First Trip to Jamaica for my 30th Birthday, just wanted to say hi :)

[Manda81]

Marley, seems as if there is no shortage of fantastic places to eat and drink I'm not sure how I'm going to get as much in as possible in 2 days! lol I've heard about how schedules don't work so well in Jamaica lol I'm not so much trying to build an Itenerary because that's boring lol I just don't want to waste what little time I have on the wrong things Very excited about this and joining the board has only intensified that feeling

[Ohio_Buckeye_1]

Manda - I'm like you in that it's hard to get the balance right between planning (so you get in everything you want to do), and being spontaneous and going with the flow.

For dinner Saturday, if you are going to the Seastar for the Sat party, I'd suggest you have their buffet for dinner - and save the "sunset view" dinner for Sunday. For Sat, you could do Rick's for the sunset and just have drinks, as everyone is suggesting not eating their high-priced food, then just an easy walk from Rick's over to Seastar to play in the pool before dinner, eat, drink, and be Irie (merry). Unless your Jamaican friend doesn't drink, it would be better to leave the drive home to the Seastar shuttle.

Regarding getting $JA - as earlier poster suggested, exchanging them at CCLP would be the simplest. BUT be sure to ask them what rate they use first - hotels are known for not giving good rates but CCLP could be different. Otherwise, if you will be getting into Negril early enough to get to the cambio before they close at 5pm - the closest one I know of to CCLP is the Time Trend cambio on the beach road in front of Bourbon Beach. If your friend is driving and not familiar with Negril, as you drive south from CCLP, just watch for the Time Square Duty Free Center on the left side of road - the cambio is across the road in a 1-story building with iron gates. They can exchange cash or travelers checks and you will need ID - most use their passport. If you will be later than that - you'll just have to find one in MoBay, or another town like Lucea, along the way. Since your friend is Jamaican it will be easy for him to ask and find one. Get enough cash to last until Monday, as all the cambios/banks are closed on Sunday's.

If you just need to hit an ATM - you would go to the town center and easiest ones to find are at the Scotia Bank (across from the Burger King). I'd suggest just withdrawing $JA, instead of $US and then changing them. Also, doing that you don't have to worry about the 5pm closing time of cambio.

[Manda81]

Hey Ohio thanks again!! You've been a great help and source of information I'm really trying to find that balance between the two and all this really helps! I land at 1:15pm so I should have plenty of time to get to a Cambios in Negril before they close at 5pm My friend isn't much of a drinker but I'm sure I can persuade him to have a few with me and in that case I'll be looking at Taxi's or calling ahead for a pick up.

I sent you a private message because I wasn't sure if you'd see the thread again but I've searched "sand fleas" and went through both the posts that came up is it in the Negril board or do I search the whole website because I've come up with nothing and I've had problems with them in Cuba and I get really eaten up does a typical mosquito spray work for this?

[Bnewb]

As someone that easily gets bit up by sand fleas...I highly recommend 'Skintastic'.
I've tried many, many solutions & have always gone back to 'Skintastic' or just stayed out of the sand after dusk.
If you are bothered by mosquitoes...I always use something with a higher amount of deet in it than 'Skintastic'...so I don't have to keep reapplying the products that contain less.

[Rasta@Heart]

I agree with everyone. Negril is so much better than MoBay. But..... there are some good things to do there and I personally like the Pier 1 restaurant for food and atmosphere. They have lights in the water and its beautiful at night. Don't know if they still have it - but they used to pick you up and bring you back. Also on Pier 1 is the Undersea tour in a semi submarine. Awsome views of the coral reef. A rafting trip on the Martha Brae river is cool and relaxing. Another night time activity I enjoyed was to the Luminous Lagoon just outside MoBay. You could also visit Annie Palmer "the white witch" at Rose Hall Great House and Rocklands Bird Santuary in Anchovy also just outside MoBay. The hummingbirds are amazing. I'm sure there are many more things to do in and around MoBay but these are what comes to mind. Enjoy

[Manda81]

The Luminous Lagoon sounds really beautiful but I was unsure that in person it was as awe inspiring as it reads so thank you for the suggestion

[Ras Walleye]

The Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters near Falmouth is really cool. I've been there several times. A couple tips to maximize the experience. Try to go on a night with little or no moon if possible and don't go out too early. The darker the night the more impressive the sight.

[Rambo]

WOW......................Your lucky to be able to do something you can never do over again........

Have a 30th Birthday AND
First time to Jamaica...................

Its a Win-Win
enjoy

[Manda81]

LOL thanks Rambo but I plan on celebrating my 30th birthday again next year :P lol j/k

[Markospoon]

Hi manda81,

Change your U.S. money right away, not at the airport, but find a cambio (like a US currency exchange) and enjoy spending Jamaican money.

If you order steamed fish, be ready for a lot of little bones.

I always order a fish that is meaty, like tuna or Bonita.

Don't be pressured to buy anything, only what you want.

The locals have a way of making you feel sad by not buying their wares.

Don't get sucked into it.

No need to make up stories, tell folks how you feel.

There are many "salt and pepper" couples all around Jamaica. Nothing new.

There motto is "out of many, one people"


Don't rush, take things slow and remember, no drinking hard alchohol in the hot sun, you will get sick.

Remember, pot is illegal.

If you partake, Always use discretion (behind closed doors) not outside in the open.

Have fun and enjoy!!