While Kingston is known for its history and Montego Bay for its tourism, Ocho Rios is suggested to be the most beautiful area on the island. If you closed your eyes and pictured you were in paradise, you would wake up in this small town located at the North coast of Jamaica. Believe it or not, this area was once nothing more than a simple fishing site. Of course, today, it is so much more!
The Town’s Meaning and History
Ocho Rios translates to eight rivers but strangely there are not that many rivers to be found in this small town. 1657 is when the confusion began when the English were able to fight off a Spanish raid near Dunn’s River Falls. At the time, the Spanish called this site las chorreros which means river rapids. There was a misunderstanding during translation and the English began to call the area Ocho Rios.
Unlike other areas of the island, Ocho Rios has never played a real prominent role to Spanish or English however, it was a haven to pirates who used this area as well as Port Royal for their operations. It really wasn’t until the past 25 years or so that this hidden gem for an area has been transformed from a fishing village to a tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
Things to Do in Ocho Rios
- Dunn River Falls and Park – Without a doubt, this is one of Jamaica’s most prized treasures. Forming a human chain that is led by an experienced guide, you’ll climb the falls. Of course, you can also just stroll around the property and beach and enjoy lush tropical foliage including orchids, ginger lilies, bamboos and ferns.
- Dolphin Cove – Want to have the experience of a lifetime in Ocho Rios? Here you’ll swim with friendly Bottlenose dolphins. You can also go on a mini boat ride, glass bottom kayaking, swim with stingrays and even interact with snakes, iguanas and exotic birds.
- Chukka River Tubing – It’s a bumpy 40 minute ride by jeep to get to White River Valley but you’ll pass plenty of animals and vegetation along the way to keep you distracted. When you arrive at your destination, you’re given your tube and a life jacket to drift along a three-mile river that can move pretty fast in a few places and get really exciting.
- Ocho Rios Beach – What would a trip to Ocho Rios be without a visit to everyone’s favorite beach? You’ll find plenty of natural swimming pools if you stroll around a bit.
- Fern Gully – This is a rocky gorge of frightening depth that zigzags four miles. Here you will find almost complete shade from the hot sun under a canopy of ferns, making the air at least 10 degrees cooler at all times.
- Prospect Plantation Tour – One of Jamaica’s oldest plantations that is still working can be found here growing sugar cane, avocado, cassava, banana and allspice. There are horseback, trail bikes or jitney tours and peacocks roaming everywhere.
- Coyaba River Garden – If you want to know what it feels like to be secluded in a jungle paradise, this is the place to go. You can catch a guided tour here which is the best way to experience the gardens. You’ll wander through a beautiful maze of trees, plants, fountains and streams and have the opportunity to taste and smell leaves like nutmeg, cinnamon and allspice.
- Brimmer Hall Estate – If you want to learn a little about farming on the island, this is a nice place to spend an afternoon. These are local farmers who are guides so be prepared for serious hospitality and don’t forget to buy a bottle of Appleton rum before you leave. There’s even a nice pool to hang out at here and drink a few Red Stripes.