Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Cruise destinations Jamaica: Ocho Rios and Falmouth

Ocho Rios is the cruise capital of Jamaica. However the development of the new pier in Falmouth which will become operational in January will mean that the town too will get its fair share of limelight. Vacation rental communities such as Silver Sands Villas Jamaica are sure to benefit from the influx of tourists when the new pier opens.

Both Ocho Rios and Falmouth have much to offer to the visitors. Let us first start with Ocho Rios.

There are many interesting attractions that will keep you occupied all day long in Ocho Rios, however, if you were to start at one place, the ideal spot would be Dunn’s River Falls. It is a magnificent series of falls that cascade from a height of 600feet and trickle down slippery steps to finally join the vast expanse of the blue sea. You can even climb up the steps and reach the top of the waterfalls, and then from there, proceed to the vibrant and a colorful local market.

If you are traveling with your kids, you must take them to Dolphin’s Cove. Here your kids and you can enjoy watching the adorable antics of the dolphins and even swim with them.

However, this is just the beginning of your exciting adventure in Ocho Rios since there is much more that this beautiful paradise offers. A visit to the Coyaba River Garden and Museum will give you the opportunity to enjoy a colorful display of a species of different flowers and plants. Among the many beautiful varieties, one, which is worth marveling at, is the multi-colored New Guinea impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzie.

Ocho Rios is also famed worldwide because it is known to be the home of the legendary writer Ian Fleming, who made this place his base for penning down the famous James Bond novels. You can visit his hilltop home Goldeneye and also enjoy live music performances in the evening at the popular James Bond Beach.

Falmouth, the beautiful town of the Georgian era also has much to offer. There are many historical buildings in Falmouth that are remnants of the colonial era. One such building is the old courthouse which was built in 1815. The church reflects a Georgian design complete with well proportioned vertical and horizontal grads crossing the building as also fanlights, shingled walls and jalousies. It was damaged by a fire in 1926 but was later rebuilt.

Stroll through the lively old town where you can appreciate the 18th century architecture. You can bask in the old-world charm and talk to the locals to gain an insight into its background and culture.

Jamaica is well known for its plantations and great estates one of which is the Good Hope Plantation spread across 2000 acres. This coconut and cattle plantation is best explored on horseback. The history of the plantation dates back to the 18th century. One of ht greatest attractions here is the 18th century Great House named Good Hope set against the dramatic blue–gray mountains. It is renowned for its exquisite gardens and country trails. The road up from Falmouth winds its way by 200–year–old stone fences past fields and orchards, cattle and horses, a living testimony to an era of grace and gentility.

You can also visit the Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters. The lagoon gets its name from the bio–luminescent micro–organisms that inhabit the waters and emit a phosphorescent light when the water is agitated. The best time to visit the lagoon is at dusk and enjoy a boat ride. If you take along a stick, you can disturb the waters and see the phenomenon. If you wish, you can also swim in the luminous waters.

Falmouth is located on the north coast of the island and at a convenient distance for day trips from Silver Sands Jamaica.

1 comment:

Caribbean Villas said...

Jamaica has now become one of the top cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Cruise passengers in Jamaica will enjoy some of the best championship golf courses, beautiful beaches, historic great houses, duty free shopping, famous tourist attractions, restaurants and entertainment that only Jamaica can provide. Thanks a lot.