Activities |
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Ocho Rios |
Ocho Rios cannot claim to be a genuine Jamaican experience, and is filled with tourist paraphernalia. Because of the need to entertain thousands of fun-seekers, the natural and historical attractions of the area have been commercialised and controlled. There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up waterfalls to horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward.
The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the 'Garden Parish' of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, and a self-drive tour of the region to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile vine-draped Fern Gully, is very worthwhile.
Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights in the centre of Jamaica's vacation wonderland.
Attractions
Columbus Park Museum
At Discovery Bay this varied and fascinating open-air museum has a vast collection of exhibits to explore. Visitors can stroll around under Pimento trees among artefacts like a tally (used to count bananas on the plantations), a water wheel, a canoe made from a solid piece of wood and a host of other weird and wonderful things.Address: Discovery Bay; Telephone: 973 2135; Opening time: Open daily from 8am to 4pm; Admission: Free
Coyaba River Garden and Museum
A wonderful tourist attraction for those who like to stir some culture into their beach getaways, the Coyaba River Garden and Museum is an interesting and enchanting way to spend a couple of hours while on holiday in Ocho Rios. The museum - named after the Arawak word for 'paradise' - houses some important pre-Columbian artefacts and has exhibitions detailing the history of Jamaica, from the days of its original inhabitants the Arawaks, through the trials of colonialism, to the gaining of independence in 1962. Arguably even more worthwhile, however, are the spectacular tropical gardens surrounding the museum, which are also home to the gently-cascading Mahoe Falls. A lush, steamy garden complex, dotted with giant banyan and cedar trees, and natural springs and pools filled with koi fish and turtles, the Coyaba Gardens make for a wonderful daytrip for the entire family. There is also a gift shop on site, where you can buy some choice local products such as carved figurines, coffee and rum.Opening time: Open daily from 8am to 5pm
Dolphin Cove
Alongside the Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins. The natural cove is surrounded by four acres of lush tropical rain forest. The cove is also home to other marine species, such as rays, eels and sharks; as well as tropical birds, like the macaw. There is a gift shop located on site, selling souvenirs.E-mail: info@dolphincovejamaica.com; Website: www.dolphincovejamaica.com; Telephone: 974 5335 (information), 9795 2272 (reservations); Opening time: Open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Dolphin programmes daily at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm; Admission: US$45 (adults); children under 6 are free. Touch Encounter Programme: US$67; Encounter Swim Programme: US$129; Swim With Programme: US$195
Dunn’s River Falls
Just about two miles (3km) west from the centre of Ocho Rios is the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m), forming cool pools among slippery rocks, and a favourite tourist pursuit is to climb to the top of the falls with a guide, enjoying being splashed by the cold, clear mountain water en route. There is a restaurant on the beach below.E-mail: dunnsriver@udcja.com; Website: www.dunnsriverfallsja.com; Telephone: 974 2857; Opening time: Guided climbs operate daily between 8.30am and 4pm; Admission: US$15 (adults) and US$12 (children 2-11 years)
Firefly
A cottage located on the cliff above Port Maria, 20 miles (32km) east of Ocho Rios, Firefly was the holiday retreat of famed British playwright and composer Sir Noel Coward. The house is now a national monument and has been preserved as Coward left it, complete with two grand pianos on which he composed some famous tunes. Coward is buried in the garden under a simple marble gravestone. A wonderful tourist attraction in Jamaica, which earns rave reviews from all who experience its considerable charms.Address: Port Maria; Telephone: (876) 974-5830; Opening time: Open Mondays to Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm; Admission: US$10
Green Grotto Caves
Jamaica's most prominent natural attraction are the caves on the island's north coast, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, just a few kilometres from Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay. The huge labyrinthine limestone cave found here is 5,003 feet (1,525m) long and characterised by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead ceiling pockets, numerous chambers, light holes, and in its depths a subterranean lake. The caves have played an important role in Jamaican history, from when the Arawak Indians used them for shelter. They have been used as a hideout for Spaniards during the British take-over, a haven for runaway slaves, and even as a den for smugglers running arms to Cuba.Address: Runaway Bay; E-mail: greengrottocaves@udcja.com; Website: www.greengrottocavesja.com; Telephone: 973 2841; Opening time: Open daily from 9am to 4pm; Admission: Non-residents: US$20 (adults) and US$10 (children 4-12 years). Admission price includes a 45-minute guided tour, hard hat rental and a complimentary drink
Mystic Mountain Amusement Park
Visitors to Jamaica should definitely visit the popular Mystic Mountain Amusement Park. Excursions to Mystic Mountain include a number of different adventures. Visitors can zip-line through the treetops or take the Sky Explorer chairlift for spectacular views of the surrounding mountain, right down to the beautiful beaches of the island. For a bobsled ride with a difference, Bobsled Jamaica offers visitors a plunge through the rainforests with wonderful twists and turns. The park offers a great variety of things to do, and visitors to Jamaica should definitely reserve a full day for this fun-filled attraction.Website: www.rainforestadventure.com/welcome_mystic_mountain_ocho_rios_bobsled_jamaica; Telephone: (876) 974 3990; Admission: $42 (Sky Explorer), $62 (Bobsled), $104 (Zip Line), $125 (Tranopy Tour – includes all of the others)
Excursions
Bob Marley Mausoleum
Reggae music fans from the world over make the pilgrimage to the famed singer/songwriter's grave site at the village of Nine Mile, about 40 miles (65km) south of Ocho Rios. Marley lived in the Nine Mile hamlet between the age of six and 13. The two-room shack in which he lived is open to view, filled with memorabilia, and alongside it is the mausoleum in which Marley and his half-brother are buried. The site also has a vegetarian restaurant and small shop. Reggae concerts are held at Nine Mile each year on 6 February, Marley's birthday.Address: Nine Mile; Website: www.bobmarleymovement.com/ninemile; Telephone: 305 665 5379; Opening time: The Bob Marley Centre is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Tours are 45 minutes to an hour; Admission: Package tours from Ochos Rios will cost at least US$65
Bob Marley Mausoleum
A visit to Jamaica is not complete without a pilgrimage to the birthplace, and final resting place, of the island's most famous citizen. In the small village of Nine Mile, 90 minutes from Ocho Rios in Jamaica is Bob Marley's home and burial place. Visitors to the mausoleum are also taken on a tour of his two-room house containing memorabilia and keepsakes. There is a small gift shop and coffee shop adjacent to the house.Address: Nine Mile
James Bond Beach
Fans of 007 will not want to miss a visit to James Bond Beach, where the 1962 film Dr. No launched the career of Sean Connery. The pristine stretch of sugary white sand, surrounded by lush mountains and lapping crystalline waters, is located just 20 minutes from Ochos Rios and is a great place to escape the crowds. Those looking for a bit of excitement should catch a 'waverunner' tour, which takes 007 fans past the famous Golden Eye villa, where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels. When you've had your fill of the beach, head over to the nearby Moonraker Jamaican Bar & Grill for a bite to eat.Address: Oracabessa
White River Valley
Just seven miles (about 11km) from Ocho Rios, lies the scenic and wonderfully relaxing White River Valley. A green, lush area, with the susurrus sound of the river mixing with birdsong in the air, the White River Valley has something for tourists of every persuasion. Most popular among the activities on offer is a 3-mile (nearly 5km), 45-minute tube ride down the river; though eager tourists can also enjoy zip-lining, forest walks, bird-watching and more. On Tuesday and Sunday nights, you can sign up for an 'Exotic Night on the White River', where flaming torches create the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner by the riverside (served with local wine). The White River Valley is also home to a Reggae Park - a music venue predictably popular amongst local music enthusiasts.