by Jim Byers
Last updated: 11:44 AM ET, Mon April 29, 2019
Negril is one of the most popular areas of Jamaica for Canadian travellers. The beaches and sunsets are to die for, and there are tons of great resorts and marvellous activities all around for families, honeymooners or solo travellers. Here are a few suggestions for a great vacation in Negril.
Cliff diving: This is one of the most enjoyable and iconic things to see in all of Jamaica. Rick's Café is fun, with tables set atop steep cliffs overlooking water in impossible shades of jade and turquoise. Just as cool is the chance to watch local kids, and some ambitious tourists, jump off the cliffs to the water below. The local kids pretty much do it for money, adding twists and spirals and somersaults to their repertoire as they plunge a dozen meters or so to the quiet bays below.
Take a sunset stroll: The beaches in Negril go on just shy of forever, so there's plenty of space and tons of brilliant, white sand. The sunsets are simply stunning. But don't walk away the minute the sun dips below the horizon; the best colours often appear five or even ten minutes later. Best of all, it's free.
Delicious Dining: The Rockhouse Restaurant is very popular and offers great views. 3 Dives often makes its way onto "best of Negril" lists. Murphy's West End is a super casual, fun spot that also gets great reviews. Other highly-rated dining places include Ciao Jamaica, The Blue Mahoe Restaurant and Bar, Pablo's Restaurant, Xtabi On The Cliffs and Niah's Patties for casual dining.
Super Sports: The water here is warm and relatively shallow near the shore, which makes it great for folks who are a little unsure of themselves. Divers who prefer scuba have plenty of choices, too. Resorts tend to have tons of great toys to use in the water, including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There's no excuse for not getting a little exercise under the warm Jamaican sun.
Great Resorts: I had a wonderful stay at a Beaches Resort in Negril a few years ago. The options are endless; ranging from the Azul Beach Resort to the Royalton Negril Resort and Spa and many others. The Cliff Resort and Spa wins many accolades. Other places that get great reviews include Xtabi Resort, Sunset at the Palms, Negril Tree House Resort and Sandals Negril.
On The Water: There are several outfits that run cruises along the coast. Try a sunset cruise for great photos, or perhaps a cruise from Negril to watch the cliff divers at Rick's Café. Many cruises offer food and most, being run by business folks who know tourists want to relax on vacation, also offer rum punch, cold Red Stripe beers or other adult beverages.
Great Activities: Ever dreamed of sitting on the back of a majestic horse as you frolic in the warm blue water of the Caribbean? The folks at Chukka Horseback Ride 'N Swim can help. Not your thing? Chukka also runs ATV safaris, where you can bounce and carom your way around the island and get some outdoor thrills. You also could try swimming with the dolphins at Negril's Dolphin Cove.
Further Afield: You can arrange tours from Negril to almost anywhere in Jamaica; the remarkable, climbable Dunn's River Falls, the Appleton Rum distillery, and even the Pelican Bar, a super-funky, uber-casual spot that's built on a reef several hundred meters from shore on the south side of Jamaica, where you'll find plenty of local culture and very few tourists. Other great options include rafting on the Martha Brae River, a snorkel trip to the private island of Booby Cay and a visit to the Rose Hall Great House, a beautiful and historic mansion near Montego Bay.
MORE INFORMATION: https://www.visitjamaica.com/canada/
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