Suggestions for the first timer

Hello all, I was wondering if I could get some hints and tips for my first time trip to Jamaica or anywhere for that matter.... My boyfriend of 9yrs and I are heading to riu tropical bay from nov 10 -14 I know it's only a short time but something is better than nothing. We are 25 &24 yrs old. And I myself am very shy but I'm tryin to open up more for the island, so with this said does anyone have suggestions for us seeing as we have limited time and it's our first... Btw I'm soooo excited I can barely type this the anticipation is killing me I have a feeling I won't wanna leave!



http://www.iberostar.info/ticker/ima...rip to Jamaica

Check out the cliffs-- you could visit a cliffside resort and order from their bar or restaurant or go to Ricks , even though it is a tourist trap it will give you an idea of what the sea is like off the west end-- do a dive or take a jump! Or you could do one of the sunset catamaran cruises and see everything from the sea side of things. Wild thing cruises provide drinks and go up the beach to the cliff area and then stop so you can swim off the catamaran or snorkel. Also just walk the beach one day and stop anywhere that looks cool for a drink, snack, etc. Go to a webcast at realnegril.com, or visit a webcast or two online from home to get some ideas-you can join the live chat and ask any questions you might have. Get off the resort a day or two. It is a short trip but def. check out some other parts of Negril. Have fun and congrats on your first trip!

Check out the cliffs(West End) for sure. I would suggest you set some time aside to catch a sunset one night at one of the restaurants. I would recommend Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star. As a non guest you cannot enter the property till 5PM, so keep this in mind. Also, call ahead and make a reservation and ask them for the free pick up. They will send a driver to get you at the Riu and than you are responsible for the ride back. Ivan's is just down the street from Rick's, it's actually 2 properties before you get to Rick's. You could scope out Rick's and than make your way to Ivan's to catch the sunset if you get your own ride up there.

be sure to take the sunset catamaran cruise from the riu(book it as soon as you get there,it fills up fast) it will drop you at rick's cafe(tourist trap). leave rick's turn right go a few doors down to ltu pub,it's areally cool place with great food&drinks. then go back to rick's & watch the cliff divers for a little while before returning to riu.also be very careful walking on the west end road.

so im totally going to book a catamaran when i get there...the responses are very helpful, the 11th is my birthday anything suggested for the day of my birthday in perticular?

I would also recommend the One Love Bus Pub Crawl. It's a great time and allows you to visit several great places on the West End. And it's free! (just be sure to tip the driver)

You can hitch a boat ride from RIU Tropical Bay to Booby Cay Island -- only a five minute ride at the most -- and enjoy the little island, where they cook live lobsters for ya on an open fire.

That sounds awesome Gerry, how much should that run?

beebe.. Walk 2 steps off your resort and it will cost significantly less than if you go through your resort.

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Originally Posted by marley9808

I would also recommend the One Love Bus Pub Crawl. It's a great time and allows you to visit several great places on the West End. And it's free! (just be sure to tip the driver)

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Going on the Crawl at the end of August. What's considered a good tip for the driver?

On your arrival date, November 10th (a Saturday) is a perfect time to experience some real Jamaican Culture, great food and a fun setting.

Seastar has Web Cast from Rob and Lisa and there is a top local band playing music, an all you can eat buffet and a drumming show by the Seastar Drummers.

Now the best part, if you call Seastar, they will pick you up at your hotel and drop you off after the show!

This is truly not an adventure to miss. Anyone, please correct me if any of what I said is not right as far as the show, hotel pickup etc. I know I am going to be there that night and I live in Jamaica!

Peace and Guidance

IMHO, I would book the One Love Pub Crawl to give you a taste of the different bars in Negril and a "bus tour" of Negri. I would also walk to the Office of Nature which is right on the same beach as RUI. Since you don't have but a few days, this should give you a little taste of Negril, Jamaica.

i totally appreciate all suggestions and feel free to keep them coming... thanks guys...bordies lol