Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Jamaican Vacation Spot: Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is a town on the northern coast of Jamaica, located in the parish of Saint Ann. It is a popular tourist destination, well known for scuba diving and other water sports.

Ocho Rios was once a sleepy fishing village until it was discovered. Ocho Rios is a favored destination of many famous beachcombers such as disco diva Donna Summer, and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Mark Hamilton was once quoted as saying "The moon resides in Ocho Rios". It is now second only to Montego Bay in importance to the tourism industry in Jamaica.

It is a popular destination for cruise ships.

Ocho Rios is also known as the home of Dunn's River Falls. This is a popular attraction that is visited by thousands of visitors each year. Dunn's River Falls cascades down approximately 600 feet into the sea. Fed by springs located in the hills above, visitors take pleasure in 'climbing' the falls as the water rushes around them.

Several of the best resorts in Jamaica are located near Ocho Rios, including the all-inclusive Sans Souci Couples Resort & Spa and the Sandals Grand Ocho Rios, the newly built RIU Ocho Rios, the refurbished Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Spa, the Jamaica Inn, Royal Plantation and The Blue House Luxury Bed and Breakfast Inn. Ocho Rios has gained substantially in popularity among vacationers in recent years as the north coast highway has been improved from the international airport at Montego Bay to Ocho Rios -- a ninety minute drive. The city is also considered one of the safest areas for tourists in Jamaica.

There are a number of good restaurants, a lively night club scene at Margaritaville as well as the nation's two most popular attractions in Jamaica -- Dunn's River Falls (described above) and Dolphin Cove, where visitors are able to swim and interact with dolphins.

The resort was featured in the 10cc track "From Rochdale to Ocho Rios".

Ocho Rios Photo Gallery

See you in Ocho Rios