The port town of Ocho Rios used to survive on the strength of
fishing and banana boats, but now it is the daily arrival of cruise
ships full of tourists that keeps the coffers full all along the
northeast coast of Jamaica. Ocho Rios and its near neighbours
Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay and Port Antonio are mainly clusters of
holiday resorts and hotels, catering to package-deal holidaymakers
and several celebrities who maintain their private retreats in the
region.
Ocho Rios cannot claim to provide a genuine Jamaican experience,
and is filled with tourist paraphernalia. Because of the need to
entertain thousands of fun-seekers, the natural and historical
attractions of the area have been commercialised and controlled.
There is plenty to see and do in-between bathing and sunning
yourself on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up waterfalls to
horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking
afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter,
Noel Coward. Although carefully tailored to suit tourist needs, the
region is still very beautiful and the good amenities are a
bonus.
The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (situated in the
'Garden Parish' of St Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad
cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls. A self-drive tour of the region
to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile
vine-draped Fern Gully, is very worthwhile.
Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of
pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights in the centre
of Jamaica's vacation wonderland.