Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is a popular harbor town on the north coast of Jamaica. Once a fishing village, it is nowadays a resort town with a cruise ship port and a bustling bay beach with many hotels overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It is home to many lush rainforests, flowing rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
Dunn’s River Falls
One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Jamaica, the cool, crystal-clear mountain water at Dunn’s River Falls cascades down 600 feet onto big stone steps into the pool below. Here you can enjoy a refreshing swim, or climb the slippery steps of the waterfall to get the real experience of this natural wonder. Read the full review about this location in the attractions section.
Bobsledding at Mystic Mountains
Bobsledding was made famous after the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled team attended the Calgary Winter Olympics, which was then immortalized in Cool Runnings, the famous film.
Since then, bobsledding has become a popular activity and is offered at Mystic Mountain, where you can enjoy high adrenalin adventures with the whole family.
Dolphin Cove Jamaica
This marine park offers animal encounters, where visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel with stingrays, and feed sharks. It’s ranked as one of the top attractions in the Caribbean, and you can find it right in the heart of Ocho Rios. Ensure you plan a visit.
Konoko Falls
One attraction you may have seen mentioned on this site a few times is Konoko Falls. It’s a family-type attraction with something to enjoy for everyone. Kids can explore the bird aviary and petting zoo while adults can enjoy climbing the waterfall (utilizing the assistance of the falls guide of course). You’re going to enjoy this attraction if you go.
James Bond Beach
Located on a small headland at Oracabessa Bay, roughly ten miles from Ocho Rios, this beach has colorful changing rooms, a center for water sports, a restaurant, and a bar.
Other exciting activities include:
- Canopy Tours
- Mountain Biking
- Irie Blue Hole
- Catamaran Cruises
- River Tubing
- Beach Horse Riding
- Scuba Diving
- Windsurfing
- Sailing
- Water Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
Falmouth
Falmouth is the capital city of Jamaica’s Trelawny Parish. It’s a busy cruise ship port located between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay on the island’s north shore. The city is characterized by its Georgian architecture, which is primarily concentrated in the Falmouth Historic District.
Here’s what you can expect to do there:
Glistening Waters
Although it’s located on the Jamaican North coast, Glistening Waters is a hidden gem. It is considered as one of the most unusual places in Jamaica, where the lagoon water lights up every night. This phenomenon occurs only in three other places in the world.
Take a boat across the waters of the lagoon as the sun is setting, and you can enjoy a night swim where you will glow. The light is created by the mixing of the microorganisms when the river meets the sea.
Outameni Experience
– Located on the site of a former sugar plantation, this is a unique venue for fans of local history and culture, where costumed actors on village sets share Jamaican history.
Water Square
– The vibrant, bustling hub of this historic port town is surrounded by Georgian architecture and features a garden and a fountain.
Martha Brae Rafting Village
– Cruise down the placid river on bamboo rafts by guides from the launch area which features a picnic area and a bar.
Other exciting activities:
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Sailing
- Green Grotto Caves
- Water Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Jet Skiing
- Parasailing
So Which is Best?
Ocho Rios is the ideal location for a broad range of activities, so if you are the type of person who wants to experience Jamaica through hands-on experiences, Ocho Rios is perfect for you.
Falmouth is far more historical, and if you enjoy immersing yourself in the culture of a country, this is the place to be.
