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Things to Do
With stunning scenery, renowned attractions, great restaurants, and vast shopping options, the tourist-friendly hub of Ocho Rios is one of our island’s major tourist regions. Situated in what locals call ‘the garden parish,’ abundance awaits you here in forms of greenery, flavors, and variety. Traveling through this coastal area, the tones of the region are backdropped by the roar of nearby waterfalls flowing into the Caribbean Sea.
Dunns River falls
One of Jamaica's most photographed attractions, Dunn's River Falls encompass 180 meters of terraced cascades. With the help of a guide, you can climb the limestone tiers to the top of the falls, slide down the smooth sections of rock, and swim in the cool lagoons at the base. Cruise ship crowds flock here when the ships are in port, so it's best to time your visit around them. Bring a camera and wear water shoes and appropriate clothing as chances are, you'll come back soaked.
The Blue Hole
Typically less crowded than Dunn's River Falls, the alluring Blue Hole (also known as the Irie Blue Hole) is a series of picturesque jungle pools fed by waterfalls in the lush mountains, about a 25-minute drive from Ocho Rios. Also called Island Gully Falls or the Secret Falls, this used to be off the main tourist track, but in recent years, it's become more popular.
Several levels offer different vantage points, but the higher you climb, the less people you'll probably encounter. One of the most popular things to do here is to clamber over the slick rocks above the pool, where you can play Tarzan on the rope swings and jump off into the turquoise water. Guides are recommended for safety - they'll show you the best places to swim and cross the river, but if you don't want to swim in the pools, you can visit the area on your own. It's also a good idea to wear water shoes, as the rocks can be slippery.
Several levels offer different vantage points, but the higher you climb, the less people you'll probably encounter. One of the most popular things to do here is to clamber over the slick rocks above the pool, where you can play Tarzan on the rope swings and jump off into the turquoise water. Guides are recommended for safety - they'll show you the best places to swim and cross the river, but if you don't want to swim in the pools, you can visit the area on your own. It's also a good idea to wear water shoes, as the rocks can be slippery.
Nine Mile Tour
A Mecca for music fans, the small village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish is the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend, Bob Marley. Guided tours take you through a small museum and the mausoleum where Marley is buried. During the tour, you can learn about the Rastafarian religion and hear interesting stories of Marley's extraordinary life.
Rainforest Adventures, Mystic Mountain
If you're looking for a tropical adrenaline rush, Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain should be on your must-do list. This popular attraction offers several different types of adventures. Start by ascending the mountain on the Sky Explorer, a chairlift perched high over the rain forest. At the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cruise ship port and coastline below. From here, you can zoom down the mountain on the Bobsled, a single-person roller coaster ride, or fly through the rain forest treetops on the ziplines. The Tranopy tour package includes all three activities, and those who prefer a slower descent, can return on the chairlift. Guided nature walks and an infinity pool with a waterslide round out all the fun here. Many visitors also combine a visit here with a trip to nearby Dunn's River Falls.
Official site: http://www.rainforestadventure.com/jamaica-mystic-mountain/
Official site: http://www.rainforestadventure.com/jamaica-mystic-mountain/
Firefly
On the site of a former lookout for the pirate, Henry Morgan, Firefly is the hilltop home and final resting place of playwright, Sir Noel Coward. The simple one-bedroom home was built high on a hill above Coward's original home, Blue Harbour, and his photos, paintings, and pianos are still in place. You can see the home on a guided tour and learn about Coward's life, as well as some of Henry Morgan's infamous history. But the highlight here is the spectacular view of the Jamaican coast from one of the best vantage points on the entire island.
Location: Grant's Town, St. Mary
Official site: http://www.firefly-jamaica.com/story.html
Location: Grant's Town, St. Mary
Official site: http://www.firefly-jamaica.com/story.html
Dolphin Cove
Across the road from Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, popular Dolphin Cove is a marine park offering up-close critter encounters. The five-acre property encompasses a natural cove where you can snorkel with stingrays or paddle around on a glass-bottom kayak, surrounded by rain forest. The dolphin encounters are the highlight here. Each visitor scores plenty of time with these gentle creatures, including the chance to hold and feed the dolphins as well as swim with them and enjoy a dolphin "kiss." You can also ride a camel; watch a shark show; and see iguanas, snakes, and tropical birds on the Jungle Trail walk. Photos of your experiences are available for an extra fee.
Official site: http://www.dolphincoveja.com/
Official site: http://www.dolphincoveja.com/
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