Royal Palm Reserve

The Royal Palm Reserve is one of the leading Eco-tourism attractions in Jamaica. Located on 300-acres within the Negril Great Morass, the Reserve is truly an exceptional environmental and cultural experience.

The Morass is a protected area that is managed by the Negril Area Environmental Protection Trust (NEPT) whose objectives are to:

• conserve and protect the Negril Great morass and its wetland flora and fauna;

• raise awareness of the importance of the Great Morass and the wetland eco-systems to the area;

• increase scientific knowledge of the area

• provide job opportunities to citizens of neighbouring communities.

There is a museum that features history and information on the Morass and it's importance to the local ecology. Here, with the natural exhibits, books, a model of the wetlands and posters of the natural environment created by students you can learn about the indigenous plants and animals.

There are also guided walks along the half mile Royal Palm Boardwalk Trail through the Morass swamp  forest ecosystem leading to the petite Cotton Tree lake. Along the boardwalk there is a 30' observation tower that overlooks the mangroves.

The Royal Palm Reserve is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy bird watching, fishing and nature walks.

Many tropical birds can be seen and heard while walking on the boardwalk and many native Jamaican species can be seen in water or hanging out in the lush tropical foliage. The endangered West Indian Whistling Duck, who likes to feed on the fruit of the Royal Palm (Roystonea princeps), can often be found near Cotton Tree Lake. Leading out of the reserve is a gated area with a trail to a crocodile farm where several crocodiles can be found popping their heads above the cloudy water.

Activities at the Royal Palm Reserve can include unguided and guided boardwalk tours, bird watching, scientific research and sometimes fishing and horse back riding.