Ocho Rios Trip Planning & Itineraries

Day One: Ocho Rios Tours

Combine shopping and sightseeing on the Ocho Rios Highlights Tour. The tour takes you shopping in the many craft markets and duty free shops in Ocho Rios, on a tour of the Wassi art factory and on a drive through the amazing Fern Gully to the Coyaba Botanical Gardens and legendary Dunns River Falls. To really explore the botanic gardens, the Coyaba Jeep Tour is a scenic morning excursion for garden walks past natural springs, waterfalls and giant tropical trees, and panoramic views from Murphy's Hill. For a tour with a difference, take a Heritage Beach Horse Ride along the sands - it's a thrilling ride for new and experienced riders alike. Afterwards, unwind with a relaxing Renova Spa Sweet Caribbean package, including a soothing 50-minute reflexology massage.

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Day Two: Ocho Rios Outdoor Activities

Head inland on a Canopy Tour, including nature walks and nine traverses across the treetops - it's the ultimate way to get close to nature! Or get around the verdant Jamaican countryside on a Blue Mountain bike ride, a Prospect Plantation camel ride and even under puppy power by dogsled! When it's time to hit the water, kayak down the White River Valley rapids or gently glide along the Great River on a bamboo raft. And for a close-up animal encounter, swim with dolphins or visit Treasure Reef to handfeed sharks.

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Day Three: Day Trips from Ocho Rios

Discover the roots of reggae on a Bob Marley-themed day trip from Ocho Rios. A Kingston Day Trip takes you to Jamaica's capital to visit the famous Bob Marley Museum, in the reggae master's former home. Or step aboard the Zion bus tour to Bob Marley's birthplace in the hills, the village of Nine Miles, complete with a dreadlock soundtrack and rum punch refreshments. A day at Negril Beach promises relaxation, with time to soak up the sun and take in a Caribbean sunset at Rick's cafe. Or spend the day at Dolphin Cove at Treasure Reef, with transport and admission, snorkeling, boat rides, pirate antics, dolphins and games.

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Couples Sans Souci

This sophisticated resort has a sublime setting in a secluded cove backed by lime-green lawns. One of the two beaches is for nude bathing, and the resort has a volleyball court, jogging track and fitness center plus full-service spa. A huge range of water sports are offered, including scuba lessons, as are tennis and activities that include reggae dance classes.

Sandcastles Resort

Large and centrally located, Sandcastles is just a beach ball's throw from Turtle Beach in the heart of Ocho Rios. This refurbished resort has bright studios as well as one- and two-bedroom suites in various configurations. All have cable TV, plus modern furnishings. There is also a sports bar.

Jamaica Inn

Winston Churchill's favorite hotel, this exquisite family-run "inn", tucked away in a private cove, exudes patrician refinement. The 45 suites are a soothing combination of whites and Wedgwood blues, with mahogany beds, Edwardian furnishings and colonial-theme prints. The West Wing veranda suites hang over the sea (East Wing rooms nudge up to the beach). There's a croquet lawn, game room, library and a bar with a warm clubby feel.

Coconuts

Whether you stop in for a "menage a trios" plate (coconut shrimp, conch and chicken samosas), have a jerk chicken quesadilla or dig into a steak, the terrace at Coconuts invariably keeps you here longer than you intended. And why not? The view of the bay is stellar, and the drink specials ease you into the evening, when Coconuts becomes a lively bar.

Evita's

This charmer sits high above Ochi in a romantically decorated 1860s house. It's an airy setting with exquisite views. The Italian-Jamaican menu includes jerk spaghetti and the trademark "Lasagna Rastafari." Also recommended are the delicious "Jamaican Viagra" conch fritters, smoked marlin carpaccio and wickedly good herb-crusted lamb chops. If you're lucky, the gregarious proprietor Eva will stop by your table and give your shoulder a squeeze.

Ruins at the Falls

Set amid a tropical garden with a lovely bridal-veil waterfall and pools, this Jamaican-Chinese restaurant has one-of-a-kind ambiance. The all-inclusive lunchtime buffet features beverages, live entertainment and a garden tour.