We stroll down to WildThings and are greeted with the site of several cases of Red Stripe waiting to board our catamaran with us.
Now that’s the way to cruise around!

There are about 30 or 40 others on the cruise – but no worries because the boat is certainly big enough.
Once on the boat, we are greeted with an open bar which, normally, at 9:45 in the morning, doesn’t seem like a good idea (for most people) but hey, you’re in Jamaica, Mon. And I’m from New Orleans. So follow my lead.

It doesn’t seem like long before we reach our spot out on the reef, and off we jump for about 30 minutes of snorkeling. (Short, I know, but we were totally fine with that once we realized what was in store for us next.)
The cruise onto our next stop was filled with dancing Europeans (who’s dance moves got a little bit more bold as the trips up to the open bar increased) and really fun and interesting information from any WildThings guide that you let start a conversation with you. I love how friendly Jamaicans are!

We docked a little ways from the beach – the closest the cat could get given the shallow water. But the water was so refreshing we didn’t mind having to wade into shore. Not to mention the views!

Half Moon Beach is a stunning private beach that is the home to a delicious (and practically famous) little restaurant and bar, and the most adorable cabins you’ve ever seen. How do you like the sound of $40 a night for your own cabin just a few steps from the ocean?
Wow.

The most delicious buffet was set up for us by the friendly folks here – from jerk chicken to johnny cakes to pasta salad to stewed chicken.
And of course the open bar from the boat was transferred to a spot under a little thatched hut so we could continue to partake in the free flowing spirits.

After making 4 trips (I’m serious) up to the buffet and enjoying the company of 2 friendly dogs who lived there with the owners, we decided to explore the property and of course take a swim in the fabulous water.

I really could go on about Half Moon Beach forever, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and you can vacation in paradise complete your own oceanfront cabin for $40 a night. You just can’t beat that. Want to get married there? They do amazing weddings right on the beach (or wherever on the property you would like), and you can take a guess at how affordable they are.

After about an hour or so of lazing about in the pristine water, it was time to get back on our catamaran, say goodbye to this gorgeous stretch of beach and the friendly dogs that live on it, and head back to Negril beach.

Once again, the reggae music and rum punches were free flowing. My kind of day.

Once we got back around 3ish, an afternoon thunderstorm rolled in and we took that opportunity to hang at the beach bar and enjoy some 2 for 1 cocktails.
The shower didn’t last long (and was quite refreshing – liquid sunshine Jamaicans call it)
so we were able to catch a few more rays on our loungers before it was time to head to dinner.

We decided to walk down the beach to Negril Treehouse for something light since we had such a large lunch. The dining area was completely charming, an open-air hexagon shaped hut over the water.

Service was friendly and prompt, and menu items were plentiful and cheap. I’m not sure what possessed us to order pizza and grilled ham and cheese, but it hit the spot for us. We were pretty tired after a fun and sun and rum filled day, so after dinner we strolled back to our hotel for some reading before an early bedtime.

Our budget breakdown for the day is as follows:

*Breakfast for 2 at Coco La Palm – Approx. $20 plus tip

*WildThings Snorkel Cruise for 2 including buffet lunch and open bar – $120 plus tip

*A few 2 for 1 drinks at White Sands – Approx. $9 plus tip

*Dinner for 2 at Negril Treehouse (no alcohol, just soft drinks) – Approx. $23 plus tip

**Total for the day for 2 people – Approx. $172

Budget Honeymoon Research Day 3: Fun in the Jamaican Sun Success!

After a harrowing (Jamaicans drive like it’s their last day on earth but I love it!) hour and a halfish ride with a private driver from the airport to the hotel (sans bags), our check in at White Sands was completely painless – practically pleasant – as they literally treat all guests like family. The owners live on the property and bend over backwards to make sure you have everything you need. (Thank you Mike for making sure my bag finally made it to me!)

We were thrilled to discover that our accommodations were exactly as expected. For $57 a night, our room was basic (no TV – but yay for a mini fridge), small but more than adequate, and very clean. We did have to bring our own beach towels as they do not supply them – but that is a very, very small price to pay for a beachfront room on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches for $57 a night.

you can't even see where the ocean ends, and the sky begins!




We had a few drinks at our hotel bar on the beach (they have 2 for 1 specials every single day!)
and then wandered down the beach looking for a place to eat dinner. I spot Gino’s just a few palm trees down, and had heard that their food is pretty good. I know eating Italian in Negril sounds pretty strange, but it was a charming little place that smelled wonderful so we decided to try it out.

I will preface this by saying the people of Jamaica are some of the friendliest folks you will ever meet in your life. Doesn’t matter what kind of mood you are in, one “YA MON” spoken with a giant grin and all your worries melt away. That being said, they are soooo laid back - that there isn’t much that is urgent for them. If a Jamaican tells you he will be back in 2 minutes, make yourself comfortable because you will have time for at least 2 Red Stripes before he gets back. So most of the time, you will get friendly, but very “laid back” service. But it’s all good, because you are in Paradise! Relax and have another drink.
Our food was surprisingly good, and I ended up giving quite a bit of my pasta to a sweet kitty cat sitting at my feet. (Unfortunately, there is poverty among animals as well as people in Jamaica). Our waitress was delightful, and of course our surroundings couldn’t be beat. We happily paid our reasonable bill and traveled another few palm trees down to the cutest beach “bar”. Ever.

The type of beach bar you see in movies, we were captivated with Tony's Hut's charm and stunning simplicity. We had a few drinks there and then ventured back to our hotel for a great night's sleep!



Our budget breakdown for the day is as follows:


*2 for 1 drinks at White Sands - Approx. $6.00 plus tip


*Appetizer, 2 dinners and a few drinks at Gino’s Italian - Approx. $30 plus tip


*Drinks at the cutest beach bar/hut ever - Approx. $8 plus tip


**Total for the day – Approx. $44

(NOTE: the 10% “gratuity” or "service charge" auto-added to ALL checks does not go to your server – it goes to the kitchen. So if you do not tip on top of the 10% - your server doesn’t get any gratuity).

Budget Honeymoon Research Day 1: Great Success!

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