Arawak, the first inhabitants of the island, bequeathed this gastronomic tradition to the local fishermen who slowly but conscientiously ensured the near disappearance of the bird. Today, the islet is an ideal destination for a day trip; picnic on the sandbank with grilled fish and lobster, which can be combined with snorkeling (fins, mask and snorkel provided) or diving, sailing trips... There is no lack of proposals to attract tourists. The price is negotiated for a round trip by boat to Booby Cay since the spot is not accessible by foot. All of them offer snorkeling above the coral reefs rich in multicolored fish. Contact the Glass Bottom boats lined up at the water's edge on 7 Mile Beach at least half a day in advance, and find out the departure times according to the tide. The boat is not private, so you will be with other tourists on board.