Best place to go to the beach??-Staying on de cliffs.

Greetings All,

We are in count down mode now. Clothes and suitcases out, checklists, etc. we are stoked to say the least. (Just picked up a cool Red Stripe hat at Walmart this AM for $5.00 and matching his and hers RS tank tops....we be ready!!!http://negril.com/forum/images/icons/icon12.png)

We have a question for all you frequent Negril travelers that stay on the cliffs. (and there be a bunch of ya'll)

We would like to go to the beach for a day or two and relax in the sun, go for a walk, get a drink, some lunch, etc....maybe spend 4-6 hours there.

Where do you go that is chill http://negril.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.png and can get a chair, maybe an umbrella, a cold RS or rum punch, something to eat, etc?? Want to feel safe, be able to go take a swim and not have to worry about stuff "walking away". Reasonable in costs would be good too.

We are staying at Moon Dance Cliifs and although it is gorgeous and has plenty to do, it would be nice to get out of the "compound" a bit.

We're even thinking about a beach day and then finish with a sunset cruise down to the cliffs. Would be great to see landscape/cliffs from the water perspective. Saw this: http://www.wildthingwatersportsnegri...cruise_1.shtml Looks fun. Anybody got any feedback for us?? http://negril.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.png http://negril.com/forum/images/icons/icon13.png Would love to hear!!!

Also, what is the going rate for a taxi ride from the cliffs to beach?? JA or US$$$ (we realize MDC is way down there)

We have learned so much from reading on this forum and we want to thank everyone for their help!!

Regards...Lee and Margot

Since you are staying at Moon Dance cliffs, can't you hang out at Moon Dance on the beach? I would think at that price you should be able to enjoy both properties.

Idle Awhile would be another good spot. As long as you buy lunch and drinks at a place, most will allow you to use their facilities.

Hire Famous Vincent for the water taxi. He's a great guy and he will give you a great rate. I believe he has his own website, if not shoot me a PM and I'll dig up his number for you.

That's what we thought too and asked...but they said "NO" as they are "different" properties, blah, blah, blah....(to say the least).....they supggested Margaritaville. Maybe they don't want to mix it up and have people from Moon Dance Villas hangin' out at the cliffs and using MDC "facilities" (pool, etc.) We will make another inquiry when we get there as maybe a face to face and/or something green and crispy might help.

But as a Plan B, any suggestions???

In that case I second the suggestion of Idle Awhile. Or going the other way up the beach Treehouse is a great spot. Going a little further, for a small fee you can spend the day at Cosmo's. They have good food, nice beach and showers.

Sunbeach is a nice area also...lounge chairs, bar, restaurant, good rum punches, cold red stripes and they also sell other flavors of red stripe, there is some shade under the trees, jet ski/parasail/glass bottom boat is all there!!!!

Having stayed at Idle Awhile earlier this year, it's certainly got the best bit of beach in front of it. It's also very secure and the beach security at the hotel keep it that way. Food and drink prices are OK, it's not the cheapest, but hey, you pay for ambiance. :cool:

Have a great holiday, jealous? Moi? :mad:

Hi sunbrnd,

We are going to Negril soon too so understand your excitement! The last 2 trips to Negril we did 7 mile beach as one of our exploration days. If you are in no hurry (surely not) then I would consider my rather simplistic suggestion. Don't go to the beach with the idea of staying at any one particular establishment. What we have done and has worked really well is just pick one establishment near either end of the beach, have a beer or two to acclimate, then start walking. You will surely find several bars/restaurants that appeal to you. If they don't, move on. We have typically started at Bourbon Beach partly to eat some of their jerk chicken for lunch and then move on. Your driver will be glad to pick you up wherever you end up. The bartenders normally don't have a problem calling your driver or a taxi for you.

You will meet very interesting people, you will be approached to buy things, you will feel uncomfortable sometimes but when you are done and back at your resort you will look back at it and feel really good that you got of the resort. Use common sense and it will be safe.

If you haven't got one yet, get one of the maps that are available of Negril. A search of this site will probably find you the link. That way you can research some spots and determine your game plan.

Try Negril Treehouse or Seasplash, both next to each other and totally chill w/ a great beach

Thanks for all the suggestions eyeryone!!!

NegrilSalute, that a good idea. Could do that beach day 1 and scope out what's what. If we do a day 2, we would then have a better idea of what's what:cool:

Heard/read about the all higglers....we'll be alright...(I'm 6'2"/215 and not easily intimidated)......a smile, and no thanks, mon!!

Have the map from: http://media.tripod.lycos.com/2567851/2007898.pdf all 5 pages printed in color on card stock and laminated in plastic. Thought it might come in handy.

Appreciate any and all suggestions...this board is great!!...we will be able to reference this down there as we have a PC in our villa.

WildThingCruises??, Cost of taxi??? Anyone??:confused:

Thanks all
L&M

We've hung out on the beach at Kuyaba, when staying on the cliffs. We just bought a couple drinks at the bar and they didn't mind us using their facilities. The security guard even fetched us a couple lounge chairs and towels.

How is the security at Sun Beach? I mean, is it safe to leave a bag on your chair while taking a dip in ocean? I know at some places, you may want to ask the bartender to keep an eye on your belongings when you go off for a swim.

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Originally Posted by Mike_D

We've hung out on the beach at Kuyaba, when staying on the cliffs. We just bought a couple drinks at the bar and they didn't mind us using their facilities. The security guard even fetched us a couple lounge chairs and towels.

How is the security at Sun Beach? I mean, is it safe to leave a bag on your chair while taking a dip in ocean? I know at some places, you may want to ask the bartender to keep an eye on your belongings when you go off for a swim.

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Mike_D

Yeah, that's our concern. You're obviously going to have a fews bucks with you, a small camera, personal items, etc. It would be best if they didn't just suddenly grow legs. Does the security guard keep an eye on your stuff?? Even at best I would think that would be limited. Does everyone just have the bartender watch their "bag"??

If your staying on the beach, this is obviously not an issue as you only go to the beach with what your wearing if you want to swim. If you want to take some pictures, then you go up to room, get camera, take pics and then return said goods to the room.

Do any of the places have lockers?? That would be the best solution it would seem to me.

Thanks all....L&M

go to walmart...they have a waterproof container that can attach to your wrist, swim trunks, keeps our cash, room key, smokes, and things while we swam at the cliffs...search route taxi at top of page on how to use them, but u should b able to get to the beach for about 10.00, i think a couple propertys will shuttle u if u eat and drink with them, wherever u stop to eat or drink should watch ur stuff, just keep ur valuables on u...the box works great....

Wild Parrot has a great beach and longers, they also own the Wildthing for you cruise

I have never had any trouble leaving my backpack on my chair, with a towel and going in the water at Sunbeach, Bourbon Beach, Cosmos, BarBBarn, Roots Bamboo, or anywhere along that beach. I dont stay right on the beach either, and take a backpack with some cash (not alot) my camera, water, book.. you know stuff, and nothing has ever gone missing. Maybe i'm just lucky or something though.

I wouldnt let the idea of the 'higglers' on the beach bother you. You will be approached to buy things, but a polite and simple No Thanks works best for me.

Hmm.. your best bet is taking a Route Taxi from the WestEnd to the Beach.
It will cost you 100J (80J i think but i dont play with change so i give a 100J -- unless its changed since March) to go from your hotel on the Cliffs, to town, and then another 100J to anywhere from town down the Beach Road... per person.
Sometimes you will have to change taxies in town, but most often the driver that picks you up will drop you off where you want to go. Just remember that each leg of the road is paid separately.

Have fun Sunbrnd!

Sunbrnd, I used to hang out at this place located right next to Charela and White Sands called Rainbow Arch. It's a place with a thatched roof right on the beach. I spent countless hours there chatting with folks and eating, drinking and swimming. They had lounge chairs also. Maybe one of the regulars here to Negril can verify whether or not they are still in business.

Never hung out on the beach at Rainbow Arches, but frequent the place for dinner; friendly staff, nice atmosphere and great food!

A place on the beach could make some extra money if they rented little beach lockers.

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Originally Posted by Gigi

Never hung out on the beach at Rainbow Arches, but frequent the place for dinner; friendly staff, nice atmosphere and great food!

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Hi Gigi,

Nice to hear that Rainbow Arches is still around! Can't wait to go there again; last time I was there was 6 years ago.

NYCGirl,

Rainbow Arches was there this March. Will be back in Negril in Nov and hopefully it will still be open. When is your next reach?

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Originally Posted by Gigi

NYCGirl,

Rainbow Arches was there this March. Will be back in Negril in Nov and hopefully it will still be open. When is your next reach?

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Hi Gigi,
Headed to Negril in 2 Weeks with the first 2 days on the Cliffs and the rest of the trip at Charela on the beach. I always worry that because Rainbow is on such a coveted part of the beach that someone would buy out that establishment...nice to know that has not happened.

Cosmos is at the far end of the beach, but they have a shuttle there and back for cliff dwellers if you want. They will watch your stuff. Most of the non-AI's are glad to have you - Sunbeach, Fun Holiday, Travellers (but their beach is really not great), Sunset on the Beach (the bartender is a sweetie!) - but it's at the end near Negril. Most charge for chairs. Buy a few drinks and you're good to go.

What are these containers from Walmart? They sound great!

I second "The Wild Parrot" as a place to hang out on the beach. Only a short walk to Margaritaville, The Parrot is nice, has a nice menu, a cool bar, restrooms, a shower, and changing rooms. When in Negril, and I am a Cliff Dweller, I hang out at the Parrot on my beach days as do several xpats that I know.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D720/ry%3D480/


these are the only 2 pics I could find of the plastic box.....waterproof and doesn't leave my side(hooks to most of my trunks)...bought in 09 before our 1st trip, think it was in fishing,camping area...


http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9...D720/ry%3D480/

ok here it is.....

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Guid...range/20563435

Seasplash lets you leave your stuff at the bar, then hit the beach. They watch over it for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sunbrnd

Thanks for all the suggestions eyeryone!!!

NegrilSalute, that a good idea. Could do that beach day 1 and scope out what's what. If we do a day 2, we would then have a better idea of what's what:cool:

Heard/read about the all higglers....we'll be alright...(I'm 6'2"/215 and not easily intimidated)......a smile, and no thanks, mon!!

Have the map from: http://media.tripod.lycos.com/2567851/2007898.pdf all 5 pages printed in color on card stock and laminated in plastic. Thought it might come in handy.

Appreciate any and all suggestions...this board is great!!...we will be able to reference this down there as we have a PC in our villa.

WildThingCruises??, Cost of taxi??? Anyone??:confused:

Thanks all

L&M

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I second the walkin the beach idea. My wife and I walked every day for 2 weeks and really enjoyed explorin. My advise is to wear a bathing suit and repeat this in a mirror. "Jus walkin today" for the higglers you will encounter on your way.

We also went on the Wild Thing during our stay for the sunset cruise. Price hmmmm like $55.00 per person? Was a couple years ago so I am foggy. OH look heres a website...:cool: http://www.wildthingwatersportsnegril.com/
Picks you up at Margaritaville. Was drinks and food. The food was a Pizza that went fast yet was good. The drinks never ran out. Rum Punch and Red Stripe. Trip to Ricks Cafe to watch the divers. You could swim to shore if you wanted to jump. Had music. Now the choice is yours you would likely get just as good of a boat trip by walking the beach and talking to someone on a boat. Dont bother with the people walking the beach that want to sell you a tour. Usually they own nothing and just add in money for themselves. We used Captian Andy down near Fire Fly and he is a really nice guy. You can negotiate and get food and drinks included if you like but usually that needs to be planned ahead of time. The boat ride you can do anytime.
As for a Taxi we winged it just stepped out on Norman Manly Blvd that runs along the beach and flagged one down. (Red Plate) One night we went to Ricks and then dinner and back to our room all for $15.00 US the driver was more than happy to wait for us at each stop no charge for that. Remember negotiate before getting in and pay when he is finished delivering you.

Bourbon Beach is the place to hang on da beach.........great location
free lounge chairs, bathrooms, outside shower, great food and drinks at the right price, great staff........
daily food specials that are tuff to beat.........beers are ice cold......great Jerk Chicken!

mi like it better than Sunbeach.......

Cool Runnings, Marko