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Cliff leaping is for the daring—these able to take a leap of religion and dive into journey. Happily, in Jamaica, that leap ends in cool, crystal-clear waters, usually in dazzling coastal nooks simply ready to be explored.
Like every thrill-seeking journey, it is essential to know the fundamentals—what cliff leaping is all about, the most secure spots, and what to anticipate from the expertise.
Among the best locations to cliff bounce in Jamaica? Rick’s Café in Negril. Right here, lush greenery meets the deep blues of the Caribbean, making a dramatic, picture-perfect setting. The close by turquoise cove is an inviting spot for each first-time jumpers and seasoned thrill-seekers trying to make the leap.
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Rick’s Café isn’t simply in regards to the bounce—it’s a day-to-night vacation spot. With a bar, restaurant, lounge space, umbrellas, and comfy cabanas, it’s the proper place to calm down, sip a cocktail, and soak within the island vibes. And if leaping isn’t your factor, no worries—simply seize a spot on the cliffs and watch the solar dip beneath the horizon in spectacular vogue.
And similar to that, we have already left our desks and are on our method to heat and fantastic Jamaica. Learn on to begin planning your cliff-jumping trip!
Image: The charming and energetic Sandals Negril. Your cliff leaping escape can kick off with excellent views on the all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
About Rick’s Café
Is cliff jumping safe?
Dos and dont’s
When to jump?
Can my kids jump?
What’s jumping like?
Cliff diving vs. cliff jumping
Don’t feel like jumping?
When to come if not jumping
What’s the food like at Rick’s Café?
What to bring to Rick’s Cafe?
Tipping divers
Other cliff jumping spots
What You Have to Know About Rick’s Café
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Rick’s Café was based in 1974 by Richard Hershman. Negril was a lesser recognized touristic vacation spot at the moment, and the venue added one thing new, not solely to Negril, however to Jamaica. It was the primary public bar and restaurant within the space with such excellent views of the sundown.
The entire property is about 2 acres, which implies there’s loads of room to discover. Rick’s Café is situated on prime of a 35-foot excessive cliff, which makes for wonderful views. There are upstairs rooms, which can be found provided that you order meals. The bar is normally most crowded round sundown, so make your plans to go there nicely upfront to get there early.
What’s the excitement all about?
Whereas in Jamaica, you might hear each locals and vacationers speaking about Rick’s Café. A part of the rationale for that’s that the Café is well-known for its prime alternatives for cliff leaping. A Rick’s Café diving experience and tour begins at round US$20, if you happen to join with corporations like Island Routes. The expertise comes full with skilled lifeguards and safety on responsibility to maintain friends secure.
How you can get to Rick’s Café
You possibly can take an area cab to get to Rick’s Café in case you are within the Negril space. Most lodges in Negril are about 5-10 minutes from the Café space. From Montego Bay, you’ll be able to take a tour bus, by organizing a tour through Island Routes. Additionally it is potential to embark on a Catamaran Cruise which stops off at Rick’s Café.
Is Cliff Leaping Protected?
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Many individuals query whether or not cliff leaping is secure. That after all relies upon upon the way in which you select to have interaction within the pastime, and the way cautious you’re in doing all of your analysis earlier than plunging into the waters beneath. As accidents aren’t unparalleled within the cliff leaping area, it’s advisable to proceed with warning. Listed here are some issues you must contemplate doing earlier than diving in.
1. Get knowledgeable
If in case you have by no means cliff jumped earlier than, spend a while watching others do it efficiently whereas on web site, earlier than making up your thoughts to have interaction in a cliff leaping session.
2. Scope the realm beneath earlier than leaping in
This helps to concentrate on any hidden or apparent hazards. Take note of the indicators within the space, like boulders or coral heads beneath the floor.
3. Ask the locals about what to anticipate
This helps so you aren’t caught off guard to your cliff leaping endeavour-like figuring out the place to leap from, and the place to exit. Being as knowledgeable as potential earlier than leaping in will add to your total expertise.
4. Discover out in regards to the dos and don’ts
In some areas, it isn’t advisable to dive in headfirst, as that would show extraordinarily harmful, significantly in shallower water. Be cautious. We have an expanded record of ‘dos and don’ts’ beneath!
5. Leap at your personal threat
Do not forget that if you happen to select to cliff bounce, you’re doing so at your personal threat. There are indicators all around the Rick’s Café property saying this, and if you happen to select to disregard them and get harm within the course of, the Café just isn’t accountable.
6. Take all precautions
The closest hospital to Rick’s Café is about 90 minutes away. Hold that in thoughts earlier than deciding to cliff bounce.
Dos and Don’ts When Cliff Leaping
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Dos:
- Be sure to can swim earlier than trying to cliff bounce.
- Double-check your swimwear—guarantee your bikini prime is tied securely or your shorts match correctly.
- Be prepared for marine life—you would possibly spot fish or different sea creatures up shut.
- Leap with buddies who can look out for you.
- Analysis the spot beforehand to make sure it’s secure for cliff leaping.
- Pinch your nostril earlier than hitting the water to keep away from water dashing in.
- Plan your exit technique—some spots require a swim across the cliff to get again to shore.
- At Rick’s Café, comply with the principles—it’s a drug-free zone, and breaking the principles can get you kicked out.
Photograph credit score: Debbie Ann Powell/Shutterstock.com
Don’ts:
- Don’t try and cliff bounce if you happen to can’t swim.
- Don’t bounce whereas intoxicated—a drink for braveness is one factor, however being drunk is harmful.
- Don’t bounce if you happen to can’t clearly see the touchdown space—be certain that the water is deep sufficient and obstacle-free.
- Don’t bounce if you happen to see something probably harmful within the water.
- Don’t bounce alone or on secluded seashores the place nobody might help in an emergency.
- Don’t maintain bottles or drinks whereas leaping.
- Don’t underestimate the problem—cliff leaping is more durable than it seems!
What’s it Wish to Cliff Leap?
Cliff leaping will be nerve-wracking, particularly if it’s your first time. The second your toes depart the sting, there’s no turning again—and that cut up second is usually a combine of pleasure, panic, or each. Fortunately, these emotions normally fade quick, giving method to pure exhilaration as you free-fall into the waters beneath with a giant, satisfying splash.
Cliff leaping is all about letting go and dwelling within the second. Most individuals say that the toughest half is just making the bounce, however as soon as they’re within the air, worry offers method to a thrill in contrast to some other.
Cliff leaping in Jamaica appears like a wild mixture of sliding down a water slide and leaping out of an airplane—simply at a a lot decrease altitude! As you fall, it’s like every thing inside you rushes as much as your throat, and one million ideas race via your thoughts earlier than you hit the water. It’s exhilarating, intense, and unforgettable.
In fact, some individuals fear about touchdown mistaken or doing a dreaded stomach flop. Whereas these ideas are regular, most individuals hit the water simply positive—it’s all a part of the expertise!
Your life will most likely flash earlier than your eyes…
Whenever you’re free-falling from a cliff, management goes out the window—and for some, the intuition to seize onto one thing kicks in. Cue the flailing legs and arms, which will be fairly entertaining for these watching from above. Don’t take it personally if you happen to hear laughter on the way in which down (if you happen to even discover it) or as you hit the water.
On the flip aspect, some jumps earn cheers and applause, relying on how “sleek” the touchdown is. However don’t stress about placing on a present—simply deal with the fun of the bounce and benefit from the second!
Tip: For those who’re a first-time cliff jumper, it’s extremely beneficial that you simply begin on the decrease ranges and make your means as much as the upper jumps. Cliffs in the most well-liked spots in Jamaica vary from 8 toes to 40 toes. There may be additionally a 27-foot choice.
Cliff Diving vs Cliff Leaping
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Cliff leaping is easy—simply step to the sting, take a deep breath, and bounce while you’re prepared. Cliff diving, then again, takes actual ability and expertise. For those who’ve by no means accomplished it earlier than, it’s not the time to begin—it may be downright harmful.
And keep in mind, not all cliff leaping spots are the identical. Some are deeper, some are shallow, and a few cover rocks and even probably harmful marine life beneath. For those who’re new to this, follow the decrease jumps and depart the high-flying stunts to the professionals. Security first—journey second!
Finest Time to Cliff Leap
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The perfect time to cliff bounce at Rick’s Café in Jamaica is from 2-4pm. There are normally extra individuals within the space throughout this time, which is sweet in case you are a first-time cliff jumper; this provides you a chance to look at different divers in motion earlier than making the bounce your self.
FAQs: Cliff Leaping in Jamaica
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What if I don’t really feel like leaping?
No stress—cliff leaping isn’t for everybody. If right now’s not the day, no worries—there’s all the time subsequent time… or by no means! Generally, one of the best seat is on the sidelines, watching as others work up the braveness to make the leap.
Chill with a chilly beer or cocktail and soak within the scene. Jamaica’s cliffs aren’t only for thrill-seekers—they’re prime spots for dolphin watching and front-row seats to some critical motion. Native cliff divers take issues up a notch, generally climbing timber simply to leap from greater up.
Our recommendation? Go away the wild stunts to the professionals. However hey, because you’re not even contemplating leaping, that gained’t be an issue—proper?
Tip: Be at liberty to depart a tip the native divers as a thanks for the brave and daring leisure.
What’s an excellent time to come back to look at if I don’t plan on leaping?
Arrive by 4pm if cliff leaping isn’t in your agenda—that is when the vibe will get vigorous, and also you’ll catch extra of the motion. Carry a completely charged digicam and cellphone, and plan to linger for the legendary sundown round 5:30pm. Of us begin snagging prime cliffside spots early, so stake your declare forward of time.
Rick’s Café turns sunset-watching into a celebration with its stay in-house band, spinning reggae classics—together with Bob Marley hits—because the solar dips into the ocean. Groove to the rhythm whereas the sky paints its nightly masterpiece, wrapping up a day that’s pure island magic.
What’s the meals like at Rick’s Café?
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Rick’s Café is usually a bit on the pricier aspect in terms of eating. For those who’re on a price range, contemplate having a meal earlier than you go and plan to return to your resort for dinner. Beers like a chilly Pink Stripe will price round $5 USD every. Since Rick’s is extra of a bar than a restaurant, count on bar snacks and informal eats like buffalo wings, rooster tenders, salsa & chips, with some fish and vegetarian choices. You can too order gadgets like jerk rooster, steamed fish with okra, steak and extra.
That mentioned, the meals is only a small a part of the expertise. Rick’s is all in regards to the ambiance—the breathtaking views, the cliff leaping, and the vigorous vibe. Go for the expertise, soak all of it in, and also you’ll doubtless depart with a giant smile and reminiscences price each penny.
What ought to I convey to Rick’s Café?
- Money for meals, drinks, and souvenirs
- Ideas for divers (small payments)
- Digicam
- Swimwear
- Change of garments
How do I tip the cliff divers?
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There are picket tip bins within the diving space, though some individuals drop paper cash into the water, which the divers can retrieve simply as a result of paper cash will float. The divers within the water will normally swim over and accumulate the payments. Nonetheless, whether it is additional windy, it’s best to put your tip into the field.
Insider tip: Travelling to Jamaica? Sandals presents a spread of all-inclusive properties to select from to your keep on island. If you’re in Negril, Sandals Negril is a best choice!
Different Locations You Can Cliff Leap in Jamaica
Rick’s Café isn’t the one cliff leaping spot in Negril, Jamaica. One other well-known spot is The Caves, which is situated a couple of minutes from Rick’s Café. Although not as fashionable as Rick’s Café, you’ll find facilities at The Caves which can make your expertise there a cushty one. There’s additionally a cool bar in a cave at this location, in addition to out of doors swimming pools, and lodging choices.
At The Caves, it’s also possible to begin on the decrease ranges (about 8 toes), and make your means as much as the extra superior jumps. A 3rd cliff leaping location is also referred to as 3 Dives. There you can’t solely get your cliff leaping repair, but additionally style a few of Jamaica’s greatest Jerk rooster, some superior lobster, and get pleasure from stay music with a beautiful sundown backdrop.
Cliff Leaping in Jamaica: Pure Adrenaline!
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All in all, cliff leaping is an exhilarating expertise that can depart you with a way of freedom that you wouldn’t have in any other case skilled, and to not point out bragging rights! It’s completely one of many prime issues to do whereas in Jamaica. Set off to your cliff leaping journey from one of many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. All you want to your trip is included, and you will be on the coronary heart of the motion!
Image: Beachfront bliss is yours to embrace on the all-inclusive Sandals Negril in Jamaica!
