Ocho Rios Tours and Excursions

The Parish of St. Ann on the north coast, is known as the “Garden Parish” because of its great beauty. Its parish capital is the market town of St. Ann’s Bay. The resort development of this delightful parish, however, has centered round the town of Ocho Rios.

The name Ocho Rios, literally translated from the Spanish, means “Eight Rivers” but it could be a corruption of Las Chorreras – the waterfalls, because waterfalls are perhaps the most striking feature of the area.

Dunn’s River Falls

One of the most popular attractions in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls, a 15-minute drive west of Ocho Rios. You can climb the natural steps to the top of the 600-ft/180-m tiered waterfall or just gaze at the falls from a viewing platform. The falls can be slippery-wear a swimsuit and tennis shoes or swim socks. The safest way to climb is with a guide who will take you by the hand and lead you up the tiered falls and into some small caves. There’s a nice beach for swimming and sunning where the river empties into the Caribbean. The jungle setting is gorgeous, but the area is highly commercialized. At the top of the falls is a village full of crafts shops, T-shirt stands and hair-braiding kiosks.

Fern Gully

Visit Fern Gully, typical of a rain forest. See the protrusion of tropical ferns (over 500 species). Tower Cloisters, an intimate apartment complex located just outside Ocho Rios, is ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing holiday with choice of restaurant or self catering facility.

Chukka Cove

Situated about 15 minutes from Ocho Rios, just beyond St. Ann’s Bay on the way to Montego Bay, Chukka Cove is a farm and stable which offers rides to suit anyone, from beginners to the most experienced. Their beach ride takes you through a dairy and cattle farm to the beach where an exhilarating ride through the waves will get your adrenaline flowing. They have recently added an exciting new attraction… a bike ride through the spectacular scenery of the Jamaican mountains down to a white sand beach and a refreshing plunge into the clear blue sea. Safari Tours. Zebra-striped jeeps will take you to White River for a breathtaking river tubing ride or on a hiking trip through the hills and down to Dunn’s River Falls or through the timeless, unhurried, Jamaica countryside, seldom seen by visitors. Cranbook Flower Forest is located off the North Coast Highway in Laughlands, St. Ann. Well laid out gardens with nature hikes, swimming, bird watching, pond fishing, horse and donkey rides.

Heave Ho Charters

Take a sea-taxi and you can cruise in style to places like Dolphin Cove or Reggae Beach. Plan your private charter on any one of four vessels. From fun, snorkel, dinner or sunset cruises.

Dolphin Cove

Visitors can touch, play and swim with the dolphins. Reservations are necessary to participate but not if you only mean to watch. An exciting nature hike is offered. See parrots, native snakes, turtles, iguanas and don’t miss the shark pool. Their cheerful restaurant offers buffet lunch.

Reggae Beach

An incredibly beautiful and secluded beach to spend the day at and enjoy Jamaican favorites such as fried fish and bammi.

Prospect Plantation Tour

One of the oldest-established plantation tours the island has to offer. It is a still a working plantation which grows a little of everything so you will see such tropical produce as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento (allspice) in their own habitat. A herb garden is a new addition. Peacocks roam the property and a horseback tour instead of a jitney tour is an option for the more energetic. Trail bikes tours are yet another possibility and there is miniature golf for those who cannot bear to be far from a golf course.

Shaw Park Gardens

Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the sea and only five minutes from Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens encompass 25 acres of tropical splendor.

Wassi Art Pottery Factory Tour

Famous island-wide for its unique, colorful Caribbean pottery, Tastefully hand-made, the wide variety of one-of-a-kind designs will amaze you. Visitors are welcome to tour the studio and watch a lump of Castleton Clay transformed into a work of art.

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