west end walking with kid

Hey all. We are heading down in a couple of weeks...staying on the beach. this is our second trip to Negril. We would like to explore the west end a little bit. we have only been to Ricks for a drink and LTU for dinner. we are traveling with a 12 year old who loves to snorkel. is there a hotel on the West End where we might be able to hang out with an awesome view or possibly pool and have drinks/snacks and or lunch and let the kid have at it snorkeling? Since we would be taxi-ing from the beach we would love to hit a couple of different bars/restaurants/hangouts in one ride. Also want to check out aubies. We are planning a lunch/beach/snorkeling at Canoe bar but it seems like we really can't walk anywhere from there. Any suggestions?

I personally would not walk along the cliffs more than 50 yards.

I would recommend Xtabi to hang and snorkel.

You can hang at Canoe for the beach and drinks, however you have better food options close by. German bar has great pizza as well as some German items like Brats and is close. You also have Mi Yard just down the road which I consider Jamaican fast food.

From there you can take a taxi down to Sir D's and have a beer or two. Stumble 300 feet down the street and have one or two with Sexy Rexy. From there you can walk down to LTU and grab a drink or two. If you chill a bit at each place you can work up an appetite and head to Aubie's and share a burger.

From Aubie's you can head to Ivan's and take in the sunset, maybe share an appetizer while enjoying a great drink from the solid bartenders at the bar. Night cap at Eddie's Debar where you can share some chicken, lobster(in season), as well as several other options. If you want a wood carving you can walk down to Bobo's shop across from Rockhouse Hotel. He is toward the end of the stalls set up on the Morass side. Just yell Bobo if you do not see his shop and someone will lead the way.

If you want to play dominoes with some locals Debar is a good option as well as Spyda's which is a taxi ride from Eddie's and across the street from Blue Cave Castle. If you get the munchies you can grab a killer bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich or bacon mac and cheese down at Jenny's. The owner Connie is a hoot and an amazing cook.

There are many more options as well, I just laid out a typical day for me if I am staying on the beach and need a day on the Best End. The key is to SLOW DOWN and enjoy the vibe. You can certainly walk down the West End with a 12 year old. Just make sure you stick glued to the side of the road and keep your head up and eyes on the traffic. I like to walk against traffic, but do switch it up if the other side of the road has more room.

I do take a taxi once the sun goes down. They are cheap and plentiful and with a lack of sidewalks and the occasional opportunist it just makes sense. If you need a driver for the day I can recommend a couple of drivers.

Shane Taxi a red plate driver can be reached at 876-572-3599. I would check with him before hand to see if he is available as he does tours and airport transfers. He can pick you up and drop you off, or he can pick you up and hang out with you the entire time, for an additional fee of course.

I have another driver that I use every time, however I need to verify that he has successfully received his red plate. He was awaiting the bureaucracy when I was in town a few weeks ago. I have a message out and will update this thread once I hear back.

My feedback is assuming you are a newbie, so my apologies if you are not new to this.

Nice Booger....

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Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I personally would not walk along the cliffs more than 50 yards.

I would recommend Xtabi to hang and snorkel.

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Huh? Why is that? The road can be a bit dodgy due to traffic and no sidewalks, but other than that there is no major issue in walking the west end (the violence spree seems to have passed for now).

Another option if you want to chill out and let the young'in snorkel for a while is Home Sweet Home. They have a restaurant and bar onsite, as well a pool that visitors are welcome to use. In addition, the snorkeling from HSH is some of the best since there is a coral canyon right off the cliffs. From there, you can walk to Jenny's, Spyda's, No Limit or Pee Wee's very easily.

If you were to follow Booger's plan, you can also stop at Negril Escape for snorkeling and swimming after you hit Ahh Bee's. The restaurant there is kinda mediocre and the property a little drab, but they do welcome outside guests, they have a big pool and they have a large expanse of cliffs. They also have that cool lighthouse that you can jump from, if you are so inclined.

I wouldn't walk along the west end road with a child. Traffic is fast and dangerous. be safe and take a taxi, they are plentiful and cheap. Don't miss having a burger at AhhBee's!! best burger on the planet!

Is it me or is this comment absolutely wrong! I am the exact opposite and prefer the cliffs to the beach any day! The people and vendors are much friendlier. I do not like to walk on a beach that buries the dog and horse **** under the sand. when walking on the beach always wear shoes for risk parasites!

The Child is 12 years old ... You'll be fine ... be aware of traffic & lack of sidewalks & narrow shoulders on the road
If ya don't feel safe ..grab a cab

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Originally Posted by TAH

Huh? Why is that? The road can be a bit dodgy due to traffic and no sidewalks, but other than that there is no major issue in walking the west end (the violence spree seems to have passed for now).

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TAH - that was just my opinion. I have had a few close calls (and even seen an accident) with cars so I don't walk far on the cliffs...also turned an ankle in a pothole. My comment was purely in reference to traffic and no sidewalks.

IMHO if you stay alert to the traffic, walking on the cliff road during the day is not all that dangerous. I always walk facing the traffic and make sure I move as far as I can off the road when vehicles approach. Granted, there are a few spots where it seems like there is little or no room to move off the road but for the most part it is not an issue. Walking with little kids would be one thing but for a 12 year old I think it would be no problem.

The cars do come speeding along that road so when crossing the road I make sure to look both ways and make sure the way is well clear before stepping out into the road.

Wearing bright coloured clothing to make yourself more visible is also a good idea.

Thanks for all the great info! Booger your days would make us happy... the kid maybe not so much. Canoe bar and German bar sounds like a great combo though. snorkeling and pizza can only be a good day. Mike D you're right on track! Xtabi and 3 dives seems like a good combo too. As well as home sweet home and Jenny's. Snorkeling and cake works great too!
Much appreciated!

A 12 year old will have no problem walking along the west end during the day. I agree with the Xtabi and Negril Escape recommendations - both are great snorkeling spots but I would give Xtabi the edge because of the caves that would be great fun for a 12 year old!

the 12 year old will be bored at ALL spots that dont have water access or a pool...trust me, I am a big 12 year old at heart...
my suggestions would be Ricks for the divers, it is something to see, regardless of how commercial it is....i think the child would enjoy it..he could also jump from the smaller levels....negril escape, sunset on the cliffs, home sweet homethese 3 have both sea entrance and pools and a place to jump....Samsara has not been mentioned, but has a lot to offer, wading pool, regular pool....and great jumping and swimming...but i would say Xtabi is a dont miss, because of the caves, pool is across the street, but you can jump, snorkel, explore caves....

Groove16. Thank you! I wasn't sure if one could just show up at a cliff side hotel and use their facilities.... Seems like it's not a big deal if you are buying drinks or snacks. Lower season better as well. fortunately the kid is a pretty well seasoned traveler used to a mellow flow. A sprite and a tablet = tween happy hour. Maybe next time we do west end and beach stay. Good time to check out the various properties...

Avoid walking for a few hours before sunset. The buses and vans heading to Ricks really picks up around that time. Once you're past Ricks traffic is much lighter at that time.

If you're looking for ocean access to snorkel you may want to check out Pee Wee's or Xtabi. Snorkeling between Pee Wee's and the Blue Cave Castle is good....so I hear.