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Beaches
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On a bay sheltered by reefs and surrounded by coconut groves, sugar cane and fruit plantations, is Ocho Rios. The town has become very popular, with many cruise
ships making a stop here. It is 64 miles east of Montego Bay and claims some of the best beaches on the island. The beach in town is safe and well-organized with
facilities, 200 yds from Main Street where most of the shops and vehicle hire companies can be found.
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Diving
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Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular caves, canyons and crevices...schools of shimmering tropical fish...star, rose and
giant pillar coral. All the equipment you need is available from licensed diving operators.
Blue Whale Divers Tel: 876-957-4438/3792-5
Dolphin Divers Tel: 876-957-4944 Fax: 876-957-4849
Hedonism II Tel: 876-957-5200 Fax: 876-957-5289
Negril Scuba Centre Tel: 876-957-4425
Sandals Resort Tel: 876-957-5216
Sundivers Negril Tel: 876-957-4331
West Point Watersports Tel: 876-957-5170-9
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Exploring
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Negril Lighthouse
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The highest structure in Negril, it towers 100 feet above sea level
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Rick's Cafe
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One place you must visit is Ricks Cafe. This is a beautiful restaurant in Negril along the
coast. From the terrace you can see cliff divers and you have a terrific view of the sunset (if it is not cloudy). Do not forget that it can be very busy here. Busses full of tourists want to see the
sunset, but fortunately, they all leave when the sun is set. This is the moment to order an excellent meal and enjoy the live reggae music.
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Horseback Riding
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Rhodes Hall Plantation - Horseback riding, scuba diving tour. Sunday - Friday
Country Western Riding Stables - 8:30 am - 5:30 pm daily
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Deep Sea Fishing
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Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300,
includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.
Independent operators:
Best Boat Reef Tour Tel: 876-995-9709
Blue Whale Divers Tel: 876-957-4438
Dolphin Divers Tel: 876-957-4944
Sea Raider, Our Past Time Tel: 876-957-4224
Wild Thing, Mahogany Inn Tel: 876-957-4401/4402
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Golf
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Negril Negril Hills is an 18-hole, par-72 course measuring 6,333 yards, with gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and lush vegetation.
Located in the lush green hills high above the white beaches of Negril, this sporty course offers the challenging topography and natural beauty that
characterizes the great golf courses of the world. A tennis court, restaurant, pro-shop and club house are all on the property.
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Shopping
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In the craft markets and stores you can find items of wood (by Rastafarians and Maroons), straw, batik (from a number of good textile companies) and embroidery; the hand-knitted woollen gold, red, green
Rasta caps (with or without black dreadlocks affixed) are very cheap. Jewellery from Blue Mountain Gems, near Rose Hall, Montego Bay area. For art and ceramics, Devon House gallery, Chelsea Galleries on Chelsea
Road, Gallery 14, Old Boulevard Gallery, Grosvenor Gallery, Contemporary Art Centre in Liguanea. Blue Mountain coffee is excellent, cheaper at airport duty free shop than in supermarkets or tourist shops.
Please remember to check with legislation (and your conscience) before buying articles
made from tortoiseshell, crocodile skin, and certain corals, shells and butterflies. Many such animals are protected and should not be bought as souvenirs. It is illegal to take or
possess black or white coral in Jamaica; sea turtles are protected and you should refuse to buy products made from their shells. The closed season for lobster fishing is April-June, so
if lobster is on the menu check where it has come from.
Some shopkeepers offer a 10-15% discount on all goods but in fact merely refrain from
adding the tax when payment is made. Street vendors never add tax.
Photographic film is reasonably easily obtained but take spares of essentials such as
Lithium batteries as they are difficult to find and expensive. Glare and UV light is constant, take suitable filters. Do not photograph Jamaicans without their permission, the men,
particularly in Kingston, can get aggressive.
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Optional Tours
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Optional Tours from $25 to $55
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Negril Historical Sites, Shopping & Rick's Cafe:
Stop in Negril for shopping followed by a drive through the interior of Negril. See the ruins of the three hundred year old great house. Visit the villages of Good Hope and Mt. Airy (visit a village pub with drinks included). Stop at the lighthouse before continuing to Rick's Cafe for sunset watching and cliff diving.
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Sunset Booze Cruise:
Cruise along the coastline while dining on a delicious Jamaican dinner. Stop for snorkeling at Joseph's Cave. Then on to Rick's Cafe to watch the cliff divers and the sunset. Unlimited drinks are included in this sensational evening.
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Island Picnic:
Sail on a catamaran to Booby Cay, a lovely little coral island just offshore. This is the island where "20,000 Leagues Under The Sea" was filmed. Enjoy snorkeling (equipment is included), swimming and relaxing; a sun-seekers paradise! Add drinks and a savory BBQ lunch to all of this and you have one fantastic day.
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Dunn's River Falls & Highlights:
This one-day tour of Jamaica's scenic, lush northcoast is a great way to become acquainted with Jamaica. The day begins with a drive into Montego Bay for breakfast. After breakfast you will pass through Falmouth and stop at Columbus Park, an open-air mini museum. Then off to Ocho Rios, where you will have a chance to buy souvenirs and to spend some time on your own having lunch. The high point of the day is a visit to the world famous Dunn's River Falls! Join in the fun and climb to the top of this 600 ft. glorious, cascading waterfall. For the not so adventurous, there is a lovely beach on which you may relax and enjoy the sun.
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Optional Tours from $60 to $75
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Black River Safari and Wyess (Y.S.) Falls:
Travel along the beautiful southcoast by bus. Sail through the rugged terrain of the island's longest river - the Black River. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see some of the wildlife in their natural habitat. A visit to the breathtaking Y.S. Falls is a great opportunity to get some beautiful pictures. Then relax and enjoy a sumptuous lunch.
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Rhodes Private Beach Party:
Enjoy a day of fun in the sun. You'll sail on a trimaran to a private beach where a picnic and open bar awaits. Go horseback riding on the beach. Tour also includes snorkeling at Coral Reef.
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Belvedere Historical & Rafting:
Let us take you back to the 18th Century to see how sugar was made by using a donkey to operate the mill. Plants and trees that you have never seen before await you. Then on to Lethe for river rafting on a bamboo raft. Complimentary drinks, fresh fruits (in season) and lunch are all included.
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Evening on the Great River:
Relax while you glide up the torch-lit Great River in a canoe. You'll be greeted with lots of rum punch and warm smiles. A Jamaican open bar, live reggae band, native floor show and sumptuous Jamaican buffet dinner await your arrival. Experience and enjoy the cultural life and tradition of the Jamaican people.
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