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

Rental properties are the best way for a traveler to stay inexpensively in Jamaica. Because Jamaica offers so many different types of rental properties, you can almost guarantee the right type of property for anyone’s financial means and preference. Rental properties offer the traveler a greater sense of freedom, because they can come and go as they please, cook their own meals, and have a greater feeling of autonomy.

Rental properties are usually roomier than hotels as well. The one caveat to a rental property is that you generally must be willing to stay longer than a week. Most properties will rent out for more than seven days at once, and if you are going to use a rental property in Jamaica over Christmas, you will need to rent it for ten days or more.

There are several types of rental properties available in Jamaica. One such property type is the apartment. In Jamaica, apartments are simply units in buildings that provide basic shelter. They might be as small as one room, which would be your bedroom, bathroom and kitchen combined. They do not have the luxurious frills and amenities that some other properties may have.

Some apartment buildings do not have swimming pools, and some do not have a front desk where you can request information about the building or area. However, if you are planning to stay in Jamaica for a lengthy period of time, an apartment can be your best option. They are by far the cheapest option for renters, because they are readily available, and their small size makes for less expensive housing.

You might also be able to rent cottages in Jamaica. These are usually small and simple dwellings that can be rented for a week or more. Usually, cottages have a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. They don’t have much else, or much in the way of amenities. However, during the summer and other popular times, these cottages fill up quickly.

Many times, they will need to be booked more than five or six months in advance before you plan to travel to Jamaica. Cottages are a good idea if you have several people in your party and you all wish to stay in the same general area. If you plan to travel with several people, sharing a cottage is a very affordable way to go.

Condominiums and villas are the two most popular types of rental properties on the island of Jamaica. Usually, condos will have a reception desk where you are guaranteed to have the help that you would need to navigate your stay or find your way around the island. For the most part, condos are similar to a large suite in an expensive hotel. Many condo complexes have pools, health and fitness centers, and other amenities that make for an even more enjoyable stay.

Villas are even more comfortable than condos. They are largely self-catering, but can come in any size from a small family home to a huge mansion on the beach. Some villas even come with a full staff! Even if they are not equipped with a full staff, most villas have some type of maid or cleaning service. Villas are the most expensive way to rent property in Jamaica, but they can give you the best experience. The extra expense just might be worth it if you are looking to travel in style with no worries and you don’t want to fend for yourself.

Jamaica is an island that caters to tourists that wish to have flexibility in their stay. All of Jamaica’s rental properties come standard with friendly service and often with much more than that. Many places in Jamaica exist solely for the purpose of catering to renters year round. The island is extremely tourist-friendly and you will find lots of businesses that feel like they are tailor-made to suit your needs.

Remember, though, that rental properties in Jamaica – even the smallest and least luxurious ones – have a tendency to fill up quickly. Be sure to contact a rental agent as soon as you know that Jamaica will be your vacation destination, and have them find a rental property with the best size, amenity package, and price to fit your needs.

Author: Stephanie Larkin.

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