Thank you for visiting our site on Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Below is a brief history of Ocho Rios followed by a description of trips, shopping, restaurants and night life. Once you are finished reading be sure to visit our main page for: other towns of Jamaica, pictures of Jamaica, facts about Jamaica and other Jamaican links.

Ocho Rios has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call tollfree for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

The Parish of St. Ann on the north coast, is known as the "garden parish" because of its great beauty. Its parish capital is the market town of St. Ann's Bay. The resort development of this delightful parish, however, has centered round the town of Ocho Rios.
The name Ocho Rios, literally translated from the Spanish, means "Eight Rivers" but it could be a corruption of Las Chorreras — the waterfalls, because waterfalls are perhaps the most striking feature of the area.

In fact, Ocho Rios owes much of its fame to Dunn's River Falls, a much-photographed and much-climbed attraction. It is a joy to be in or swim underneath the bitingly cool water of the falls, and great fun to make the climb to the top.

Another very beautiful attraction is Eden Falls at The Ruins restaurant.

Ocho Rios is also famous for Fern Gully, a rocky gorge of tremendous depth which zig-zags for about four miles from the Ocho Rios coast up to the central mountain area of the island. Although it has become rather commercialized in recent years by souvenir vendors, it is still well worth a visit to see the profusion of tropical ferns (over 500 species) and the kind of foliage only to be found in a tropical rain forest. In the deepest parts of the gorge, only faint dapples of sunshine penetrate through the thick foliage and the temperature is about ten degrees cooler.

In the last 20 years, Ocho Rios has developed from a small town to a thriving tourist resort. New beach land, hundreds of acres, was dredged to the south and hotels, apartment blocks, shopping centres and a marina were added to the already well-established old hotels like Jamaica Inn and Shaw Park.

A deep water pier with berthing space for three cruise ships at a time has attracted this segment of the tourist industry and it is a rare day when the streets of Ocho Rios do not throng with cruise ship visitors.

There are six shopping plazas to cope with this influx, offering everything from Jamaican handicrafts and souvenirs to duty-free bargains from the in-bond stores. The Crafts Market is situated in the downtown area.

Restaurants in Ocho Rios

There are any number of restaurants offering a wide range of culinary delights.

Evita's. On the hillside at the western entrance to town serves Italian food with a touch of Jamaican that makes the dishes extraordinary. Venetian-born owner, Evita Myers has come up with the original idea of offering whole or half portions of her unique dishes for waistline watchers or, more likely, those who want to sample as many different dishes as possible. It is the only restaurant overlooking Ocho Rios and the sea. Open 11 am - 11 pm. 974-2333.

The Ruins at the Falls Restaurant. A memorable luncheon awaits you at this special venue set beside a 40 foot waterfall amidst lush tropical gardens. Enjoy the inclusive luncheon buffet including all beverages and house wines with vibrant Jamaican entertainment. Take the historic tour or shop in the art gallery and gift shop Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Dinner (Starting in December) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Roadside Diner offers a great selection of Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine with influences from Asia and India in a modern and colourful setting. It also offers take-out and delivery service in the Ocho Rios area.

Ruins Pub and Internet Cafe. The perfect getaway to meet, mingle and connect with friends locally or on the world wide web. The cozy locale overlooks the river. Patrons can enjoy the spectacular signature drinks served by the friendliest bartender in town from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Places to Visit in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Reserve online now or call tollfree for more information 1-866-276-1884. We have rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.

Tower Cloisters, an intimate apartment complex located just outside Ocho Rios, is ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing holiday with choice of restaurant or self catering facility. Call (876) 975-4763/4, mads@cwjamaica.com.

Chukka Cove. Situated about 15 minutes from Ocho Rios, just beyond St. Ann's Bay on the way to Montego Bay, Chukka Cove is a farm and stable which offers rides to suit anyone, from beginners to the most experienced. Their beach ride takes you through a dairy and cattle farm to the beach where an exhilarating ride through the waves will get your adrenaline flowing. They have recently added an exciting new attraction.. a bike ride through the spectacular scenery of the Jamaican mountains down to a white sand beach and a refreshing plunge into the clear blue sea. 972-2506

Safari Tours. Zebra-striped jeeps will take you to White River for a breathtaking river tubing ride or on a hiking trip through the hills and down to Dunn's River Falls or through the timeless, unhurried, Jamaica countryside, seldom seen by visitors. 972-2506

Cranbook Flower Forest is located off the North Coast Highway in Laughlands, St. Ann. Well laid out gardens with nature hikes, swimming, bird watching, pond fishing, horse and donkey rides. 995-3097

Diving in Ocho RIos

Call Jamaqua Dive Centre at 973-4845

Heave Ho Charters
Take a sea-taxi and you can cruise in style to places like Dolphin Cove or Reggae Beach. Plan your private charter on any one of four vessels. From fun, snorkel, dinner or sunset cruises. Also speed boat tours to Cuba. 974-5367

Dolphin Cove
Visitors can touch, play and swim with the dolphins. Dolphin programs start at 9.30 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. Reservations are necessary to participate but not if you only mean to watch. An exciting nature hike is offered. See parrots, native snakes, turtles, iguanas and don't miss the shark pool. Their cheerful restaurant offers buffet lunch. A delightful gift shop for those who wish to browse awhile. 974-5335

Dunn's River Falls
Perhaps the most celebrated beauty spot in the Ocho Rios area. Dunn's River Falls is not to be missed. The waterfall, which cascades over wedding cake tiers of smooth rock directly onto the beach, offers a challenging climb to the top-600 feet up. But don't be discouraged if you are not athletic, as it is much easier than it looks and experienced guides are always willing to assist. The ice-cold water is a refreshing experience.

Reggae Beach, an incredibly beautiful and secluded beach to spend the day at and enjoy Jamaican favorites such as fried fish and bammi. 974-5367

Prospect Plantation Tour
One of the oldest-established plantation tours the island has to offer. It is a still a working plantation which grows a little of everything so you will see such tropical produce as sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento (allspice) in their own habitat. A herb garden is a new addition. Peacocks roam the property and a horseback tour instead of a jitney tour is an option for the more energetic. Trail bikes tours are yet another possibility and there is miniature golf for those who cannot bear to be far from a golf course. 994-1058.

Shaw Park Gardens
Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the sea and only five minutes from Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens encompass 25 acres of tropical splendour. 974-2552.

Wassi Art Pottery Factory Tour
Famous island-wide for its unique, colourful Caribbean pottery, Tastefully hand-made, the wide variety of one-of-a-kind designs will amaze you. Visitors are welcome to tour the studio and watch a lump of Castleton Clay transformed into a work of art. The showroom is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. They will ship worldwide by Fedex and package specially for air line carry-on. 974-5044.

Cambioman
Conveniently situated at 19 Main Street, Ocho Rios changes money at very competitive rates. 974-6715.

2006 Jamaica Carnival

Below is the schedule of events for Carnival 2006:

Sun. Mar 5th - Kingston - Carnival Heart Institute of Jamaica 3k Walk.

Fri. Mar 10th - Negril - Carnival Ocean Blue. Come out in your Blue - Jungle Club.

Sat. Mar 18th - Junction - Carnival Mermaids in Green. Come out in your Green - Pines Centre.

Sat. Mar 25th - St. Thomas - Carnival Three Finger Jack. Come dressed as Pirates and Wenches - Colonel Cove.

Sun. Mar 26th - New Kingston - Carnival Harbour Blast. Sailors in White - Street Dance.

Sun. Apr 2nd - Port Antonio - Carnival Sinking Sands. Beach Party - Folly Grounds.

Sat. Apr 8th - May Pen - Carnival May Day. Red Alert wear something red - Jamalco Sports Club.

Sun. Apr 9th - Montego Bay - Carnival Bay Watch. Beach Skimpy & Hot - (Mid-Nite Mas).

Sun. Apr 16th - St. Ann - Carnival Chukka Cove. Tidal Wave - Ride the Waves.

Sat. Apr 22nd - Kingston - Carnival Vintage vs Soca - Pegasus Poolside.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Kingston Road Parade.

Sun. Apr 23rd - Kingston - Carnival Grand Finale and Last Hurrah Concert at the National Stadium.

LINKS TO INFO ON OTHER JAMAICAN TOWNS

Below is a list of other major towns in Jamaica:

Kingston

Port Antonio

Ocho Rios

Montego Bay

Negril

Mandeville & the South Coast