Jamaica is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason, and the town of Ocho Rios is one of the most popular among visitors to the island. This picturesque town on the northern coast may be the location where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World. The name means Eight Rivers in Spanish.
Ocho Rios is less than two hours from Montego Bay by car and is located in Saint Ann’s parish. The town’s economy once resolved around fishing, but it now depends primarily on tourists and the cargo ships that take on sugar and limestone for shipment around the world.
Some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Jamaica can be found in and around Ocho Rios. The town may not have eight rivers, but it does have many beautiful waterfalls. Dunn’s River Falls is the most stunning, as water tumbles more than 600 feet down the cliff into the sea. It is easy to get up and down the cliff and guests regularly climb up on guided tours to see the coastline. Stepping stones allow visitors to shower in the cool river water.
The famously crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean are especially exquisite around the beaches of Ocho Rios, where tourists can often be found lounging in the sun. This town is famous for its swimming and diving. Many guests go to Ocho Rios specifically to go diving off the coast.
Dolphin Cove is another very popular attraction. Dolphin shows occur four times a day and guests can swim and interact with the dolphins. There are also nature hikes, a shark pool and a restaurant.
Fern Gully is another famous sight. This gorge stretches four miles from Ocho Rios up the central mountain to the interior and is filled with more than 500 kinds of ferns and other tropical foliage.
Cranbrook Flower Forest is a wonderful garden that often attracts tourists interested in hiking, fishing and bird watching. Guests can also swim and go horseback riding. Chukka Cove is a stable dedicated to horseback riding and bicycle riding. They offer mounts for riders of all experience levels and trails to both the beach and the mountains.
The town of Ocho Rios first became known to the wider world in 1962 after the premiere of the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No”. Tourists have been coming for Holidays to Jamaica ever since, and in recent years many resorts have been built and a deep water pier has been added to allow more cruise ships to dock. Six separate shopping centers have been built to handle the tourist traffic.
This has proven to be a mixed blessing, as on the one hand there is more development, and on the other more people can now experience the beauty of Ocho Rios and the surrounding area. There are still many smaller places to stay and it is easy for visitors to get away from the touristy areas and go experience the rich heritage and natural beauty of the island.
