A first timer with a few questions

[Twism44]

Good evening all.

My wife and I are staying at The Caves for 8 days while celebrating our anniversary. Neither of us have been to Negril before. I'm hoping that some of the seasoned travelers here can answer a few questions for us. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

1) We are both huge NBA fans and would like to be able to watch the playoff games on Sunday evening. What sports bar/bar would you recommend?

2) Though we will spend the vast majority of our time at The Caves, I'm sure we will venture to 7 Mile Beach a time or two. Is there a stretch/entry point that you can recommend that will allow to be close food & drink, water sports, etc?

3) Is it easier/better to get/use Jamaican currency? If so, should we get it stateside or upon arrival?

4) What are the 'must see/do' places/experiences while in Negril?


Thanks again in advance for all your help. We are really looking forward to our trip.

[Sweetness]

Hello Goodnight Twism - welcome to the Board. We are so thrilled that you signed up and joined us. We love new outlooks and also love to help. I will give my "two cents" and I am sure others will chime in with more information. First WOW "The Caves" - most of us only dream of such luxurious accomodations but I hope you will share your Trip Report afterwards so we can all live vicariously (please).

1) Many places have cable so you should have no trouble finding a place to watch the game. I would think Margaritaville on the beach would have it and also Seastar on the West End will likely have it available. Seasplash on the beach has a live sunset webcast which you guys would LOVE and Jim the owner would like put it on for you - you can email or call ahead if you want to be sure.

2) 7 mile is available for use by everyone - loungers are usually for the resort guests but if you find a place you like and want to have lunch/drinks then you can likely camp out at the bar or ask about chairs. I like to hang at BarBBarn or Treehouse (nice wide part of the beach most times of the year). Watersports will come to you (lol). Boat rides available - they will be docked all along....jet skis also - you will be asked. Maybe boardies can chime in with average cost so you can tell if you are quoted a reasonable amount.

3)money - I think it depends on how long your stay is. If short then I think US is fine and most places accomodate but taxis and a few other places may not always have correct change. If you will be out and about and staying a week or more I would change some money once you get to Negril. They are called cambios and there is a blue one right downtown - just walk in; wait in line; ask for US to Jamaican and you will get about 85 to 1. I carried a cheat sheet when I first went to Negril with the $10, $20, etc already calculated to JA dollars to help me. Also there is an ATM machine outside Scotia Bank downtown that will dispense Jamaican dollars (calculate the equivalent beforehand so you know how much to tell the machine to give you). Hope that helps.

4) must do/see - for me I love to try new restaraunts - some of my favs are:
Westend: Ivan's at Catcha Falling Star $$; Chicken Lavish $; Just Natural $; Eddie DeBar Jerk $
Town: Sweet Spice $; Juici Js $; Juici Patties
Beach: Kuyaba $$; Miss Sonias (gardenside) $

I also love to find a nice spot (usually on the cliffs) to watch the sunset. I like to go downtown and shop. I enjoy sitting and talking with locals about life. I love to be IN the amazing turquoise sea. Thats all I need but if you like more excitement there are reggae shows several nights a week and RealNegril.com has a schedule of live webcasts where you can meet boardies and Rob/Lisa our fearless leaders. Also Jungle is a dance club (Thurs ladies night). Lots of day trips close to and good tour companies - if interested just ask for recommendations.

I hope you enjoy your reach. Bless

[canuk cpl]

We stayed at Seaspash, and really enjoy the many spots in walking distance along that part of the beach, Jim the owner and host may even pick you up in his new speed boat. we use J currency from the bank. Cheers!!!

[Twism44]

Thanks so much Sweetness...I promise to update the board after our trip. For clarification, is The Caves considered 'West End'?

[InnaDiRed]

Yes caves is west end. Everything in negril is beach or cliffs. The cliffs are often referred to as the west end.

[Sweetness]

My pleasure and Yes dear. From downtown the cliffs will start low and get higher and I believe that whole area is called West End (or ONE LOVE Drive). Side note: Be alert if you are walking either cliffs or the beach road.

Also, here is an amazing map of all the places on the beach, town and West End - it will really help you find the places that are recommended. http://www.negrilinfo.com/negril-map.html

This website also has so much good info like the calendar of events on the homepage. Bless up

[InnaDiRed]

August will only be my second trip and I have learned more on this board than all other websites combined. My recommendation is to read everyone's trip reports. You will learn from others experiences while buildings your excitement. Take notes on where you think you want to go. Ask questions. Everyone here is extremely helpful. A lot of good people in this community and more information than you could imagine. Can't wait to hear your first impressions of negril. It is definitely a special place.

[Flipadelphia26]

Scotia bank was under construction just this past weekend. We could not use ATM there. Just an FYI.

[beccajean_ca]

Twism also check out the office of Nature wooden bar if you want to chat with locals .its on the bloody bay part but they have cold red stripe and fresh lobster in season and fish to cook you. The beach is there are well so you can swim and drink and eat if you want. That's one of my hangouts the last 2 times as I have a special attachment there lol.there are lots of little booths of things to buy along there as well. Nice walk but make sure to have bug spray if out in the evening as the sand flies will eat you alive.if you do go say hi to warrior he's the main man and owner there and gregory who hangs around and sunshine smiley.u will love them all

[shell]

Your going to love The Caves.I don't know if you are aware that there is a tv in the lounge area at The Caves. NFL football was on while we were there in December so I"ll bet you'll be able to watch the NBA. And I'd think Margaritaville would be a good place to get dropped off at on the beach. I wouldnt spend much time there but its on a nice piece of beach and is a good spot to explore from. Definitely take along the map that was posted above. Oh and I"m sure you can also watch the NBA there.