Since we (wife & I) will only having 4 nts/5 days and travel to and from Jamiaca is going to take us the better part of a day (coming from midwest), we're leaning towards Montego Bay. However, if Negril is that much better, I hate not to consider it based solely on the additional 1.5 - 2 hrs travel time. We are primarily looking for a place to snorkel/Scuba Dive, relax on the beach, and check out some of the local culture. Would love to hear from those that have been / stayed at both areas.

PS:Is the beach/ocean area around Montego Bay nice for swimming, etc? I've read conflicting reports and thus thoroughly confused??

You have to go to Negril. There is no question about it. The new road is not much more than an hour from MBJ. The beaches aren't even comparable. Take the extra hour and go! You won't regret it for a minute.

Pumpy,

another vote for Negril, I haven't stayed in Montego Bay (but as we landed some of the resorts did seem to be very near the Airport) IMHO it's worth the extra travel to get to a wonderful long quiet beach.

We stayed at Idle Awhile in April and loved it, we ate breakfast at the hotel and set off in one direction for Lunch and the other for Dinner.

Lots of bars to break up the walk along the beach is whatever direction

I spent a week in Montego and did a day trip to Negril. If we ever return to Jamaica, there's no question we will spend our time in Negril. No contest.

We will be in Negril in two days. I'll write a report when I get back. I have never been to that part of Jamaica so I am anxious to see what everyone loves. Merry Christmas. Owa

Owa...have a great trip and look forward to your trip report!

Happy Holidays!

Owa,

Didn't you only just get back from Jamaica?

Have a lovely time - Hey! how could you not, It's Negril

Alya, Now you sound like everyone else!! We have taken three trips to the Caribbean this fall (we are two lucky people)--Peter Island, Jacamica Inn, GC, and Vieques. We leave in a couple hours for Minneapolis to meet our Bemidji, MN daughter and family. Cocolapalm should see the 10 of us by 3PM tomorrow afternoon. Exciting!!

Merry Christmas and I'll talk to you all when I get back. Owa

Owa,

We're just jealous

I can talk! We did Idle Awhile and the Jamaica Inn last April/May and then Coral Gardens on Provo in August.

Where to go this year :-?

No contest - Negril! I've been to both and spent many wonderful trips in Negril - absolutely wonderful water, beach, live reggae on the beach, etc. Negril has great snorkeling spots on the reef (glass bottom boats take you out) and at the Cliffs. Montego Bay was too touristy and overbuilt for my taste. I didn't even try to snorkel there but spend hours in the water in Negril. Have fun!

I have never traveled to Jamacia and some friends and I are planning a trip in March. I keep hearing great things about Negril so we are leaning towards this area. Two people in our group want to do all inclusive and two of us don't really care because we are more adventurous and love to eat local cuisine. The travel agent has given us some hotel/resorts along 7 mile beach. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Been to both...NEGRIL< NEGRIL< NEGRIL!!!

Scuba/snorkelling aren't the best bets in either MoBay or Negril. For a quickie R&R, Negril and its beach should
be your destination rather than MoBay, a city. Depending on your budget, The Caves, Idle-A-While, Tensing Pen and Rockshouse are some of the better, more personalized places to stay, away from the AI scene.

Negril !!
Montego Bay is so busy, Negril is very laid back, the snorkling, scuba is divine, the local culture is wonderful. You won't go wrong with Negril !