Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the essence of every thing Caribbean, and more.  Things like blue skies, warm weather, beautiful waters, and sun-drenched beaches.  The mountains, magnificent waterfalls, and endless list of attractions.  Add to that scrumptious dining, spirited reggae, and moonlit nights and lots of sporting activities like golf, tennis, and scuba diving.

My journey to Ocho Rios was an interesting one.  I went to Ocho Rios back in September of 1997.  A two hour journey from the Kingston Airport to my resort was a crazy ride along the cliffs with a crazy driver that seem to have no worries of falling over the cliff.  Hugging that rail, and a bus full of people screaming their heads off, including me, I thought I was not going to make it to the resort.  With all that said, Ocho Rios is a good escape from your typical Montego Bay.

The first and foremost attraction in Ocho Rios is its wide white sand beach.  There are also more nice beaches east of Ocho Rios, but they are mainly private hotel beaches. Nearby beautiful Reggae and James Bond Beaches are open to the public.  The town itself has some nice colonial buildings to see, including old churches.

Dunn’s River Falls is a popular attraction near Ocho Rios, featuring stunning waterfalls that cascade into the sea.  Eden Falls is another beautiful waterfall in Ocho Rios area. More natural attractions near Ocho Rios include Fern Gully, a forested gorge with over 500 species of ferns.  From horseback riding to jeep safaris to plantation visits to pottery tours are well available.  Rated on Trip Advisor as one of the top attractions in Ocho Rios, is the bobsled ride down Mystic Mountain.  Also noted as one of the most famous Jamaica tourist destinations and one of the coolest destinations in the Caribbean.

Ocho Rios is one of the safest destinations in Jamaica.  Unfortunately, petty crime and scamming of tourists do occur also here, so it is good to use common sense and to leave your valuables at the hotel safe.  Especially at Kingston Airport and Dunn's Falls.  Also you will experience the locals push you to buy ghanja and voodoo dolls, which is abundant in Jamaica.