Know of any private excursions in Ocho Rios, Jamacia

[crystalblue0610]

Our only fear with booking with a private excursion is getting back to the port on time. They say to be there earlier.....how does it work when there are people from many different ships? Is there a van to take Carnival people back together, RCCL, etc.

 

Climbing the falls isn't like a high intensity hike is it. I wouldn't mind it but I get headaches easily in a lot of heat....will we be climbing near the water or in it. If it's in it then I'll be fine because I will stay cool.

 

But I'm worried about my mom...she's rather just chill on the beach...I think the falls would be fun and everything else on the tour but I don't want her to be unhappy while my dad and I are having a ball:)

[Martin and Lindsey]

You do climb these falls in the water and will get wet. There are small pools along the way where you can take a dip if you're not already wet enough. I understand that there are exits as you move up the falls, so people can get out if they need to. Also I think there is a staircase type of climb beside the falls where people who don't want to climb in the waterfall can take photos.

 

I've read that there are lockers you can use for stuff that you don't want to get wet. Take a waterproof camera! :D

[QTMichele]

Our only fear with booking with a private excursion is getting back to the port on time. They say to be there earlier.....how does it work when there are people from many different ships? Is there a van to take Carnival people back together, RCCL, etc.

 

Climbing the falls isn't like a high intensity hike is it. I wouldn't mind it but I get headaches easily in a lot of heat....will we be climbing near the water or in it. If it's in it then I'll be fine because I will stay cool.

 

But I'm worried about my mom...she's rather just chill on the beach...I think the falls would be fun and everything else on the tour but I don't want her to be unhappy while my dad and I are having a ball:)

 

If you book a REPUTABLE tour guide, then they will have you back to the pier on time. Remember, if they don't offer good service, then they'll be out of business after just a few bad reviews. Jamaica has quite a bit of poverty - people want to keep their jobs. The best guides, like Marva, will offer you impeccable service and will get you back in plenty of time. Marva always had her eye on the clock throughout our tour with her.

 

The hike up the falls isn't "strenuous," but you do have to have some physical ability. Kids have done it (under 10) without a problem and I saw several older (60+) people climbing the falls. I'm not sure how many people were in our group climbing - maybe 15 to 20? - but everyone helped everyone else out. If you have a problem during your climb, the guide will be by your side helping you out. There are a few exits (sorry, I don't know how many) along the way if you change your mind halfway up. :) (As Martin and Lindsey mentioned.) You shouldn't be "hot" as the water will keep you feeling refreshed. :D

 

If you, or your mother, decide to take the trip to the falls, but don't want to get IN the water, then you can climb the stairs that follow the falls all the way up. Also, there is a beach at the bottom of the falls if you'd prefer to "chill out" there. :)

 

Dunn's River Falls is a beautiful place full of photo opportunities. I hope you go, but go EARLY to avoid the crowds. :) Good luck!

[familycruiserrr]

I highly recommend the Dunns River Falls / White River tubing excursion offered by Mark Morris tours (www.markstours.com) . We took this tour in March with a group of 20 people and it was the highlight of our entire cruise! While we knew the Dunns River Falls would be amazing, we actually enjoyed the tubing even more and the narration provided by Mark Morris during the entire day was awesome. He also took us through Fern Gully Rain Forest. Our excursion through him ended up costing much less than the similar excursion offered by the cruise line.

[jkool25]

Got back from a cruise in March and had hired Orville Taylor Tour Company (www.geocities.com/orvilletay/) in Jamaica, he charge us $15 each. Orville helped to create a fun stressfree day in Jamaica. He was very timely, professional, well-dressed and met us in a very clean,new van. He was very flexible and we chose our itinerary. We went to the falls. Orville gave us explicit instructions on visiting the falls and meeting place to continue our tour. I did not climb the falls since I was on crutches, but climbed down the stairs and relaxed on the beach. Next we went tubing which was great. My husband and I enjoy the interaction with our private guide through the Jamaican Jungle. We then went to lunch for jerk chicken on the ocean. Every one knows Orville and the waiter gave us very personal attention knowing that Orville had brought us. We were then wisked off to shopping. Orville dropped us with another friend and we were escorted through the market--no high-pressured sales. It was a wonderful day and if we return to Jamaica we will definitely look up Orville.

[luna_goddess]

Got back from a cruise in March and had hired Orville Taylor Tour Company (www.geocities.com/orvilletay/) in Jamaica, he charge us $15 each.... We went to the falls..... Next we went tubing which was great..... We then went to lunch for jerk chicken on the ocean..... We were then wisked off to shopping...

 

 

He only charged you $15 per person????? Did you have to have a minimum nummber or people in your group? Did this include the admission to the Falls and Tubing??

[jacksmom09]

I would like to know also what the $15. rate included??:D

[cruiseveteran]

My husband and I were Orville's first customers that he took over an internet booking for a private party back in 2001. He was great....a Jamaican history book....great tour guide.........does what you want to do!

 

Needless to say, we will be back in Jamaica in September and guess who is doing another private tour for us...........Orville. If you can get Orville book him! His rates are extremely reasonable. We always give Orville a generous tip because he deserves it and earns it! You will never fill like you are loaded into a cattle car and ferried around in the heat like some the cruise ship excursion contractors.

[terboo]

My husband and I have contacted Marva. We are cruising in October on Freedom and wanted to climb Dunns River and do an island tour. That is a custom tour for Marva, not private. She quoted $100 just for transportation. :rolleyes: We are responsible for admission cost. I don't mind paying if she is as worth it as all of the reviews say. :)

 

What is the recommended tip?

 

Anyone else touring with Marva on Freedom Oct 14, 07 cruise week?

 

terboo

terrie276@comcast.net

[marylandfan]

My sons ages 13 and 17 and I were in Montego in April.

 

Try www.a-zjamaicaplanners.com . The price was reasonable ($138 for all 3 of us when I booked it), the van was air conditioned, comfortable and the driver was great. We went to Mayfield Falls, Doctors Cave Beach, Lunch (at the pork pit) and shopping. The cost of lunch was not included but the prices were very reasonable and this was the best authentic jerk chicken I have ever had. It is a casual open air restaurant. I am also a non-swimmer and never felt unsafe at Mayfield. The guide at the Falls was always there to help. There were only two deep areas that I could not walk through but there was a way to get around it while my sons enjoyed the short swim. There was a total of 6 in our group. They keep the groups small at Mayfield. You will need water shoes for the falls. My boys said this was the best cruise excursion they went on and we went to 4 ports while on RC's Freedom of the Seas.

[Cant Wait 4 Cruisin!]

Here's what we did. Originally, I had contacted Orville... for some reason, I missed an email from him and could not get in contact with him. So, I turned to Marva, who was totally AWESOME. She is a GREAT guide and so VERY friendly. But, get this, Orville showed up at the port to make sure I had someone because we lost contact for some reason... I would HIGHLY recommend either Orville or Marva. Orville's kind of hot too!!!! hee hee!!!

[stormloca777]

I went on Peats tour a week ago today May 16, 2007 and I have to say this was one of the best tours I've ever taken. We were late getting off the ship due to a problem with the gangway but Thanks to the great relationship Peat has with his fellow peers they called Peat Jr. on the cellphone and Peat Jr. got to me right away. I then asked for Id because I've heard stories but sure enough he provided me with his Id without a problem. He then called his dad and gave me the cell phone so that I could talk to him. Trusting the Id and the phone call I went with Peat Jr. and he brought me to his dad. He apoligized thinking he had left me but I told him it wasn't his fault we were about an hour late so I didn't expect him to wait for me with a bus full of people.

Peat will give you first hand insight on what to expect from the local people and tips on how they try to manipulate you into buying things you may not want. Before the falls, we took a trip through Fern Gully and then we stopped at a small school to see the local children. Along the way, he would stop the bus to get samples of different branches of trees for the flavors and smells.

Peat dropped us off at Dunn's River Falls he had prepaid for the entrance tickets so we did not have to wait in line to purchase them. The price of his tour included the fee to the falls. Peat gave us pleanty of time to enjoy the falls (2 hours). He scheduled a pick up time with us and sure enough when the 2 hours were up he was there waiting. He had a young lady named Bridgette assiting him she was very nice. She was at the front of the line waiting for us to let us know where Peat was Parked.

After the falls, he gave everyone a choice on whether they wanted to eat at the ship or a local restuarant. He also gave choice on whether we would want to go shopping after lunch for those who were going to eat lunch at the local restuarants. After lunch, he was willing to come pick you up and take you back to the port. All of this was $35 pp - well worth the money since Princess charges $40 or more pp to just visit the falls.

When I go back to visit Jamaica I'll be taking Peats tour again!

I've attached a picture of the three so you know who to look for.

<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/jess77707207/my%20pics/Princess%20Cruise/P5160144.jpg">

[stormloca777]

I went on Peats tour a week ago today May 16, 2007 and I have to say this was one of the best tours I've ever taken. We were late getting off the ship due to a problem with the gangway but Thanks to the great relationship Peat has with his fellow peers they called Peat Jr. on the cellphone and Peat Jr. got to me right away. I then asked for Id because I've heard stories but sure enough he provided me with his Id without a problem. He then called his dad and gave me the cell phone so that I could talk to him. Trusting the Id and the phone call I went with Peat Jr. and he brought me to his dad. He apoligized thinking he had left me but I told him it wasn't his fault we were about an hour late so I didn't expect him to wait for me with a bus full of people.

 

Peat will give you first hand insight on what to expect from the local people and tips on how they try to manipulate you into buying things you may not want. Before the falls, we took a trip through Fern Gully and then we stopped at a small school to see the local children. Along the way, he would stop the bus to get samples of different branches of trees for the flavors and smells.

 

Peat dropped us off at Dunn's River Falls he had prepaid for the entrance tickets so we did not have to wait in line to purchase them. The price of his tour included the fee to the falls. Peat gave us pleanty of time to enjoy the falls (2 hours). He scheduled a pick up time with us and sure enough when the 2 hours were up he was there waiting. He had a young lady named Brigette assiting him she was very nice. She was at the front of the line waiting for us to let us know where Peat was Parked.

After the falls, he gave everyone a choice on whether they wanted to eat at the ship or a local restuarant. He also gave choice on whether we would want to go shopping after lunch for those who were going to eat lunch at the local restuarants. After lunch, he was willing to come pick you up and take you back to the port. All of this was $35 pp - well worth the money since Princess charges $40 or more pp to just visit the falls.

When I go back to visit Jamaica I'll be taking Peats tour again!

 

Click on the link below to view a picture of Peat. Peat Jr. & Brigette so you know who to look for.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g38/jess77707207/my%20pics/Princess%20Cruise/P5160144.jpg

[mcamis23]

We went with Marva to Dunn River Falls and a nature park on May 9th. It was $80 for two people. I felt it was well worth it. It did include admission. However, the main reason to go with Marva is she will get you there first. There might have been one bus parked when we got to Dunn and we were one of the first ones up the falls.

 

Later on the cruise ship I heard everyone complaining about how crowded the falls were. (When we left it was quite crowded). If you want to enjoy your trip to Jamaica I would suggest Marva. Email her and ask about the pricing. She is very accomodating and I am sure will be glad to fix the pricing etc.

[LizC]

How do I find her? Know Jamaica does not seem to list her or her email

[Kristin1112]

How do I find her? Know Jamaica does not seem to list her or her email

 

There is a "contact" link in the upper right of the front page. The email address listed works well and they will respond back very quickly.

 

If you pull up the tour you want to do, there will also be a "book now" link or something like it that you can click on. That pulls up an information page where you enter your name, date of the tour, your phone number and email address and how many people are going. You dont have to pay anything or enter any credit card info.

 

I just booked something for our cruise and had a personalized email (presumably from Marva) confirmation sent back to me within a few hours.

[cxjr25]

We went with Marva to Dunn River Falls and a nature park on May 9th. It was $80 for two people. I felt it was well worth it. It did include admission. However, the main reason to go with Marva is she will get you there first. There might have been one bus parked when we got to Dunn and we were one of the first ones up the falls.

 

Later on the cruise ship I heard everyone complaining about how crowded the falls were. (When we left it was quite crowded). If you want to enjoy your trip to Jamaica I would suggest Marva. Email her and ask about the pricing. She is very accomodating and I am sure will be glad to fix the pricing etc.

 

 

Did you do one of the basic tours through her website? Or was yours personalized? I wonder if the cookie-cutter tours are of less quality.

[QTMichele]

Did you do one of the basic tours through her website? Or was yours personalized? I wonder if the cookie-cutter tours are of less quality.

 

NOOOOOO way! Marva's group tours are wonderful and don't feel like a "cookie cutter" experience. We booked one of her package tours (not customized) and were SO pleased that I recommend her every chance I get. Her customer service is EXCELLENT - she quickly responds to e-mails and may even call you! Marva has a great personality and offers wonderful hospitality. I felt like an old friend was showing me around Jamaica. There is not better praise than that. :D

[Kristin1112]

NOOOOOO way! Marva's group tours are wonderful and don't feel like a "cookie cutter" experience. We booked one of her package tours (not customized) and were SO pleased that I recommend her every chance I get. Her customer service is EXCELLENT - she quickly responds to e-mails and may even call you! Marva has a great personality and offers wonderful hospitality. I felt like an old friend was showing me around Jamaica. There is not better praise than that. :D

 

I could not agree more! We just got back today from our cruise and stopped in Ocho Rios on August 30. We booked with Marva because of the comments we read here on CC.

 

We were SO unbelievably pleased with her, her son (who drives the van), her personality and the entire non-cookie cutter approach.

 

Book the Dunns River Falls, Tubing on the River, and Reggae beach tour if you can...it was ALL fabulous--each in its own special way. Marva even stopped at a local favorite Jerk Chicken restaurant for us all to eat and get drinks if we wanted. She also customized the end of the tour--2 girls wanted to go shopping, the rest of us 6 people all from CC wanted to go to the beach as planned. They were more than accomodating--dropped the girls off for shopping, then took the 6 of us to this near deserted absolutely stunningly beautiful beach where we ate our chicken and relaxed in the ocean.

 

I, too, felt like I was with an old friend--and cannot stress how much I would give them a ringing endorsement.

 

Couple of pointers:

 

1. Bring your water shoes--you MUST have them for the Dunns falls.

2. Do NOT do the falls if you have a heart condition, weak or bad knees or ankles. It's very strenuous.

3. Bring a waterproof disposable camera--especially for the tubing part. They will hold your camera at the Falls and take pictures for you, but there's no place for that in the falls.

4. Marva suggests cash only in Jamaica, dont use your credit cards (so bring a few bucks for lunch!)

 

5 stars all the way for Marva and her son Javia. Tell them Kristin from Chicago sent ya! :D

[Kristin1112]

NOOOOOO way! Marva's group tours are wonderful and don't feel like a "cookie cutter" experience. We booked one of her package tours (not customized) and were SO pleased that I recommend her every chance I get. Her customer service is EXCELLENT - she quickly responds to e-mails and may even call you! Marva has a great personality and offers wonderful hospitality. I felt like an old friend was showing me around Jamaica. There is not better praise than that. :D

 

I could not agree more! We just got back today from our cruise and stopped in Ocho Rios on August 30. We booked with Marva because of the comments we read here on CC.

 

We were SO unbelievably pleased with her, her son (who drives the van), her personality and the entire non-cookie cutter approach.

 

Book the Dunns River Falls, Tubing on the River, and Reggae beach tour if you can...it was ALL fabulous--each in its own special way. Marva even stopped at a local favorite Jerk Chicken restaurant for us all to eat and get drinks if we wanted. She also customized the end of the tour--2 girls wanted to go shopping, the rest of us 6 people all from CC wanted to go to the beach as planned. They were more than accomodating--dropped the girls off for shopping, then took the 6 of us to this near deserted absolutely stunningly beautiful beach where we ate our chicken and relaxed in the ocean.

 

I, too, felt like I was with an old friend--and cannot stress how much I would give them a ringing endorsement.

 

Couple of pointers:

 

1. Bring your water shoes--you MUST have them for the Dunns falls.

2. Do NOT do the falls if you have a heart condition, weak or bad knees or ankles. It's very strenuous.

3. Bring a waterproof disposable camera--especially for the tubing part. They will hold your camera at the Falls and take pictures for you, but there's no place for that in the falls.

 

5 stars all the way for Marva and her son Javia. Tell them Kristin from Chicago sent ya! :D

[Kristin1112]

NOOOOOO way! Marva's group tours are wonderful and don't feel like a "cookie cutter" experience. We booked one of her package tours (not customized) and were SO pleased that I recommend her every chance I get. Her customer service is EXCELLENT - she quickly responds to e-mails and may even call you! Marva has a great personality and offers wonderful hospitality. I felt like an old friend was showing me around Jamaica. There is not better praise than that. :D

 

I could not agree more! We just got back today from our cruise and stopped in Ocho Rios on August 30. We booked with Marva because of the comments we read here on CC.

 

We were SO unbelievably pleased with her, her son (who drives the van), her personality and the entire non-cookie cutter approach.

 

Book the Dunns River Falls, Tubing on the River, and Reggae beach tour if you can...it was ALL fabulous--each in its own special way. Marva even stopped at a local favorite Jerk Chicken restaurant for us all to eat and get drinks if we wanted. She also customized the end of the tour--2 girls wanted to go shopping, the rest of us 6 people all from CC wanted to go to the beach as planned. They were more than accomodating--dropped the girls off for shopping, then took the 6 of us to this near deserted absolutely stunningly beautiful beach where we ate our chicken and relaxed in the ocean.

 

I, too, felt like I was with an old friend--and cannot stress how much I would give them a ringing endorsement.

 

Couple of pointers:

 

1. Bring your water shoes--you MUST have them for the Dunns falls.

2. Do NOT do the falls if you have a heart condition, weak or bad knees or ankles. It's very strenuous.

3. Bring a waterproof disposable camera--especially for the tubing part. They will hold your camera at the Falls and take pictures for you, but there's no place for that in the falls.

4. Bring cash for souveniers and lunch, they recommend you do not use any credit cards.

 

5 stars all the way for Marva and her son Javia. Tell them Kristin from Chicago sent ya! :D

[lynncarol]

3 years ago we hired Lebert Watson out of Ocho Rios for our guide. His email is leberttours@ hotmail.com. We told him exactly what we wanted to see and he really delivered! I have no idea what he charges now, but then it was very reasonable.

[Kristin1112]

I could not agree more! We just got back today from our cruise and stopped in Ocho Rios on August 30. We booked with Marva because of the comments we read here on CC.

 

We were SO unbelievably pleased with her, her son (who drives the van), her personality and the entire non-cookie cutter approach.

 

Book the Dunns River Falls, Tubing on the River, and Reggae beach tour if you can...it was ALL fabulous--each in its own special way. Marva even stopped at a local favorite Jerk Chicken restaurant for us all to eat and get drinks if we wanted. She also customized the end of the tour--2 girls wanted to go shopping, the rest of us 6 people all from CC wanted to go to the beach as planned. They were more than accomodating--dropped the girls off for shopping, then took the 6 of us to this near deserted absolutely stunningly beautiful beach where we ate our chicken and relaxed in the ocean.

 

I, too, felt like I was with an old friend--and cannot stress how much I would give them a ringing endorsement.

 

Couple of pointers:

 

1. Bring your water shoes--you MUST have them for the Dunns falls.

2. Do NOT do the falls if you have a heart condition, weak or bad knees or ankles. It's very strenuous.

3. Bring a waterproof disposable camera--especially for the tubing part. They will hold your camera at the Falls and take pictures for you, but there's no place for that in the falls.

4. Bring cash for souveniers and lunch, they recommend you do not use any credit cards.

 

5 stars all the way for Marva and her son Javia. Tell them Kristin from Chicago sent ya! :D

 

Duh, #3 should say "there's no place for that tubing".

[smurfygirl]

DH and I have booked Marva Shaw for our upcoming 10/7 Carnival Liberty cruise and are so excited! We were super impressed with the sheer volume of positive recommendations by everyone on these boards, I don't see how we can be disappointed!

 

We opted for a customized tour which will include tubing on the White River, horseback riding, and a drive through Fern Gully. We also requested to eat at an authentic Jamaican restaurant and she said she knows just the place. Initially, I was expecting the price to be cheaper than what was quoted to me because a few people had mentioned that not only are the private tours better they also tend to be cheaper. Now I realize that it's a little pricier because she is customizing it for us (she quoted us $120/per person, not including lunch).

 

Anyway, we are so excited to take her tour and hope our experience will be as good as everyone else's!

[Kristin1112]

You will not be disappointed with Marva, she's GREAT and extremely responsive. I had forgotten to print out her 'directions' to us for our excursion, and emailed her from the ship late in the day--the day before arriving. She graciously replied within a few hours with the directions all over again--and it was very easy finding her on the pier.

 

The tubing is wonderful and refreshing--and mostly shady (keep your sunglasses in the van, you'd lose them). I cannot speak for the other 2 things you're doing.

 

FYI--it is VERY VERY hot in Jamaica and based on that, I personally would not have any interest in horseback riding, although it may be better in Oct than it was last week for us. All 3 things we did involved water, and I'm so glad--we would have died otherwise.

 

We paid $60 per person for the day (all inclusive falls/tubing/beach), plus $5 for the jerk chicken lunch. We bought a few Red Stripe beers at the falls when we were done, and it was very refreshing.

 

Be sure you tell her you found her through CC, and dont forget the waterproof disposable camera!

 

Enjoy your trip! :D