Printable View
We will be staying @ Nirvana and wanting to do many dinners down on the cliffs, Ivan's, etc.. What is good advice for the ride down and back. What is a fair price to offer for 2 people. Is there a certain cab to use, I think I read something about red plates. Thanks
I don't generally use route taxis at night but if you do they are 100j per person to the traffic circle and then switch cabs and another 100j up One Love Drive. Always ask the rate first. For dinner we will use a private taxi and it's normally $20us round trip. You don't pay anything until they come back for you and take you home. Somehow these drivers alway know when it's time to pick you up. They may have you call when you are ready which any of the nice restaurants like Xtabi or Ivans will do for you if you don't have your own phone. I'm sure there is a driver that hangs out around Nirvana that would like to have your business. And yes, red plates. Got into a very scarey car once by just being stupid.
Some places (Ivan's) will pick you up for free, you just tip the driver and pay for your return ride. Your return ride would likely be $10, but make sure you clarify the price before getting in. Seastar offers free pick up and return.
A vehicle having red plates indicates that it is a taxi licensed and insured to carry passengers. White plates indicate that it is a private vehicle and therefore not a real taxi (although you will come across many wanting to offer you a ride). I would not get into a vehicle with white plates.
There are two types of red-plate taxis, route taxis and charter taxis. Route taxis follow a certain route (beach road or cliff road) and have a set price of $100j per person. You can get in and out anywhere along their designated route. The end of the beach route is around the roundabout, where the cliff route begins. You can tell it's a route taxi because it will have the route decal on the front door. Route taxis are not a private ride, they are intended for locals use and will pick up multiple riders. I have used them and as of yet, the driver did not pick up anyone else, but you need to be prepared for it if he does as you are not paying for a private ride. If you are on the road and one honks or stops for you, just confirm with the driver before getting in, $100j pp? (check to make sure it has a red plate) When he says yes, get in, tell him where you want to be dropped off and pay him the exact amount (you can tip a bit if desired) when you get out. Use only JMD. Charter taxis also have red plates but are a private ride (intended for tourists). Again, always make sure they have a red plate, and always negotiate the price before getting in. With charters, you are negotiating the total ride price, not per person. Some will start out asking a high price, I've heard as much as $20 from say Nirvana to somewhere on the cliffs (one way). I would not pay more than $5 per couple if going somewhere beach to beach, or $10 per couple, beach to cliffs. During the day, I have negotiated a charter ride from beach to cliffs for $600 - $700j for two people. After dark, you may not be able to negotiate to less than $10 US for a ride (but you could always try!). If you are comfortable with your charter driver, you can get his phone number and call him when you're ready to return to your hotel after dinner. You could also then call the driver other nights that you require transportation. I've seen Shayne recommended often on this board and have noted his number, 572-3599. He is based out of Kuyaba on the beach. Nirvana will have a driver around, no doubt, I've just found that drivers at hotels can be a bit pricey....it may be the option you're most comfortable with, but see if you can negotiate price.
Pretty well all restaurants will have drivers available to use when ready to return to your hotel. Just do your due diligence and not assume they have red plates and don't ever assume the price, always confirm plates and price before getting into the vehicle. And if you don't like the looks of a driver (or it appears he is under the influence) don't feel obligated to use any driver. There will always be more to choose from. Ideally, you will find a good driver that you're comfortable with and get his phone number to use when needed.
Enjoy!
Most of the time I have to switch when I get to downtown negril. I walk over by the cambio/bank area and get one going to the westend. Its $100ja per person.
A comment on Melody's helpful post ~
Regarding the red plate route taxis, the beach route ends and the west end route begins at the bus park.
There is an 'informal' area next to the cambio at the roundabout where riders can 'usually' pick up a taxi in the direction they want to go. Sometimes this option is not available, whereas the bus park always is.
When in doubt I ride to the bus park and get my next ride there. The bus park can be noisy and exciting, but the folks are very helpful, just tell them where you are headed and they will direct you toward the vehicles for the route you want.
We used Shayne who is based at Kuyaba during our stay. I highly recommend him.
I recommend Linston.........OK.....He's my son so I'm prejudged
Check him out at www.redplate-negril.com
He usually works at night and will stand by for you. The cost will be fair.
The going rate for a route taxi is 100 per leg and from beach to west end is two legs for two people is 400 each way. That is a public taxi so you will have to flag him down and may have to squeeze in with other passengers.
Linston will come get you and take you back for just a bit more. It's called a charter.
Capt. D