Family visiting Dunns River Falls, Ocho Rios; credit Jamaica Tourism Board
Ocho Rios Eco-Travel
Ocho Rios Eco-Travel tours are Jamaica’s signature adventures. Astonishing waterfalls, warm natural pools for swimming, winding lazy rivers, luxuriant gardens and astounding caves will embed pleasant memories long after your vacation. Keep the excursion hassle free without doing unknown roads or parking the rental car. Reputable tour operators pick you up from your hotel or the cruise terminal, usually as part of a half-day or full-day excursion, since each activity can last for 2-5 hours. Most visitors combine 2-3 activities per excursion, with lunch & rum punch included or with a planned restaurant lunch break.
Dunns River Falls
One of Jamaica’s most photographed attractions, Dunn’s River Falls encompass nearly 500 feet of cascading waterfalls with interim pools along the way. With the help of a guide, you can climb the limestone tiers to the top of the falls, slide down the smooth sections of rock, and swim in the cool lagoons at the base. Cruise ship crowds flock here when the ships are in port. If you are staying at a resort, it’s best to time your visit outside cruise ship docking times. Bring a camera, bathing suite/short pants and wear water shoes to traverse slippery rocks. You will get enjoyably soaked.
ADDRESS: Highway A3, Ocho Rios
WEBSITE: http://www.dunnsriverfallsja.com/
Green Grotto Caves
About 30 minutes’ drive from Ocho Rios in Runaway Bay, the Green Grotto Caves are Jamaica’s best-known limestone caves. They were once used by the Arawak Indians and were also the reputed hideaway of escaped slaves and Spanish settlers fleeing from the British. In more recent times, they were also used as a backdrop for a Bond movie. Today, they are home to bats and snakes. Guided tours share the history of the caves and show you the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as an underground lake.
WEBSITE: http://greengrottocavesja.com/
Blue Hole
This is about a 20-minute drive from Ocho Rios and best taken the first time with a reputable tour company or shuttle guide, since the road through Brighton District is not well marked. You can also organize a 4-person private shuttle from your resort or cruise ship terminal. The shuttle company of note is Cool Blue Hole (+1 876-377-1561), despite not having a website. A bathing suit and water shoes are a must. The initial view of Blue Hole is staggering in a good way. There are several heights to safely and comfortably jump off rocks into the warm waters or enter the calm blue waters without jumping. A feel good story about this attraction is that its owned & operated business by a group of families who own the land and waterfalls. It is also a popular locals to perform head-spinning, acrobatic dives off the falls.
Turtle River Falls and Gardens
The habitat encompasses 15 acres of mountainside gardens, 14 waterfalls, small pools, hammocks, and a koi pond. A highlight here is the aviary full of exotic birds. You can wander in and hand-feed them as they descend on your outstretched arms. The guided tours are highly recommended, and you should bring a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip.
ADDRESS: Eden Bower Road, Ocho Rios, St. Ann
WEBSITE: http://turtleriverfallsandgardens.com/
Blue Mountains
Hike the famed Blue Mountains in Jamaica are an impressive—nearly intimidating—presence, making themselves known immediately to visitors arriving in Kingston. The longest mountain range in the country, the peaks of the Blue Mountains are perpetually clouded by a mist that only adds to their otherworldly aura. Active travelers will enjoy hiking this glorious terrain, while caffeinated ones should not miss out on Blue Mountain coffee. If you don’t feel like roughing it, book a stay at Strawberry Hills. The luxurious cliffside resort is as inspiring as it is restorative. Treat yourself: You deserve it.
ADDRESS Blue Mountains near Kingston
Sample of Reputable Ocho Rios Tour Operators
All-inclusive tours are available to pre-pay online just before arriving or shortly after arriving in Jamaica. Ask guides to take your picture at the waterfalls and pools.
Know Jamaica Tours
PHONE: +1-876-859-4739
WEBSITE: https://knowjamaica.com
Karandas Tours
PHONE: +1 876-974-2063
WEBSITE: https://www.karandastours.com
Chukka
PHONE: +1 876 684-9934
WEBSITE: https://chukka.com
Ocho Rios Jamaica Tours
ADDRESS: Main Street, Ocho Rios
PHONE: +1 876-630-0664
WEBSITE: https://www.ochoriosja.tours
