Quote Originally Posted by Jdub View Post
Yes Vucko, the warning is real. Three years ago, my 2 male friends and female cousin were robbed at gunpoint by 2 men while walking on the beach at night. They were walking from Bourbon Beach to Zanzi Beach Resort around 1:30 AM. I caught a taxi back, but they decided to walk. When they reached an unlit area, they were confronted by the robbers who pointed the gun in their faces and demanded their wallets and her purse. One friend was a local who worked at our hotel and had been robbed once before, although he was alone at the time. My other friend is ex-Navy, and thought about disarming the guy with the gun, but didn't want to jeopardize his travelling crew. They handed over the purse and wallets, and the men ran away. Thank God no one was hurt, just very shaken up by the incident. They made a police report, but nothing came of it, since the thiefs got away and no one saw them. Prior to this incident, for 14 years, I too used to walk along the beach from Bourbon Beach to Zanzi alone at night, but not anymore.

Dr. J
Vucko, thank you for sharing your experience. I have been going to Negril every year since 1981 and it is still a great place to enjoy, relax and have fun.
However, things certainly have changed and one must be more aware all the time especially at night and in dark places on the beach and in the Cliffs. Coming from Margarita Ville restaurant 2 years ago I was very aggressively approached by 2 men asking for money. I kept my cool and indicated I had next to nothing and if they wanted $100J they could have it, otherwise I need to walk back to where I stayed. This experience was a real eye opener from the days when I could go to Rockcliff for dinner and then walk back to the beach hotel where I stayed and totally felt comfortable. Even last year, walking back 100 meters to my hotel from Bourbon via the beach I was approached by 3 dealers and 2 pimps as I was alone on the beach. Now when out at night, I wear no jewelry, no watch, leave key at the hotel, keep my eyes open and bring just enough money for dinner. Indeed, when approached on the beach and asked where I stay, I mention another hotel versus one where I stay.

I certainly recommend taking a legitimate taxi if you are going any distance and if staying within beach area, stay on the road and enter your destination this way and you will enjoy Negril as it should be.