v

NEGRIL FAQ'S

Where is Negril located in Jamaica and what is it known for?

Negril, a shortened version of "Negrillo", meaning 'little black ones', was named by the Spanish in 1494. There are two theories as to how it got its name: firstly, the black cliffs south of the village, and secondly, the large amount of black eels along Negril's coast.

Negril is a small, widely dispersed beach resort and town located in Westmoreland and Hanover parishes at the far western part of Jamaica. The town is famous for its 7 miles of cool, white sand beaches and another 7 miles of 40-foot cliffs. It is known to have a more laidback vibe than that of Montego Bay and is more touristy than Ocho Rios. Negril's beach has been rated one of the top ten beaches in the world. It is also famous for its nightlife scene.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The best option is to fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ). Take a 60- to 90-minute shuttle van ride to Negril. It is a very scenic drive along the north coast traveling west. If you have not booked a private transfer with us, there are many companies and taxis that provide a great service offering airport transfers to Negril.

How do I get around?

Many of the resorts operate shuttles from the northern tip of Long Bay into Negril Village. There is also local minibuses that run all day long up and down Norman Manley Boulevard and even into the West End. The bus is inexpensive and runs until early evening, sometimes later.

Taxis operate all over the town, the licensed ones display a red medallion. In theory, the fees are regulated by the government, but oftentimes the meters are broken. We recommend you negotiate your fare prior to getting into the cab.

What is the legal drinking age?

The legal drinking age in Jamaica, including Negril, is 18 years old.

What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?

Dry season is the end of November to the middle of April. This would be considered the best time to visit as the temperatures remain warm, and the rain is at a minimum. The actual peak season falls between December to April. So if you like to avoid crowds, November is great month to visit.

When is hurricane season?

Jamaica's hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, with the peak months being August and September. The majority of storm activity takes place in the late summer and fall.

Jamaica is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms during this time. The Caribbean Sea and Jamaica experience their most favorable conditions for storm development during the Atlantic hurricane season.

What is the official language of Jamaica?

Jamaica's official language is English, but they also speak Jamaican or Patois (or Patwa) - a colorful, descriptive and emphatic Creole dialect that has been shaped by the African, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English colonial heritage. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas, so language barriers are minimal.

Is Negril a safe destination to travel to?

Negril is considered one of the safest areas for tourists to visit and explore. The local government has placed a priority on safety and security. However, as with any place you travel, it is always recommended to stay smart and aware of your surroundings. We recommend you stick with reputable transport services, such as the in-house transfer services offered by your hotel/resort. It's always a good idea to avoid leaving your valuable possessions unattended. You can store them in your in-suite safe if you want them to be really secure, but generally, you just need to make sure you don't abandon your belongings anywhere. Stick to tourist-centric locations or organized tours, and avoid wandering into unfamiliar neighborhoods. Like many cities, it's advisable to avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or secluded areas.

Is it safe to drink water?

Yes, Jamaica has strict water safety standards and the tap water is generally considered safe to drink.

What is the local time zone?

Jamaica operates in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) zone, without daylight saving time.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars? Is tipping expected?

The Jamaican dollar is the official currency of Jamaica. However, some establishments may accept the US Dollar. Most major establishments also accept major credit cards like Mastercard and Visa.

Tipping is encouraged for all restaurants in Jamaica. 10-20% is the standard based on the service and quality of food. If you are staying at certain Resorts, check their tipping policy as some Resorts have a strict no tipping policy.

What is the food like?

Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors. Some common dishes include Jerk chicken/pork, Ackee and saltfish (the country's national dish), curry goat, and fresh seafood. And for dessert, try the rum cake or Jamaican patties (savory pastries).

What should I wear/dress code? What should I bring?

Dress is generally casual, especially in beach areas. However, upscale restaurants and resorts may have a dress code for dinner, so it's a good idea to bring some smart-casual outfits.

Here are a few things we recommended bringing: Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Sun Hat, Beach cover up that covers shoulders from sun, Rain Jacket/jacket for cool evenings, Flip flops and water shoes for excursions, Bathing suits, and a small Bluetooth speaker for music at the beach.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?

In an emergency, dial 119 for police. For an ambulance or fire services, dial 110.

Most hotels and resorts work with local doctors or medical services. Contact the front desk or concierge for assistance in arranging a doctor's visit or transport to a local medical facility.

Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital is the closest major hospital to Negril, located about 30 m minutes away in Savanna-la-Mar. Some private clinics may also offer emergency care, such as Hannas Health Center or Negril Health Centre.