Negril Newbies--so much to see and do!

Hi Everyone
I've been reading through the the threads...realizing that one week will clearly not be enough time when we arrive this upcoming January (staying at Negril Treehouse)
That being said..I've planned a couple of things--with a few others to think about...
Booked Ivans 100 Candle Dinner at 5:30 one night
Reserved a couple of massages at Tanyas late afternoon.
So..
What about Pelican Bar?
One Love Pub Crawl?
Bother with Ricks?
Day pass to any recommended hotels?
Any other ideas welcomed! We are so looking forward to our first trip to Jamaica!:cool:

Don't plan too much, sand gravity may take over :)

The One Love Bar Crawl is a lot of fun and a great way to visit/experience some of the great places on the West End. Lenbert is a great host, we've done the bar crawl 5 times so far, every time is different but always fun.

Pelican Bar is unique, but a long way from Negril. If you're only there for a week, it might be too much to take a day out for that.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with Ricks, but some people enjoy it. You can enjoy the sunset when you go to Ivan's...

For the non-AI hotels, you don't need a day pass. You can pop into their restaurant or bar for a drink or meal and most (if not all) will let you spend time on their beach if you buy something from them.

My recommendation - take long beach walks or just pull up a lounge chair and relax. Most things will come to you, fruit, juice, souvenirs you name it. All available right before your eyes... I personally love the "entertainment" the beach provides :)

I think a week is long enough to allow a day for Pelican Bar especially if you've never been...although it depends if you're the type of person that will like a place like that. Double it up with YS falls. It's a long day but worth it in my opinion. Check the transport section for providers. I've used a couple different guys and we enjoyed Rocky the most for that trip.
Def do the pub crawl and try to do it early in your week so you can go back to places you stopped that you liked. It runs Sun, Wed and Fri.
The 100 candle dinner is really nice. I'm sure you'll enjoy that.
Ricks is okay for a beer or two and to see a couple high dives or if you're itching for a daytime crowd.
Teds for tea and cake if you're into that sort of thing.
A boat ride to go snorkling and to booby cay for lobster lunch is fun if it's a calm clear day.

Some of the vets here will likely offer up some lesser known ideas.

Skip Ricks or watch a couple of dives then go next door to LTU for a great meal reasonably priced. YS Falls is nice I didn't care for Pelican Bar. Like Mike suggested take a snorkeling trip with a stop at booby cay. Have fun!

Bus crawl is a lot of fun. We go every time we are there and you get to meet some great people. Personlly wasnt that impressed with Pelican Bar... Its neat but Im not sure its worth the hike and cost of the ride out there IMO. Ricks it okay for a drink or a rest stop on the walk to lighthouse. I wouldnt bother with the food there other than the Island burger if they still do that. Speaking of burgers make a stop at Ahhbees. Its worth it. I enjoyed the Tosh Monument but then again Im a fan. Check out Teddys Hideaway for a good meal if he is still at Blue Cave Castle. Some of the best days we had and will have are just walking the road and making stops along the way.

You never know which way the trade winds will blow once you get there or if sand gravity will kick in, rendering you immobile. It's a good idea to have some ideas but not many commitments. There's nothing that is a "must do" with the exception of maybe the pub crawl (for 1st time visitors). Seems to me you have already booked the things you really want to do. My suggestion would be to reserve a spot on the One Love Bus for the pub crawl as early as possible in your trip. This will take you around the cliffs where you're already committed planned destinations are. It will give you a feel for that area. I wouldn't commit to much more than that but different strokes for different folks as they say.

Do the things you have planed. Otherwise walk out onto the beach at treehouse and hang a left and go with the flow.

As others have said, don't over-plan - just go with the flow. Most excursions can be arranged with one or two days notice, if you are so inclined. The Treehouse can take care of all of that for you.

The one exception being the One Love Bus Pub Crawl. As Kevin said, you may want to reserve your spot ahead of time, as the bus tends to fill-up fast.
http://negril.com/nt/nt103013.htm

Thanks everyone!! I like to be a little easy breezy on vacation but like to have a couple of definites to look forward to.
Yes to the sand gravity--I am very much into that!

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

Thanks everyone!! I like to be a little easy breezy on vacation but like to have a couple of definites to look forward to.
Yes to the sand gravity--I am very much into that!

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Oh one last thing....Please DO tell us about what you did do when you return!

I'd skip The Pelican Bar & opt for an afternoon at The Red Dragon (cold beer & jerk pork) instead ~~

If you want a great experience hit Peewee's about 9ish and have a couple. You'll meet some great locals. The best Rum punch around and always great reggae. Warning... your ability to walk straight might be compromised !!!

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Originally Posted by Candyman

If you want a great experience hit Peewee's about 9ish and have a couple. You'll meet some great locals. The best Rum punch around and always great reggae. Warning... your ability to walk straight might be compromised !!!

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I wouldn't say always great reggae. You never know what you'll get. I've been there on quiet nights. They seem to play whatever people want. They may even let you connect your ipod etc if you ask. Monday nights are usually open mic night. We spend a lot of time there since its just a short walk from BBC.

Where's Peewee's?

Everyone travels differently, but if I was only going to be at a destination for a week, sand gravity would be the last thing on my list. While it is true nearly everything can be planned with just a day or 2 notice, it always pays to know what is available to do and see. For instance if you are only going to go the cliffs once to swim or snorkle, make it Rick's on a Saturday afternoon where you can swim, watch the divers then walk over to Seastar for the Saturday night buffet and concert. Killing 3 birds with one stone. Another great spot of culture would be a trip to the Sav market on a Friday or Saturday morning. How about sunday morning church service in Negril. A daytime walk up into Red Ground. Famous Vincent or another boat person to take you out to the reef....early in the AM is usually better. Mayfield Falls.....a bit closer than YS Falls and a totally different environment. Blue Hole is interesting and you can hang out there most of the day if you wish. Tired of the crowds on 7 mile? Head over to Half Moon beach and have the place to yourself. Horse back ridingat Rhoads Hall is fun. Lots to see and do, but it won't happen in a beach chair.
BTW, Pee Wees is just past Blue Cave Castle and before Samsara, across from Ella Lane.
Regards,
Bob

I'm glad some people are lukewarm about Pelican. Def not in my top ten. You may find a catamaran (yam on)sunset cruise would give you a good look at Ricks. The Pub crawl is a must. Great way to introduce yourself to the west end cliffs. Seastar Saturday buffet reggae is fun. Drifters Friday and Sunday afternoon jam sessions are a blast. Mayfield and YS are different but each fun. Walk the beach and say hello to everyone on the rollcall list. Lots of boardies at Treehouse Jan. and Feb. if you feel like vegging on the beach bring a soft shell cooler. Treehouse has lots of ice or get a dirty banana at the bar. Oh jeez I'm daydreaming .... See you in January

These are all such great ideas. Keep em coming!
BTW--I was looking into a private transfer from Mobay airport to Treehouse and was quoted almost $300 for the two of us (Yikes)
I have a shared transfer already scheduled for only $88 total back and forth for the two of us. Big difference.
Do you go private or shared with your transportation? Is it worth it to go private?
Not sure if it's worth the extra $200 bucks.

You should be able to get private transfer round trip for 2 for $120.

you can hire a private taxi right outside customs for 60 - 75 buck one way..lots of options but 300 is way out of line...

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

These are all such great ideas. Keep em coming!
BTW--I was looking into a private transfer from Mobay airport to Treehouse and was quoted almost $300 for the two of us (Yikes)
I have a shared transfer already scheduled for only $88 total back and forth for the two of us. Big difference.
Do you go private or shared with your transportation? Is it worth it to go private?
Not sure if it's worth the extra $200 bucks.

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$300 is crazy!! We use Luxurious Carib tours - they will charge you about $55 each way total for a private transfer. They are recommended here and on Trip Advisor.
Great group of guys! They also do tours - we have newbies coming with us in November and we are scheduling with them to go to Mayfield falls.

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

These are all such great ideas. Keep em coming!
BTW--I was looking into a private transfer from Mobay airport to Treehouse and was quoted almost $300 for the two of us (Yikes)

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That's high. Try any of the providers on the negril.com Transport page. You should be able to get a private transfer for ~$120 r/t.

We used a shared bus our very first trip, and won't do it again. Although it is economical, we waited a long time for the bus to leave the airport, the driver didn't make any stops (not even for jerk chicken and Red Stripes) and we had to wait for the bus to stop at all the AIs before we got dropped off on the West End. To me, a private driver is worth the extra money. Plus, you also get to establish a relationship with a trusted driver who you can then call for all your transportation needs during the trip

Thursday night jazz and blues at Charela Inn is a nice supper night out.

KK, If you have a groupon rate at Treehouse the transfers are included. If not, call the hotel and arrange something with their transport contractor "Kenny's" I can't see it costing more than 20$ p/p and they don't stop at other hotels. Had no problems either way.

Yes...that's a lot for airport transfer. Try the transportation section as suggested above.

Thanks! I emailed Luxurious Carib Tours and they got right back to me!
this was the response:
"Thanks for making it Luxurious Carib Tours Jamaica, We would be happy to provide you with transportation from Sangsters to West End Negril at a cost of $55.00USD (One Way) and (Round Trip) of a $110.00 USD for (1-3) persons.
We do provide cell phones upon request at no extra cost. So feel free to enter your request for a cell phone if needed.
This Price quoted is for a private transfer, this prevents you from the hassle at the airport and waiting time allotted by other taxi and tour operators. Upon arrival you also receive a complimentary drink and rest stops if needs be on your way to your resorts.
Please note that with our Private transfer you and your party will be the only person travelling in that vehicle.
If there are any concerns with the information given please feel free to contact us at anytime we will be happy to assist you with any further information."

We also have special offers where you can get further discounts on other services, such as tours and transportation if you use our service.

If you are happy with the price quoted please send us a confirmation email with your name, Telephone number, Flight number, arrival time and date, Hotel/Resort you want to be transported to and also number of persons arriving.
Best Regard
Andre and Ricardo
What a savings for me! that is about a third of the cost I was quoted by my TA!
I think I will use these guys. Have they been around for a while or are they new?

Noticed they mentioned West End in your quote, just clarify that you're staying on the beach, May or may not be cheaper yet. Too bad you just missed the groupon, your room price would also have been cheaper booking with Gail at Treehouse direct from there...even with upgrading to a sea view room or sea view suite if available. I agree to check with Treehouse to see what their charge for transfer would be. Only Treehouse guests that you could get to know on the way. I assume if everyone transferring at the same time is in agreement (and you tip a few dollars more) you could stop along the way as well.

I think even if its only 20 bucks more, it's still not a bad deal. So you think I should email Gail and ask if she can provide transportation?

You have lots of time so it wouldn't hurt to explore your options and make a decision from there. I'm sure Luxurious Carib Tours would be good and it's a competitive rate. If you find Treehouse is much cheaper and provides the service you want, your decision. Certainly better than going with your ta.

Really looking forward to this trip. Negril has always been on my list..but the drive from the airport was always a deterrent.
I've been to most of the Caribbean islands-but there is something about Jamaica that seems so 'islandy' to me--if there is such a word.
The cliffs intrigue me--so I want to explore some of the properties with those...I just don't know where to begin.

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

The cliffs intrigue me--so I want to explore some of the properties with those...I just don't know where to begin.

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start with the Pub tour, it will give you a feel for the area and where everything is. We find ourselves hanging on the beach during the day and going up to the cliffs for dinner most nights, just more food options we prefer (LTU, Ivan's, 3 Dives, Tony's)

I booked a couples massage with Tanya late afternoon---heard she was next door to 3 Dives--so heading there for dinner right after.
Is the Pub tour the One Love tour (thats all set as well for the Sunday after we arrive--that way if we like a place we have time to go back again)
This is a great forum, BTW!:cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

Really looking forward to this trip. Negril has always been on my list..but the drive from the airport was always a deterrent.
I've been to most of the Caribbean islands-but there is something about Jamaica that seems so 'islandy' to me--if there is such a word.
The cliffs intrigue me--so I want to explore some of the properties with those...I just don't know where to begin.

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KK the ride is always a great time! We've been a few other places in the Caribbean but nothing tops Negril (why we keep going back):) We have started splitting our trips between
beach and cliffs now to enjoy both parts. You will love Luxurious Carib tours - their customer services is top notch, and a great group of guys.

Going on the One Love bus is the best way for someone new to see the cliff areas. Even after so many trips, we still go with Lenbert each time!

[QUOTE=KKBoston;144828
Is the Pub tour the One Love tour (thats all set as well for the Sunday after we arrive--that way if we like a place we have time to go back again)
This is a great forum, BTW!:cool:[/QUOTE]
Yes

Are there any small, beautiful beaches that we should pencil in...something a little 'different" (but not nude..lol)--or some little out of the way eatery that is something a little special?
I'm sure we will run into some spots along our way, but its nice to have little notes jotted down for reference.

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Originally Posted by KKBoston

Are there any small, beautiful beaches that we should pencil in...something a little 'different" (but not nude..lol)--or some little out of the way eatery that is something a little special?
I'm sure we will run into some spots along our way, but its nice to have little notes jotted down for reference.

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Half Moon Beach is definitely worth a day trip! About 20 minutes out of Negril. Gorgeous beach with decent snorkelling and a good restaurant too.

Great--will put that on the list

I have also been to most islands in the Caribbean ...Just something special about Negril that hooks you... We now go 5 times x 10 days from Nov-May Coco La Palm...Have never stayed on the Cliff side-Just happy to walk the beach all day and never get tired of it...You got some excellent advise from the fellow boardies.. You will definitely have a blast!

What is the biggest difference for you guys/girls with Negril, compared to say, other islands like Turks/Caicos, DR, St Maarten?

Convenience of a direct flight. Other islands usually a stopover in Miami
Reasonable Hotel /Food prices
Good selection of Casual Dining right on the beach
Reggae music
Warm Personable locals
A Great Beach to walk
Warm Ocean water

I have been to many islands but I can truly say that the whole "vibe" in JA is different.

"Different, how?" I have been asked repeatedly. The only way I can describe it is as a combination of the Local people's smiles/no problem attitudes/warmth, always perfect (warm, few waves, clear) water, and delicious local seafood/chicken. Even after that description, you don't understand it until you have been there.

I have introduced about 10 different first timers down on various trip and 9 of the 10 fell completely in love and go back at every opportunity.