Why Choose Negril, Jamacia for Spring Break?

About Negril, Jamaica

Negril is a large resort town whose beach has been rated as one of the top ten in the world by travel enthusiasts and magazines for years. Seven miles of white sand are lined with large all-inclusive resorts which are always packed full of fun-seeking students come Spring Break time! You'll find the majority of these at the north end of the beach (the south end tends to consist more of the small, quieter, family-run hotels).

With gorgeous weather, beautiful beach surroundings, lively resorts, and plenty to see and do, it's not hard to see why Negril enjoys so much popularity as a favorite Spring Break destination!

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History

Negril was originally named Negrillo by the Spanish in 1494, but despite its long history, it was barely known at all until quite far into the twentieth century. It wasn't until the 1950s that it began to emerge as a resort destination, but even then it took a while for its popularity to grow, because it wasn't particularly easy to access the area – passengers originally had to be dropped off by their ferries in Negril Bay, and then they'd have to wade to the shore from there!

Fortunately, Negril's reputation for being a perfect holiday spot grew so well known that connections were improved. No more wading necessary! In the 1970s, a two-lane paved road was put in place between Negril and Montego Bay, and a small airport was built in 1976 as the resorts continued to grow and multiply, attracting more and more tourists to the area. .

Daytime Activities

Many people, when they hear of Negril, think of the area's famous reputation for... cliffjumping! Yes, this a major activity in Negril, and in fact,

"“Rick's Cafe", where you can go to watch cliff jumpers doing their thing, is officially considered to be one of the 1,000 places you need to visit before you die! It's built on a cliffside where people regularly leap off into the Caribbean Sea. The cliff area (south of downtown Negril) is also great for finding good areas for diving and snorkeling. Try a snorkeling tour in a glass-bottomed boat, too – a wonderful way to see the beautiful marine life of the area.

The town area of Negril is also worth a visit – pretty, quaint, and much more primative than, say, Montego Bay or Kingston. There are some fun and colorful crafts markets at the edge of town which are great for picking up local souvenirs and traditional nick-nacks, and of course there are plenty of laid-back and very "Jamaican" cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can get a snack or simply sit outside in the sunshine enjoying a cocktail and the views of the sparkling Caribbean waters.

The NightLife

The nightlife in Negril is ever-changing – the place that was empty last night might be the happening hot spot tonight, and vice versa! But rest assured, if this is your Spring Break destination, you'll find no shortage of cool places to party.

For live entertainment right on the beach, there are lots of good options in Negril, from the Sunset Bar and Yacht Club in the West End, to the popular Risky Business and Margaritaville. The concerts are in a different place every night, so just head out of the resort, start walking along the beach, and follow that Reggae beat! All the clubs have their own house band and varied live performers, with Djs playing Reggae hits any time the live musicians are taking a break

. For real Spring Break madness, check out the famous Hedonism II resort, which has exactly the sort of crazy, anything-goes atmosphere you would expect from a good Spring Break destination.
Oh, and after the clubs have closed, head to the Mi Yard, which is open 24/7!

Dining and Drinking

Negril has a great selection of fun and colorful dining establishments, from excellent international cuisine to tasty local fare. Fresh fish is the must-try in Negril, and you'll find it on almost every menu, along with Jerk Chicken, the other main popular local dish. If you're a vegetarian, this is the perfect place for you, with lots of very high-standard, varied, and tasty veggie options on offer. Pasta is also a very common food item on most menus in Negril restaurants.

As far as drinks ar concerned, why not get into the swing of things by drinking coconut water from a coconut straight off the tree?! You can buy it bottled, of course, but it's nowhere near as good as hacking open the fresh coconut for yourself and drinking it fresh. For other local drinks, try Red Strpie Beer and the delightfully refreshing Run Fruit Punch – Jamaican beverages through and through!

The Weather

Negril's weather is warm all year long, with the highs in summer reaching around 90°F. The rainy season, which is also the hurricane season, and which is well known for its tropical storms, is generally between June and October, so Spring Break is unaffected by this, and usually sees calm weather, warm temperatures, and clear skies

Dress Code

For Spring Break, you'll most likely be resort casual. Check the individual clubs and restaurants for their dress policy if you're heading out for the night.

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Citizens of the United States are required to present a valid passport . A tourist card (provided at the airport) must also be completed, presented upon entering Jamaica, retained during one's stay, and surrendered upon leaving the country.

Language

The official language of Negril is English but a local dialect is also spoken, which is a mixture of English, Spanish, and some African languages

Transportation

There's a shuttle van running between Negril and the main airport, Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport. The ride takes between an hour and an hour and a half. 

Changing Money

You can use American dollars almost anywhere here, but it will probably work out less expensive for you to change your money into Jamaican currency. The exchange rate fluctuates so often that many restaurants and other establishments don't even show prices in USD, so they can convert using any exchange rate they wish to! Best to change your money, and there are plenty of places for you to do so.

Electricity

Electrical current is 110 volts, 50Hz. Flat two- and three-pin plugs are in use.

Tipping

Tips are part of the package as far as the all-inclusive resorts are concerned. Outside of these, tipping is expected at around 10-15% when the bill doesn't already include a service charge.

About the Water

Although generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and it's better to be safe and drink bottled water instead.