My two cents.........
Mayfield Falls gets my vote for a really fun day. The drive there is very picturesque with rolling hills/valleys. You hike down a steep hill to a camp area and they have crafts, good food and you pay a small fee for a guide. $15US per person I think. You cross a rope bridge and they guide you through the bush and falls which are amazingly cool and refreshing. The waters there felt healing to me but maybe it was just the vibe. LOVE the suggestion that you stop in Sav on your way home and shop the market - local vibe to experience there.
A good driver is key as they can enhance your experience with making you feel safe on the drive, share information about the surroundings and guide you along. Many good recommended drivers here like "Kenny". I like to include my driver (just me) and usually treat them to lunch or invite them to join us (but not required of course). Make sure you take the advice here on "fair" rates since you are on a budget.
.....if you want other budget options I would suggest these to experience a lot in a short time:
- Take a boat ride from the beach/along cliffs at sunset (I usually get a rate of $15US per person)
- Take a route taxi to Sav for shopping/lunch from the bus park in Negril (its a fun place too) which is just east of downtown by the Police Station...taxi will take you there so just ask (warning some taxi drivers drive FAST on the road to Sav so hold on, enoy the scenery and pray lol...I always return exhausted from going to Sav not sure why - its like sensory overload lol) (apprx $2US per person each way). Ask them to drop you by the market and the return taxi stand -you will walk away from the market area and it will be on your left and looks like a taxi stand (lol) or just ask.
- Steve's Nature Park - looks super natrual 876-356-3077; www.aquanaturepark.com. No fee I think if you have food/drinks there. (very close to Negril)
- Visit the lighthouse far Westend - don't think there is a fee but could be wrong......
- Stop in at a live Realnegril.com webcasts around town - always a cool location and good vibes.
- Have always wanted to visit the Rockland Bird Sanctuary in MoBay but you will need a chartered driver to take you there I think which increases the cost ($15US per person I think).
- If you meet someone that lives in the "country" or mountains that you trust you might ask them to show you where they live and maybe buy food and cook a meal with them - it is amazing to be in the mountains looking down on the sea and its fresh and lush. Just spending the day in a local yard has been some of my best times ever.
You guys will have an amazing time even without a day trip because you are drawn to the fun (live webcasts, bonfires, live music, sunset watching, trying all the food, meeting and reasoning with cool people, staring at the sea).
So many parts of the beautiful country to see but you mentioned you would not be returning to Negril for awhile so I understand why you want to get in as much in as possible. enJOY to the Maxxxxxxxxxxxx.