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Getting Around Negril

Negril is very spread out, stretching for miles. Some visitors walk where they want to go, but it's a long hike if you're heading to the northern edge of Long Bay or to the West End-some of these places may be 7 to 10 miles (11-16km) from your hotel. Also, walking the roads of Negril at night isn't recommended because of potential muggers.

So you'll need transit. The upscale resorts, including the all-inclusives, operate shuttles from the northern tip of Long Bay into Negril Village. Because the West Ends hotels aren't on the beach, the more prosperous ones also operate shuttles to the beach; small inns don't.

Otherwise, you can do as the locals do and take the minibus that runs all day long up and down Norman Manley Boulevard and even into the West End. Most rides cost $2; the bus runs until early evening, sometimes later.

In lieu of the uncomfortable minivan, you might take a taxi. Cabbies operate all over Negril, the licensed ones displaying a red medallion. In theory, fees are regulated by the government, but in many years we've never encountered a meter that wasn't broken.

So negotiate your fare before getting into the cab. Most trips should cost from $2 to $5, depending on where you're going. If a cabbie demands $20, look for another taxi. Taxis are most plentiful at Coral Seas Plaza and the Negril Crafts Market. Your hotel will often call a cab for you.

You can also get around Negril by bike. Bicycles are available at most resort properties.

Instead of peddling up and down Seven Mile Beach or across the rocky cliffs of the West End, many visitors prefer to rent a motor scooter. The best supplier of those is the aptly named Dependable Bike Rental, at Vernon's Car Rental, Plaza de Negril. This outfitter doesn't rent bicycles, only motor scooters costing from $25 to $30 per day plus a $300 deposit taken on your credit card. Jeeps can be rented here, as well: A Suzuki convertible Jeep begins at $55 a day.

Unlike in the States, helmets are not mandatory in Jamaica, but you should wear one for your own safety: Roads are potholed and often dangerous, with patches of sand and gravel making it easy to skid out of control. This costs $5 extra per rental.

If you'd like to escape the traffic and the crowds along Norman Manley Boulevard, the best place to go biking, in our view, is into the Negril Hills, which lie beyond the Negril Lighthouse along West End Road. A bike tour here can be in relative isolation as you pass along the most often deserted beaches of Greater Negril and even past some landing strips where private planes depart with illegal cargoes of marijuana for the mainland United States.

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Tour Guide Recommendation

by Olivia and Tyler from San Diego, California

My husband and I finally got a chance to travel to Jamaica and chose Negril. What a cool little town! Beautiful water, friendly people, a chance to relax and have fun away from the stresses of home.

We walked all over town and took glass bottom boat rides and swam and ate and chatted to people everywhere.

One of the best things we did was write to an independent tour company ahead of time and set up two excursions. Can you say awesome?!
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