An afternoon in Negril

Honestly – did I die and go to beach heaven?  An afternoon in Negril, walking the silky sands of 7 Mile Beach, floating in the crystal clear waters as all the world just passed by – an idyllic way to pass the afternoon.

Negril has been described as hedonistic, unspoilt and unforgettable.  It may have been one of Jamaica’s well kept secrets, but the secret is out!  Staying at an all-inclusive with stunning waters and fantastic beaches – I would never have imagined taking a day trip elsewhere to relax on the beach!  I prefer to save my off-resort excursions for something a little more adventurous, like horse riding in the sea or climbing up waterfalls like Dunn’s River Falls.  My travel partner convinced me to do a 1/2 day to Negril, spending the afternoon on the beach at Margaritaville before heading to Rick’s Cafe to watch the cliff divers.

Margaritaville, Negril

The afternoon was a daydream – such a great expanse of perfect, white sands, lunch on the beach at Margaritaville, cocktails in the sun and floating in the Caribbean.  Sure, the vendors were out en masse to sell water sports, hair braiding and all manner of bric-a-brac, but the afternoon in Negril still passed too quickly – another day at 7 Mile Beach would have suited my needs just fine!  Not surprising as Negril’s beach has been rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by many travel magazines.

Water sports abound in Negril.  The vendors were quick to offer jet ski rentals for those with a need for speed, paragliding high above the crystal waters or the slower pace of kayaks, paddle boats and water bikes.

After the afternoon on Negril’s beach, the next stop on the itinerary was Rick’s Cafe and the cliff divers.  When we arrived, the place was jumping.  A live reggae band was playing at the cafe, tourists were flocking to watch the insanity as the Jamaican cliff divers jumped from up to 70 feet!  It was amazing to watch the divers gracefully backflip and dive from those heights!  Tourists are welcome to dive, although only from limited heights.  The risks are considerable – but the adrenalin rush…???

Rick’s cafe is listed as one of the 1,000 places to go before you die.  Our tour only allowed enough time to watch the sunset before the bus whisked us back to our resort.  Next time – I would take a taxi home – the atmosphere as the sun went down was calling to me.  The band was rocking the reggae, the smell of the food grilling in the cafe had my stomach calling for more!  It is no wonder that Rick’s Cafe is so famous!

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Next time you visit Jamaica, an afternoon in Negril may be just be a great way to enjoy one of the many wonders of region.