Old fashion trip report 12/26 - 1/7

[westy]

I have been around here for a while so it is my turn to pass on some ideas to the next folks in hope of helping others have as much fun in Negril as I have over the years!

Little Background:
First trip to Negril was Spring break '93. We didn't do the package deals that were offered. We ended up getting dropped off, after the crazy drive on the old road, at Roots Bamboo to camp in what is now Woodstock. Been coming back 1 -2 times per year for last 25 years, minus Covid, so I have a few experiences that I think are worth sharing.

This trip was 1 adult friend, second trip, and 2 college agers on their trip for the first 4 days. I like to take the 7 am flight out of Charlotte that lands at 10 am, before the big rush in Immigration. The kiosks are a huge help so I don't do the Club MoBay anymore. Never had to wait and got thru in about 5-10 minutes. Quick stop for booze at Duty Free then on.

I like to have the freedom to drive and explore and have rented from Island for many years. I had been calling the previous days to confirm my car with no answer, so I had a bad feeling walking to the desk. Pro Tip - slip a little tip in with my license and credit card. Sure enough the nice lady tells me they are out of cars and they can deliver one to me in Negril in 2 days. Oh No! is there anything you can please do? Does anyone else have a car? OK so she gets me one at Chalis. I am a little sketched but worth a try. Long story short it worked out great and I would definitely rent from Chalis again. Maybe the tip helped??

So after a 30 minute delay we are off in our Honda Fit. The biggest issue with driving for me is the potholes! They are plentiful and big. My driving tip is to follow a local or taxi as they know all the potholes and how to safely avoid them. Seem worse than ever, and hit a few for sure. Other than that made it to Negril on Boxing Day!

First stop was Woodstock for the newbs to see the beach. Can't go wrong here for first timers to get the scene. Got some over priced frozen drinks and good food. I stay in the Love Lane village in my friend's yard for many years. Self contained house with kitchen and everything needed. I cook breakfast at home to start most days, eggs, callaloo and toast is the usual. Its an awesome spot and all the neighbors know me now so its safe and fun.
I put the young girls in a Airbnb Splashrock on the water in west end. Awesome little spot run by a super cool guy named Scott. It was convenient since we had a car and they loved it for 4 nights. It had been a long day already so time to chill a bit.

The plan was to do more "main steam" 1st timer type stuff while the "kids" were with us. 1st night dinner was Pushcart, which was the first time for me. They had a really cool Mento type acoustic band playing with ladies singing and the bass box etc. Food took forever as they admitted they lost our order but the entertainment was worth it. Overall it was good not great for the price, in my opinion. For reference, I am always looking at Value, not necessarily cost, so I will put my opinions in in that frame. Thursday is Reggae night at Woodstock which was really good and well attended.

Full Day1 - Snorkel and Booby Cay
Pro tip - book directly with the boat captain that is physically in the boat. We paid $100 fore the 4 of us on a private 3 hour trip. Also if going snorkeling, go before noon as the wind picks up and makes the water choppy most afternoons. I have been many times and the snorkeling isn't great but it is fun to be out there. I probably saw more fish this time than in the past. Got to Booby cay before the big rush. We didn't eat there. There is a big new set up on the back side of the Island now so no more secret peaceful spots to chill there anymore. They had actually put picnic tables in the shallow water. The full service bar is nice though!

Back to the beach to chill for the rest of the day at Chance's where there is a bit of shade. Grabbed pattys for lunch and their first jerk chicken experience! After another stop at Green store for a crate of Guinness*, I have to take all newbs to Rick's so this was the day. It is touristy and expensive but the pace is incredible and they have expanded toward Catcha,, which now runs Banana Shout. The kids were more into the booty shaking contests and entertainment than I am these days, but a fun overall experience that everyone needs to see at least twice!
Dinner plan was take away and eat at Splashrock under the lights and stars. My favorite Sips and Bites was closed that night and Saturday as usual. So went to Vinnie's for fried chicken, stew chicken, and fish. All really good and decent pricing for Negril these days.
*crate of Guinness was 5600 with a return of around 600. 150 to 1 US dollar was the current exchange so just over $30 for a case of Guinness. Red Stripe was similar,, maybe a bit cheaper. I pack my clothes in a backpack cooler and use the cooler to pack drinks for the days at the beach and elsewhere to save $$. I start getting a bag of ice and take all my drinks with me in the car. Basically a portable Bar!! of course I don't drink and drive, but beer doesn't count

Full Day 2 - Benta Falls > Bluefields Bay > Belmont
This is my first time to Benta. I have been to YS, Dunn's, Reach and Mayfield Many times, but first to Benta.
Got an early start to beat the tours. $25 each includes a guide, which you tip at the end. They have a restaurant, bar and lockers. It is a bit closer, IE down river, than Mayfied but in the same general area, different river.
Overall it was really nice and I would recommend. You walk in the river much like Mayfield. It is smaller and shorter experience than Mayfield, but a bit more accessible maybe?? The mud bath half way thru was great. There are a couple deeper spots to jump and swim. I could see it getting a bit crowded as the day wore on and more tours showed up.
Left there and drove to Belmont, which is one of my most favorite spots in all of Jamaica. Had a nice lunch at Luna Sea small resort / hotel on the water. On to Bluefields Bay which was very lively for a Holiday weekend. Just a brief walk and some jerk chicken for the ride back to Negril. * we will return to both of these places

Quick happy hour at Catcha 2 for 1 margaritas and make a reservation for following day.

Dinner was take away from Shark's beside Cool vibez. Lovely lady chef / owner. Steady flow of locals and taxi drivers , which is a good sign of taste and $ value. Curry Chicken, Fried chicken, and fried snapper. all 1200-1800$ Another chill night on the cliffs. No music on the beach unfortunately.

Full Day 3 - Beach day > cliff tour > shopping

Drove to Woodstock for a day there. It is nice and they will get chairs and umbrellas set up for a small fee. Usually good music playing and always some great people watching. Nice day of chilling, drinking, puffing, and floating!
5:30 reservation at Ivan's at Catcha. I have stayed and eaten here many times over the years, and this was one of the best meals of all times. The 4 of us plus my Jamaican friends/family made 6. We all had drinks and a couple apps ended up around $250 including direct cash tip to the server, so not awful in US prices.

The kids fly out on the early flight the next day so early night after a full stomach.
More to come.

[VVHT]

Westy,

Very Very Nice!!!

Much appreciated!

More please!

Enjoy,

VVHT aka Happy

[ukran1ans]

Nice, any pics you might wanna upload would be appreciated!

[Rumlover]

Great report, thanks! It was fun reading it while sitting on the beach!

[dave]

nice

[Scott and Janet]

Excellent report.. Thanks

[Jambarney]

Super nice report, sounds like great start.

[Jaherring]

I love trip reports and yours is awesome! Makes me feel like Im tagging along! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to more!