 |
Jamaica Vacation |
Ocho Rios Jamaica
Ocho Rios is considered the garden center of Jamaica. Some of these gardens include Shaw Park Gardens and Coyaba River Garden & Museum. Of course, no visit to Jamaica is complete without seeing Dunns River Falls which can be considered the most well-known attraction in this area. Many have climbed this series of falls which tumble from the mountains until it reaches the sea ... definitely worth the climb ... you will feel rejuvenated! Ocho Rios is also lined with many white sand Jamaica beaches.
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. In fact, Ocho Rios owes much of its fame to Dunn's River Falls, a much-photographed and much-climbed attraction. It is a joy to be in or swim underneath the bitingly cool water of the falls, and great fun to make the climb to the top. Another very beautiful attraction is Eden Falls at The Ruins restaurant. Ocho Rios is also famous for Fern Gully, a rocky gorge of tremendous depth which zig-zags for about four miles from the Ocho Rios coast up to the central mountain area of the island. Although it has become rather commercialized in recent years by souvenir vendors, it is still well worth a visit to see the profusion of tropical ferns (over 500 species) and the kind of foliage only to be found in a tropical rain forest. In the deepest parts of the gorge, only faint dapples of sunshine penetrate through the thick foliage and the temperature is about ten degrees cooler. In the last 20 years, Ocho Rios has developed from a small town to a thriving tourist resort. New beach land, hundreds of acres, was dredged to the south and hotels, apartment blocks, shopping centres and a marina were added to the already well-established old hotels like Jamaica Inn and Shaw Park. A deep water pier with berthing space for three Jamaica cruise ships at a time has attracted this segment of the tourist industry and it is a rare day when the streets of Ocho Rios do not throng with cruise ship visitors. There are six shopping plazas to cope with this influx, offering everything from Jamaica market handicrafts and souvenirs to duty-free bargains from the in-bond stores. The Crafts Market is situated in the downtown area. Restaurants in Ocho Rios There are any number of restaurants offering a wide range of culinary delights. Evita's. On the hillside at the western entrance to town serves Italian food with a touch of Jamaican that makes the dishes extraordinary. Venetian-born owner, Evita Myers has come up with the original idea of offering whole or half portions of her unique dishes for waistline watchers or, more likely, those who want to sample as many different dishes as possible. It is the only restaurant overlooking Ocho Rios and the sea. Open 11 am - 11 pm. 974-2333. The Ruins at the Falls Restaurant. A memorable luncheon awaits you at this special venue set beside a 40 foot waterfall amidst lush tropical gardens. Enjoy the inclusive luncheon buffet including all beverages and house wines with vibrant Jamaican entertainment. Take the historic tour or shop in the art gallery and gift shop Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Dinner (Starting in December) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Roadside Diner offers a great selection of Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine with influences from Asia and India in a modern and colourful setting. It also offers take-out and delivery service in the Ocho Rios area. Ruins Pub and Internet Cafe. The perfect getaway to meet, mingle and connect with friends locally or on the world wide web. The cozy locale overlooks the river. Patrons can enjoy the spectacular signature drinks served by the friendliest bartender in town from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Places to Visit in Ocho Rios 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. Call (876) 975-4763/4, mads@cwjamaica.com. 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. 972-2506 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. 972-2506 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. 995-3097 Diving in Ocho RIos Call Jamaqua Dive Centre at 973-4845 Heave Ho Charters Dolphin Cove Dunn's River Falls Reggae Beach, an incredibly beautiful and secluded beach to spend the day at and enjoy Jamaican favorites such as fried fish and bammi. 974-5367 Prospect Plantation Tour Shaw Park Gardens Wassi Art Pottery Factory Tour Cambioman |
Ocho Rios |
|