Seven things to do in Ocho Rios other than Dunn’s River

Located on the north coast of Jamaica in the parish of St. Ann is this popular town. Ocho Rios or Ochi as it is called by locals is a great place to for rivers, beaches and water falls. It is world renowned for Dunn’s River Falls but we at Jamaican Insider believes there is much more to enjoy there with less crowds. In this post we will look at seven things to do in Ocho Rios.

1. Shaw Park Gardens

Situated high on a hilltop overlooking the sea and only five minutes from Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens encompass 25 acres of tropical splendor. A sparkling waterfall cascades down a rocky course with luxuriant plant specimens on all sides. Lush tropical trees form bowers with flamboyant blossoms every month of the year.

The property was originally a part of Shaw Park Estate, which was owned by a Jamaican family until the beginning of the 19th century. During the 20th Century, it became the site of one the earliest hotels on the Jamaican north coast. The hotel pool sits at the base of the property, in the shade of a gigantic old guango tree. Leading up from the pool, trails carve their way along the hillside, and wind through walkways lined with bright flowers and shrubs.

While in Ocho Rios take some time to visit at least one of these gardens, and experience the beauty and splendor of Jamaica’s garden parish.

Contact: 876-893-5899

2. Bamboo Beach Club

This beach provides tropical scenery which creates the perfect setting to make lasting memories. Crisp white sail shades and natural palm trees line the seashore creating intimate little shady areas where you can relax and enjoy the ambiance. Soak up the rays on the beach as the melodious sound of popular reggae and dancehall music lends a real cool vibe.

You will be served by smiling, friendly hostesses with large trays of Jamaican dishes and tasty cocktails.

Jamaican dancers and reggae drummers dressed in colorful costumes entertain throughout the day with high energy shows and songs. Join the fun with your hostesses in lively line dancing sessions or try your hand at playing the kumina drums.

Contact: 876-975-5122

3. Konoko Falls and Garden

Konoko is an Arawak word which means rainforest. This attraction is situated just five minutes away from the centre of Ocho Rios. It is a site settlement of the Taino Indians, the island’s original inhabitants and has a museum and a zoo.

Guest can enjoy one of the island’s largest collections of exotic flowering plants and a budgie feeding station. There is also a waterfall and a swimming pool.

Contact: 876-622-1712

4. Laughing Waters

Laughing Waters is probably the most stunning beach in Jamaica for the combination of gurgling falls and fine, golden sand. The beach was made famous in the first James Bond film, Dr. No, when Ursula Andrews emerges from the sea singing and echants 007, played by young Sean Connery.

This gem is located just east of Dunn’s River Falls and Pearly Beach.

Contact: 876-656-8031

5. Yaaman Adventure Park

Adventure awaits you at this property. It is filled with various exciting sceneries. Grab a front row seat and partake in a true experience with mother nature. Fasten your seatbelt and prepare to feel an adrenaline rush on our mud buggy ride! Enjoy an Open-Aired Carriage lift, and become an expert on Jamaican cuisine.

Visitors can hitch a ride on a Camel and explore Yaaman Park´s natural jewels, then seal their day off with a swim with dolphins.

Contact: 876-994-1058

6. Turtle River Park

A peaceful oasis at the entrance of the bustling tourism town of Ocho Rios, the Turtle River Park offers another alternative to recreational facilities in the parish of St. Ann.

The park is ideal for relaxation as well as providing a beautiful backdrop for your wedding, reception or photo shoot. Features include a central walk-way, water feature inhabited by fish and turtle, gazebos as well as children’s play area, all sited on 3 hectares of land.

Contact: 876-656-8031

7. Mystic Mountain Bobsleigh Jamaica

This is a park which offers three main attractions, a chairlift (the “Rainforest Sky Explorer”), zip-lines (the “Rainforest Zip-line Tranopy Tour”) and a bobsled ride experience (the “Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica”). Each attraction must be paid for separately but special deals are often available if you do a combination of activities.

Rainforest Sky Explorer

Your experience begins on the Rainforest Sky Explorer, a chairlift which takes riders from the entrance to the heart of the action, 700 feet higher. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes each way and covers approximately 1.3 miles, giving riders superb views of the rainforest, the north coast and educational displays which are set up on route.

Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica

The headline activity at Mystic Mountain is the Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica. This is inspired by the Jamaican bobsled team who participated in the 1988 Calgary Olympics. High-tech bobsled carts set off from the Mystic Pavilion and race down 1,000 meters of stainless steel track. There is a brake on each bobsled to control the speed of descent or, if you prefer to freewheel, speeds of up to 40 mph are possible. Tram trips back up to the pavilion are provided afterwards.

Rainforest Zip-line Tranopy Tour

The Rainforest Zip-Line Tranopy Tour is a series of zip-lines which take you on an exhilarating tour of the tree-top canopy above Mystic Mountain. One of the zip-lines features a near-vertical drop of ten meters. Full safety gear is provided.

Jamaican Railway Station and Mystic Pavilion

The terminus for the Skyline Explorer and the launch pad for the Bobsled and Zip-line adventures is the Mystic Pavilion, with the adjoining Jamaican Railway Station. The Railway Station was designed by Jamaican architect Ann Hodges to replicate an early 1900’s Jamaican train station.

Inside the station there is a lookout tower, gift shop and restaurant. The restaurant (called “R2 at 700ft”) features local and international dishes, along with several dishes aimed at children.

There is a waterslide, plunging right in to a refreshing infinity pool on the mountain side.

Contact: 876-974-3990

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