As you know Sanibel Island is popular for vacation of a few days, for week long holidays, and for monthly stays especially during winter months. I find the following advice from Sylvia Guarino useful when you have decided to stay at the location midland of Sanibel Island, not of Captiva Island. you can chose between condo vacation rentals, Ins or vacation homes.

Accommodations on Sanibel Island

Ok, now you know where on the Island you think you want to be, but there is a catch!

If you want to stay at one of the island inns, and you want to be on Sanibel, not Captiva, you will have to restrict yourself to the mid island location. There are no inns on the quiet, west end of the island. As suggested in my earlier post, the west end of the island is the non-commercialized area of the island. The closest inns on the west end are actually on Captiva. Captiva is Sanibel’s neighboring island, and quite lovely. But you will do yourself a service by comparing prices for inn lodging on both islands as you plan your trip.

Inns are great for short stays, generally not allowed in the condo rentals. Most condo vacation rentals mandate a rental of a week or more. Inns offer the luxury of having daily maid service and some offer a place to have a bite to eat. Only a few condo complexes have dining facilities. The majority are self catering, which means you do your own cooking and cleaning while you are on holiday. You should find your condo unit clean when you arrive, and if you leave it in good condition, you will not be charged in the majority of complexes for cleaning on your departure.

Also do your home work on condo complexes. If you absolutely must have a Gulf view accommodation, be sure the unit you have chosen offers same. There are many, many complexes directly on the Gulf, but some units do not offer the view.

If a Gulf view is not an absolute, you will find that there are complexes near the beach that offer more space and better pricing.

And, in regards to pricing, if you are vacationing for 4 weeks or more, you may find your best value in renting a private rental home.

Vacation homes on Sanibel are mandated by the town to be 28 day rentals. That makes for less competition than weekly rental condos, especially in off season. Explore your options if you are planning a month’s stay on Sanibel as you well may find the best pricing on private homes for rent.

Please visit my blog for more information on Sanibel: http://sanibel-rentalsnet.blogspot.com
Author Sylvia Guarino.

Read more about Sanibel Island Vacation, click here.

Tags:   Florida · island vacation · sanibel island · sanibel island accomodation2 Comments

Holidays on the Balearic Islands – Cluster of Great Spanish Islands

A Spanish archipelago situated in the west Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands is a grouping of four key islands along with many other tiny islets. These Spanish islands are filled with sunny weather all year long and are an amazing holiday destination, in Spain.

Following are some of the things to do or see in the major islands of Balearic Islands:

Mallorca (Majorca)

Mallorca or Majorca is the largest and the key island out of all the Spanish islands, forming Balearic Islands. With its capital city as Palma and inhabitation living a metropolitan style, this island is a great stopover for tourist or visitors holidaying in Balearic Islands. Mallorca or Majorca is known for its lively beaches, sunny weather, gothic architecture, harbors, villages and blue Mediterranean coastline. This ‘one of the’ Spanish islands also has lots of adventure and water activities, rich delicacy of food and markets for buying great souvenirs.

Some of the major tourist attractions, to visit Mallorca or Majorca for, include City of Palma de Mallorca, Cathedral of Palma, Bellver castle, Sierra de Tramuntana and Train from Palma to Soller. Many of the tourist or visitors visit this island for its beautiful beaches and superb resorts, for a great holiday in Balearic Islands.

Menorca

Menorca is the second largest and key island out of the archipelago of Spanish islands forming Balearic Islands. This island is usually visited by tourist or visitors hoping for some great water adventure when holidaying in Balearic Islands. Menorca is surrounded with marvelous beaches, lots of history, cultural heritage and flavorsome cuisine for a great holiday in Balearic Islands.

Some of the popular tourist attractions to cherish when visiting Menorca for a great holiday in these Spanish islands include Mahon, Los Delfines Aquapark, Monte Toro, Es Freginal Park and Xoriguer Distillery. The land of Menorca also has striking history and culture rich museums, such as Museu de Menorca, Museu Municipal de Ciutadella and Museu de la Natura de Menorca.

Ibiza

Ibiza is largely famous as a party city of Balearic Islands; also it is the third largest as well as key island among the grouping of islands marking Balearic Islands. Known for its lively and wild beaches and great nightlife, Ibiza has lot more to offer such as delicious cuisine, UNESCO acknowledged archeologically rich town, pine forests, picturesque Mediterranean views, caves, museums and lots of adventure like hiking, climbing, scuba diving, surfing, golf and go-karting.

Few remarkable tourist destinations to enjoy when thinking of Ibiza on your holiday in Balearic Islands include Museum of Archaeology, Scenic Tour Train, Ibiza Old Town, Galeria Van der Voort, C’an Marça Caves and Hippy Market – Punta Arabi. Of course when on a holiday in Ibiza the best thing is to enjoy and unwind in the outstanding and superb beaches such as Playa Talamanca, Playa des Cana, Santa Eulalia, Figueretas, Cala Lena and Cala Llonga

Formentera

Formentera is the fourth major islands among the four islands forming Balearic Islands. This ‘one of the’ Spanish islands is famous for its calm, tranquil and natural beauty as well as environment rich tourist destinations or attractions. From vivid nightlife, scrumptious cuisines, landscapes, hills, salient shores, stunning villas, wineries, breweries, parks, zoos to incredible museums, tourist and visitors can find a lot to add to their holiday in Balearic Islands.

Best time to visit or holiday in Balearic Islands

These major islands of Balearic Islands offer great summer holiday with moderate Mediterranean climate and average temperature of 25 degree Celsius. The best months to visit Balearic Islands are considered to be June, July and August.

Author: Luki Johnson.

If you found this information useful you can find out more at http://www.directholidays.me.uk You will be able to watch holiday videos as well as find out more about holiday destinations and browse Direct Holidays .

Tags:   Balearic Islands · island vacation · Mediterranean Islands · Spain · Spanish Mediterranean IslandsNo Comments.

Finding a Skilled Wedding Photographer Around Hawaii is Quick

Destination and Hawaiian weddings are beautiful, but it can be hard to hire a Hawaii wedding photographer when you’re hundreds of miles away. For tips and tricks on how to book the perfect photographer for your island wedding, keep reading.

Conduct an Interview Over the Phone

If you can’t meet your Hawaii wedding photographer in advance, you should get a phone interview as a bare minimum. Remember, you’ll be spending the bulk of your wedding day with your camera person, so you want someone that meshes with your personal style.

Interviewing a service provider over the phone can be difficult, but try to get a sense for both their personality and photography style. Ask about the equipment used, preferred shots, picture technique and what you can expect for the price.

Review Their Portfolio

Hiring a photographer over a long distance can be difficult, but the Internet lets you browse portfolios and get samples via email in seconds. A good photographer should already have an online portfolio that you can review. If they don’t, then maybe you should look into someone else.

When you review a prospective photographer’s portfolio, look beyond the quality of their web design or flashy gimmicks and get right to the photos. Ask yourself if they tell a compelling story? Do you like the style and feel? Would you hang those photos in your home? Do the people look good or washed out?

Ask for Client Referrals or References in Your Area

When hiring a wedding photographer for any destination wedding, including in Hawaii, you should not only ask for references, but see if they can provide a reference in your area. Ideally, you could call or email the prior client and ask about the service, whether satisfied with the work and if they would hire the photographer again.

Bring a Photographer From Home

Many professional photographers will travel with you, but it can be expensive. If you’re prepared to spend the extra money, bringing a photographer from home allows you to meet the individual in advance, review their work personally and choose the photographer that you actually want.

However, bringing your photographer with you from home can be very expensive. In addition to the photographer’s fees, you will be responsible fro their airfare, transportation to and from the airport, hotel accommodations and a per diem for food. To save money, many brides book their photographer’s hotel at a nearby, cheaper alternative rather than at their own, more expensive resort.

Ask Your Venue or Hotel for Advice

Weddings are popular in Hawaii and because most hotels or venues hold weddings every weekend, so they have a chance to work with and evaluate hundreds of local photographers. Ask them which Hawaii wedding photographer they’d recommend or, better yet, ask who they would hire to shoot their own wedding.

Author: Trevor Price. For great information on wedding preparation tips, see weddingpreptips.com, a popular site providing helpful pre-wedding insights, such as finding a Cincinnati wedding DJ, California yacht weddings, and many more!

Tags:   hawaii · hawaiian wedding · Wedding · wedding photographer · wedding photography · wedding photos · wedding picturesNo Comments.

Seychelles in Videos

Be inspired for your Seychelles vacation by seeing these videos from TravelChannelVOD. They show you different aspects and qualities of The Seychelles Islands. From my own experience I think they give you a quite OK impression of these very attractive islands for any kind of relaxing holiday. To me an island vacation in the Seychelles archipelago is one of the trips I always want to repeat. Simply beautiful settings and such a nice atmophere.

Tags:   island vacation · seychelles · seychelles holiday · seychelles trip · seychelles vacation · the seychelles islands · video · videosNo Comments.

South America’s Top Ten Travel Wonders

South America holds a staggering array of travel wonders both natural and cultural. Boasting the greatest rain-forest, the most spectacular waterfall, the highest waterfall and the greatest river in the world along with cosmopolitan cities and remarkable ancient cultures, there is something in this great continent for everyone.

It is near impossible to nominate a top ten travel wonders list without omitting a number of “must see” sights. Here is my list. How many have you seen?

1. Machu Picchu and Inca Trail (Peru)

Surrounded by thick forest and sitting atop a mountain, the precision crafting of the Incan stonework and the grandeur of its religious sites makes Machu Picchu a truly significant ceremonial center.

2. Iguazu Falls (Argentina / Brazil)

The sheer scale of the greater than 250 cascades and its surrounding lush tropical rainforest ensures that Iguazu Falls are the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the world.

3. Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

The broad variety of wildlife that has adapted to the warm seas and volcanic islands offers one of greatest wildlife shows on Earth.

4. Amazon River and Rain Forest

Providing around half of the rainforest, one-fifth of the oxygen and home to ten percent of the variety of fauna and flora on the planet, spending time on the river or walking the forest trails is one of most treasured experiences in life.

5. Easter Island (Chile)

The mysterious stone statues (moai) cut from the local volcanic rock stand in testament to an isolated past civilization on this remote Pacific island.

6. Patagonia / Torres del Paine (Argentina / Chile)

Rugged mountain peaks, sapphire-blue lakes, thunderous waterfalls and icy glaciers provide a seductive outdoor experience to those spending time in the far south of the American continent.

7. Andes

Snaking around 8000 kilometres (5000 miles) as the backbone of South America, the Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world.

8. Angel Falls (Venezuela)

The tallest falls in the world are remote but remain unchanged changed from when an American pilot landed near the falls in a stranded plane.

9. Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

The sun-drenched beaches, the enchanting Carnaval festival and the great city vistas from the Christ statue and Sugar Loaf mountain makes Rio the most rewarding city in South America.

10. Nazca Lines (Peru)

Mysterious geometric designs and giant animals (100 to 200 yards across) including a spider, a hummingbird and a condor were marked into the dry and dusty Peruvian desert by an ancient culture.

South America has a tremendous variety of attractions, travel wonders and experiences from natural wonderlands of forests, glaciers and waterfalls to rich cultural cities, both historic and in the present. Travel with an open mind and enjoy this remarkable and diverse continent.

Author Mark H is the author of the popular travel blog Travel Wonders of the World. He has traveled extensively to all seven continents and believes that travel is the greatest education anyone can have.

Read more about The Galapagos Islands here

Read more about Easter Island here

Tags:   galapagos · South America · the galapagos islands · top ten · travel wondersNo Comments.

The Galapagos, When to Travel

Similar case to every foreign destination, Ecuador and surround provinces are affected by a distinct weather pattern, guiding its flow of tourism. What was intended to be an exotic getaway to the notorious yet relatively anonymous Galapagos Islands has the potential for disaster.

To those unfamiliar to Ecuador’s wet and dry seasons, planning a vacation and failing to invest the research is the difference between memorable and miserable. While inland Galapagos’ wet season is bearable and not nearly as incessant, the coastal areas tend to be a little less forgiving.

There is one theme shared by the two regions, however, January through April are months that should be abstained from unless you’re planning for a overcast and soppy vacation. Depending on preference- tepid or cool- most tourists to Ecuador and its provinces plan their travels between June and August, and December and January; these are the country’s, the Galapagos includes, driest months.

Weather, an integral element to any Ecuadorian vacations, is not, however, the only. Altitude is also deserving of keen consideration and choosing one over the other is a decision between summer and spring during any month of the year.

Where if you are visiting the inland, high-altitude regions of Ecuador, you can expect year-round highs of 24C (66F), in a coastal territory such as the Galapagos, daily highs can reach 86F. Planning a vacation by the tune of Ecuador’s irregular climatic beat is what keeps the country’s veteran travelers returning, Galapagos tours touring, and the stories of outlandish adventures alive and in circulation.

Author Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who enjoys Galapagos travel with Big Five custom vacations

Remark from Soren: According to recent information the month of April can be a very nice month to experience The Galapagos Islands. The sea is rather calm and the sky is clear and a lot of activity is going on in the animal world – what The Galapagos Islands are so famous for.

Se more info about The Galapagos Islands

Soren

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Pictures from Hawaii: Beautiful beaches, beautiful scenery, beautiful sunsets and palm islands, beautiful women from Hawaii in this nice Hawaiian song from  artist: Kealoha Kona & His Orchestra playing Blue Hawaii – a song famous with Elvis Presley.  Here from the album Pleasures from Hawaii.

Find more information about Hawaii Travel Packages here - including good offers and tips (opens in new window).

Tags:   hawaii · hawaiian music · hawaiian pictures · music · vacation to hawaiiNo Comments.

Lanzarote, unbeknown to some is one of the best diving destinations in Europe, Lanzarote diving can offer you a wealth of experiences irrelevant of your diving qualifications. Although closer in proximity to Africa than mainland Spain this Spanish island offers everything from wrecks to volcanic swim throughs.

No longer the lanzagrotty which it has often been referred to in the past this destination has become one of the most attractive amongst the Canary Islands, offering undisturbed volcanic landscapes speckled with white buildings and some of the most prolific diving experiences available within 5 hours of the UK.

Puerto del Carmen for Lanzarote diving offers a plethora of experiences, many of the dive schools dive here frequently to seek out the somewhat mythical seahorses visible beneath the waters surface. Many of the divers visiting Lanzarote come out to complete their PADI Open Water course or their advanced course in anticipation for further dives in the UK or as a preliminary destination before larger destinations such as the Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef.

The setting for Lanzarote diving is pristine, year-round sunshine and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere, the island being predominantly populated by watersports lovers, everything from windsurfing to diving. The volcanic landscape, historically used by NASA to test their moon buggies brings the years first grape harvest in mid august, starting the rest of the European countries wine seasons.

Recently the island has been propelled into the spotlight as a result of Hollywood film sets utilizing the landscape to create stories of jail breaks as part of the story of Henri “Papillon” Charriäre, who was condemned to life on Devil’s Island, off French Guiana, for a crime he did not commit and staged countless failed escape attempts before finally making it to freedom.

Similarly Penelope Cruz spent time here in June 2008 filming a film relating to the islands premier artists, Cäsar Manrique. Manrique being the reason the island has held its authenticity through the denial of high rise buildings and ensuring each building keeps to the white and green/blue colour scheme.

The blue water and sky offer a clarity against the white buildings which is rarely achieved in holiday destinations, Lanzarote diving allows you to see not only the bold colours above the water but those beneath also. Lanzarote diving in my opinion should be the premier reasoning for visiting the island, the plethora of marine life available is magical, the year-round climate ensures that the Lanzarote diving is always pleasurable whether it’s a last minute booking in February or the summer holiday you have been dreaming of all year long.

To find out more about how you can take part in lanzarote diving or other destinations such as The Red Sea and South Africa visit http://www.activediving.co.uk and quote: ART Author: Emma Parker (23/08/08) That’s all for now on Lanzarote divin.

Author: Emma Parker.

Tags:   Canary Islands · diving · LanzaroteNo Comments.

Stunning superliner Ventura is the newest addition to the P&O cruise lines fleet. It is the largest ship built exclusively for the British market, with this in mind the features onboard have been carefully created to appeal to the contemporary cruise passenger.

With a selection of dining, everyone has been catered for; ensuring traditional and flexible options are available, giving people a choice, and a chance to experience new and exciting flavours. The ships three main restaurants offer a selection of a la carte dining, with five course menus they are giving a traditional approach to the fine dining onboard: Bay Tree and Saffron Restaurants The Bay Tree and Saffron Restaurants are situated on F Deck offering a wide selection of breakfast and lunch menus.

Club Dining is offered in the evening, operating on a fixed seating basis this gives the option for passengers to sit with the same companions each night, dining at the same table and a specified time. There are two options of sittings, with the first at 6.30pm and the second sitting at 8.30pm. The menus are inspired by the destinations, incorporating Marco Pierre Whites signature dishes; the traditional ambience is designed to add an amazing dining experience to your cruise.

Cinnamon Restaurant Providing evening Freedom dining, Cinnamon Restaurant works on the same menu choices as the Bay Tree and Saffron Restaurants, in that you experience an exquisite five course meal, you do however have the option of freedom dining, allowing you to dine at any time you wish, with whoever you would like. This gives you flexibility at the time in which you go to dinner between the hours of 6.00pm and 10.00pm.

For daytime and casual dining there are a number of places to eat, offering a relaxed and casual approach for the modern day cruiser: Beach house family restaurant With its family friendly meals and its beach themed decor, including stripy deckchairs, The Beach House restaurant is a casual option for families. Designed by Marco Pierre White, The Beach House will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks during 24-hour buffet dining. In order to provide a relaxed family atmosphere there are high chairs available in the restaurant as well as children’s cutlery, bibs and beakers. The menu is fun and creative and has been designed to be a success with people of all ages, with children’s favourites such as spaghetti and meatballs, designed to appeal to adults and children.

Tazzine The Tazzine café, offers amazing specialty coffee and teas, alongside a mid morning or afternoon snack such as cookies, pastries and savory snacks. The Tazzine is the place to go to relax, soak up the stylish interiors and indulge in good conversation. Frankies Pizzeria, Grill and ice cream parlour, Situated on the Lido deck, you can indulge in a selection of gourmet pizza options created by Marco Pierre White.

Based loosely on the Frankie’s chain of restaurants created by Marco Pierre White and Frankie Detorri, you have the choice of hotdogs, burgers and pizzas. After these snacks you have the option of ice cream flavours, such as indulgent chocolate truffle, exotic prune and Armagnac. Waterside The Waterside is the ships largest self service buffet situated on the Lido Deck, you can get breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The informal setting is relaxing, yet the interiors are chic and stylish. You may enjoy a selection of breakfasts, including cereal, fruit and hot dishes. With lunches of salads, pasta and quiches to name a small selection of what is to offer.

Select Dining onboard gives the passengers a chance to dine at the speciality restaurants, experiencing different menu influences and options for the diners, these restaurants offer an ambience of exclusivity and stylish dining for special occasions or simply to taste and try new foods: The White Room Marco Pierre White’s stylish Italian restaurant offers fine dining onboard the Ventura.

The three coveted Michelin star chef has created a restaurant and menu to create a unique experience onboard. With an al fresco option for diners to sit under the stars, the Italian influenced food is the Ventura’s signature restaurant. The White Room has a select Dining cover charge, which can depend on the length of the cruise, on longer sailings it is currently £20 per person per cover charge, on days at sea The White Room offer a lunch menu. Ramblas Tapas and wine bar Based on Las Ramblas in Barcelona, The Ramblas Tapas bar offers an authentic Spanish tapas food selection, including dishes such as shellfish paella and gazpacho.

With the sound of a Spanish guitar playing and the traditional Spanish décor including a fake olive tree, this is an authentic and lively setting. There is a chance to dine in the more formal dining area which offers more substantial tapas, paella and seafood, or to have snacks in the bar area. The tapas and snacks are without a charge during the day. A small charge of £5 Per Person per Cover Charge for a 3 course meal or a select 3 small Tapas snacks from the menu for just £2.50 is charged in the evenings.

East The Asian infused restaurant, offers a selection of contemporary foods inspired by the foods of the east, East offers an amazing ambience, giving an almost romantic setting. An example of the amazing cuisine is spicy tamarind duck and a fantastic selection of Dim Sum. You can even watch the chef prepare your food in the open kitchen area.

There is a surcharge for the East restaurant, which is around £15 per person. Balcony Dining, Ventura is offering you a chance to indulge in the chefs finest foods whilst relaxing in your own cabin; you can enjoy a champagne breakfast or enjoy a romantic sunset dinner. The food is delivered direct to your cabin door. You will pay extra for this service, but it is an opportunity to be in your own surroundings and dine under the stars.

With such a variety in dining options onboard The Ventura available 24 hours a day, passengers are able to experience a flexible yet traditional approach to their time onboard. Experiencing true authenticity in the specialist restaurants, and world class menus, with food designed by the Michelin starred Chef Marco Pierre White.

With exceptional service on offer you can experience unique and specialist food in the Ramblas Tapas bar, White Room, and East restaurants. Whether you like the casual or formal approach within The Bay Tree, Saffron and Cinnamon restaurants, or the relaxed yet intriguing style of the The Beach House, all followed by an ice cream from Frankie’s Ice Cream Parlour. The choice is part of the cruise experience and one that can make each day onboard a delightful and mouth-watering experience.

Author: Laura Scott. Website editor and experienced cruiser, who writes articles for www.insidecruise.co.uk and on occasions for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine.

Tags:   cruise ships · P&O cruise lines · superliner VenturaNo Comments.

When preparing to visit the Caribbean it can be a bit overwhelming, there are so many islands, and so many ports. How do you make sure you make the most of your time at each destination? Whether it is adventure, lush landscapes, history or a trip to the tropical shores you are after, you will not be disappointed when you dock into your port of call.

Ocho Rios, which is located on the northern coast of Jamaica, has become an incredibly popular destination for cruise ship passengers. Once a small fishing and banana port, the cruise ship capital of Jamaica is frequented daily by visitors looking to explore the island, soak up some Jamaican style relaxation and enjoy the port which has now transformed into a world class holiday destination.

There is so much to see when you visit Ocho Rios, if you decide to take part in a shore excursion, or a pre-planned tour, you will find an array of places to visit. There are currently over fifty shore excursions on offer by Royal Caribbean, an example of these are The Chukka Jamaican Dogsled encounter, Deep Sea Fishing or rafting on The Martha Brae. Carnival Cruises offer a huge variety of trips including The Bob Marley Bus Adventure and The 18th century Estate and Ultimate Beach Experience. The cruise lines offer an amazing selection of shore excursions, and you will find your perfect one onboard.

If you prefer to see Ocho Rios on your own, the most popular way of getting around the island is by taxi. There are licensed taxis at the port, they are unmetered, and it is always recommended to arrange all fares before leaving. You should however always make sure the taxi is officiated by JUTA (Jamaican Union of Taxi Associations). The nearby town is accessible by walking, and some cruise lines offer shuttle buses to some of the more popular attractions. If you have already arranged a shore excursion, there will be sufficient travel arrangements made in order to get you to your destination.

If it is adventure you are looking for in Ocho Rios, the most popular tourist attraction is Dunns River Falls. Located to the west of Ocho Rios, a 15 minute drive away, you will find the 600 foot cascading waterfalls. In a chain like manner, you can work you way up taking in the breathtaking sights around you. Whether you take a shore excursion or get a taxi from the port, you will find tour guides ready to show you the way, as you climb the falls, and watch the water flow into the pools below you. There is a small fee to go to Dunns River Falls Park; this is currently $15 for adults and $12 for children. After climbing the falls, you can relax on the beach, explore the tropical foliage and spend time in the picnic areas.

For a true once in a lifetime experience, Dolphin Cove can be found next to Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. You can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. The cove itself is surrounded by four acres of tropical rain forest. Alongside the dolphins the cove is also home to other marine species such as rays, eels and sharks as well as tropical birds, like the macaw.

If the beach is more your idea of fun, within walking distance of the port you will find Turtle Beach, a busy seaside with lots of people and water sports. The beach has bars, restaurants and shops nearby and you will find plenty to keep yourself busy. If you prefer a more relaxing time at the beach then visit the small and peaceful resort of Laughing Waters. Mallard Beach, located in the centre of Ocho Rios, is a great family beach, and one that is often chosen to avoid the crowds. Mahogany Beach is a smaller and more intimate alternative to Turtle Beach, situated on Main Street, there is a bar and restaurant on the beach and a roped off area in the sea, which you can swim and where boats can not enter. You may find you are charged a small fee to enter some beaches; this is not a charge for using the beach, but to keep hustlers away, and let you relax without having to worry about those around you.

One of the most popular things to do in Ocho Rios is to visit the shopping plazas, the Main port itself is within easy walking distance to the nearby craft market and shopping centres. The Taj Mahal Shopping Centre which is located directly opposite the port along, with Sonis is the place to find the luxury items and great duty free goods. If it is more traditional Jamaican goods you are interested in The Island Village Shopping Centre can be found within 10 minutes walk from the port, it has lots to offer, and you will find great name brand stuff, jewellery, hand made cigars, and the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee which is a must to try whilst in Ocho Rios.

There are many more attractions in Ocho Rios that you may choose to visit and explore; if you are interested in Jamaica’s historical sights then look no further than Prospect Plantation, a working plantation which grows a variety of different foods such as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento. There are spectacular views over the White River, amazing grounds, a bar, miniature golf and horseback riding available.

Once you have finished exploring the island, you can indulge in some traditional Jamaican food, there are loads of places to eat and one thing you can guarantee is that jerk chicken will be on the menu. One of the most well known and talked about places to eat is Dave’s Lobster Shack. Dave will cook what is caught that day meaning everything is very fresh, a true Jamaican experience.

Whatever you choose to do in Ochos Rios, you will find plenty to see, whilst experiencing the true Jamaican culture, visiting new and exciting places. One thing is for sure, you will not be bored!

Author: Laura Scott. Experienced cruiser, who writes for www.insidecruise.co.uk and on occasion for www.idealcruising.co.uk magazine

Tags:   island vacation · jamaica · jamaica vacation · Ocho RiosNo Comments.