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Approximate travel time and direction from Jamaica Ocean View Villa given in parentheses.
Dunn’s River Falls and Park
12 minutes. west. One of Jamaica’s national treasures. The Spaniards called the area “Las Chorreras”, the waterfalls or springs. Climb the falls in a human chain led by Falls Guides. For the less brave, view the activities from the vantage point of the terrace or deck. The park is a tropical paradise of ferns, bamboos, ginger lilies, crotons, orchids and breadfruit trees.
Website:dunnsriverfallsja.com/
Dolphin cove
14 minutes west. This natural cove is surrounded lush tropical rain forest. Visitors can swim with dolphins, sharks, stingrays, take a glass-bottom kayak ride, interact with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas on the Jungle Trail.
Website:dolphincovejamaica.com/
Prospect Plantation
5 minutes west. Prospect Plantation is one of Jamaica’s oldest plantations, where you can see bananas, cassava, sugarcane, coffee, allspice and many other crops. The Great House, built in the early 18th century is fortified with loopholes against raids by privateers and buccaneers. Open-air Carriage Rides, Horseback Riding, Camel Rides, Butterfly Aviary.
Website: http://www.prospectplantationtours.com/
Green Grotto Caves
20 minutes west. Among Jamaica’s most prominent natural attractions, they have had visitors since the 18th century. Green Grotto Caves is characterised by numerous chambers and light holes and a subterranean lake – the Grotto Lake. The grotto has a colorful past of harboring the native Arawak Indians, then the Spanish, arms smugglers, then safeguarding rum during WWII.
Website: http://www.greengrottocavesja.com/
Cranbrook Flower Forest
Exotic flower gardens, lawn and water pools. Activities such as a horseback riding through the forest, hiking along the Little River, nature walk along the Laughlands River, see many beautiful exotic birds. Old sugar mills museum and gift shop.
Fern Gully
12 mins. east Drive through this lush 2 mile gorge, filled with hundreds of varieties of ferns and tall rainforest of hardwood trees. Roadside stands offer fruits and vegetables, carved-wood souvenirs, basketwork.
Coyaba River Garden and Museum
14 mins. westLives up to its name Coyaba being the Arawak (native Indian) word for paradise. Botanic garden and the beautiful Mahoe Falls in the hills above Ocho Rios. The museum features both Arawak and Spanish artifacts, the gallery displays works of Jamaican artists and the gift shop has choice craft items.
Website: http://www.coyabagardens.com/
Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain
14 mins. west Jamaica’s version of the rollercoaster and water park. SkyExplorer chairlift takes you soaring 700 feet above the Jamaican rainforest, giving you a magnificent view of the Caribbean Sea and nearby Dunn’s River Falls. ‘Bobsled’, Zipline, Waterslide and Infinity Pool.
Website: http://www.rainforestadventure.com/jamaica_ocho_rios_tours_excursions/
Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Horseback ride & swim, Jamaica Dogsled Experience, river tubing, river kayak, zipline.
http://www.chukkacaribbean.com/
Annual Jamaica International Jazz Festival
For two weeks in June the Ocho Rios Jazz festival presents outstanding local and international jazz artist at different venues.
Website: ochoriosjazz.com/
Reggae Beach
This quarter mile stretch of white-sand beach and lush tropical jungle is the perfect location for a Jamaican beach wedding. Guests can relax under a palm tree with a fresh fruit cocktail served in a coconut from the Village Beach Bar. Sample Caribbean cuisine like fresh lobster, conch or spicy jerk chicken from the grill. No entry fee.
Mahogany Beach
A smaller and more intimate beach. Features a bar, restaurant and a roped-off swimming area in the sea which is restricted to marine traffic. No entry fee.
James Bond Beach
The former residence of Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels and a filming location for the movie Dr. No. Water sports equipment rental available. Entry fee $3(USD).
