Ocho Rios

By Cheryl Blackerby

Columbus arrived in Jamaica in 1494, landing a few miles west of what is now Ocho Rios at St. Ann’s Bay. Since that time, there has never been any dispute that the northeast coast of Jamaica is one of the most beautiful spots in the hemisphere. Because of the lush vegetation in the area, Ocho Rios has a mystique that’s unique in the Caribbean. This area is commonly referred to as the “garden center of Jamaica.” And it’s this beautiful setting that has attracted the majority of visitors who come to the island.

Most Jamaicans tend to call this extraordinary place that’s halfway between Montego Bay and Port Antonio by nickname: To them, it’s just “Ochi.” For anyone who’s been lucky enough to visit here just once, “Ochi” says it all.

The name Ocho Rios is a misnomer — a corruption of the Spanish word for rushing water or spouts (Las Chorreras) that got twisted in translation into a reference to eight rivers that simply don’t exist. Rushing river rapids, however, most notably Dunn’s River Falls, have dazzling cascades, which certainly fit the bill as Las Chorreras.

Sightseeing
One of the first things on your Ocho Rios list should be Dunn’s River Falls. One of the Caribbean’s most iconic images shows tourists climbing hand-in-hand over slippery rocks against rushing water, making their way through the torrents toward the top of this natural wonder. The 600-foot waterfall attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Hollywood has been drawn to it, too, as the falls and its lagoons have been used in films like Dr. No and Cocktail. Geologists call the falls a living phenomenon because they continuously rejuvenate themselves by drawing mineral deposits from the river. The swift cascades flow directly into the Caribbean Sea, a rarity among the world’s waterfalls, most of which do not empty into seas and oceans. The best way to reach the top safely is with the help of an experienced guide, and there are many ready and willing to usher you along for a modest fee.

For more splashing fun, visit Dolphin Cove, one of Jamaica’s most popular tourist attractions. This haven is home to about 20 dolphins, most of them accidentally captured in the nets of fishermen and brought to the attraction for training. There are usually four dolphin shows each day, in addition to individual swimming sessions with dolphins. If you’re not a swimmer, Dolphin Cove also has a tropical zoo with birds, snakes and lizards. You can also take a ride on mini-boat or a glass-bottomed kayak.

Another area around Ochi where nature takes center stage is the Green Grotto Caves. Centuries ago, pirates and runaway slaves found sanctuary in these majestic underground labyrinths. Today, the limestone caverns draw amateur and professional spelunkers from all over the world. Tours take about 45 minutes and require wearing a hard hat. A highlight is Grotto Lake, a pool of underground water that sits eerily among the stalactites and stalagmites that were cast thousands of years ago.

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, look no further than Mystic Mountain in the Drax Hall area of Ocho Rios. Here you will experience the adrenaline rush of speeding 700 feet down the tropical rainforest on a bobsled coaster ride. There are also ziplines and chair lifts to hoist adventure-seekers above the canopy. For a calmer adventure, the 100-acre attraction also features tours on walking trails through the rainforest that offer an educational look at Jamaica’s natural wonders. Top your high-octane day by lounging at the infinity pool that overlooks the lush tropical greenery.

More excitement awaits with the various activities that you can take with Chukka Caribbean Adventures, such as safaris on 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, buggys and dogsleds. You can also take zipline tours to glide through the rainforest canopy on a cable and even go river tubing.

If you’re a history buff, visit Prospect Plantation, about three miles east of Ocho Rios. This 900-acre estate was founded in 1936 and continues to operate as an agricultural property. It is an ecologically sensitive area that attracts ecotourists from around the world. The best way to view the vast plantation is to take a tour on horseback, but there are also camel safaris available for those who want something far from the ordinary.

For a dose of the arts and more panoramic views of Ocho Rios, visit Firefly, the former home of famed English playwright Sir Noël Coward. Perched on a mountaintop with spectacular views of the sea and tropical greenery, this is where Coward sought a serene lifestyle with his long-time companion, Graham Payn, and hosted occasional dinner guests — like the Queen Mother and Sir Winston Churchill.

True reggae lovers must make a pilgrimage to the village of Nine Mile, the birthplace and final resting place of the legendary Bob Marley. Rastafarian tour guides will usher fans into the life of Marley, tracing his childhood and adolescence — he lived here from the ages of 6 to 13 — and creative metamorphosis. Even the casual Marley fan will be struck by the feeling of his presence on the walk through his two-room house and the small mountain village.

For a complete list of activities in Jamaica, visit the Activities Directory.

Shopping
Duty-free shopping has blossomed in the town as the numbers of cruising tourists has increased. You'll want to take advantage of the prices on cigars, watches, jewelry and perfumes, which can run as much as 40 percent less than the cost in the United States or Europe.

Several malls in Ocho Rios offer a wide range of merchandise and duty-free shopping. Island Village, a short walk from the cruise port on Turtle River Road, is popular with shoppers looking for beachwear and Jamaican coffee and rum.

Tajmahal, Ocean Village, Soni’s Plaza and Harbour Shops Plaza are also busy shopping complexes downtown. East of town, there’s Pineapple Place and Coconut Grove. Finding locally grown coffee and spices is easy.

The Ocho Rios Craft Market on Main Street and the Dunn’s River Craft Park are good places to find locally made treasures, especially straw goods and pottery. Harmony Hall, three miles east of town, has an excellent selection of Jamaican artwork and hosts frequent arts and crafts fairs. Besides the gallery, there’s a gift shop that carries an assortment of Jamaican fashion and traditional clothing. Fern Gully, south of Ocho Rios, is lined with stalls offering wood carvings, straw work and other crafts.

Want to know about shopping in Jamaica? Visit the Shopping Directory.

Dining
Ocho Rios serves up a wide variety of cuisines. You won’t have any problems finding everything from French, Italian and Asian to Indian or Mexican — in addition to traditional Jamaican fare. And though even the most upscale restaurants march to a very relaxed vibe, you’ll find plenty of pub options in case you just feel like having a cheeseburger and fries. And while on the topic of delicious, unpretentious food, don’t miss the jerk chicken and pork found at family-run takeout stands away from the main streets. They are inexpensive, fast and authentically delicious. There is no better way to get a taste of the varieties of pepper sauces and jerk seasonings that make Jamaican cuisine unique.

Adventurous diners should try Faith’s Pen, which is located 12 miles south of Ocho Rios. Here you’ll find a collection of competitive local cooks and self-taught chefs who operate out of stalls. For only a few dollars, you can order curried goat or spicy grilled fish and enjoy the meal on a picnic table.

Nightlife
Many of the big restaurants in Ocho Rios turn into clubs around midnight. There are also plenty of neighborhood clubs and bars, as well as night spots on Main Street, which range from one-room operations with pool tables to international chain restaurant/clubs. Many clubs have DJs and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. At a few of Ochi’s clubs, you pay one price and drink all you want at an open bar.

Dining Options in Ocho Rios

Le Papillon Restaurant
Continental
In the Royal Plantation, Main Street; 974-5601

Evita’s Italian Restaurant
Italian
Eden Bower Road; 974-2333

The Terrace at the Jamaica Inn
Continental / Jamaican
Main Street; 974-2514

The Jade Samurai
Japanese
In The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa; 972-7400

Almond Tree Restaurant
Jamaican / Continental
In the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, 83 Main St.; 974-2813

Ginger Lily
Asian
In Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa; 974-2200-19

The Verandah Restaurant
International
In Franklyn D. Resort; 973-4591-8

Ocho Rios Village Jerk Centre
Jamaican
Da Costa Drive; 974-2549

Passage to India
Indian
50 Main St.; 795-3182

Cardiff Hall Restaurant
International
In Runaway Bay H.E.A.R.T. Hotel; 973-6671-4

For a guide to dining in Jamaica visit the Dining Directory.

Couples Jamaica
Couples find their own place in the sun at this all-inclusive, with every opportunity for romance to blossom — no singles, no children, no extra charge for dining, entertainment or sports. Ideal wedding and honeymoon location offers four restaurants, four bars and freshwater pool overlooking the sea. 172 rooms.

Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef
West of Ocho Rios. 974-5335. Swim and enjoy various activities with friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. Also feed stingrays, swim with sharks and have a photo taken with friendly sea lions. Relax on 80 feet of pearly white-sand beach. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to Dunn’s River Falls. Includes Pirate’s Village with boardwalk, cafés and shops. US$45 adult, $30 ages 6-12.

House of Diamonds
11A Soni’s Plaza, 974-06161; #7 Tajmahal Shopping Centre 795-2921; #4 Harbour Shops 795-2921. Finest in diamonds and rare jewelry collection. Huge selection of branded and natural color diamonds. Swiss watches, Maurice Lacroix, Perellet, Festina Gold, Bertolucci, Chase Durer and more.

Rainforest Adventures Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain
This environmentally friendly attraction boasts over 100 acres of land stretching from the coast road entrance near Dunn’s River Falls to over 700 feet above sea level at the peak of Mystic Mountain. Great for all ages and provides ample opportunities to view and explore the unique seaside, tropical forest ecosystem through four unique and exhilarating adventure tours, including the Sky Explorer, Bobsled Jamaica, the canopy zip line and a unique water slide. Special events are designed by the park and set atop majestic Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. Nighttime festivals showcase Jamaica’s famous music scene. Wedding packages lift couples up to say “I Do” at 700 feet.


JHTA Hotel / Resort Members in Ocho Rios

Beaches Boscobel
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-975-7777

Breezes Runaway Bay Resort & Golf Club
Runaway Bay,
St. Ann
876-973-6099

Chrisann’s Beach Resort (Affiliate)
St. Mary
876-975-4467 / 4766

Club Ambiance
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-6167

Couples Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-975-4271 / 5

Couples Sans Souci
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-994-1206

Crystal Ripple Beach Lodge
White River Bay
Ocho Rios
876-974-6132

Fisherman's Point
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-4147

Franklyn D. Resort
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-4591 / 8

Glenn’s Restaurant & Tower Cloisters Resort (Affiliate)
Ocho Rios
876-975-4763

Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica Hotel
Salt Coppers
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-7000 / 7655

Hibiscus Lodge Hotel
83 Main Street
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-2676

Jamaica Inn
Main St.
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-2514 / 8

Jamaica Treasures Villas
17 Dacosta Drive
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-6228

The Jewel Dunn’s River
Beach Resort & Spa
Mammee Bay, St. Ann
876-972-7400

Prospect Plantation Villas
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-994-1373 / 1452

Riu Club Ocho Rios
Mammee Bay, St. Ann
876-972-2200

Rooms On The Beach Ocho Rios
Main Street
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-2008 / 6632

Royal Decameron Club Caribbean
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-4675 / 6348 / 4802

Royal Plantation Golf Club & Spa
142 Main St.
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-5601

Runaway Bay H.E.A.R.T. Hotel
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-6671 / 4

Sandals Golf & Country Club (Affiliate)
Upton, Ocho Rios
876-975-0119-21

Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach Villa Resorts
Main Street
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-5486

Sunflower Beach Resort Villas / Leisure Holiday
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-4809

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa
Ocho Rios, St. Ann
876-974-2200

Super-Fun Beach Resort & Spa
Runaway Bay, St. Ann
876-973-6924

For a guide to lodging in Jamaica visit the Lodging Directory.