1st time going to Negril this Saturday

[JLittleGray]

I'm heading to Jamaica for the very first time this coming Saturday. I'm really looking forward to it. I just have a couple of questions that I could use some help on.

One of the places I want to go to is Rick's Cafe. What is the best way to get there from Riu Negril? I heard that there is a catamaran but where do you pick it up from?

Are there two Margaritaville's in Negril? I look on google maps and it seems that there's one in the middle of 7 mile beach and the other one is closer to the West End. If that's the case, which is the best one to go to so that we can just sit on the beach for a few hours and have some drinks and snacks?

Also, is it really necessary to convert US dollars to Jamaican money? I know to bring smaller bills for cabs, tips and such, but can we pay US dollars if we want to have a nice dinner somewhere other than our resort?

Thanks for your help!

[Georgia]

Good morning, lucky you to be going to Negril soon.
You can take a red license plate taxi from the RIU to Rick's... someone who has recently been will weigh in on how much that would cost. Big hotels like RIU often offer a catamaran excursion to Rick's. You would pick it up right at the RIU.
There are 2 Margaritavilles in MoBay but I think only one in Negril and it is definitely in the middle of 7 mile beach. You could go there just to say you were there, but there are many smaller (less expensive) bars nearby with a lot more character. Make a day of it, and visit a few.
We always bring a mixture of US and JA money. Mostly JA - but then we are Canadian. You will get plenty of opinions on that as well.
Have an awesome vacation - take pics and post them

[Uncle Johnny]

Congratulations on your first trip to this beautiful island, you chose wisely. There is only one Margaritaville in Negril, the one on the beach. The other Margaritaville is in Montego Bay. The Riu will provide info/ services for your trip to Rick's. It's always better to convert your USD to Ja.

[Kevin, PA]

I've never taken the catamaran sunset cruise but have seen it go buy many times. It seems like a fairly short trip with not much time at Ricks and is usually headed back before sunset. I would suggest taking the Pub Crawl and getting to know more of the west end bars and restaurants instead. Overall the pub crawl will probably be MUCH cheaper and you'll get to experience a lot more of Negril.

A cab rid to Ricks should cost about $10 each way. Don't use a driver from your hotel. Hit the road and just start walking. A cab will find you soon enough. Make sure you negotiate the price of the ride before you get in. You can also arrange a ride from any of the drivers in the negril.com transportation section if you want to plan ahead.

[Mike_D]

Also, in lieu of a catamaran, you can hire a glass bottom boat like Famous Vincent or Sun Baby for a sunset cruise. It will be more private and the captain will go wherever you want.

[TAH]

I'd strongly second the glass bottom boat idea. To each their own, but to me the catamaran's are always full of what we call "woo people". Like, they just cruise up the cliffs yelling "WOOO... WOOOO... WOOO" (forgive them for they know not what they do). Definitely not my thing. A smaller glass bottom boat is much more private, intimate, and quiet.

[JLittleGray]

It's always better to convert your USD to Ja.[/QUOTE]

Where in Jamaica can I convert money? Do they have anything at the airport?

[Vince]

Do NOT COVERT MONEY AT THE AIRPORT! You can go to the Scotibank and exchange. Others will chime in on the money exchange as well. No airport. get your bags and get out of the airport. lol

[mn negril fan]

Yes do not hire a cab from your hotel they will over charge significantly. 10.00 each way sounds right. Enjoy your trip!

[Kevin, PA]

To each their own, but to me the catamaran's are always full of what we call "woo people". Like, they just cruise up the cliffs yelling "WOOO... WOOOO... WOOO" (forgive them for they know not what they do). Definitely not my thing.

"Woo People".......Love it....so true! Not our style either. If you like acting or being the fool have at it....to each their own. Although having a party boat anchored right off our hotel for hours of "wooing" was a bit much last year.