We just got back from our first trip. You are way north at Riu Negril. I don't know if the route cabs run that far north, but someone else probably does. It is completely safe to leave your hotel. People will approach you trying to sell you things or get you to look at their items. They are only trying to make money, though. They are not being threatening. Rick's Cafe is really touristy, but I think it is a must, especially for a first timer. I would also take a day and go up to one of the hotels on the cliffs and snorkel around their swimming area. I think you can rent snorkel stuff at either Xtabi or Rockhouse. You will have to look that up, though. We brought our own stuff. Negril is a neat place. I am trying to book our trip for next year, and we just got back! Poke around on the board. There is a lot of knowledge here.