Negril

Negril is in Jamaica Negril is famous for its 4+ miles of cool, white sand beaches and another 2 miles of 40' cliffs. One of the most beautiful towns in Jamaica, it has a more laid back atmosphere than that of Montego Bay and is more touristy than Ocho Rios. When you stay at a hotel on the beach you are literally on the beach when you walk out of the beachside of your hotel. You have probably never seen water this clear or warm. You will be amazed at how far out you can walk in the water before it gets up to your neck. The water is gentler and the sand is whiter (smaller grained aka softer) the farther down (north, away from town) you are. The end of the beach down by the all-inclusives is the whitest. Get in Fly into the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. Take a 60-90 minute shuttle van ride to Negril. Bestjamaica.com [1] is a small company that provides private Montego Bay Airport Transfers and Tours. Best Jamaica is not the biggest and this is why they can focus on service. They can be reached at (1876) 403-5045 or info@bestjamaica.com Amstardmc.com [2] A highly recommended Airport transport company and Excursions [3] with more than 20 years of service. You can book a transfer online or you can phone them from the USA and Canada at (877) 329-4461 or phone them from Mexico at 01 800 267-8270. Clives Transport Service is a great way to get from the airport to Negril, for $20 per person in a nice, air-conditioned van with really positive staff to meet you off the plane, provide you with refreshments & very safe, friendly, accommodating drivers. You can also book tours with Clive. Book on-line at www.clivestransportservicejamaica.com or call him on (876) 869-7571 for both regular and private transfers and tours. Kingsley James of Take Care Tours, www.kingsleystakecaretours.com, is reliable and available for private or group transportation throughout the island, in a clean and comfortable van. Based in the West End, with 20 years experience. Email reservations and requests to takecaretours@hotmail.com. They can be reached by calling (876) 885-1383. Dudley Warrens Big Ship Tours will take excellent care of you; tours and airport transfer to and from Negril with a/c, cold drinks and great company. Call them at (876) 995-4210. Glennis Williams at PG Tours Jamaica [4] is the premier choice when enjoying airport shuttles and tour excursions on this enchanted paradise called Jamaica. call at 203-903-8719 for Jamaica 876-851-5729 Lloyd Campbell at Paradise Palms Jamaica Tours [5] Let Paradise Palms Jamaica Tours be your first choice for Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport (MBJ)and Tours excursions to all the major sites and attractions in Jamaica. Please contact us paradisepalmsjamaica@hotmail.co.uk book on website www.http://shop.paradisepalmsjamaicatours.com/ or call us on 0044 208 599 6516 / 0044 7986 508 439. Thank you. Get around Taxis in Jamaica are plentiful. All licensed taxis have red license plates. While private cars with white license plates will often attempt to serve as taxis for tourists, it is strongly recommended that tourists use only the legal red-plate taxis, as the Jamaican liability laws are not friendly to passengers in illegal taxis should there be an accident. The least expensive way to get around is to use "Route Taxis". Route taxis operate essentially as buses, following a pre-set route which is stencilled onto the front fender for a pre-set price. Current rates (2012) seem to be 100 Jamaica dollars per person anywhere along the beach from the Riu Resort to the taxistand by the roundabout in downtown Negril, and 100J from the roundabout to any point along the cliffs - that is, 200J per person for a ride from the beach out to the cliffs. Route taxi drivers do not expect tips from the Jamaicans but do expect a tip from tourists - $50 or $100 Jamaican dollars. In addition, there are many "charter" taxis, usually waiting by the larger hotels, and many drivers will attempt to get you to hire them. This can be quite expensive, even if you try to negotiate with them. Be sure to set your price with the driver BEFORE you enter their taxi! Drivers who are not Route Taxis often charge over $10 per person and will tell you that Route Taxis aren't safe (which is not true, it's just a way to get more money from tourists). Note that all route taxis are privately owned and operated, and a route taxi driver is free to convert to a "charter" at any time. Be aware that if you ask the route taxi to take you somewhere other than along his route - even a short distance - he may well demand $10 US per person when you get there. One well-known ploy is for the driver of an in-bound route taxi to ask what store you're going to in town and offer to drop you off right there. Even though the store may be 50 feet from the taxi stand, he may then tell you that it was a charter and you owe him $10 more! On the beach road during the morning to early evening period, route taxis come by on the average within a minute. Paradise Palms Jamaica Tours http://www.paradisepalmsjamaicatours.com provides Tours to Negril and Airport Transfers to hotels in Negril. See Rick's Cafe, is known for the cliffside it is built upon, where tourists can take a courageous leap into the Caribbean Sea below. During Hurricane Ivan, the cafe slid off the cliffside into the sea below, but it has since been rebuilt and is now bigger than ever and has been rated one of the Top Ten Bars in the World, according to some publications. Update: Rick's Café has undergone extensive refurbishing since Hurricane Ivan, and is about the biggest tourist trap in which to view a gorgeous Negril sunset. Cliff diving is available from a sturdy concrete slab perched high atop the sea cliffs, higher than before. There, visitors can test their mettle or leave it to the professionals (note: people have been killed and seriously injured/maimed when cliff jumping - including the so-called 'professionals'). Just remember that if you watch the show, you're expected to tip the professionals. Rick's Cafe, Negril Appleton Rum Estate Walk the Martha Bray River Negril Jamaica Vidia - a visual encyclopedia of Negril [6] Do Taking a snorkeling tour in one the glass bottom boats is highly recommended. Watch the famous Negril sunset, it is the sunset to remember . Go diving with Nelson (www.bethelcourt.com), 25 Bethel Court, Mount Salem, Montego Bay, Jamaica, ☎ 876 476-7239 (bethelcourtgm@yahoo.com), [7]. 9AM-5PM. Do you want to go scuba diving in Montego Bay? Come to Bethel Court and Go diving with Nelson. He will pick you up for free at Bethel Court and take you diving. PADI licensed instructor offering PADI Scuba Diving certification (Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver / Emergency First Response, Dive Master) from Montego Bay, Jamaica.. US$80.00 per dive (Adults/Child). (18.467032°,-77.901156°) edit Buy The tourist crafts market at the edge of town is a great place to pick up souvenirs and nick nacks. The sellers are willing to bargain especially if you want more than one thing. You can spend American dollars almost anywhere on the island. Most of the roadside stand sellers have a calculator and know the exchange rate. Although the roadside sellers are quite savy they can be honest to a fault when it comes to bargaining. If you want a better price you can get it. Just try to avoid upsetting the locals by killing their tourist tax. Eat Sugar Cane, Coconut Jelly/Meat, and Jerk Chicken. Restaurants Guinep Corner (West Land Mountain), West land Mountain Road (Just by the famous Guinep Trees), ☎ 1 876 8531815. early am till late. Local food at a local Jamaican bar, cooked & served by Jamaican couple Janice & Rasta Martell. From pieces of fresh fried fish and chicken to full breakfasts of Ackee & Saltfish or dinners of goat curry and other Jamaican dishes. Ambiance is truly Jamaica, with domino games, great music, Jamaica TV and wonderful street life. Very local, Jamaican street life at its best set in a really friendly community with strictly 'no harrassment' & total enjoyment. 400JMD.  edit Eddie's De Bar and Grill Jerk chicken plus all the traditional Jamaican dishes, goat, fish and lobster. The bar has great vibes, excellent music, nightly bonfire; truly a Jamaican yard. Just past The Rockhouse Hotel on the left. The Rockhouse Hotel, Phone: 876-957-4373, [8]. A beautifully set restaurant and hotel on the cliffs. They will collect you for free from your hotel and drive you there. Three Dives Restaurant an eatery on the west end that is just past Xtabi Resort. Expect jerk chicken, pork, lobster and snapper - all locally sourced. LTU Restaurant a locally-styled restaurant perched high on the edge of the cliff, just 200 yards from Ricks on the cliff road. The menu offers high quality and a wide range, including vegetarian, and there is a 'specials' board for fresh 'catch of the day' offerings such as Marlin, Kingfish and Mahi mahi. Royal Kitchen a vegetarian/Ital restaurant on the west end past the M&L Market. $250 J gets you a great combo that usually consists of soy chunks, rice and peas, veggies, plus often stew or ackee. Sweet Spice Restaurant, Phone: 876-957-4621 most locals will recommend the place and with good reason, the oxtail is great and the lobster is cheaper than at the beach. Drink Red Stripe Beer Coconut Water - best straight off the tree, just cut open the coconut with a machete and drink (if you're picky, you can use a straw). You can also buy bottled coconut water basically anywhere on the island, but not as good as getting it fresh from the green coconuts. Good for your heart. Rum Fruit Punch or *Red Stripe Beer are Jamaican concoctions. Guinness and Heineken can also be purchased pretty much anywhere that sells alcohol. The SamSara Hotel also located in the west part of Negril (past the rock house) has a very nice buy one get one free happy hour from 4-7 every day! Clubs The Jungle Night Club, Phone: (876) 957-4005, [9]. A night club set on the main road which runs parallel to the 7 mile strip. Plays RnB/Rap/Reggae music. Note that this club is known for its Thursday nights (ladies night) when all ladies enter free. Very fun spot to be. Admission costs $700J (as of Aug 2010). Sleep Judy House Cottages, West Land Mountain Road (off One Love Drive (West End Road)), ☎ 1 876 424 5481, [10]. 24. This is really living life in a Jamaican community just minutes away from Negril's beautiful beaches, local cook shops, fantastic restaurants. Two cosy, fully equiped cottages or Sue's One 4 the Road Backpacker Hostel rooms, nestling in the back of Sue's amazing tropical garden. 15 to 75 USD.  edit Riu Tropical Bay, Norman Manley Boulevard, [11]. Victorian-style resort is in Bloody Bay. 416 rooms offer deluxe accommodation, including a mini-bar and liquor dispenser in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Array of buffet dishes and à la carte options at the resort or take advantage of exchange programnme privileges at the Riu Negril. Live music and Riu's theme shows.  edit Riu Tropical Bay in Jamaica Riu Negril, Norman Manley Boulevard Bloody Bay Beach, ☎ 8769575700, [12]. 420 deluxe rooms, a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach just minutes away from shopping area and nightlife. The resort offers renowned mini-bar and liquor dispenser, along with a complete programme of daytime activities and nightly entertainment. Dine at any of the tempting buffets and the à la carte specialty restaurants or enjoy a drink at one of our cosy bars.  edit Rock House, [13] Rockhouse combines natural beauty, strong architectural design, local materials and craftsmanship, excellent service, and a relaxed Jamaican experience. The hotel has an interesting history; when its first room was built in 1972, it was one of the first hotels on Negril's cliffs. Early guests included Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. In 1994, the property was purchased by a group of Australians. Beaches, 1-888-BEACHES, [14]. All inclusive family resort. Hedonism Resorts, Phone: 877-467-8737, [15]. All inclusive resort with adults only fare nude resort. LTU Villas, +1 876 957 0382, [16]. Large, spacious rooms at reasonable prices. Free WiFi access and cable TV throughout. Negril Yoga Center, [17]. $30-65 USD (double occupancy). Quiet & peaceful collection of small cozy villas. Has daily yoga lessons for $10 USD. Kitchen provides vegetarian fare. Negril Tree House Resort, Phone: 876-957-4287, [18]. Not an all inclusive but close enough with room service, a bar/restaurant, pool, hot tub, towels for the beach at the front desk, and a free buffet breakfast. The two bedroom suites at the top of the treehouse-style rooms have a master bedroom with a bidé and double sinks in the master bath, a full size fridge, a washer, cooking utensils, dining room table, DVD player with cable in the living room, cable, tv in both bedrooms, remote controlled serious air conditioners and ceiling fans in all rooms. The cleaning service washes all the dishes and will do your laundry if you are feeling too lazy to use the washing machine. There are also a hammock, and a little hammock-like swing on the private open air covered deck at the entrance to the room. They also have one bedroom suites at ground level. Great Huts, [19]. Ecotourism beach bed and breakfast uniquely composed of treehouses and African Huts. Hostel rooms also available. Blue Cave Castle, Lighthouse Road, ☎ (876) 957-4845 (info@bluecavecastle.com), [20]. A castle built 50ft above an old pirates cave, on the cliffs. The views are incredible and all of the rooms face the ocean. The rooms are large with a veranda. The superior rooms have cable TV, CD players, remote control air conditioning, fans, and refrigerators. From $50US, to the huge $120 castle-top penthouse, with its 360 views of Negril.  edit Moon Dance Cliffs Resort and Spa (Moon Dance Cliffs), West End Road, ☎ 800-621-1120 (kim@moondancecliffs.com), [21]. checkin: 2pm; checkout: 12pm. Moon Dance Cliffs is a 22 room boutique hotel with four royal Villas that overlook the Caribbean Sea. The on-site restaurant and bars feature Jamaican and American cuisines. The spectacular 5,000+ sq ft pool includes waterfalls, islands and bridges. The Resort also features an on-site modern Spa. The Royal Villas range from one to five bedrooms. (18.242754,-78.355949) edit Xtabi Hotel [22] Built on the historic Xtabi cliffs. The labyrinth of caves beneath the hotel have served as hiding places for pirate's treasure and film locations for major motion pictures. The Xtabi hotel consists of 24 rooms located on the cliffs and in its beautiful gardens. The hotel also has an award-winning restaurant and large open-air bar. Stay safe Use common sense, especially at night. Negril is generally considered safer than most large American cities. Drugs It is illegal to buy and/or use drugs in Jamaica. Commonly, you may be offered marijuana 'smoke... smoke?' by the locals. A pleasant "no thank you" or "yes please!" will usually suffice. Do not be surprised if you are offered drugs several times throughout your stay. Get out A little known fact is that you can walk from the far end of the beach to town in under an hour on the beach if you walk along the beach line to where the trees block the way and then take to the grass along the water. Just stay on the shore and you will stumble into the tourist market at the edge of town. There are coconuts and sugar cane for sale in the parking lot. It is a great way to avoid the taxi tax and stay off the road! To see more of the area in and around Negril, with a local flare, requires a tour guide. Tour Guides can be hired relatively cheaply, and will add a lot of life to your exploration of Negril, and Jamaica at large. To find one, it is easiest to ask for a referral from a tourist spot, like Rick's Cafe. One local favorite is Sexy Rexy, a Rastafarian tourguide, but others can be found as well. Mini-Bus/Route Taxi Ignore anyone standing on the street that offers you a taxi. The official transportation center is a couple hundred meters east of the roundabout in the center of town. Here, you'll find (mostly)honest, official trasportation going wherever you need. Make sure the vehicle you get into has a red license plate, and it should also have its route or destination printed somewhere on the vehicle. To Montego Bay, take a route taxi to Lucea ($200JMD), and then trasnfer to a vehicle headed to MoBay. To Treasure Beach, head to Savanna-La-Mar ($100JMD), from there most people will direct you to a mini-bus to Black River. Unless the bus is almost full, this isn't a wise choice, as you may wind up waiting several hours. Best to go to the highway, and get a route-taxi to Whitehouse(very frequent), then another route taxi to Black River. From Black River, it'll be another route taxi to Treasure Beach. This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!