Royal Palm Reserve
A wetland reserve in the Great Morass of Negril, where a boardwalk runs through a forest of the endemic royal palm and offers sightings of Jamaican endemic and waterbirds.
Royal Palm Reserve lies east of Seven Mile Beach in the Great Morass of Negril, covering about 120 hectares. It is the main habitat of the Morass royal palm (Roystonea princeps), a species endemic to Jamaica. A boardwalk of roughly 1.5 km crosses the palm forest and peat wetland. Wildlife includes West Indian whistling ducks, gallinules, egrets, and Jamaican endemics such as the Jamaican oriole and woodpeckers. The ponds hold tilapia and Brazilian slider turtles. Far from the beach crowds, it's ideal for a half-day nature walk. Admission is about US$10 to 15. Opening can be irregular, so confirm the reserve is open before you go, and bring insect repellent. It is about 5 km from town centre, so you will need a taxi.
Opening hours
approx. 09:00–17:00 (confirm opening before setting out)
Nearby sights
- Seven Mile Beach, Negril
- Kool Runnings Adventure Park
- Booby Cay
- West End Cliffs
- 3 Dives Jerk Centre
- Rick's Café, Negril
- Bloody Bay
- Negril Lighthouse