New to Forum and Negril

[Scott]

Hello Everyone,

Just want to start by saying all the trip reports are awesome!

We will be headed to Negril on March 16 to the Riu Palace. It wasn't my first choice, but it's the wifes dad's 65th birthday and thats where he wanted to go.

8 people total in our group, thinking of booking a cab from the airport instead of the bus our travel agencey has set up. Any advice?

This will be my first trip to any island and my wifes first time on a airplane.

My question is what do we need to bring to a AI? sunscreen, bug spray, etc... Just dont want to miss anything that we really need there.

Staying from March 16-23.

Any help will be great thanks!

[Candyman]

Smart move choosing Negril, but continue with ur smartness and get off the resort and see the real Negril. The road is full of great restaurants, bars and the greatest people on earth... Jamaicans ! My go to places are Pewee's, my home base for over 30 years, and another great spot is the Canoe Bar. I've used Jinx Daley for my transportation needs for 20 plus years. Great guy to have as a friend down there. His number is 1(876)564-2792. You can also text him. He's taken us on some great day trips too ! Remember, it's easy to run out of time and miss the greatness of Negril.

[Flipadelphia26]

We used Rocky's Tours when my family came. He was pretty good.

[Kevin, PA]

I'd suggest doing the pub crawl.

[murph]

Id just go with the flow... then once you arrive at RIU and get all settled in... grab the mrs. & peace the F out! Since your arriving on a saturday- tell everyone to meet you at 8pm at Seastar for th show.

That will give you a little space and them a little nudge to leave the resort

have fun man

[iowagirl]

I think the best advice we received was to take half the clothes and twice the money! But seriously, do try to get off the RIU property and at the very least do the Pub Crawl and take a walk along 7 Mile. Take LOTS of sunscreen - I'm fair and Midwestern and use 30 the whole 10 days I'm there and still get a nice, even tan. Definitely take bug spray, especially if the little buggers like you! We keep trying more natural stuff without Deet, and found some we really like through LL Bean. For the all-inclusive experience, if you plan to drink, I'd also recommend taking some insulated mugs - saves having to go back to the bar to refill the tiny plastic cups they give you.

As for the private transfer for your group, it would be worth it if you plan on a) stopping for jerk, drinks, etc along the way and b) might want a driver while you are in Negril. Lots of great recommendations here - we have driver we've used for the last 7 years and would highly recommend him. Let me know if you want his information.

Just keep reading up on this forum - so much good advice, wonderful people and just plain love of Negril! Also - feel free to ask your questions - no such thing as a stupid one!!!

[gluecipher]

Hi Scott. You will have a blast. I have have to agree with the others. Get off the resort and explore.

[Nancy Marie]

With 8 people you may want to consider taking Chicken's Magic Bus. He's very reliable and a great guy. He's been a good friend since 1991 and we highly recommend him. You can check his website: chickensmagicbus.com. for his email & phone number.

[kylake]

As others have mentioned do the One Love Bus Crawl it is a blast. Lenbert will pick you up and is very prompt on the time he says he will be there. You can contact Lenbert at bananaznegril@hotmail.com and the crawl is on Wed and Fri only. It is a blast and you tip at the end of the ride (be generous)
And also get off the reservation you should be able to walk to the Office of Nature for a nice lobster meal close by but a walk down 7 mile beach is a nice experience also with plenty of places to stop grab a drink or food.

[nutz4travel]

Bring lots of small bills for tipping - I give my bank an order a week or two before I go and make sure to ask for lots of $100 JA bills. Small bills can be hard to get at the AI's. Enjoy Negril