Places to visit in Jamaica: Ocho Rios

If you are planning a trip to Jamaica and this is your first visit to the country, you may wish to know about which places to visit. You may also want to know about the various accommodation options available to you. Just before you settle on a hotel, know that you can also plan a self-catering holiday on the island by staying in what are commonly known as Jamaican rentals. These rentals comprise private villas, cottages and apartments to suit all requirements and budgets. They are more affordable than hotels, provide you privacy and space, and unlike all-inclusive resorts, the other accommodation option on the island, allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the island at your leisure and pace.

Jamaica is a relatively small island promising the vacationers the ideal opportunity to relax and rejuvenate amidst nature’s abundant attractions. However, there are some places that you should definitely visit during your trip and one of them is Ocho Rios.

This is undoubtedly the best known tourist site on the island. The main attraction here is the Dunn’s River Falls, where you can see water cascading down from a height of more than 600 feet and then making its way to the Caribbean Sea. However, what makes these falls even more spectacular is the fact that the water cascades over a series of protruding rocks that form a sort of natural staircase leading right to the top of the falls. Visit the falls and you’ll see people forming a human chain to keep from falling and making their way to the top. You can carry along a waterproof camera and stop at the steps to capture the fun and the views. Should you want to opt out from the climb any time, you’ll find train guards there to lead you away from the steps.

Another major attraction here is the Dolphins Cove, a marine park, where apart from other activities, you can actually swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins.

You can also visit the nearby Green Grotto caves that are believed to have sheltered the original inhabitants from the attacks of the Spaniards. Over a period of time, they also sheltered smugglers, run away slaves etc.

Jamaica is synonymous with Bob Marley and if you love his music, you can enjoy a tour of the Bob Marley Mausoleum and also visit ReggaeXplosion.

Given the fact that Ocho Rios is such a favourite with the tourists, you will find a number of accommodation rentals such as Ocho Rios apartments, ideally located nearby. These apartments are located in secured complexes and provide you great facilities and great services and spectacular views of the Ocho Rios bay.