Location: Sheffield Road, 2 miles (5 km) East of Negril
Open:
9am-6pm daily
Tel: 876 364 7407
The Royal Palm Reserve, located just outside Negril in Westmoreland Parish on Jamaica’s western coast, is a serene and ecologically significant sanctuary that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the island’s natural heritage. Spanning approximately 300 acres (121 hectares) within the expansive 6,000-acre Negril Great Morass, this protected area is a leading eco-tourism attraction, celebrated for its lush wetland forest, diverse wildlife, and the endemic Morass Royal Palm (Roystonea princeps). Managed by the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT), the reserve serves as a haven for conservation, education, and quiet exploration, providing a tranquil alternative to Jamaica’s more bustling tourist hubs.
The Royal Palm Reserve was conceived in the mid-1980s as part of a
broader proposal by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) to mine
peat in the Negril Great Morass, a vast wetland ecosystem. During
environmental assessments, it became evident that the southwestern
corner of the Morass harbored a unique stand of Morass Royal Palms, a
species endemic to western Jamaica and a remnant of a once-larger forest
decimated by logging and land clearing in earlier centuries. Recognizing
the palm’s global rarity and ecological value, the PCJ shifted gears,
opting to protect rather than exploit the area. Construction began in
the late 1980s, with the reserve’s infrastructure—access roads,
boardwalks, and facilities—completed by 1989 under PCJ’s oversight.
In 2001, NEPT assumed management through a lease from PCJ,
formalizing its mission to conserve the Great Morass and its
biodiversity, raise awareness about wetland ecosystems, and support
local communities like Sheffield through sustainable tourism and
employment opportunities. Despite its official designation as “closed”
in some sources due to funding and maintenance challenges, the reserve
has continued to welcome visitors informally, with caretakers or guides
granting access for a small fee, preserving its legacy as an eco-tourism
pioneer.
The Royal Palm Reserve lies within the Negril Great Morass, a
sprawling wetland bordered by the Negril Hills to the east, Orange Bay
to the west, and the South Negril River to the south. Located roughly
1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) northeast of Sheffield and 3–4 miles (5–6
kilometers) from Negril’s tourist center, it sits at coordinates
approximately 18.293°N, -78.316°W. The Great Morass itself is a
low-lying peat bog, averaging near sea level, with its southern edge
fringing the Caribbean Sea along Negril’s Seven Mile Beach. The
reserve’s specific location in the southwestern corner places it within
a transition zone of wetland forest and swamp, characterized by
saturated soils and standing water fed by rainfall and subterranean
springs.
The climate is tropical rainforest (Köppen Af), with
annual rainfall exceeding 80 inches (2,000 millimeters), peaking during
the wet season (May–November) and tapering in the dry season
(December–April). Temperatures average 75–85°F (24–29°C), fostering a
humid, verdant environment ideal for the Morass’s lush vegetation. The
reserve’s proximity to the coast—about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers)
inland—exposes it to sea breezes, while its position within the Morass
buffers it from urban sprawl, preserving its wild character.
The Royal Palm Reserve is a lush, swampy forest crisscrossed by a
0.75-kilometer (0.47-mile) boardwalk that meanders through three
distinct forest types: royal palm forest, buttonwood forest, and bull
thatch forest. This elevated wooden path, though showing signs of decay
in parts, allows visitors to traverse the wetland without disturbing its
delicate ecosystem, offering an up-close view of its towering flora and
hidden fauna.
Morass Royal Palm Forest: The reserve’s namesake,
the Morass Royal Palm (Roystonea princeps), dominates this section, with
its slender trunks soaring up to 50–60 feet (15–18 meters) above the
swamp. Endemic to western Jamaica’s wetlands, these palms—locally called
“Swamp Cabbage”—are a rare sight globally, their feathery fronds
creating a cathedral-like canopy. Over 114 plant species thrive
alongside them, including anchovy pear, wild ginger, and various shrubs
adorned with vines.
Observation Tower: A 35–40-foot (10–12-meter)
wooden tower punctuates the boardwalk’s midpoint, offering panoramic
views of the Great Morass’s expanse—peat bogs, ponds, and distant hills.
Though described as “precarious” by some visitors, it remains sturdy,
rewarding climbers with a bird’s-eye perspective of the swamp’s green
sea, especially vibrant at sunrise or sunset.
Cotton Tree Lake: A
man-made pond near the entrance, this serene body of water reflects the
surrounding palms and hosts aquatic life—turtles, tilapia, and African
perch—open for sport fishing ($5 USD with personal gear). It’s a
tranquil spot often frequented by the endangered West Indian whistling
duck.
Crocodile Pen: Near the exit, a gated trail leads to a small
enclosure where American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) bask in murky
waters, a nod to the Morass’s reptilian residents, though their numbers
fluctuate due to health or relocation.
The reserve’s 300 acres
shelter over 300 animal species, including 26 resident bird
species—Jamaican woodpecker, Jamaican oriole, Vervain hummingbird—and 16
migratory visitors like warblers, alongside butterflies, pond turtles,
mongooses, and ground crabs. The boardwalk’s quiet isolation amplifies
the sounds of rustling leaves, bird calls, and croaking frogs, creating
an immersive natural symphony.
The Royal Palm Reserve plays a critical role in conserving the Negril Great Morass, one of Jamaica’s largest wetlands and a vital buffer against coastal flooding. Its protection of the Morass Royal Palm underscores its ecological mission, as this species is restricted to a handful of western Jamaican swamps, making it a global rarity. The wetland forest supports a rich biodiversity—114 plant species and over 300 animal species—serving as a sanctuary for endemic and threatened fauna like the West Indian whistling duck and American crocodile. NEPT’s interpretive programs aim to educate visitors about wetland ecosystems, emphasizing their role in water filtration, carbon storage, and habitat preservation, while ongoing research at the reserve enhances scientific understanding of these fragile environments.
The Royal Palm Reserve is officially open daily from 9 a.m. to 6
p.m., though its “closed” status in some listings reflects inconsistent
operations due to funding woes. In practice, visitors are often admitted
by on-site caretakers for a negotiated fee—typically $10–$15 USD for
foreigners, $300 JMD for Jamaican adults—allowing access to the
boardwalk and grounds. Located a 10–15-minute drive from Negril’s
roundabout via Sheffield Road, it’s reachable by taxi ($20–$30 USD
round-trip) or route taxis from Negril (200–300 JMD), though primitive
roads may flood in the wet season, requiring sturdy vehicles.
A
typical visit lasts 1–2 hours, starting with a stroll along the
boardwalk—guided or unguided—where towering palms and birdlife captivate
nature lovers. Early mornings (7:30–8:00 a.m.) are ideal for sunrise
views and peak wildlife activity, with birdwatchers urged to book via
NEPT (876-957-3736) for pre-dawn access. The observation tower offers a
highlight, though its climb demands caution. Facilities include a bar
overlooking Cotton Tree Lake (serving drinks like Red Stripe), a small
museum with wetland exhibits, and basic restrooms (often advised against
due to upkeep issues). Fishing at the pond and occasional horseback
riding add variety, though the latter depends on availability.
The reserve’s tranquility and off-the-beaten-path vibe contrast with
Negril’s beach bustle, drawing those seeking “real Jamaica”—a sentiment
echoed in reviews praising its untouched beauty and peaceful isolation,
despite occasional critiques of rundown amenities.