Snorkeling in Ocho Rios

[valancy1]

Is there such a thing? Has anyone done a tour that did NOT include Dunn's River Falls? Any beaches one can snorkel from?

 

I'd appreciate feedback and your thoughts!

 

Thanks!

[scubaran]

Is there such a thing? Has anyone done a tour that did NOT include Dunn's River Falls? Any beaches one can snorkel from?

 

I'd appreciate feedback and your thoughts!

 

Thanks!

 

Unfortunately the reefs in Ocho Rios has been in bad shape for many years. It's really not worth it. You didn't say if you're staying in O.R., docking there or in Montego Bay. I've stayed in O.R. for a week and I enjoyed walking the town and going "up the hill" to the botanical gardens. On the way you pass great homes and the view from the gardens is great. We're pretty active so we walked down, which included going through a banana plantation and local neighborhoods. It was a great walk (downhill of course) and the locals were very friendly. Of course D.R. Falls is the premier attraction and we enjoy doing it as well. If you can provide more details about your stay I can make further recommendations.

 

r

[valancy1]

Unfortunately the reefs in Ocho Rios has been in bad shape for many years. It's really not worth it. You didn't say if you're staying in O.R., docking there or in Montego Bay. I've stayed in O.R. for a week and I enjoyed walking the town and going "up the hill" to the botanical gardens. On the way you pass great homes and the view from the gardens is great. We're pretty active so we walked down, which included going through a banana plantation and local neighborhoods. It was a great walk (downhill of course) and the locals were very friendly. Of course D.R. Falls is the premier attraction and we enjoy doing it as well. If you can provide more details about your stay I can make further recommendations.

 

r

 

We're docking in OR for the day. I just did DRF in September and have no desire to go back and do that. We'll figure something out. Probably go shopping or something. I wasn't sure if one could go to a beach (like in Cozumel) and see anything, but it doesn't sound like it. :)

 

But thanks!

[Middleager]

Don't forget to buy Blue Mountain coffee beans. Also, the shopping center where the ship dock is so tourisy and with high prices. Walk out a few blocks there are also many shops, and you can often bargain on the prices.

[valancy1]

Don't forget to buy Blue Mountain coffee beans. Also, the shopping center where the ship dock is so tourisy and with high prices. Walk out a few blocks there are also many shops, and you can often bargain on the prices.

 

I actually would like to get some Blue Mountain coffee for my sister.

 

I'm interested in your response to where you feel the good shopping is. I've heard so many bad things about roaming around on your own in Jamaica I really am clueless as to what to do and where to go.

 

My husband wants to go to the Taj Mahal as there is a place where he wants to get a freebie with a coupon, but we really don't know much as we took an all-day tour last time we were there.

 

Any suggestions or tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

[scubaran]

Hi,

 

I know they talk about crime in Jamaica but I have to say, except for pushing weed at you, I really haven't seen it. Ocho Rios is really quite small so get away from the docks and walk up a few streets. Of course stay away from the alleys and vacant streets (just as you would in any U.S. city). I don't have any place in particular where I shop, just be a bit adventurous and pop in the local shops (local grocery stores are very interesting, a few pieces of meat, some sacks of flour and can goods, it really is a poor country). As far as where to buy coffee, I found asking the local tour operators (there'll be a stack of them waiting to escort people off the ship) works well. Catch like a supervisor with a clip board and a walkie talkie and ask. Jamaicans are very friendly and explain you don't really like the touristy places. They'll size you up and if your sincere they'll point you in the right direction. ;)

 

Randall

 

P.S. I think the main reason Jamaica gets such a bad rap is their concept of "personal space". In the U.S. it's polite to stand a few steps away from a person when you talk to them, in Jamaica, they get up close and personal. It's just a different culture but to Americans it can sometimes be seen as rude. We're in their country. :)