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

If you are ready to take a great trip to Jamaica, your best bet is to search for discounted airline tickets. Many people cruise to Jamaica, but this can get prohibitively expensive if you are on a budget. Further, a flight to Jamaica from most places in the United States takes mere hours, leaving you free to explore the island at your leisure for the remainder of your vacation. There are a number of websites that you can explore to find your least expensive tickets at different seasons throughout the year.

To travel inexpensively you must plan early. You may need to do some searching, but you can find good budget travel planning web sites to assist you. If your children are very young, an overnight flight may be a good idea for them, so don’t overlook the cost saving benefits of a redeye flight if you live far enough away to make this a viable option.

Frequent flyer rates can help decrease or even negate the price of your flight, but don’t underestimate their power at the hotel as well. Did you know that some hotels or motels give you discounts for your miles? Prices at hotels change by the season, so check out the hotel prices during the off season for your best deal. While you may wish to travel during the summer when your kids are out of school, consider that this is also a prime vacation time for college students and many others, and prices may increase dramatically. If you look for off-season vacation specials, and travel either to or from the hotel during the week instead of the weekend, the rates will tend to drop a bit.

Online, you can use a travel website to find deals, or check out hotel guides to Jamaica online. This can offer an advantage over a direct call to the hotel’s front desk, because many of them post better prices online as they are trying to encourage customers to use their online booking services. Conversely, you may want to double-check with the hotels directly after you see a rate quoted on an unrelated discount travel site, to see if the rates that the actual hotel quotes you are better than those offered on the online travel websites.

If you are truly feeling adventurous, check out some of the many bed and breakfast inns Jamaica has to offer. You will find a wonderful way to vacation with your family in a comfortable and exciting atmosphere. B&Bs, as they are typically called, allow you to room in private, usually quite ‘homey’ quarters while having home-cooked meals with all of the other guest residents of the bed and breakfast. Breakfast, as the name implies, is included and sometimes other meals can be purchased as well. You can learn much more about the Jamaican culture by mingling with the Jamaican people, and there is no better way to do this than at a B&B in Jamaica.

Finding the best places to shop can be a challenge without the aid of a local guide. Ask around for the best stores, the best deals, and even a local grocer. If you are willing to prepare basic meals for your family, even just one meal a day, then you may be able to save a great deal of money on your Jamaica vacation as well. Of course, your lodging accommodations will determine whether you have the flexibility to prepare meals. If you are in an apartment or a condo you can take advantage of this cost-saving option rather than staying in a hotel.

Take time, also, to consider what area of the island attracts you, and where you want to spend your vacation. The places that are often crowded with tourists may have more amenities, but they are also likely to have higher prices. Visit some of the smaller local towns to get a true Jamaican flavor and a taste of paradise for your whole family without breaking the bank. You can have a wonderful vacation without visiting one of the resort towns; just think of all the things that there are to do in your own hometown and the surrounding areas outside of your nearest major metropolitan area!

There are plenty of activities for you and your family to enjoy in Jamaica without spending a penny. Enjoy the beach and swim in the sea for hours – or even days on end – if that is what your family loves to do to relax. You can listen to local musicians play (tips are appreciated) and take walks through the town to see all of the local points of interest. Check ahead of time to find out if any local museums are operating in the area – some of them may have free admission!

Planning is essential. If you plan ahead, you can get a great deal on a Jamaican vacation for your entire family that will offer you sunshine, sand, beautiful waters, culture, cool evening breezes and a unique flavor that is only Jamaica.

Author: Stephanie Larkin.

About the Author
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to vacations and the travel industry such as Jamaica Travel | Holidays in Jamaica