Ocho, Rios - Jamaica
Attractions:
Dunn’s River Falls: Famous and most beautiful natural waterfalls. Refreshing climb up the falls. 15-minute drive. Wear swimsuits and sneakers, climb the falls with guides.
Reggae Beach: Is a 250 acre property located in Jamaica, mid-way between Ocho Rios and Oracabessa. The beach is a beautiful long stretch of sand protected by cliffs on either end. Reggae Beach is known as one of the quieter, less-crowded beaches in Jamaica and is considered as one of the island’s best-kept secrets. $4 addmission.
Puerto Seco Beach: One of the best beaches in Jamaica, white sandy beach, and clear blue Caribbean Sea. Public beach, jet skis, dinghy, sailing, scuba, snorkeling, glass bottom boat - 45minutes drive. 973-4400
Green Grotto Caves: Take an underground tour through these historic caves with a crystal-clear lake at the bottom located between Discovery and Runaway Bays. The first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians (Tainos) found shelter in the caves initially. Proof of this is evident in the multiple fragments of pottery and adzes that are unearthed from time to time. During the period of take-over by the English, the caves were used as a hideout for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the country.
Firefly: Noel Coward's home in the hills above Port Maria offers one of the most spectacular settings, and possibly the best views in Jamaica.
Fern Gully: Drive through this 2 mile long ravine filled with ferns and other exotic vegetation.
Coyaba River Garden and Museum - these gardens featuring lush tropical vegetation and the besutiful Mahoe Falls are a haven of tranquility in the foot hills above Ocho Rios.
Cranbrook Gardens: Lovely gardens with great walking trails.
Shaw Park Gardens: Stroll through this lush tropical garden located on the Ocho Rios Ridge overlooking the town. Highlights are the spreading banyan tree and the cascading streams running through the garden.
Walkerswood Jerk Tour: Jamaica has a brand new Epicurean Tour.
The Enchanted Gardens and Aviary: Reopened and even better than ever. Experience a tropical fantasy of fourteen cascading waterfalls with meandering streams and a natural spring fed pool. Interact with exotic birds in a large walking aviary.
Mystic Mountain: Jamaica’s newest tourist attraction, Mystic Mountain (Rain Forest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain), Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This new attraction comes to Jamaica courtesy of Rain Forest Aerial Tram, a nature-loving company that already operates similar outfits in Costa Rica, St. Lucia, and Dominica.
Columbus Park Museum: on Queens Highway, Discovery Bay (tel. 876/973-2135), is a large, open area between the main coast road and the sea at Discovery Bay. Just pull off the road and walk among the fantastic collection of exhibits; admission is free.
Island Village Shopping Center: Shopping center with Duty free shops, Souvenir shops, Reggae music, Margaritaville on the beach, Cinema with the latest movies. Brand new Hard Rock Café near by. Internet Café’s
Golf
Sandals Golf & Country Club - Located in the hills just above the eastern end of the Ocho Rios area, this course with its narrow fairways, offers a challenging test of your game in a spectacular setting.
SuperClubs Golf Club Runaway Bay - Part of the Breezes resort, offers a championship caliber, 18-hole golf course right in the middle of the Runaway Bay resort area.
Horseback Riding
Prospect Plantation: go horseback riding, or simply enjoy the tour of this working plantation.
Chukka Cove: Equestrian center 15 min from Discovery Bay. Full equestrian complex, offering everything from polo to trail rides. They also offer mountain bike tours and river tubing.
972-2506 Rides depart Chukka Cove at 9 & 2 daily.
Spas
Kiyaraspa, Jamaica Inn: One of the best spas on the island. www.kiyaraspa.com
Couples Sans Souci: 994-1206 Excellent Spa with great food - 2 min. drive