Jamaica > Cliff jumpers at Rick's Café

Jamaica - The sunbeds on the hotel beach

Shortly after nine, I sit down for breakfast. The sea is calm, and the sun is shining. Part of the travel group is going on an excursion today to the Black River to see crocodiles. They will also attend a cooking workshop to make jerk. I’ve decided not to go along. I’m going to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. After breakfast, Melvin, the security guard, places a beach chair for me in the shade of the trees. I pick up my book. Wonderful. I alternate chapters with a dip in the warm seawater. Around lunchtime, Ellen from Olympia Tours stops by. I book an excursion with her for swimming with dolphins next Thursday. Although it’s an expensive trip, it’s an activity I will never forget. For lunch, I walk a little along the beach. A small stand is selling patties. I order a chicken patty and a cola. After lunch, I walk to Rick’s Café. Rick’s Café is located on a cliff, about five kilometers further on. It’s said to be one of the most beautifully situated spots in the world. The café is famous for its cliff jumpers and stunning sunsets. At the roundabout, I turn right and walk through the actual village of Negril. Schoolchildren just leaving school greet me. I pass shops and restaurants. Sometimes I have to be careful because there are no sidewalks, and traffic drives along the same road. Suddenly, I’m overtaken by a large bus. It’s Kelly, my driver from the past week.

Jamaica - At sunset people jump into the sea

He honks loudly at me. At exactly five o’clock, I arrive at Rick’s Café. I am clearly not the only tourist here. Hundreds of tourists watch as people jump off the cliff. I estimate the cliff to be at least ten meters high. I admire the daredevils. While ordering a beer, I enjoy the live reggae music. Meanwhile, the sun slowly sets on the horizon. A beautiful setting. Once the sun has completely set, the terrace at Rick’s Café quickly empties. The highlight is over. I also leave the terrace. By taxi, I head to the Rock House restaurant, about one kilometer from Rick’s Café. On the terrace by the sea, I enjoy a delicious jerk chicken—the specialty.