A vacation to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, could be the perfect getaway for you and your family!

Ocho is filled with must-see attractions: lovely waterfalls, rainforests, green mountains, lazy rivers, luxuriant gardens, jam-packed with diverse tourist attractions. Just one trip here, and I bet you’d be hooked for life!

Here are our picks for the top 10 best places to visit during your stay. You cannot really say you’ve been to Ocho Rios if you haven’t been to most of these places.

1. Dunn River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is an excellent example of Jamaica’s natural beauty. It is a national treasure and one of the few travertine waterfalls in the world.

Thousands of people visit Dunn’s River Falls every year, making it one of the most visited places in Ocho Rios and Jamaica.

Hidden behind the fast-moving waters of the 180 feet (55 m) high and 600 feet (180 m) long waterfalls are a series of natural tiers that take you to the top of the falls.

The falls tumble over rocks and limestone ledges into the sea.

There are many tour guides to help you on your way up or a human chain of people holding hands as they go up or down the falls.

The falls also features a tropical garden with a waterpark for kids, a photoshop, and a souvenir market. And if you want to have a taste of authentic Jamaican culinary, move right on to the cafeteria that serves jerk chicken, pork, and fish.

Don’t forget to pack a pair of anti-slip sneakers because you’ll need them while navigating your way up and down the Falls.

Make this trip #1 on your list when visiting Ochi. You’ll see why 🙂

 

2. Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove is ideal for adventurous travelers.

You get to swim side by side with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays in the Caribbean Sea.

The dolphins here are very playful and will often lift you from the soles of your feet until you rise above the exotic turquoise waters of the Caribbean cove.

As if that isn’t enough, you can kiss, dance, caress and take photos with them. And don’t worry, the dolphins are not Great Whites from “Jaws”. They are well-trained and very friendly.

Here, you also get to take a dip in the waters, enjoy a speed boat ride or, tour the mini-jungle to behold its range of exotic birds, snakes, iguanas.

When you’re exhausted, you can return to the glistening white sandy beach and watch the trainers perform stunts with the sharks.

By this time, you may need a little pick-me-up, and we’ve got just the thing. Head over to the Star Buccaneer’s coffee shop for a hot cup of rich, authentic Jamaican coffee.

Remember to take a stroll and check out the gift shops for unique jewelry and souvenirs on your way out.

You don’t want to miss this place for anything. You come here once; you remember it for a lifetime!

Price: Between $69 and $199 (depends on the program)

 

3. Mystic Mountain

Mystic Mountain is right next to Dunn River Falls and is the heart and soul of the Jamaica rainforest activities.

You could visit both attractions on the same day as many tourists do. Make sure to try the Sky Explorer chairlift that sends you soaring into unimaginable heights, and take the zipline back down.

There’s an infinity-edge pool with amazing views where you can unwind and savor the cool Caribbean breeze.

You’ll also find a hummingbird and butterfly garden. It’s loads of fun for the whole family!

If you’re daring enough, you could move over to the web rope course for some climbing, or ride in a bobsled, an electric ATV, or one of the many other adrenaline-pumping attractions on site.

If you seek fun or adventure, then you cannot afford to miss the Mystic Mountain. This place will set your heart racing!

Price: Between $49 and $159, depending on the package.

 

4. Green Grotto Caves

Sometime in the 17th century, the British Army attacked the Spanish army detachment in Jamaica.

The Spaniards fled into the Green Grotto Caves, which despite the name, is covered in bright brown soil and surrounded by green vegetation.

During World War II, smugglers transporting weapons to Cuba used the cave as a transit point until the Jamaican government converted it into a store for rum barrels and, finally, a tourist attraction.

Today, the 1,525 meters long and 12 meters deep limestone cave is one of the most popular natural attractions in Jamaica.

Its ceiling is riddled with holes that allow streaks of lights in to create a breathtaking and picture-perfect backdrop.

It’s so amazing that the location was once used in one of James Bond movies. There’s also an underground tunnel that links the cave to the beach in Runaway Bay.

You’d want to take your whole family here to experience this geological wonder.

Price: $20 for 13 years and above. $10 for 4 – 12 years.

 

5. Konoko Falls

Tucked in the center of the St. Ann hills and covered by the lush green of the surrounding landscape, Konoko Falls is easy to miss even if you’re nearby unless you know where to look.

The waterfall offers you a picture-perfect photo background you cannot resist.

And when you’re done collecting fantastic new photos for your family album, you can take a walk through the garden, where the guide will tell you the history of the indigenous Taino Indians who settled along the falls.

This location features a museum, aviary, and zoo. If you’re coming with the kids, they’ll definitely love this place.

There’s also a stunning botanical garden and a pond where you’re allowed to feed the fish.

It’s a trip that would leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected with mother nature.

Price: $20 for adults, $10 for children between 3 and 12 years, and free for children under 3 years.

 

6. Blue Hole, St. Mary

If you want to see water in its purest form, the Blue Hole cascade is the place to be. It’s an all-natural, electric blue lake with its own waterfall.

This place is one of the most photogenic places you’ll ever see, with the highly blue water that is almost glowing and an overhanging jungle.

If you want the best photo, stand atop one of the cliffs, and take a selfie with the lake below.

And if you want a bit more adventure, you could go river tubing in one of its natural water slides, which has plenty of bends, twists, and turns.

You could also try the rope swing that arcs out over one of the pools.

Your guide will take you along winding trails through the lush tropical forest. It’s pure fun and excitement for everyone!

Price: $20 for adults, $15 for kids, and $80 for tubing.

 

7. Blue Mountain

Well, Blue Mountain is not exactly located in Ocho, but it’s nearby and worth the trip!

Named for the mist that colors them, this place is every hiker’s dream!

Here you can leave the excitement of the other tourist attractions and hike into the mountains where it’s just you, the birds, the other animals, and Mother Nature. For this trip, you’ll need waterproof and warm jackets, food, and water.

This place has an amazing scenic view, a very high peak mountain, and the longest range and best coffee you’ll ever find. If your family enjoys hiking, the Blue Mountain is the place for you.

It is Jamaica’s longest mountain range, so you’d never run out of new areas to see.

You may even run into a local Jamaican village or farm during your hikes. Just make sure you have a guide with you so that you can find your way back.

Price: From $148

 

8. Bob Marley museum

Bob Marley lived for only 36 years before dying of cancer in 1981 but remains one of the greatest musicians.

Little wonder many visitors to Ocho Rios drive an hour and 45 minutes to visit his museum in Kingston. Many tour companies even run regular trips to take you to the museum and back.

The museum was Bob Marley’s home when he was alive. There’s a lot to see, including a photo gallery and an 80-seat theater.

When you’re leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop to get some of his merchandise and CDs.

In the hills above Ocho Rios, at Seven Miles, is his home where he lived as a youngster and, which was been turned into a museum. It is also the location of his final resting place.

Price: $95

 

9. Plantation tour

There are lots of plantations in Jamaica, and you can actually tour many of them.

If you’re considering touring one, however, we’d suggest that you visit Prospect plantation.

Built by Scotsman Sir Harold Mitchell in 1936, Prospect plantation has been visited by notable personalities, including Winston Churchill, Henry Kissinger, Charlie Chaplin, and Pierre Trudeau.

During the tour, your tour guide will tell you the history of the place and show you lots of its sugarcane, banana, cassava, coffee, and spices plants along with trees planted by the personalities we mentioned earlier.

There are few animals, too, including African ostriches and a highland from where you can see the spot where Christopher Columbus was shipwrecked for a year in the 1500s.

Price: $33 for adults, $15 for children between 7 &12, and free for children 6 and under.

 

10. Rafting on the White River

White River is right at the edge of Ocho Rios. Chukka Tours, one of the largest tour operators in the Caribbean, will allow you to tube on the river and it’s a lot of fun.

In the beginning you will be crisscrossing some light rapid waters, but after that, it’s just you and the calm river.

The water is fresh and cold as it’s coming straight from the mountain, so you may enjoy a swim in the river, especially on a hot day.

As you tube down the river, you’d pass a series of coconut plantations, bamboo groves and even see the homes where Jamaicans live by the riverside.

The river is shallow for the most part, so there is no fear of sinking, and besides, you will have tour guides keeping a close watch over you to make sure you remain safe and don’t stray from the group.

While you’re tubing down the river, there is a rope midway where you can decide to swing and get your photographs taken.

Talking of photographs, photographers positioned at strategic positions along the river will take your photos as you tube your way down, and they’d offer you the pictures after your trip.

You only pay for it if you want.

Price: $55 for adults and children.

 

You now have the makings of the perfect getaway for you and the family as you explore these locations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Be sure to take lots of photos as you stop by each waterfall, rainforest, mountain, river, gardens and more. We promise you’ll want to come back every year!

 

Psst… Looking For A Deal?

Did you know that a group of 12 or more can stay at the Villa Paradiso for less than $200 USD per night per person? Check out the fantastic deals below:

1. Are you a returning guest? Claim 10% OFF your next stay when you book with us directly!
2. Want the lowest rates possible? Then great news! You can claim a whopping 15% OFF your next stay if you book with us directly for at least 3 nights between September 1 -November 15, 2022!

Just give us a call or Whatsapp at 1-416-561-6664 to arrange your next booking today!

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