Getting to Jamaica's South Coast
Sep 29, 2007, 10:49 pm
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: 33.9929N 83.4207W
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Getting to Jamaica's South Coast
Looking for suggestions on the most cost-effective way to get from MBJ to the Black River area. We may stop by Negril for a day or two on the way. Would a $50+/day rental car be desirable over taxi service on a 10-day trip? We would probably do a little exploring of the island but mostly spend days on the beach. Any recommendations on a ground transportation provider and an estimate of what costs may run would be appreciated.
Sep 30, 2007, 3:17 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Portage County, Ohio
Programs: AA EXP, MM; UA 2P
Posts: 585
Have you been to Jamaica before? If so, you know what you're getting into driving yourself around in a rental car. If you haven't been to Jamaica, I would not recommend a rental car on your first trip.
You should be able to hire a taxi for about US$100 a day, plus tip, to take you wherever you want. Everything is negotiable, of course, more so in low season. A knowledgeable taxi driver can be your best friend, and will take you places you might never have found on your own, once he (or, rarely, she) knows what you're interested in. One of my favorite early adventures on the island was a half-day in search of Jamaican honey. After visiting several apiaries that were closed, or out, my driver became as determined as I was to find some honey, and we finally did. Many drivers will start dropping you off at every little store where they receive a kickback--unless such shopping interests you, put a stop to it early.
One clear advantage of using taxis is that on days that you're just beaching it, you would have no car expenses at all. Cars are still a luxury in Jamaica, and if you have your own car in a place like the rural south some people will expect rides. So you'd need to be prepared to deal with that, one way or the other.
Enjoy Jamaica!
You should be able to hire a taxi for about US$100 a day, plus tip, to take you wherever you want. Everything is negotiable, of course, more so in low season. A knowledgeable taxi driver can be your best friend, and will take you places you might never have found on your own, once he (or, rarely, she) knows what you're interested in. One of my favorite early adventures on the island was a half-day in search of Jamaican honey. After visiting several apiaries that were closed, or out, my driver became as determined as I was to find some honey, and we finally did. Many drivers will start dropping you off at every little store where they receive a kickback--unless such shopping interests you, put a stop to it early.
One clear advantage of using taxis is that on days that you're just beaching it, you would have no car expenses at all. Cars are still a luxury in Jamaica, and if you have your own car in a place like the rural south some people will expect rides. So you'd need to be prepared to deal with that, one way or the other.
Enjoy Jamaica!
Sep 30, 2007, 7:23 pm
#3
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan 100K
Posts: 222
Ohioflyer has this one right on the money, this is not your typical explore on your own adventure. To avoid hassle and stress you can even charter a plane and fly to Negril from MBJ, beautiful scenery and only 15-20 minutes vs the 2 hours by car. From Negril you can hire a taxi or even tour bus to take you down to Black River. YS Falls is wonderfull and not as commmercial as Dunns River Falls. That area has typical brown and also black volcanic sand as opposed to the wind sand found in Negril.
Dec 9, 2007, 2:08 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Charleston, SC, USA
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I want to attend a Volleyball Vacation in Grand Cayman Jan. 12-19/ 2008. I am considering going to Jamaica thereafter, incl. the Mobay Jazz & Blues Festival Jan. 22--26, then flying home from Mobay.
It's much easier & more convenient to fly GCM--KIN than GCM--MBJ. Is it worth it to spend Sat. night in/near Kingston? How about a sightseeing taxi Kingston to Mobay? An Avis rental car costs US$70 a day ALL-IN incl. mandatory CDW + $50 drop fee 1-way to Mobay.
What's the most interesting route Kingston to Mobay? How much time to spend along the way?
It's much easier & more convenient to fly GCM--KIN than GCM--MBJ. Is it worth it to spend Sat. night in/near Kingston? How about a sightseeing taxi Kingston to Mobay? An Avis rental car costs US$70 a day ALL-IN incl. mandatory CDW + $50 drop fee 1-way to Mobay.
What's the most interesting route Kingston to Mobay? How much time to spend along the way?
Apr 14, 2008, 1:12 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: SNA/LAX/LGB
Posts: 101
Brendan,
As others on this thread have posted, I wouldn't recommend driving in Jamaica if this is your first visit to the island. I'd recommend hiring a driver for the day to take you from Kingston to Mo Bay (or you can fly on a small intra-island plane relatively inexpensively). The taxi driver will take you over the mountains; however, if you make the drive, I'd highly recommend the beach route. It's twice as long from a mileage perspective but is worth it if you have the time. As you get closer to the Port Antonio area, the road offers some beautiful views of Long Bay and other nice beaches. The roads aren't well-marked on the island so it's always best to hire a driver if you're not familiar with the highway system. The rental car agencies will offer you a map but it's very high-level and not necessarily helpful.
As others on this thread have posted, I wouldn't recommend driving in Jamaica if this is your first visit to the island. I'd recommend hiring a driver for the day to take you from Kingston to Mo Bay (or you can fly on a small intra-island plane relatively inexpensively). The taxi driver will take you over the mountains; however, if you make the drive, I'd highly recommend the beach route. It's twice as long from a mileage perspective but is worth it if you have the time. As you get closer to the Port Antonio area, the road offers some beautiful views of Long Bay and other nice beaches. The roads aren't well-marked on the island so it's always best to hire a driver if you're not familiar with the highway system. The rental car agencies will offer you a map but it's very high-level and not necessarily helpful.
Apr 16, 2008, 10:51 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 287
You need to talk to my man Dudley of Big Ship Tours!
Dudley has picked myself and other family and friends up at MBJ and brought us to Negril many, many times. Always helpful, courtieous, and generous, Dudley is the best when it comes to service and price for traveling around Jamaica. We have even hired him to take us shopping where he escorts you, helping to keep the hard sellers at bay and taking you bags back to the van so you do not need to lug them around. He can certainly run you to South Jamaica as well.
Here is his website: www.bigshiptours.com
Be sure to tell him Jon and CHirsty form St. Louis say "Hello"!
Safe travels!
Here is his website: www.bigshiptours.com
Be sure to tell him Jon and CHirsty form St. Louis say "Hello"!
Safe travels!