The Great Morass in Negril, Jamaica is a large nature preserve for birds and animals. It is located off of the land side of Norman Manley Boulevard, stretching along for 7 miles parallel to Long Bay and Bloody Bay. The morass lies on the coastal flood plain of the Black River and attracts over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies and reptiles.
The Great Morass is a sanctuary where wild crocodiles sun themselves while colorful tropical birds swoop and soar. The marshland’s lonesome, ungroomed charm is perfect for those looking to venture off the beaten path. It is nature untamed and free of the tourism machine and the best point of access is the Royal Palm Reserve. To get there you’ll travel just 10 minutes out of Negril to Sheffield. Turn left onto Springfield Road. Take next left and follow the road to the Reserve. Escape to the Royal Palm Reserve and discover the enchantment of Negril’s 300-acre hidden treasure.
Among various animal species, this site also boasts 114 plant species including the Royal Palm, which is unique to this area. Nature-lovers and bird-watchers journey here to experience the beauty and tranquility of this local sanctuary. The Royal Palm Reserve is an ideal location for: nature walks, day tours, picnics, fishing, bird watching, Church and school trips, scientific research, crocodile viewing and meditation.
Once there, a series of wooden boardwalks takes you on a 1.5 km loop through several distinct forest types where you can expect to see a great variety of flora, birds and butterflies. A lookout tower on the route has great views across the mangrove swamps and the vastness of the Great Morass. Once common throughout Jamaica, crocodiles are now endangered, and the Great Morass is their largest refuge. The Black River, Jamaica’s longest river, snakes through the Great Morass. It is here they find sanctuary and The Black River Safari Tour is the best way to get close to the animals that call it home.
One of the area’s gems is Treasure Beach, a resort-free cluster of four bays less than an hour’s drive from Black River. While resorts like Negril and Ocho Rios cater to the all-inclusive whims of spring break revelers and cruise ship denizens, Treasure Beach hotels such as Jake’s aim to attract more ecologically aware, laid-back travelers.
