| Ocho Rios, Jamaica lies on the island's north coast. It is | | | | (formerly Carinosa Gardens) that boasts an extensive |
| one of the country's most visited tourist sites on | | | | orchid collection; and the Shaw Park Botanical |
| account of the deep water harbour that attracts | | | | Gardens which have the advantage of excellent |
| cruise ships. On cruise ship days, throngs of tourists | | | | elevated views over the coast. |
| spend a few hours in 'Ochi' (as it's popularly called by | | | | Fern Gulley is a good excuse to rent scooters or a |
| the locals) where they snap up souvenirs and visit the | | | | car and head inland as the road meanders up through |
| popular Dunn's River Falls. | | | | lush hills, laden with ferns. There are several historic |
| The biggest attraction of Ocho Rios, Jamaica is the | | | | sites also worth visiting. Ocho Rios Fort is a modest |
| cascading Dunn's River Falls, which can get crowded | | | | affair dating from the 17th century (restored in the |
| on cruise ship days with scores of excited American | | | | 1970s) west of the town. Eastwards you can visit |
| tourists trying to climb the terraces. Laughing Waters, | | | | Harmony Hall, a century old building that is now a |
| further west offers a smaller and quieter but similar | | | | centre for promoting local arts. To get a sense of life |
| experience. Alternatively you can opt for a 45 minute | | | | as a sugar baron during the island's colonial era, visit |
| lazy meander up the lush White River on bamboo | | | | the working farm at Prospect Plantation. |
| skiffs. | | | | Activities in Ochi include scuba diving, parasailing, big |
| But there is much more to the area, including some | | | | game fishing, horseback riding and golf. In addition, you |
| lovely little beaches, several botanical gardens and a | | | | could simply relax on the beach at places like Turtle |
| couple of historic sites. As with many sites in Jamaica | | | | Beach, Mallards Beach, or Grande Beach. These are |
| it was pirates that first saw the value of this beautiful | | | | just some of the things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica. |
| site. Today, Ocho Rios, Jamaica is a growing Jamaican | | | | There is a small air strip nearby for connecting flights |
| town with numerous resorts and villas that caters for | | | | from Montego Bay or Kingston. Also, public passenger |
| visitors on a tight budget as well as the high-end | | | | buses from these two major centres arrive regularly |
| visitors. | | | | and though the journey might be a bit arduous, the |
| If you're into flora you will be impressed by the sheer | | | | scenery will impress. |
| tropical variety on display in several botanical gardens | | | | If you ever get the chance to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica, |
| in the vicinity. These include the Coyaba River Garden | | | | please take it. This destination has much to offer and it |
| with its Arawak culture museum; the superbly | | | | is not difficult to understand why scores of visitors |
| maintained Eco-Tours The Enchanted Gardens | | | | make Ochi their destination of choice year after year. |