| When preparing to visit the Caribbean it can be a bit | | | | The cove itself is surrounded by four acres of |
| overwhelming, there are so many islands, and so | | | | tropical rain forest. Alongside the dolphins the cove is |
| many ports. How do you make sure you make the | | | | also home to other marine species such as rays, eels |
| most of your time at each destination? Whether it is | | | | and sharks as well as tropical birds, like the macaw. |
| adventure, lush landscapes, history or a trip to the | | | | If the beach is more your idea of fun, within walking |
| tropical shores you are after, you will not be | | | | distance of the port you will find Turtle Beach, a |
| disappointed when you dock into your port of call. | | | | busy seaside with lots of people and water sports. |
| Ocho Rios, which is located on the northern coast of | | | | The beach has bars, restaurants and shops nearby |
| Jamaica, has become an incredibly popular destination | | | | and you will find plenty to keep yourself busy. If you |
| for cruise ship passengers. Once a small fishing and | | | | prefer a more relaxing time at the beach then visit |
| banana port, the cruise ship capital of Jamaica is | | | | the small and peaceful resort of Laughing Waters. |
| frequented daily by visitors looking to explore the | | | | Mallard Beach, located in the centre of Ocho Rios, is a |
| island, soak up some Jamaican style relaxation and | | | | great family beach, and one that is often chosen to |
| enjoy the port which has now transformed into a | | | | avoid the crowds. Mahogany Beach is a smaller and |
| world class holiday destination. | | | | more intimate alternative to Turtle Beach, situated on |
| There is so much to see when you visit Ocho Rios, if | | | | Main Street, there is a bar and restaurant on the |
| you decide to take part in a shore excursion, or a | | | | beach and a roped off area in the sea, which you |
| pre-planned tour, you will find an array of places to | | | | can swim and where boats can not enter. You may |
| visit. There are currently over fifty shore excursions | | | | find you are charged a small fee to enter some |
| on offer by Royal Caribbean, an example of these | | | | beaches; this is not a charge for using the beach, but |
| are The Chukka Jamaican Dogsled encounter, Deep | | | | to keep hustlers away, and let you relax without |
| Sea Fishing or rafting on The Martha Brae. Carnival | | | | having to worry about those around you. |
| Cruises offer a huge variety of trips including The | | | | One of the most popular things to do in Ocho Rios is |
| Bob Marley Bus Adventure and The 18th century | | | | to visit the shopping plazas, the Main port itself is |
| Estate and Ultimate Beach Experience. The cruise | | | | within easy walking distance to the nearby craft |
| lines offer an amazing selection of shore excursions, | | | | market and shopping centres. The Taj Mahal |
| and you will find your perfect one onboard. | | | | Shopping Centre which is located directly opposite |
| If you prefer to see Ocho Rios on your own, the | | | | the port along, with Sonis is the place to find the |
| most popular way of getting around the island is by | | | | luxury items and great duty free goods. If it is more |
| taxi. There are licensed taxis at the port, they are | | | | traditional Jamaican goods you are interested in The |
| unmetered, and it is always recommended to arrange | | | | Island Village Shopping Centre can be found within 10 |
| all fares before leaving. You should however always | | | | minutes walk from the port, it has lots to offer, and |
| make sure the taxi is officiated by JUTA (Jamaican | | | | you will find great name brand stuff, jewellery, hand |
| Union of Taxi Associations). The nearby town is | | | | made cigars, and the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain |
| accessible by walking, and some cruise lines offer | | | | coffee which is a must to try whilst in Ocho Rios. |
| shuttle buses to some of the more popular | | | | There are many more attractions in Ocho Rios that |
| attractions. If you have already arranged a shore | | | | you may choose to visit and explore; if you are |
| excursion, there will be sufficient travel arrangements | | | | interested in Jamaica’s historical sights then look |
| made in order to get you to your destination. | | | | no further than Prospect Plantation, a working |
| If it is adventure you are looking for in Ocho Rios, | | | | plantation which grows a variety of different foods |
| the most popular tourist attraction is Dunns River | | | | such as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and |
| Falls. Located to the west of Ocho Rios, a 15 minute | | | | pimento. There are spectacular views over the White |
| drive away, you will find the 600 foot cascading | | | | River, amazing grounds, a bar, miniature golf and |
| waterfalls. In a chain like manner, you can work you | | | | horseback riding available. |
| way up taking in the breathtaking sights around you. | | | | Once you have finished exploring the island, you can |
| Whether you take a shore excursion or get a taxi | | | | indulge in some traditional Jamaican food, there are |
| from the port, you will find tour guides ready to | | | | loads of places to eat and one thing you can |
| show you the way, as you climb the falls, and watch | | | | guarantee is that jerk chicken will be on the menu. |
| the water flow into the pools below you. There is a | | | | One of the most well known and talked about places |
| small fee to go to Dunns River Falls Park; this is | | | | to eat is Dave’s Lobster Shack. Dave will |
| currently $15 for adults and $12 for children. After | | | | cook what is caught that day meaning everything is |
| climbing the falls, you can relax on the beach, explore | | | | very fresh, a true Jamaican experience. |
| the tropical foliage and spend time in the picnic areas. | | | | Whatever you choose to do in Ochos Rios, you will |
| For a true once in a lifetime experience, Dolphin Cove | | | | find plenty to see, whilst experiencing the true |
| can be found next to Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios. | | | | Jamaican culture, visiting new and exciting places. One |
| You can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. | | | | thing is for sure, you will not be bored! |