Ochos Rios, Jamaica Family Travel Guide presented by
Winter-Spring 2013
An introduction to
Ocho Rios, Jamaica Presented by
Thomas Cook Kids First Family Vacations A selection of all-inclusive family resort vacation packages designed to provide the ultimate holiday experience for parents and children.
Cover images courtesy of depositphotos.com.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica The home of reggae, coffee and Usain Bolt has long been a favourite among North American sun seekers. In fact, so many tourists flock to Jamaica each year that a town has been created exclusively for them. They call it Ocho Rios. A one hour drive from Kingston, Ocho Rios has been designed with the sun seeker in mind. Beach front hotels, a modern infrastructure and a plethora of high class restaurants make it the perfect resort for a luxurious family holiday. Should you find yourself dreaming of two weeks of Jamaican living, here’s all that you need to know.
Climate Jamaica experiences a tropical climate which basically translates to paradise all year round. During summer, temperatures generally range from 79 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter, on the other hand, brings with it temperatures of between 73 and 84 degrees. The wettest months are between May and November, but outside of September and October, you can usually expect far more sunny days than rainy ones. And while hurricane season officially runs from June until November, in recent years, Jamaica has been left largely untouched.
When to Go While the island’s climate makes Jamaica a year round holiday destination, the peak season runs from mid December to late March. Unless you’re desperate to escape the North American weather, this is generally the worst time to visit. Time your visit outside of these months and you can expect to spend up to thirty percent less on your trip. You can also expect to avoid the crowds, which means fewer queues, and significantly more tranquil beaches.
Things to Do While there’s often nothing wrong with spending your entire vacation at the beach, there’s a lot more to Jamaica than sun, sea and sand. Here are a few of the best things to do on the island. • Visit Dunn’s River Falls: If you only get to see one thing in Ocho Rios, make sure that it’s Dunn’s River Falls. The site alone is worth the entrance but if you’re feeling adventurous, guided hikes to the top are truly exhilarating. • Experience Mystic Mountain: Mystic Mountain is another Ocho Rios must see. Situated high above the rain forest, activities include bobsled rides, swimming, guided tours and bird watching. • Go Tubing on the White River: Provided you’re not travelling with anyone under the age of six, tubing on White River can make for a fantastic day out. The three kilometre excursion is thrilling but not for the faint of heart. • Spend a Day in Kingston: Situated approximately 90 km from Ocho Rios, day trips to Kingston are incredibly popular. Many excursions include both a guided tour and admission to the Bob Marley Museum.
Dining Caribbean dining is an experience in itself. While there’s certainly no shortage of different restaurants to try, the following four are consistently highly rated. • Bamboo Blue: If you want to experience Jamaican dining at its finest, this is where you go. It rates a 5/5 on Trip Advisor and it’s not difficult to see why. • June Plum Bar: In terms of variety, June Plum Bar simply cannot be beat. Available cuisines include Jamaican, Caribbean, Italian and even, Chinese. • Eva’s Italian Restaurant: A favourite among both tourists and locals, Eva’s offers delicious Italian dining complete with a view to die for. • The Ruin’s at the Falls: The only restaurant on the island with its very own waterfall. For optimal value, arrive at noon and opt for the generous buffet.
Staying Safe Here are three important tips for staying safe while enjoying all that the island has to offer. • The resort of Ocho Rios is family-friendly and low in crime. The same cannot be said about the rest of the island, however. Caution should therefore be taken when deciding both where to visit and where to avoid. • Despite the high police presence in Ocho Rios, it’s not uncommon to run into people selling things that they shouldn’t be selling. It’s therefore important to be wary of overly friendly strangers. • Jamaican rum is a local concoction and well worth trying at least once. It’s important to note however that proofs of up to seventy five percent are not uncommon. When it comes to Jamaican rum, less is always more.