Safer walking the beach or the road at night?

[gregandkelly63]

After several trip to Negril, we are staying at our first non AI. We are VERY excited and are looking forward to exploring Negril more than we ever have before. So my question.......if we stay out for a late dinner or music are we safer walking back to our resort (Idle Awhile) on the road or on the beach? Or should we just get a red plate taxi? Looking forward to hearing your opionions. Respect!

[Ras Walleye]

For a very short walk the beach is ok but bring a good flashlight.
The road is better and I would use the sidewalk as much as possible.
Red plate is always a good idea. As you meet taxi men, if you get a good vibe, get their card or number.
Then you can call your driver when you're ready to go. Always negotiate price in advance. And keep in mind that prices are higher at night.
Enjoy your trip, you may never go back to the AI!

[TAH]

The road is generally fine, the beach can be sketchy depending on where you are. I'd just walk the road or cab it, unless you're on a well lit section of beach and only walking a short way.

[booger]

I would not walk from Roots or Bourbon Beach to Idle Awhile at night. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, so no need to risk it.

[gregandkelly63]

Thanks guys. That's pretty much what I thought.

[Integrity]

We bring a flashlight and walk from dinner at Idle Awhile/Chill Awhile and as far up as Nora's, then walk back to Nirvana. Last year there seemed to be fewer hustlers, but if we are approached, we don't stop walking, don't make eye contact and decline any sales pitch--politely say "No thank you mon." We feel less comfortable walking toward town because there are more folks that try to sell us stuff. Most restaurants will pick you up for free (plus tip). You pay for the return trip. Ask security to arrange the cab to take you back to your hotel. Make sure you are clear about the price of the ride before you get into any car or cab. I go to the West End (cliffs) at night, as often as I can, for dinner. We love Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star and Rockhouse (among other fabulous restaurants). For a long hall trip up to Ivan's we arrange for our airport transport driver to drive us both ways. After dinner we call him, or have the bartender call him. On the way back to the beach from dinner on the West End, I like to stop at Quality Trader's grocery store for groceries (shopping at night is great--quiet, local scene and we don't have to spend precious beach time shopping).

[booger]

I use the same rationale walking the beach as Integrity does. From Tony's Hut north I see no issue, especially if it is not too late.

[SoloTraveller]

Interesting. I've never had an issue walking on the beach at night, but then I'm not alone and last trip had a 5 year old with me.

I'd think if you are alone there would be people assuming you were looking for something and would be more likely to approach. As others mentioned, a polite No Thanks has always worked for me.

[TAH]

Interesting. I've never had an issue walking on the beach at night, but then I'm not alone and last trip had a 5 year old with me.

I'd think if you are alone there would be people assuming you were looking for something and would be more likely to approach. As others mentioned, a polite No Thanks has always worked for me.

It isn't being approached that people are warning about. It's being robbed, which does happen.

[Ja Bird]

Would you happen to have a phone number for Catcha Falling Star? Hoping they would pick up a party of 4 free to take us to dinner from the beach