Negril, Jamaica

[Willar]

I just returned from another great year of diving around Negril Jamaica. I love diving around Negril, the water is warm and clear, I seem to always seem cool creatures like turtles on every dive, and the corals are beautiful.
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<DIV>Do you have any questions about diving around Negril? Just ask!</DIV>

[imported_Stingray]

Really! That's good to hear. I've only talked to one other diver that was in Jamaica and they said there was not much life and the reefs were not that good. Now he was on a cruise ship, and only got in a quick 2 tank dive there - but based on his report - I always past up that area - even when you can find some cheap air fare there.
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<DIV>So who should you dive with in that area... anyone you recommend? Got a link to a operator there?</DIV>

[rainmaker]

What's the best way to get from the airport atMontego Bay to Negril? Any dive ops or budget hotels you'drecommend in Negril?
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<DIV SuperAdBlocker_DIV_Elements="0" SuperAdBlocker_OnMove_Hooked="0" SuperAdBlocker__Hooked="0" SuperAdBlocker_DIV_FirstLook="0">(Every time I hear anything about Negril, I think of Jimmy Buffet's little "misunderstanding" with the Jamaican anti-drug police)</DIV>

[mike_s]

<DIV>Rainmaker </DIV>
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<DIV>The best way to get from Mo Bay to Negril is to fly. it's about a 15 to 20 minute flight. But you better like small planes. The runway in Negril is only like 1800 or 2200 feet long. There are a few charter groups that run and Air Jamacia does runs in on small turboprop twins.</DIV>
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<DIV>The plane I flew in on was so small that I sat in the co-pilots seat. </DIV>
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<DIV>If you want to drive it's not that bad. Actually i don't reccomend driving in that country. just take the airport shuttle bus that your resort provides.</DIV>
<DIV>It's about a hour to hour and half drive. the bus will most definately do a "rest stop" at some store the driver gets a kickback from. I personally like the ride ok because you get to see a little of the countryside. it's not that bad.</DIV>

[Natasha]

Originally Posted by Willar

I just returned from another great year of diving around Negril Jamaica. I love diving around Negril, the water is warm and clear, I seem to always seem cool creatures like turtles on every dive, and the corals are beautiful.
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<DIV>Do you have any questions about diving around Negril? Just ask!</DIV>

<DIV>Sounds great! I'm going to Montego Bay soon. Do you know anything about the diving there?</DIV>

[Willar]

I dive with the big, all-inclusive resorts. But I also know the operators of SunDivers. They are located near Negril at Point Village resort but anyone can dive with them. Myron and Emilee run the shop, are really good people, and are safe divers.

Yes, Jamaica doesn't have a great reputation for diving. It has been overfished for years and the fish population is not as good as other islands. However, the corals are very nice, the water is warm and very clear, and we see lots of turtles and other cool creatures. The diving around Negril is very easy and relaxing. Not much in wrecks but good corals.

I hear the dive ops serving the big ships from MoBay and Ocho don't take divers to the better sites, probably because of unknown experience levels. The dive ops that I use get to know people. Once your skills are know they will take you to better walls and areas with current.

The best way to Negril from MoBay is TimAir small planes. Look for them in the arrivals hall after you get through immigrations and customs. I think it is $120 each way per couple. If you book with the big all-inclusive resorts you can take their bus ride for free.... about 1.5 hours including a beer stop. For faster land travel you can hire a taxi driver for about $60 one way. This should be pre-arranged for fast service. You can be to Negril in 1 hour.

[markndeana]

Good news! I've dove Negril for the past 4 years and this year was absolutely awesome. The Negril rangers patrol the area regularly now and are keeping away the poachers. Fish diversity is way up. Big nurse sharks making an appearance. New dolphin pod in the area, and were very friendly. Coral still hurting in most areas but large beautiful sponge varieties evrywhere. Th fish werent big but if conservation is maintained, I would expect to see larger fish within the next few years.