Day 3: Paradise is called Half Moon Beach
Today starts early again, with another breakfast at Coco La Palm. I just love that Jamaican Jamboree! We have to sort of hurry, because we need to be at WildThings for 9:30 – because today is the day we go on a Snorkel Cruise!
WildThings is going to take us snorkeling out on the reef, and then to Half Moon Beach for an outstanding lunch and the most incredible beach on the island.
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!