Ocho Rios means "Eight Rivers", but it could also be a corruption of "Las Chorreras" (the waterfalls) because waterfalls are perhaps the most striking features in the Ocho Rios area.
In fact, Ocho Rios owes much of its fame to Dunn's River Falls, a much-photographed and much-climbed attraction. You can visit Dunn's by boarding a party-type boat at the dock. It takes about a half-hour to reach the falls. Jamaican music is played aboard and a free tropical punch is given to each passenger. You get a great view of the shoreline as you cruise along.
However, Bahama Mama tells it like it is. In her opinion, Dunn's Falls is rather a waste of time and energy. The falls are interesting enough, but the site is commercialized, crowded and it's mostly the young and the brave who climb the slippery ledges behind the cascading water. It's fun to watch the climbers, though, as they all hold hands and snake themselves in a line up to the top of the falls to much applause from those watching on the beach.
A deep-water port with berthing space for three cruise ships at a time has attracted a thriving tourist industry for Ocho Rios. It's a rare sight when the town's streets aren't thronged with cruise ship visitors. There are six shopping plazas, offering everything from Jamaican handicrafts and souvenirs to duty-free bargains in conventional shops, as well as a large outdoor crafts market.
A tip: do your crafts and souvenir shopping in Cozumel on this trip. 'Nuff said.
One thing to do, which I recommend, is to hire a cab or jitney to take you up the mountain to a rain forest. Or hire a van if you can get a little group together to share the fare and tip. You can bargain on the price, as there's loads of taxis and vans waiting for cruise passengers to disembark.
There are lookout spots atop the mountain where you can get out. You will see vistas of enormous beauty. It's breathtaking, to say the least. Bring your camera.
Driving up the mountain's winding road you can observe on either side how average Jamaicans live. It's both interesting and eye-opening, even a little depressing by our standards. But the native folks appear happy and wave to those passing by with cheerful smiles.
The thing I plan on doing on this stop is something I've always wanted to do. I'll take a taxi from the pier to "Firefly", the Jamaican home of the late Noel Coward, British playwright, artist, actor, singer and writer. His home once opened its doors to his rich, beautiful and and famous friends. His guest list, which can be inspected, reads like a Hollywood "who's who" of the 30's era. One can readily understand why his invitations were so sought-after. The view from his home is generally agreed to be one of the most beautiful in the entire world.
An exhibition of Coward memorabilia, his paintings and a bibliographical video of his life and achievements complete the tour. English afternoon tea and light lunches are available.
Jamaica is very third-worldish, but at the same time is one of the most beautiful spots on earth in its uncommercialized, natural areas.
The famous Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee is over-rated in my coffee-lover's opinion, but I do know I'll bring back home with me a bottle of pre-mixed Jamaica rum punch, which is fruity and delicious and is not available in the States.
Bahama Mama