Jamaica's Vacation Destinations: Ocho Rios

Destination Ocho Rios Vacation  

"Eight Rivers" or Ocho Rios is known to the locals as Ochi. But no matter the name, this cruise-terminal and popular tourist destination have seen enormous growth in the past few years. With all the world-class resorts, picturesque scenery, and shopping opportunity, visitors are thrilled with their Ocho Rios experience. In fact, you may wish you had booked more time. 

Visit the Main Attractions 

Anywhere you vacation, visitors want to know the hot spots to visit and gather the most from their experience. Here is a list of the top locations in Ocho Rios, but remember, there is always more fun to be had in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 

Dunn's River Falls 

One of Ocho Rios's four rivers (not eight), Dunn's River, is not to be missed. This astounding fall extends more than 600 feet down, with its swift descent of clear waters. Spend the day at the Dunn's River Falls and Park climbing the falls, at the children's Splash Pad, and zipping over the falls on the Chukka Zipline. 

Mystic Mountain 

For a wide variety of outdoor adventures, don't miss Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios. Here you can go ziplining, horseback riding, bobsledding, ride chair lifts up the mountain, and more. 

Dolphin Cove 

Swim and play with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove, Ocho Rios. You'll also get to see sharks and stingrays in this immersive experience sure to thrill the whole family. 

Blue Hole, Ocho Rios 

A series of breathtaking waterholes and cascading waterfalls sits high in the rain-forest mountains just outside of Ocho Rios. Also known as Island Gully Falls and the Irie Blue Hole, this area is best traversed with a guide to take you along the trails to the best spots. Jump off the cliffs into the azure waters below, or simply watch as others show off their jumping bravery and skill. 

Yaaman Adventure Park 

Yaaman overlooks the gorgeous coastline with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and a tour of the ornamental gardens. 

Let's Eat in Ocho Rios 

Part of an authentic Jamaican vacation is most definitely in sampling the local cuisine. Some of these dishes you may have tried in other areas of the Caribbean, but Ocho Rios has a unique local flare they place on each dish.  

Be sure to try some Stamp and Go, Jerk Chicken, Brown Stew Chicken, Ackee and Saltfish, Oxtail with Broad Beans, Pepper Pot Soup, Curry Chicken and Goat, Patties, and Rundown Lobster.  

According to the experts at Travel Noire, for local flare, be sure to check out these restaurants. 

• Scotchie's Jerk Center 
• Mom's Homestyle Restaurant 
• Juici Patties 
• Miss T's Kitchen 

FUN Facts About Ocho Rios 

• Ocho Rios hosts not only cruise ships but cargo ships at the Reynolds Pier. There they export sugar, limestone, bauxite in the past. 
• Ocho Rios was a shooting location during the 1962 filming of Dr. No, the first James Bond film. Ten years later, the town was used again in 1973's Live and Let Die. 
• James Cameron's first film, Piranha II: The Spawning, was filmed at the Mallards Beach-Hyatt Hotel in Ocho Rios. 
• Mystic Mountain opened in 2008 with a bobsled experience inspired by the Jamaican bobsled team from the 1988 Olympics in Calgary. 
• An attraction called Fern Gully stretches about 3 miles, where travelers can see over 540 varieties of lush green ferns. 

As you can see, there is so much to do and love about Ocho Rios. Join the people of Jamaica as they show you what they adore about the nature and glory of Ocho Rios. 

CITED: en.wikipedia.org, planetware.com, visitJamaica.com, tasteatlas.com, carnival.com