Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
After several trip to Negril, we are staying at our first non AI. We are VERY excited and are looking forward to exploring Negril more than we ever have before. So my question.......if we stay out for a late dinner or music are we safer walking back to our resort (Idle Awhile) on the road or on the beach? Or should we just get a red plate taxi? Looking forward to hearing your opionions. Respect!
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
For a very short walk the beach is ok but bring a good flashlight.
The road is better and I would use the sidewalk as much as possible.
Red plate is always a good idea. As you meet taxi men, if you get a good vibe, get their card or number.
Then you can call your driver when you're ready to go. Always negotiate price in advance. And keep in mind that prices are higher at night.
Enjoy your trip, you may never go back to the AI!
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
The road is generally fine, the beach can be sketchy depending on where you are. I'd just walk the road or cab it, unless you're on a well lit section of beach and only walking a short way.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
I would not walk from Roots or Bourbon Beach to Idle Awhile at night. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, so no need to risk it.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I thought.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
We bring a flashlight and walk from dinner at Idle Awhile/Chill Awhile and as far up as Nora's, then walk back to Nirvana. Last year there seemed to be fewer hustlers, but if we are approached, we don't stop walking, don't make eye contact and decline any sales pitch--politely say "No thank you mon." We feel less comfortable walking toward town because there are more folks that try to sell us stuff. Most restaurants will pick you up for free (plus tip). You pay for the return trip. Ask security to arrange the cab to take you back to your hotel. Make sure you are clear about the price of the ride before you get into any car or cab. I go to the West End (cliffs) at night, as often as I can, for dinner. We love Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star and Rockhouse (among other fabulous restaurants). For a long hall trip up to Ivan's we arrange for our airport transport driver to drive us both ways. After dinner we call him, or have the bartender call him. On the way back to the beach from dinner on the West End, I like to stop at Quality Trader's grocery store for groceries (shopping at night is great--quiet, local scene and we don't have to spend precious beach time shopping).
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
I use the same rationale walking the beach as Integrity does. From Tony's Hut north I see no issue, especially if it is not too late.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Interesting. I've never had an issue walking on the beach at night, but then I'm not alone and last trip had a 5 year old with me.
I'd think if you are alone there would be people assuming you were looking for something and would be more likely to approach. As others mentioned, a polite No Thanks has always worked for me.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SoloTraveller
Interesting. I've never had an issue walking on the beach at night, but then I'm not alone and last trip had a 5 year old with me.
I'd think if you are alone there would be people assuming you were looking for something and would be more likely to approach. As others mentioned, a polite No Thanks has always worked for me.
It isn't being approached that people are warning about. It's being robbed, which does happen.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Would you happen to have a phone number for Catcha Falling Star? Hoping they would pick up a party of 4 free to take us to dinner from the beach
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
I walk the road, and I have been told by local friends that their preference would be that I not walk the beach and walk the road at night. There's more lighting on the road and more eyes on the road. I've only really felt uncomfortable one time walking at night in the many many times I have done it.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
If it's me and a buddy down there, I'll generally walk the beach.
Me and a lady, I'll take a cab.
If I'm alone; over the past few trips I've started walking the road more. I was getting REAL tired of being offered dates on the beach at night.
If you're worried about safety, take a cab. Anything can happen anywhere. Just like most places.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MikeyNYC
If it's me and a buddy down there, I'll generally walk the beach.
Me and a lady, I'll take a cab.
If I'm alone; over the past few trips I've started walking the road more. I was getting REAL tired of being offered dates on the beach at night.
If you're worried about safety, take a cab. Anything can happen anywhere. Just like most places.
Great answer!
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
We always stay near Tree House and will have dinner at Kuyaba and maybe Tony's Hut for a few after, never had problems walking back on the beach at 10-11pm. Once in awhile we might pick up some one trying to sell us something that doesn't take no for an answer and will keep walking with us pestering us a bit. Last year we just popped into see Delroy at Rondell, mentioned it to him and he ran out to the beach to make sure our escort kept moving on.
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Delroy is one in a million. One of the reasons we call Rondel our Negril home!!!
M&M
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ja Bird
Would you happen to have a phone number for Catcha Falling Star? Hoping they would pick up a party of 4 free to take us to dinner from the beach
absolutely will pick u up for dinner for free....the resturant/bar is named Ivans....great place for sunset
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
i agree with flip and mikey above....we walk both beach and road late night after bourbon beach...not many are gonna hustle us two big boys...but anything can happen anywhere....stay away from dark areas, and walk with a purpose...when alone, i am more comfortable on the road...get approached less on the road...also this is where the street vendors came into play...always one close by.....never really had an issue....
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
ROAD ROAD ROAD take taxi if long walk. 120JD can save you a headache
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ja Bird
Would you happen to have a phone number for Catcha Falling Star? Hoping they would pick up a party of 4 free to take us to dinner from the beach
Phone: 876 957 0390
Email: stay@catchajamaica.com
Fax: 876 957 0046
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
Thanks Jardie! I was able to Google the Catcha phone num
ber. Matches what I found. Thank-You!
Re: Safer walking the beach or the road at night?
The sidewalk is a godsend. It is so nice to walk with better lighting and easier walking then the beach.