Ocho Rios “Eight Rivers”, Jamaica, has become a thriving tourist spot over the last two decades. Upon docking at the Port of Ocho Rios you are about 5 minutes from the center of town. Places to go and things to do are available around Ocho Rios.
If sightseeing is what you had in mind there are several places to start, “Fern Gully” which has over 500 species of tropical ferns and foliage, “Dunna River Falls” are the most famous in Ocho Rios, The “Coyaba River Garden & Museum” host beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds stocked with Japanese “koi” fish and carp. There is also the “Wassi Art and Pottery Factory”, here you can watch pottery being molded into a work of art from clay and the hand painted by artist on the spot, and all items are available for sale at factory prices. The newest attraction is the Island Village, located just minutes from the pier, it has open air selling and a boardwalk lined with beautiful trees and crosses natural spring lagoons. It offers duty free shops, a Reggae exhibition, Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville or just simple relaxation on the beach.
If your time allots for lunch or dinner, try the Ruins, it offers great food and has a garden setting at the foot of Eden Falls waterfall. Another great eatery is the Lobster Bowl, located 30 minutes away in the town of Rio Bueno; it has an excellent seafood menu. Evita’s located on a hillside that over looks the city and has a spectacular view of the ocean, serves Italian food with a Jamaican accent. Shopping in Ocho Rios offers many duty free bargains such as fine luxury linens from Taj Mahal or Soni’s, or the Ocean View and Island Plaza, all have good choices for gifts in town, To the west of town try The Coconut Grove or the Pineapple place and of course the Crafts Market in the downtown area.
Ocho Rios is filled with things to do for the outdoor type too, there are water sports, diving, sailing, swimming and of course the beach, whatever you choose, a luxury cruise to Ocho Rios at anytime will be an experience to remember.
