Ocho Rios: So, where are the rivers?
As a Spanish-speaker, I was intrigued to understand why the Jamaican town of Ocho Rios was so named... after all, it means "Eight Rivers." In researching its history, I learned there are not eight rivers in the town. Ocho Rios got its name from a misunderstanding between two cultures. According to local history, back in 1657 the British fought a battle with a Spanish expedition that had made its way from Cuba. The site of the battle was Dunn's River Falls, which the Spanish called "chorreros" meaning river rapids. The English did not understand the Spanish term and called it "ocho rios" because it sounds similar enough, and the name stuck.
Once a fishing village, Ocho Rios now has a population of about 100,000. It's a thriving tourist town that is a frequent stop for cruise ships. The deep-water pier can berth three cruise ships at a time. If like us, you land here because it's a port of call on your cruise, you will want to maximize your time. Of note is Dunn's River Falls... a spectacular waterfall that provides great photo ops from endless vantage points. If you are up to it, hike to the top of the slippery falls with your guide, or climb up the adjacent rustic stone staircase.
Ocho Rios has something for everybody... for a price, of course. Choose from Coyaba Gardens, horseback riding, the Sky Explorer chairlift, golf, the Chukka Cove Farm canopy experience (zip lining), jeep tours, exploring the Green Grotto caves, kayaking from Laughing Waters Lagoon to James Bond Beach, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, and much more.
Interested in shopping? An American dollar converts to about 89 Jamaican dollars and getting spending money is easy at an ATM. Most Jamaican vendors will accept American dollars but give you change in JD. The local craft centers offer an array of goods, from mass-produced items to individually hand-carved wooden figures. Bob Marley and "rasta" figures abound, as well as beaded necklaces, tee-shirts, sandals, and typical touristy souvenirs like key chains. Although, I enjoyed looking at the interesting array of crafts, I've out-grown the desire to shop for souvenirs on every trip -- in my case, they end up as soon-to-be dust-catchers. Downsizing has a way of making you see with new eyes all the STUFF we've collected over the years. My favorite "souvenir" now is a digital photo.
Be prepared for very aggressive vendors at the Dunn River Falls Park craft markets... we were warned by our guide that when vendors place a necklace on a tourist, they expect payment even if they tell you it's "free." If you want spirits or wine, we recommend Cruise Booze, just outside the cruise ship dock. They have the best selection and prices. Stay away from Jablum, where they will charge more then two times as much for the same bottle of rum available at Cruise Booze. One disappointment for us: Margaritaville, where we went for lunch. Apart from the good music, the service was very poor, the menu overpriced, and the food cold. We should have stuck to a place frequented by the locals, but we were tired and hungry and it was close by.
For the residents of Ocho Rios, tourism is an important source of employment and revenue. Ocho Rios would be a good place to rest and relax for a few weeks if you enjoy beautiful, fairly clean beaches. The locals are friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed the informative tour by our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Lovelyn.
Cuba as seen from the balcony.
The pilot boat at Ocho Rios assists anchoring our ship.
Ocho Rios at 10:00 a.m. is hot and humid, but overcast.
This enterprising fire eater at Coyaba Gardens will expect a tip.
Locals and tourists alike will take the challenge of climbing the falls.
At the top of the falls after the climb.
The pristine beach where the falls feed the ocean.
~ Lisa
Once a fishing village, Ocho Rios now has a population of about 100,000. It's a thriving tourist town that is a frequent stop for cruise ships. The deep-water pier can berth three cruise ships at a time. If like us, you land here because it's a port of call on your cruise, you will want to maximize your time. Of note is Dunn's River Falls... a spectacular waterfall that provides great photo ops from endless vantage points. If you are up to it, hike to the top of the slippery falls with your guide, or climb up the adjacent rustic stone staircase.
Ocho Rios has something for everybody... for a price, of course. Choose from Coyaba Gardens, horseback riding, the Sky Explorer chairlift, golf, the Chukka Cove Farm canopy experience (zip lining), jeep tours, exploring the Green Grotto caves, kayaking from Laughing Waters Lagoon to James Bond Beach, river rafting on the Martha Brae River, and much more.
Interested in shopping? An American dollar converts to about 89 Jamaican dollars and getting spending money is easy at an ATM. Most Jamaican vendors will accept American dollars but give you change in JD. The local craft centers offer an array of goods, from mass-produced items to individually hand-carved wooden figures. Bob Marley and "rasta" figures abound, as well as beaded necklaces, tee-shirts, sandals, and typical touristy souvenirs like key chains. Although, I enjoyed looking at the interesting array of crafts, I've out-grown the desire to shop for souvenirs on every trip -- in my case, they end up as soon-to-be dust-catchers. Downsizing has a way of making you see with new eyes all the STUFF we've collected over the years. My favorite "souvenir" now is a digital photo.
Be prepared for very aggressive vendors at the Dunn River Falls Park craft markets... we were warned by our guide that when vendors place a necklace on a tourist, they expect payment even if they tell you it's "free." If you want spirits or wine, we recommend Cruise Booze, just outside the cruise ship dock. They have the best selection and prices. Stay away from Jablum, where they will charge more then two times as much for the same bottle of rum available at Cruise Booze. One disappointment for us: Margaritaville, where we went for lunch. Apart from the good music, the service was very poor, the menu overpriced, and the food cold. We should have stuck to a place frequented by the locals, but we were tired and hungry and it was close by.
For the residents of Ocho Rios, tourism is an important source of employment and revenue. Ocho Rios would be a good place to rest and relax for a few weeks if you enjoy beautiful, fairly clean beaches. The locals are friendly and helpful, and we enjoyed the informative tour by our knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Lovelyn.
Cuba as seen from the balcony.
The pilot boat at Ocho Rios assists anchoring our ship.
Ocho Rios at 10:00 a.m. is hot and humid, but overcast.
This enterprising fire eater at Coyaba Gardens will expect a tip.
At the top of the falls after the climb.
The pristine beach where the falls feed the ocean.
Wonderful post-Love reading about the history of the places you visit. I would love to climb the falls.
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