Jamming in Negril

I love the famous 'Seven Mile Beach', a beautiful white stretch of sand great for long walks, long swims and snorkeling. The fun thing about the beach is that it changes character depending upon which hotel or restaurant is in front. Along the strip you can find the elegant beach, the beatnik beach, the party beach, the Italian beach, etc. Where you choose to hang out depends on your mood. You can also get all kinds of services (like massages and the ubiquitous hair braiding) as well as treats - (fresh fruit, fruit juices, cakes) by locals who stroll up and down the beach. Almost all activity in Negril takes place on the beach, apart from the obvious beach activities, there are restaurants and concerts as well. At some point you should leave the beach and check out an area called the West End. Visit Xtabi (bar/restaurant). Perched on a rocky cliff, the mood is especially soothing, have dinner or drink and watch the sunset.

Quick Tips:

The beach vendors - so helpful when you crave a drink or some fresh fruit - can also be a nightmare. Just how many times were they going to ask me if I wanted my hair braided? Be polite, but very firm with a 'no thank you'. If you are looking to save money, lodging is cheaper on the West End. It isn't directly on the main drag of the beach, but it is very close and often these hotels/guest houses also have pools.

Best Way To Get Around:

Lots of people rent little motor bikes and scooters and feel comfortable, personally I am not motor bike kind of person and would never do it. Norman Manley Boulevard, the main road along Negril, can be a little chaotic. I vote for taxis as the best means of transportation

T-Water Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Negril. It is a simple but comfortable hotel located right on the beach. The owners, the Segre family, are friendly and accommodating.

Perched on a rocky cliff, the mood is especially soothing, have dinner or drink and watch the sunset. It is a more peaceful and sophisticated alternative to the wildly popular Rick's Café. Though Rick's is fun too when and if you're in a more boisterous mood. Watch the cliff divers. Drink lots of rum cocktails.

Even if you are not getting bored hanging around the beach, you should take a day trip to Black River, located in the St. Elisabeth district. From there you can take a boat safari and view various types of aquatic flora and fauna including crocodile, the boat driver may or may not show you one of the most famous plants produced in the island.

YS Falls,often combined with an excursion to Black River, is a very refreshing trip. The area is lush and green and the sounds of the waterfalls is soothing. From the main road, they take you to the top of the hill with tractors, from there you can walk to the closest falls or to one of the higher terraces (the further up you go, the tourists start to dwindle) You can also swim under the falls as well as dive into the pools. Lots of fun.