Negril - Cliffs to the beach

Eat local cuisine! Try Three Dives Restaurant on the cliffs (excellent sunset views!) for jerked chicken and lobster cooked over an open fire. Enjoy the "Big Nyam" breakfast featuring mouthwatering banana pancakes at Selina's! Try a conch burger at Xtabi. Grab some coco bread or a patty from a beach vendor -- delicious!

Head to lighthouse for a quick tour. The view is fantastic! There’s no schedule -- the caretaker, if in (he usually is), will give you a personal tour for a simple donation (US for a couple is suggested), and it’s worth it for one to two hours roundtrip.

Quick Tips:

Hit the web and read up!!! There are numerous message boards with hundreds of Negril fans who can answer almost any question you have and will provide great tips to add enjoyment to your vacation.

Introduce yourself! Jamaicans are extremely nice yet respectful, so unless you "break the ice", more often than not, they will keep a proper demeanor around you. You will open yourself up a whole new culture if you simply say "Hi. My name is. . . What's yours?" Even the few "determined" vendors will ease up with a simple introduction and/or a genuine, polite, "No thank you."

Remember: you’re on island time. Leave your watch at home. Things move slower down here. Anticipate this and use the extra moments to enjoy your brief stay in paradise!!!

Best Way To Get Around:

Route Taxis -- public transportation in Jamaica. Be sure "Route Taxi" is posted on side of car and it has a red license plate. The fare is set if you’re traveling along the driver's route. It will cost about US. It’s very inexpensive, but be prepared to share the ride with local residents. This is not recommended for the first time visitor unless you are truly adventurous. Hotel desks and staff can arrange for private taxis. Be sure to negotiate price prior to getting in the cab! Prices for these are comparable to the States.

Walking is an excellent way to get around. You will definitely meet many wonderful local residents this way. Pay special attention though as there are no sidewalks!

This is romantic, indulgent, and offers all the activities you wish to do. It’s highly recommended if your pocketbook can afford it. The rooms are nice. The air conditioner has a remote control! Bring CDs, as there is a CD-player as well. Do not pay for an ocean view upgrade as there is really no difference between the rooms -- chances are you may even get upgraded free if bookings are light. We prefer building one, which is close to everything, but in a quiet spot.

All-inclusive means just that -- no extra charges, tipping, etc. One can literally arrive at the resort with a $20 bill and leave with it. Just don't forget to tip those who may provide you service on your travels to and from the island that do not work for the resort.

The food is delicious and presented well at all three restaurants at the resort. Desserts are to die for! Tip: bring an insulated mug (24-32 ounces) for all the wonderful blended juice and rum drinks -- it keeps them cold longer and less trips to the bar!

This was a single-room bungalow on the cliffs. It was an easy walk down the stone steps to the ocean, with sunning spots and a cave underneath. Excellent snorkeling! The bathroom is basic, but it does have an outside shower with fragrant flowering plants above the tiled wall enclosure -- wonderfully refreshing and romantic! There’s no air-condition, but sea breezes keep it moderately cool. There’s an excellent restaurant and bar on site. There’s a freshwater pool sufficient in size, but on the garden side of the hotel. This place is highly recommended for price, location, and for those not needing to be on the beach all day, every day.