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Ocho Rios
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Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay are the heart of a north coast region scattered with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, not far from where Columbus first landed more than 500 years ago.
Amazed by the island's beauty, the explorer declared: "It is the fairest island ever eyes beheld...mountainous, and the land seems to touch the sky." Jamaicans say that Ocho Rios is the place where heaven spills into the seas.
Today, visitors come from all over the world to make their own discoveries in this stimulating yet tranquil resort area, which combines the attractions of one of the Caribbean's most popular ports-of-call with the splendid scenery of the surrounding "garden parish" of St. Ann.
From the open-air museum of Columbus Park in Discovery Bay to the sleepy settlement of Oracabessa, a dazzling sequence of brilliant-blue bays, quaint fishing villages and soft, sandy coves beckon sunbathers, swimmers and watersports enthusiasts.
It's also a mecca for music fans: One of Jamaica's most famous sons is celebrated in the tiny village of Nine Miles during the first week of February, when official birthday celebrations for reggae legend Bob Marley, who was born and is buried there, attract hundreds of visitors.
Beyond the renowned resorts and golf courses of Runaway Bay, there's horseback riding at Chukka Cove, an equestrian resort facility that features polo matches, lessons and trail rides through neighboring plantations. At St. Ann's Bay, the Seville Great House & Heritage Park includes artifacts from the excavated colony of Sevilla La Nueva (New Seville) that was founded in 1509 by Columbus's son.
One of the island's best-known natural attractions is Dunn's River Falls, a dramatic 600-foot drop of cascading water that's considered the Niagara of the Caribbean. A highlight of any trip to Ocho Rios is a careful climb up its limestone tiers, followed by a swim at the beach below.
The three-mile drive through vine-draped Fern Gully includes close-up views of 30-foot-tall fern trees and other specimens unique to the island. Transfixing vistas of the coast and a profusion of indigenous plants, flowers and trees are offered at Shaw Park Gardens, while a look at Jamaica's indigenous Taino Indian culture is provided at the Coyaba River Garden and Museum, in another leafy tropical setting.
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Abundant crops of sugarcane, coffee and bananas have been harvested since the 18th century at Prospect Plantation, which offers tours and horseback riding. Further east, Harmony Hall is a restored Victorian mansion with an art gallery that sells some of the finest art and crafts on the island.
 When night comes, you can take a canoe ride up the torch-lit White River, a journey that includes a folklore show, dinner and open bar, or take in the dinner theater performance at the Little Pub. Fine dining in exotic settings is also available at restaurants like the Ruins and the Almond Tree--or try Evita's, where the menu features unique Jamaican-Italian specialties like "Rasta Pasta."
Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios overflow with places to stay, from traditional high-rise hotels to all -inclusive resorts which cater specifically to families or to couples only. A number of elegant resorts offer luxurious old-world ambience and service; numerous moderate low-key lodgings flourish along the beach, and the a number also offer modern spa facilities to their guests. Several charming small hotels and inns provide a different kind of Ocho Rios experience.
Further inland, fishing, boating and horseback riding are included in an excursion to the Goshen Wilderness Resort, set amidst forested green hills. A few miles further east, in the town of Oracabessa, Goldeneye--the former home of author Ian Fleming--is now an exclusive villa resort with a celebrity clientele, close to James Bond Beach.
From here, it's only a few miles to Firefly, where Noel Coward lived and is buried. Built on a hilltop that was once a lookout point for the pirate Henry Morgan, the house is now open to the public for tours and special functions, including afternoon tea.
The town of Ocho Rios is a lively blend of sun and fun. It's vibrant and diverse. Centrally located on Jamaica's North Coast, it is a crossroads of things to do, places to see. So, runaway, discover Ocho Rios… like Columbus, you'll see that this is no ordinary place.
Jamaica Tourism Board
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Things "To See & Do" - Ocho Rios
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Beaches
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 On a bay sheltered by reefs and surrounded by coconut groves, sugar cane and fruit plantations, is Ocho Rios. The town has become very popular, with many cruise ships making a stop here. It is 64 miles east of Montego Bay and claims some of the best beaches on the island. The beach in town is safe and well-organized with facilities, 200 yds from Main Street where most of the shops and vehicle hire companies can be found.
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Diving
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Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular caves, canyons and crevices...schools of shimmering tropical fish...star, rose and giant pillar coral. All the equipment you need is available from licensed diving operators.
Couples Hotel
Tel: 876-975-4271-5
Enchanted Gardens
Tel: 876-972-1937
Jamaqua Dive Centre
Tel: 876-973-4845
E-mail: webedivin@jamaqua.com
Resort Divers
Tel: 876-974-5338
Reef Divers
Tel: 876-973-4400
Sandals Ocho Rios
Tel: 876-974-5961-3
Sandals Dunn's River
Tel: 876-972-1750
Sans Souci Lido and Buscobel Beach Club
Tel: 876-974-5344
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Exploring
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Polo
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 Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre
Hotly contested matches featuring leading local and international riders. |
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Waterfall Climbing
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Dunn's River Falls & Park
 Climb up, up, up 600 feet through cool, cascading waters with the help of an expert guide. One of our visitors' favourites! 9am-5pm, daily.
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Horseback Riding - Chukka Cove
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Make your day with a unique, exhilarating and enchanting beach ride! Come with us! We will travel in air conditioned comfort from the cruise ship pier or hotel, bypassing the quaint and historic town of St. Ann's Bay, on to Chukka Cove.
Then the real fun begins! Leaving Chukka Cove on horseback, we will ride through Richmond and Llandovery, two of the oldest sugar estates on the island. The latter is now a dairy farm; but you can still see the chimney stack and ruins of the old sugar mill on the way to the beach. Look out for the breadfruit tree! It's one of the original breadfruit trees brought to Jamaica by the infamous Captain Bligh of the sailing ship "Bounty". We'll ride along the seashore to Chukka Cove's private beach where we'll enjoy light refreshments and prepare for a truly unique experience ~ Riding bareback in the sea! This is indeed the adventure of a lifetime! After this exciting ride, relax while the guides re-saddle the horses for the return trip to the stable. We'll return to the ship/hotel refreshed, exhilarated, with unique memories of Jamaica!
Experienced guides accompany all rides. Riders' cameras, towels and other personal belongings are taken by van to the beach.
Duration of the Ride is 3 Hours plus Transportation.
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Mountain Bike Adventure - Chukka Cove
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Discover the real Jamaica. Take an invigorating and scenic mountain bike ride from the hills to the valleys: high in the mountains of St. Ann down through woodland and meadow. From the quaint village of Mount Zion to a thirst quenching stop at the Spicey Grove Tavern…and, finally, to the picturesque Chukka Cove, carved by nature out of a rock to form a serene and beautiful pool, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
After the swim, relax with a cold Red Stripe beer and return to the ship/hotel refreshed, exhilarated, with unique memories of Jamaica!
Experienced guides accompany all rides. Bikers' cameras, towels and other personal belongings follow the ride by van.
Duration of the Bike Tour is 3 Hours plus Transportation.
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Deep Sea Fishing
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Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300, includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.
Independent operators:
King Fisher & Sun Fisher
Tel: 876-974-2726
Mitzy
Tel: 876-974-2527
Sunfisher Ltd.
Tel: 876-994-2294
Triple "B"
Tel: 876-975-3273
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Golf
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Ocho Rios
Sandals Golf & Country Club is an 18 hole, Par 71  course with a total of 6,311 yards, located two miles from Ocho Rios,amidst verdant hills 700 feet above sea level. This is one of Jamaica's most scenic courses, noted for majestic trees, rolling fairways, constant breezes, a plantation clubhouse and a 10th hole offering a spectacular view of the Caribbean.
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Shopping
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In the craft markets and stores you can find items of wood  (by Rastafarians and Maroons), straw, batik (from a number of good textile companies) and embroidery; the hand-knitted woollen gold, red, green Rasta caps (with or without black dreadlocks affixed) are very cheap. Jewellery from Blue Mountain Gems, near Rose Hall, Montego Bay area. For art and ceramics, Devon House gallery, Chelsea Galleries on Chelsea Road, Gallery 14, Old Boulevard Gallery, Grosvenor Gallery, Contemporary Art Centre in Liguanea. Blue Mountain coffee is excellent, cheaper at airport duty free shop than in supermarkets or tourist shops.
Please remember to check with legislation (and your conscience) before buying articles made from tortoiseshell, crocodile skin, and certain corals, shells and butterflies. Many such animals are protected and should not be bought as souvenirs. It is illegal to take or possess black or white coral in Jamaica; sea turtles are protected and you should refuse to buy products made from their shells. The closed season for lobster fishing is April-June, so if lobster is on the menu check where it has come from.
Some shopkeepers offer a 10-15% discount on all goods but in fact merely refrain from adding the tax when payment is made. Street vendors never add tax.
Photographic film is reasonably easily obtained but take spares of essentials such as Lithium batteries as they are difficult to find and expensive. Glare and UV light is constant, take suitable filters. Do not photograph Jamaicans without their permission, the men, particularly in Kingston, can get aggressive.
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Coming Soon!
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Coming Soon!
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