Ocho Rios travel guide

Dunns River Falls and Dolphin Cove

Near the centre of Ocho Rios lies the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m), forming cool pools among slippery rocks. A favourite tourist pursuit is to climb to the top of the falls with a guide, enjoying being splashed by the cold, clear mountain water en route. Water shoes are a good idea because the rocks can be very slippery, but people of all ages manage the activity and one can turn back and climb down at any stage.

Alongside the Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with a family of bottlenose dolphins. The natural cove is surrounded by four acres of lush tropical rain forest, and is also home to species such as rays, eels, sharks, and tropical birds like the macaw. Swimming with the dolphins is a profound experience that makes it onto many people's bucket lists.

Green Grotto Caves

One of Jamaica's most prominent natural attractions, the huge, labyrinthine limestone cave is 5,000 feet (1,524m) long and characterised by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead ceiling pockets, numerous chambers, light holes, and a subterranean lake in its depths.

The caves have played an important role in Jamaican history: the island's original inhabitants, the Arawak Indians, used them for shelter; they were used as a hideout for Spaniards during the British take-over; they were a natural haven for runaway slaves; the Jamaican government used them to store barrels of rum during World War II; and they were even used as a den for smugglers running arms to Cuba. They were also used as a setting for scenes from the 1973 James Bond film,

Located just a short distance from Runaway Bay, the history and natural features makes this a fascinating excursion for adults and children alike.

Firefly

Firefly cottage, on the cliff above Port Maria, was the holiday retreat of famed British playwright and composer Sir Noel Coward.

Coward died in 1973 and the house is now a national monument which has been preserved almost exactly as Coward left it, complete with two grand pianos on which he composed some famous tunes. Seeing all his belongings and the place he lived and wrote is a big thrill for his fans, but the place is delightful even for those who don't know him because of the spectacular coastal views. Coward is buried in the garden under a simple marble gravestone and there is a statue of him in the grounds.

The cottage is off the beaten track, and the lack of crowds adds to the its charm. There is a small bar at Firefly, so you can enjoy a drink while admiring the view.

Rain Forest Adventures

The popular Rain Forest Adventures centre (or Mystic Mountain Amusement Park) offers a number of different adventures. Visitors can zip-line through the treetops; take the Sky Explorer chairlift for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and beaches; enjoy an infinity pool and water slide; and wander through the Butterfly Garden and Hummingbird Garden for a rest from thrills. For a bobsled ride with a difference, Bobsled Jamaica offers visitors a plunge through the rainforests with wonderful twists and turns.

The park is safe and well-maintained with wonderfully friendly and competent staff. All the activities come highly recommended by previous visitors. The centre also has some shops and stalls, a restaurant, and locker facilities for storing bags and valuables. The park offers a great variety of things to do, and visitors to Jamaica should definitely reserve a full day for this fun-filled attraction.

Coyaba River Garden and Museum

The Coyaba River Garden and Museum offers and interesting way to spend a couple of hours while on holiday in Ocho Rios. The museum - named after the Arawak word for 'paradise' - has exhibitions detailing Jamaica's history, from its original inhabitants, to the colonialists, and eventually independence in 1962.

There is also a reward for those visitors who make the effort to learn about the country's history. The incredible tropical gardens at the museum are a wonderful surprise. A lush, steamy garden complex, dotted with giant banyan and cedar trees, and natural springs and pools filled with koi fish and turtles, the Coyaba Gardens make for a wonderful daytrip for the entire family. The gardens are also home to the gently-cascading Mahoe Falls, which are particularly fun for the kids to climb.

There is also a gift shop on site, where you can buy local products such as carved figurines, coffee and rum.

Runaway Bay

Renowned for its perfect beaches and accessible coral reefs, the resort of Runaway Bay is an idyllic, laid-back corner of the Caribbean. Situated just to the west of Ocho Rios, the bay gains its name either from Spanish troops fleeing the British, or from runaway African slaves; no one is really sure which.

What is certainly true is that no one is running away from the spot today. The quiet beaches such as Cardiff Hall Beach and Fisherman's Beach have calm, crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling. With shallow waters and reefs close to shore, they are also perfect for scuba diving, with 'Shallow Reef' a particularly good spot for beginners. Rustic, open-fronted beach bars serve up rum cocktails and a chilled night out with the locals.

The captivating Green Grotto Caves are nearby, ideally situated for an excursion. Also not far is the village of Nine Mile, the former home of Bob Marley.