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Negril,
Jamaica
Also see Visitor Information
for general Jamaica visitor topics.
About an hour and a half's drive from Montego Bay,
lies Negril, where laid-back is a way of life in this
sunny resort town. Negril retains the sleepy tropical
charm that first attracted seekers of sun and solitude
three decades ago.
Hotels, none more than two stories high, grace the shoreline
and most of them welcome the day visitor who can use their
beach facilities for a small fee or the cost of a few
drinks at their beach bars.
Despite its recent explosive, unrestrained development,
Negril is still a place where dressing for dinner can
mean putting a T-shirt over your swimsuit. Where the most
important event of the day may be to watch the sun set.
Getting Around
Getting around Negril is fairly easy, whether you choose
to drive yourself or rely on the plentiful taxi service.
Taxis are the most popular method of transportation for
travelers. They can be found at any hotel, the airports,
and most shopping areas. Travelers should be careful to
use only licensed taxis; these have a red license plate
that indicates the taxi is a Public Passenger Vehicle
(PPV). Taxi rates vary, but are figured by car, not by
passenger. Fares average about US $5-7 for 10 miles. If
you accept a driver’s offer of his services as a tour
guide, be sure to agree on a price before the vehicle
is put into gear.
Buses are a popular mode of transport in Negril, but can
be crowded and slow. The buses are generally not air-conditioned.
Buses will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers.
To catch one, stand by the side of the road with your
arm outstretched; pat down with your hand when you see
an oncoming bus. Bus fare is about US $1 for 30-40 miles.
Bicycles can be rented from various vendors around town.
Some hotels also have bicycles available for guests.
Shopping
There are shopping plazas at the roundabout in the center
of Negril and one on the hotel strip. There are also two
crafts markets which are not difficult to find.
Dining
As for dining out, Negril has a huge variety of eateries
to suit all budgets. The best item on almost any menu
is fresh fish (it's often fried, but you can usually get
it grilled). Jerk chicken is another popular local dish.
Pasta is found on almost every menu. Finally, you'll find
more vegetarian options here than anywhere else in the
country.
Recreation
Beaches
Negril boasts one of the world’s most beautiful beaches
- Seven (7) miles of gorgeous white sand! Many beach buffs
visit Negril and don't care to see much else.
Nightlife
Some of the best reggae bands in Jamaica, often from Kingston
and often Bob Marley wannabes, show up in Negril. Alfred's
and Risky Business are both major venues for reggae performances.
Water Sports
Para-sailing, snorkeling, SCUBA, banana boat rides, jet-skiing,
windsurfing, glass bottom boat trips to the spectacular
shallow reef, romantic sunset cruises & more.
Fishing
Deep sea fishing trips can be arranged out of the Negril
Yacht Club (Tel: 876-957-9224). Catches turn up such game
fish as dolphin, wahoo, tuna, blue marlin, and sailfish.
Tennis
Negril Hills Golf Club, just south of town has tennis
courts available.
Golf
Negril Hills Golf Club, just south of town is home to
one of the finest 18-hole courses in the Caribbean. All
the challenge and enjoyment you want is yours at this
tournament class golf course. Pro shop is also on site.
Horseback Riding
Horseback-riding treks to the romantic ruins of Whitehall
Great House and boat rides to Booby Cay, where the rare,
blue-footed booby bird breeds (and portions of "20,000
Leagues Under the Sea" were filmed) are other popular
pastimes.
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