Ocho
Rios, Jamaica, Shore Excursion Tips by Lamar Jayden
Ocho Rios is located on Jamaica's
northeast coast. Once a small fishing and banana port, Ocho Rios has become
the cruise ship capital of Jamaica and the most popular western Caribbean
port of call due to its stunning waterfalls, beaches, and fun filled Shore
Excursions.
There is plenty to see and
do while your cruise ship is docked in this scenic tropical port. In addition
to relaxing in the incomparable blue Caribbean sea and sun-worshipping
on the magnificent beaches, there are a number of excellent excursions
in and around Ocho Rios that can include shopping, snorkeling, downhill
mountain bike riding, botanical gardens tours, plantation tours, horseback
riding treks, river tubing adventures, and river rafting. For beach lovers,
there are Mahogany, Boscobel, and James Bond beach.
At Mahogany beach you and
your family will be delighted with the variety of activities there are
to enjoy. One of the best ways to see the tropical beauty Jamaica has to
offer is by booking a shore excursion. Your cruise ship offers a variety
of Shore excursions in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and they range in
price from $25.00 - $150.00 per person. These excursions are very popular
and fill up very fast so to avoid being disappointed, try to book early.
Many cruise lines offer shore excursions on their websites, allowing bookings
before leaving home. Another option to booking shore excursions is with
an independent operator.
You can find independent
operators offering the same, if not better and more private, shore excursions
at competitive rates. When looking for independent operators make sure
that they belong to "Jamaica's Union of Travelers Association" (J.U.T.A).
JUTA operators can be recognized by an identification card and their vehicles
will have a red license plate. Remember to book in advance; if no reservation
is available for your arrival date, your last resort will be to negotiate
your excursion with a tour operator at the pier, but be careful; prices
can vary dramatically from operator to operator. There is an abundance
of fun filled activities in Ocho Rios and it is difficult to pick one out
of the many options, however, my personal favorite excursion is to Dunn's
River Falls.
Most ship passengers who
visit Ocho Rios are eager to take the challenge of climbing this 600 ft
(183m) waterfall, shaped like a giant staircase, cascading down to form
cool pools among rocks, nestled in a picturesque forest of trees. For those
who feel a little less daring, one can walk along the dramatic falls observing
the beauty of the lush tropical vegetation. Beach lovers can hang out at
the base of the falls. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, and waterproof
camera. Lockers and water shoes can be rented on site. You might opt to
save money by bringing a pair of old sneakers to protect your feet when
climbing (sandals are not allowed). Shore excursions can be a truly memorable
experience, but also time consuming. I recommend researching the various
excursions and comparing prices before booking. It is best to book excursions
located within the Ocho Rios area and not more than 30 minutes away. You
and your family will have more time to relax and take in the beautiful
Jamaican scenery instead of worrying about getting back to the boat on
time.
Choose
your Jamaica location:
Falmouth-
Kingston
- Mammee
Bay - Montego
Bay - Negril
- Ocho
Rios - Port
Antonio -
Portmore
- Runaway
Bay - St
Mary - Silver
Sands - Treasure
Beach
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