What should we do off the resort?

Hi,
My girlfriend and I are traveling to Negril in a couple weeks and are staying at the Riu Negril resort. We're only going to be there from midday Friday (May 13th) until midday Tuesday (May 18th), and also we are in college and don't want to spend much more money than what we're already spending on the trip. So we are thinking of picking one day to do something off the resort. I would really like to do something that isn't too much of a commercial tourist attraction so that we can see more of the "real" Jamaica. However she's the type of person who definitely needs a clear and organized plan, so just adventuring off for a day isn't much of an option for us. One thing I was thinking of was the Bob Marley Mausoleum (obviously it's a tourist attraction, though I like that it goes into the mountains and away from the main tourist areas), but it would cost us almost an extra $200. We're also thinking we might go to Rick's Cafe one night to see the sunset. Anybody have any recommendations? Thanks!

You will see a great deal of the "real" Jamaica through the windows of your 90 minute transport that will take you through tiny hamlets and small towns and beautiful countryside each way. In Negril a visit to Rick's is probably something you should do on your first visit, but it's touristy and you might want to stay for one drink or a look around and then walk a bit more to a local cliff-side "Sunset" bar or restaurant such as L.T.U. pub. Another economical adventure would be a taxi ride to the small city of Savanna La Mar. It's about 30 minutes each way. Not really a tourist destination, but they have an interesting market place with all kinds of fruit and veggies and other items. There is a popular "pub crawl" in Negril that many people enjoy. It's a 'free' excursion to half a dozen or so West End spots and you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. Most people give the driver a generous tip for this service. You don't have to spend money at each stop. You can just have a soft drink or water, if you want to avoid too much alcohol. That's just a few low-cost outings you many enjoy. There are many other options.

If you only plan to spend one day off the resort, I might suggest that you simply take a taxi ride to the heart of 7 Mile Beach (Sun beach is a good place to start) and walk the beach. The experience that you will get walking the public beach is vastly different than the one you will get on the resort. It's understandable that you paid for all-inclusive and that you want to get your money's worth, so if you only have time for one "excursion" I wouldn't discount a day on the beach. You can stop at the various bars/restaurants, take in some live music, browse the vendors and maybe jump on a glass bottom boat ride. This is an excursion that will cost you only what you are willing to spend at the various venues.

Aside from the beach, I would also suggest the One Love Pub Crawl on the West End. This will only cost you a tip to the driver and whatever you spend drinking at each bar.
http://negril.com/nt/nt091914.htm

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike_D

If you only plan to spend one day off the resort, I might suggest that you simply take a taxi ride to the heart of 7 Mile Beach (Sun beach is a good place to start) and walk the beach. The experience that you will get walking the public beach is vastly different than the one you will get on the resort. It's understandable that you paid for all-inclusive and that you want to get your money's worth, so if you only have time for one "excursion" I wouldn't discount a day on the beach. You can stop at the various bars/restaurants, take in some live music, browse the vendors and maybe jump on a glass bottom boat ride. This is an excursion that will cost you only what you are willing to spend at the various venues.

Aside from the beach, I would also suggest the One Love Pub Crawl on the West End. This will only cost you a tip to the driver and whatever you spend drinking at each bar.
http://negril.com/nt/nt091914.htm

---

Beach and Pub crawl are what I'd recommend (pub crawl will give you more of the "real" that you're looking for) for your situation. Since you're only there for a short stay, neither will eat the whole day if you dont want it to. Meaning, you can jump in a cab at any point and only be 10/15 minutes from the resort. Whereas if you took a true day trip, there's no rip cord to pull.

Definitely, LTU's Over Rick's

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tommy

Definitely, LTU's Over Rick's

---

Eh, for a first timer I'd disagree. Ricks is worth a trip at least once, just don't spend any money there.
To the OP, I'd consider a taxi down to the Blue Hole in Brighton, or Mayfields falls which is maybe a 30 minute ride out of town, and you will see the countryside and get a little bit of a "feel" for rural Jamaica.

I think the pub crawl & then get dropped off at Ricks. After that go to LTU for a
Night cap. Another option is to hire Linston for the day. Maybe go to the falls and the Pelican bar. Or have him just give you a tour of Negril Cliffs and Beach..

Get dropped off at margville and walk the beach. (Go south). Lots of bars and stuff. You'll have fun.

High! The previous comments are good. When you are at the Riu club hotel, would you do us a favor? Go to the lobby bar , and say HI to Paul Sundal {The world famous singing bartender} He's really good. From Todd & Deb. Have fun!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike_D

If you only plan to spend one day off the resort, I might suggest that you simply take a taxi ride to the heart of 7 Mile Beach (Sun beach is a good place to start) and walk the beach. The experience that you will get walking the public beach is vastly different than the one you will get on the resort. It's understandable that you paid for all-inclusive and that you want to get your money's worth, so if you only have time for one "excursion" I wouldn't discount a day on the beach. You can stop at the various bars/restaurants, take in some live music, browse the vendors and maybe jump on a glass bottom boat ride. This is an excursion that will cost you only what you are willing to spend at the various venues.

Aside from the beach, I would also suggest the One Love Pub Crawl on the West End. This will only cost you a tip to the driver and whatever you spend drinking at each bar.
http://negril.com/nt/nt091914.htm

---

7 Mile Beach might be a good idea, that way we can have a general area to explore at our leisure. The Pub Crawl definitely sounds interesting, but we're not big drinkers at home, do you think it would be worth it?

Also, I'm a big fan of the ganja and when I was there with my family a few years ago and was underage I got some tourist grade weed from a guy on the beach, what would a better option be?

better yet......see Ricks for a bit and then walk to LTU for the actual sunset and dinner

Just walk the seven mile beach. Skip ricks. Go to Catcha Falling Star on the cliffs near ricks for sunset drinks and supper. If you want to snorkel look for Famous Vincents boat hell be there.

You have the plan already get to Negril and the rest will pull you in or come to you.
Tips
Leave The Bling at Home
Pack less clothes
Take more Cash
And NEVER exchange currency on the street NEVER !

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eihi97

7 Mile Beach might be a good idea, that way we can have a general area to explore at our leisure. The Pub Crawl definitely sounds interesting, but we're not big drinkers at home, do you think it would be worth it?

Also, I'm a big fan of the ganja and when I was there with my family a few years ago and was underage I got some tourist grade weed from a guy on the beach, what would a better option be?

---

The Pub Crawl can still be fun, if you don't drink (although most of the other crawlers will be smashed by the end of the trip). The local, roadside bars are an experience in themselves. Just order a Ting (Jamaican soft drink) and enjoy the vibe. Most places will allow you to spark-up, as well. Sir D's actually sells edibles.

Stay at Ricks for sunset THEN go to LTU for dinner. This time of the year the sun is too far north to see it drop in the water from LTU

GO to Lucea towin AND country-side..!!..

so far, it's not touristy
...only a short 30 minute ride from Rui Negril

1...go to front entrance, and ask the security guard to flag-down a LEGAL route taxi ''..To Lucea..''
...cost 'bout Ja $150 each ..one-way :::::: less than US $2 each

2...once you're in Lucea,,, at the car/taxi terminal... AKA the car/bus-park
THEN ask somebody,,, ANYbody::>>> ''...WHERE is Mr.Brown's hardware,,, near the road to-country...''

.....GOT TO mention this:::>> the Jamaican people are WONDERFULL and looove to help out newcomers to their island .... don't be 'fraid ... they won't bite you......

3...would be nice, neat, and interesting to stop by the Lucea Market, and look around .... this is ESPECIALLY a good idea if you go on a Friday or Saturday ..... don't buy nothing yet.

4...once you reach Mr.Brown's hardware store, ask somebody ... ANYbody:::>> ''...I wanna charter a taxi TO country .... to St. Simon and back....''

you'll be referred to, and find a driver QUICK QUICK .... just be SURE it's a red plate, LEGAL taxi.

Offer / Pay NO MORE than US $20 for a quick ride up & down to country/St Simon .....in actual-ity this is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much, but 'twill be worth the expense.

make sure he takes you up-to the school,,, get out ... look around at the view ...... stop at a shop-or-two along the way, for soda, snack, whatever ..... remember, if your so inclined, that ganja in-country from a shop is ONLY Ja $50 for plenty, and Ja $5 for the paper.

5..have the chartered taxi man take you BACK to the car/bus park,,,,

you might wanna stop by the market again, and buy something ..... or maybe something from a street vendor,,, there's a whole-heap of great places to each around town..... with GREAT food ..... food prepared for the Jamaican pallet... NOT for tourist-mouths / taste buds .... NOT like the Rui food.

6..hop taxi BACK to Negril ... again, they'll help you get a taxi out of town to-Negril.


sit back,, chill and enjoy the 30 minute return ride .... price..??... SAME as above Ja $300 for the both of you

....happy trails to you's .....
.
.
.
oh
oh
ooooooooooooooooooh:::::>> write and post a trip report when you get back

one more thing....

don't take that Lucea excursion (above) on a Sunday .... waste of time,
...things slow waaaaaaaaaaaaay down on Sundays, and transportation can be tricky.

Good info, Smith.

I like Smith's idea, the one thing I might add is if there is a local you feel comfortable with and they have a day off when you want to go, ask if they want to go with you as a guide, and pay them for their time, their fares and meals on your adventure. If there is a local taxi driver you are comfortable with he could do the same, it will just cost a little more for tying up his vehicle for a few hours. Work out the details and agree on costs before you confirm the plan.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lola

I like Smith's idea, the one thing I might add is if there is a local you feel comfortable with and they have a day off when you want to go, ask if they want to go with you as a guide, and pay them for their time, their fares and meals on your adventure. If there is a local taxi driver you are comfortable with he could do the same, it will just cost a little more for tying up his vehicle for a few hours. Work out the details and agree on costs before you confirm the plan.

---

Eh, after getting into a minor accident in Jamaica I would strongly discourage riding in a non red plate vehicle. Six inches to the left, and we could have been looking at a mountain of medical expenses. Luckily it wasn't nearly as bad as could have been (almost head on collision at 35-40 mph). Red Plate. Insurance matters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=re182B4qMiY

I'd say the pub crawl will be the easiest and cheapest way to get to see a lot of Negril and experience a lot of different places. If your not the drinking type then you may just want to catch a cab to 7 mile beach for the day as other suggested.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lola

............
if there is a local you feel comfortable with

and they have a day off when you want to go, ask if they want to go with you as a guide, and pay them for their time, their fares and meals on your adventure. If there is a local taxi driver you are comfortable with he could do the same, it will just cost a little more for tying up his vehicle for a few hours. Work out the details and agree on costs before you confirm the plan.

---

...
boardie-Lola ~~~ good-good **addition** ..... nice plan

BUT:::::>>>>>> it kinda-sorta complicates an *adventure* which is really quite simple.

AND, another-BUT:::::>>>> it's BEST if that ''..local..'' is FROM the Lucea-area .... lives there and/or has strong ties there ... KNOWS the area AND the people in the area.

i've *learned* that most-folks PREFER seeing '''.one-of-their-own..'' getting the touri$t dollars, as well. ..... kinda-sorta like a ''..keeping 'it' in the family'' thing-y

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eihi97

I got some tourist grade weed from a guy on the beach, what would a better option be?

---

.
lol
lol
lol
lol

me-personally don't ''indulge''
but
in-Lucea country all the residents seem to have no-problems with the ganja sold at the MANY little shops along the road(s), or other places (e.g., from granny in the house down the lane)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kevin, PA

I'd say the pub crawl will be the easiest and cheapest way to get to see a lot of Negril and experience a lot of different places. If your not the drinking type then you may just want to catch a cab to 7 mile beach for the day as other suggested.

---

.
.
ummmmmmmmmmmmm
nice suggestions,
BUT, original poster SAID/WROTE::::>>> '''''..... I would really like to do something that isn't too much of a commercial tourist attraction so that we can see more of the "real" Jamaica
..'''

that said,
pub crawl & 7-mile beach are SURE-nuff ***commercial tourist attractions*** ----- 100% so

.
.
.
by the waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay::::>>> folks always chatting about the ''''real''' Jamaica
lol
lol
lol
it's ALL '''real'''

lol
lol
lol

just *different* in different places on the island.

ANOTHER *Option*

hire Liston (i.e., boardie-captainD's son) ..... a board sponsor

...he can take you to a ''different'' part of the island/area, out among the corn fields ..... opps..!!!.... i 'meant' the cane fields......... and then up-into the hills of SilverSpring((??)) ..... nice up & around there.

in fact,
that would/could be a REALLY nice excursion ---- especially if he (for example) goes via the SavRoad,,, then loops-back to Negril via the back-roads

* sigh *

my
my
my

i sure would like to go on THAT-trip...!!!

I didn't read all the replies but I always wonder why nobody ever suggests the lighthouse. Around 3PM take a taxi (Call Linston it really makes sense to do this) to the Lighthouse. Wander the grounds. If you're lucky you will run into the groundskeeper and he will let you climb to the top of the lighthouse. Really a spectacular view. From there... walk back to Rick's for Sunset (1 drink MAX). Along the way you will see LTU Pub, it looks small but is really a great place with great food. Don't eat at Rick's!!! If you want to start earlier, just keep walking down the cliffs looking for places to have a drink. Past Ricks will be Catch A Falling Star (Ivan's Bar), Tensing Pen, The Rockhouse, The Push Cart and 3 Dives all great places for dinner and sunset. When you're done call Linston for your ride home. You'll see plenty of the "Real" Jamaica off the resort this way.

If you do start earlier have Linston take you up to Out of Town Pastry for Patties prior to dropping you off at the Lighthouse.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TAH

Eh, after getting into a minor accident in Jamaica I would strongly discourage riding in a non red plate vehicle. Six inches to the left, and we could have been looking at a mountain of medical expenses. Luckily it wasn't nearly as bad as could have been (almost head on collision at 35-40 mph). Red Plate. Insurance matters.

---

TAH, why did you quote my post for your comment? This is a tourist forum, a local taxi driver is of course, a red plate driver; without it one is not a taxi. Many of them now have a little TAXI sign on the top of the vehicle and checkerboard-type striping along the sides, easy to see.

If you're thinking of doing the One Love Pub Crawl email Lenbert at bananaznegril@hotmail.com. He responds pretty quickly. Let him know what day you'd like to do the excursion. We had a blast. The usual tip has been about $5-$10 per person. Also another great excursion is Calico Jack's Pirate Shack. It's at Half Moon Beach. It's about a 15 minute taxi ride (maybe closer where you're staying). The cost is $5 to go onto Half Moon Beach. There's a gift shop, bar, etc on the beach. Then you can take a 5 minute boat ride ($5 pp) to Calico Jacks. It sits out on a reef. Full bar and they serve food. Of course no lobster at this time of year. Season is over. It's kinda like Pelican Bar but it doesn't take almost 2 hours to get there. I also like the Pelican Bar/YS Falls day trip. Find a driver you trust and have a blast. Have the best time, you'll love it.

Best thing we do when there is donate school supplies to one of the basic schools. We go back in the villages pick up all our school supplies from a local shop keeper and head to the school. The children are beautiful, the countryside is beautiful. We have a friend who drives for a living and his wife is a teacher so that is how we got hooked up doing that in Marchtown. Now we have been friends for years, my husband helped to build his house, so we tag along on many trips to Sav and other non touristy places with them. We enjoy our beach days but enjoy getting off the beach to hang with locals more. There is also St. Anthony's Soup Kitchen you could donate some of your morning to.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TAH

Eh, for a first timer I'd disagree. Ricks is worth a trip at least once, just don't spend any money there.
To the OP, I'd consider a taxi down to the Blue Hole in Brighton, or Mayfields falls which is maybe a 30 minute ride out of town, and you will see the countryside and get a little bit of a "feel" for rural Jamaica.

---

Mayfield is much further than a 30 minute ride. Just the same, I loved it. Beautiful place. Guys who worked there had some nice high grade if you're into that, offered me what they were puffing on. I wasn't able to buy then, but they did let me rip their finger hash joint. Good times.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eihi97

Also, I'm a big fan of the ganja and when I was there with my family a few years ago and was underage I got some tourist grade weed from a guy on the beach, what would a better option be?

---

Here's my story. I bought on the bus ride from the airport to couples. Don't do this. The ganja there is usually ****. The second batch I bought on the beach, just past the couples AN area. Good dude, bud was still not as strong as what I'm used to, but WAY more respectable than the other crap. Some random dude see's me smoking on the balcony, throws the approval sign. 2 days later he comes bearing gifts, 2 nice fat joints. I don't know where he got it, but that bud was fire. I never saw him again to ask unfortunately. I did inquire a bit on reddit, and basically was told the bell hops can usually get good ****, at least at couples they did. So that's my strategy this year, ask the bellhop and use terms they know like 'high grade' and strains popular in Ja(Lambs Bread, Jamaica Pearl). I also ask for light green, sativa, or purple. No brown/brownish crap.

That and I'm going to hire a driver known around the board here to take me up into orange hill and give me some tours. :) Never know what we might find up there. :confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lola

TAH, why did you quote my post for your comment? This is a tourist forum, a local taxi driver is of course, a red plate driver; without it one is not a taxi. Many of them now have a little TAXI sign on the top of the vehicle and checkerboard-type striping along the sides, easy to see.

---

Just because you said if there was a local that you feel comfortable with, to have them take you as a guide. To me that implied they would be your driver?

Hi EiHi97, Definitely get off resort. I've stayed at RIU before with the family and took them on a day trip Margaritaville and Ricks Cafe- Yes touristy, but still a good experience. Margaritaville has free pick up, you can camp out there and walk the beach . Seven mile beach is FAR better than the beach at RIU ( Bloody Bay).. Ricks its touristy but still nice. IT can be pricey if you buy drinks and plan to eat a meal. Go, relax, enjoy.... There are lots of places to see, but it just gives you a reason to keep comin back ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TAH

Just because you said if there was a local that you feel comfortable with, to have them take you as a guide. To me that implied they would be your driver?

---

You missed this part: "...pay them for their time, their fares and meals on your adventure..." meaning pay their route taxi fares while they are accompanying you, on the trip to Lucea and beyond via route taxis, as Smith outlined. In the next sentence I wrote OR hire a local taxi driver...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lola

You missed this part: "...pay them for their time, their fares and meals on your adventure..." meaning pay their route taxi fares while they are accompanying you, on the trip to Lucea and beyond via route taxis, as Smith outlined. In the next sentence I wrote OR hire a local taxi driver...

---

Fair enough. I was mostly trying to clarify for any new visitors who may not know the ropes.

I'll be there June 1-7 for my honeymoon. We are staying at an AI, but we are hoping to do Mayfield Falls, Blue Hole, One Love Pub Crawl, and going to Margaritaville and walking the beach. Are we trying to do to much? Do you think we could squeeze in Calico Jack's? Any advice or suggestions would be awesome. Thanks to all!

Are you trying to do too much ... I'd say no ..but others may not agree ..
My biggest decision of the day ..is ..do I turn left or right..
no rules ..just take it as it comes & goes
If you enjoy Ja.-you'll be back

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slightly Stoopid

Are you trying to do too much ... I'd say no ..but others may not agree ..
My biggest decision of the day ..is ..do I turn left or right..
no rules ..just take it as it comes & goes

If you enjoy Ja.-
you'll be back

---

.
ditto
ditto
DITTooooooooooo...!!!..

and getting ''..back..'' is soooooooooooooo easy-peasy ::::: 'cause planes fly down-there everyday, all times of the day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slightly Stoopid

Are you trying to do too much ... I'd say no ..but others may not agree ..
My biggest decision of the day ..is ..do I turn left or right..
no rules ..just take it as it comes & goes
If you enjoy Ja.-you'll be back

---

Soooo true. I'd say that is my biggest decision of the day. Which way to turn.