Thanks to Scarlet, Mary and all the donators in the time of hurricane Ivan when things got desperate with us back here in Billy’s Bay. Special thank you to Suzie or “Suzette” who do all the shopping all by herself. She stands up with the people of the village so much. When she goes out shopping everyone is at her home waiting for her arrival with the food. People who are close would come by her house to get food, while people who can’t do the journey she would take her truck and/or van and take it to them all over. She is a mother to the village and we love her. Scarlet, Mary and donors, you are the best, you don’t know what you have done for us. A lot of people didn’t think about us in our time of need but we thank God you guys did. We had someone out there to stretch their hands to us when no one else helped us. God bless you all and may your basket never go empty. We love you guys. You give us hope so we could move on and have faith. We pray that God will continue to bless Buccaneer Villa, the owner Mary and manager
Suzie and all the good friends who have visited and show so much love in the time of Ivan. A friend in need is a friend indeed. We really appreciate it.

Nuff Respect

Sorry that I might have this post in the wrong location, just wondering what the estimated cost in Jamaican dollars for public transport from Negril to Treasure Beach..did it 10 years ago but have forgotten. Do you have to switch in Sav for Black River?

From Negril to Treasure Beach I payed 80 US when we were two, once we were 5 we payed 140 US because we had to take a bus!! On public Transport I think it is much much cheaper...and yes, I think you´ll have to change in Sav...

Buses/best avoided or route taxis from Negril to Treasure Beach require stops at both SAV and BLACK RIVER. Easiest to have wherever you're staying send a driver for you or hire Treasure Tours (treasuretours@cwjamaica.com) for direct non-stop/non-wait-around/non-sardine packed transport service. The fare's about the same as for MoBay to TB, standardly US$110 to US$120 each way for 1-4 passengers and luggage.

If you're going to take public transport, you should keep two things in mind:
1) For singles or a couple, its much cheaper. The more people in your party, the cheaper a hired car becomes.

2) Its an adventure. Lots of stops, some crazy driving, too many people in the vehicle. But you also meet some interesting people, see more 'real' Jamaica, and get better sense of how most Jamaicans actually live.

-Eric

I would think you'd better travel really light to take public transportation / route taxis.

If you hire a driver, you can wend a leisurely way over from Negril -- there's lots to see and/or do en route right on the main like:Paradise Park/Tony & Busha Clarke's for surf/meadowlands horseback riding and Taino archeaological digs well underway by Univ of Florida; roadside sellers in Cave selling hot pepper mixes/sauces and coconut water; a swim .a Ting and steamfish at Bluefields Bay beach and jerskstand park or some good soup and a cheap boxlunch to go at Robert's in Belmont, with maybe a look-see in at The Peter Tosh mausoleum and Gerry's woodcarving stand nearby;a swim and spa services/massage/yoga at Oasis Spa, in Belmont--call ahead or see www.oasisspa.jamaica.com; lunch--if you've called at least a few days ahead --done up by Ann Lyons at Culloden Cafe, now a private villa (but she'll also cook privately if you ask nice and ahead of time...);more roadside food:bammy and fish at Scott's Cove; a stop at the ONLY ATM on the South Coast at the Petco petrol station outside Whitehouse (MasterCard, VISA, Cirrus for JA cash returns) or a stop at Mr.and Mrs.Chambers for baskets and rattan and straw at wholesale prices or the wonderful community of primitive potters up near Brompton Rd -- both just outside Black River; a check out of the new Floating Pier restaurant just the other side of Black River. Rebecca's Treasure Tour drivers, Aman Parchment, Rambo -- there are lots of PPV certified/insured drivers (who have insurance, should an accident happen/unlike just private drivers/taximen who most probably don't) in Treasure Beach who would make the drive itself an adventure -- letting you call the shots and trampoose over in leisurely fashion rather than being captive to public transport. If time is money, go slow and go private. You'll arrive far more relaxed. Solomon Kerr, a well-regarded driver in Negril, can also be hired.

That is a great list, and the stops near Black River would apply to me. Are there other stops to make when coming from Montego Bay?

En route from MoBay, after maybe stopping at SuperPlus for currency x-change and wine (decent non-plonk Chilean and Argetine merlot and chard), Bongo's fruit stand is a good stop en route. IF you're an avid birder, the late Lisa Salmon's bird sanctuary now run by her nephew AND BEST 3-5 pm can be mesmerizing as can a stop at Esau Kerr's Blue Hole Gardens in Roaring River. down through the valley once you reach WHITHORN. Not much else but who needs more than great scenery:dairy, citrus then sugarcane country as the road dips back to sealevel from mountain.
Oasis Spa Belmont is www.oasissjamaica.com == corrected from above.

If you know a chef or cook in Treasure Beach who doesn't think mushrooms are 'nasty', you can also stop midway btw.Negril and Sav near Little London;there's a grower there of pearl, shittake and other tasty fungi who will sell you a log innoculated with mushroom spawn (and instructions which makes a great, edible food source supply gift --and one that amazes kids.

A route taxi is the equivalent of a Turkish 'dolmus' taxi -- meaning 'stuffed' -- which should give you a good idea of the comfort/luggage possibilities. If it fits on your lap, that's about all the space you've got. In my experience, the drivers also tend to be NASCAR-wannabee madmen...

I would tell all the visitors going to Treasure Beach to get the Villa/Guess House to arrange to send a driver for them.Let us make it safe for everyone especially if it is their first time there.It is no different than coming here the States going to Europe or Canada if it was my first time i would feel so much safer having some one picking me up at the Airport.
Jamaica is a nice place to go on a vacation so let us try and help with the best information when we hear folks talking about taking a trip there.Nothing will be better than to hear them say good things when they do return from that trip.

I really would like to try that trek from the airport to TB via bus, but maaaaan, I'm chicken. With my luck, I'd end up in Ocho Rios lol

I think if someone were to consider doing that, they'd best make sure their plane lands early in the day. It takes a while to get to TB non stop, I would imagine it takes quite a few hours to get there via public trans.

Speaking of which... Anyone happen to be going to TB January 2nd? lol (split a ride?) :o)

I'm still hoping to be in TB for the holidays.

After reading the above, let me amend this to my post:

Anyone coming into the island should probably hire a driver (through their accommodations is usually best), UNLESS they are backpacker-types looking to save money, have lots of time (i.e.: arrive in the late morning), and want some spice to their trip.

Anyone just traveling to other parts of the island without significant luggage (the cars/buses do have trunks/storage, though they can often already be full) could do public transport, but again it is 'interesting' and sometimes harrowing.

Check the Transport section for more info (dollar amounts may not be current).

-Eric

Has anyone been to Treasure Beach recently? I was supposed to visit there when the hurricane hit--I would really like to go there on my visit next week. I have a 9 month old traveling with me. I was wondering about the condition of the Treasure Beach area and if anyone has any good tips on where to stay. I would prefer a place with a kitchen and king sized bed. Thanks.

Come on down! Most all villas and guest houses are fully operational and this is a beautiful time of year to come as the sea is calm showing off all it's Caribbean colors.

You can email me at treasuretours@cwjamaica.com and let me know your exact dates and I can find accommodations for you.

"ONLY ATM on the South Coast at the Petco petrol station outside Whitehouse "

There are none in Black River?

There are two in Black River. One at Scotia Bank and one at National Commercial Bank.

Now that I have taken the route taxis, I can say that it is an experience. One of the drivers was so wild that the Jamaican passengers gave him a lecture (which made no difference). Try to get the front seat if you can, the back usually has 4 people crammed into the economy sized seat. But watch out, once I saw 2 people squeezed into the bucket seat in the front! Other passengers also may have items in the trunk, so this is not for the heavily luggage impaired. Also, you have to change taxis to go to particular towns, so check out the route ahead of time.

Please! if you are travelling to Jamaica and have to go a long journey from Montego Bay try and make arrangements to have someone pick you up from the area you are going to stay at.I would not recommend taking a taxi from the Airport to go to TB unless you know the driver or someone who does.
I'm from Treasure Beach and for me to go to Black River I hire my own driver, after my first experience in 1992 taking my mother to the Doctor.
I thought my Mother an old sick lady was going to sufficate or break a leg, the taxi was so crowded
we could not move a muscle.
I sure learned my lesson and ever since after a few more trips to JA I hired my own driver with all intentions to continue doing so.
I'm only trying to help make your Vacation a pleasant one.
Enjoy the sun/food/music/ocean and last but not least the wonderful natives of ST BEST.