Jamaica; Been There, Done That!

[DawnCt]

One of the stops on our April cruise will be Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We have climbed the falls, been to Fern Gully, seen the tarantulas hanging from the telephone wires and shopped and we just don't want to do this again. Any thoughts or ideas for those of you who have been to Jamaica? Anyone been to Marguaritaville?

 

[KimR]

Originally posted by DawnCt
seen the tarantulas hanging from the telephone wires

Remind me NEVER to go to Jamaica!!

Kim

 

[2disneywego]

Add me to that list too!!!!
I'm feeling all creepy just thinking about it. I think I need to go post on the phobias thread now.

 

[MerryPoppins]

How about snorkeling? We went shopping when we were there, but I've heard the snorkeling is good.

You could always spend the day on the ship and get in some time at the pool without the crowds.

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by MerryPoppins
How about snorkeling? We went shopping when we were there, but I've heard the snorkeling is good.

You could always spend the day on the ship and get in some time at the pool without the crowds.

I actually looked on google for a snorkling outfit and there were only one or too with a link to Cozumel! I guess there is a site called Laughing Waters. I don't know anyone who has been there however. We have done the falls tour with Peat Taylor, which was excellent but then, how many times can you climb the falls? If I hadn't been to Jamaica before, then I would do the falls, it is well worth doing once, we've done it twice but three ISN'T a charm!

 

[WDWHound]

Mandy and I go to Ocho Rios every couple of years. We stay at an all-inclusive there, so we spend the bulk of our time sitting on the beach and sipping tropical drinks. Still, we have gone to see some of the local attractions.

One place that we visted there that we really enjoyed was Shaw Park. Its located on the grounds of an old hotel that has been turned into HUGE tropical garden. The tour takes about an hour and is well worth your time. Its located halfway up a mountain and you get some beautiful views of the Ocho Rios coastline.

I would avoid the plantation tour. Its no longer a working plantation and we did not find it all that interesting. I also agree that Dunns River Falls is a must do once, but it does not have a whole lot of repeat value.

We hope to return to Ocho Rios again in June (not sure yet if the finances can handle it yet though). Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

 

[Bumbles]

there's supposed to be good horseback riding there...

also, I know of at least one cruise line that offers a culinary experience in Jamaica shore excursion

 

[DawnCt]

I am thinking of just walking down the beach from the pier and going to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. There is a small beach, margaritas, a pool, a water slide and of course cheeseburgers. I haven't yet seen it but from the web site it looks good...and inexpensive.

 

[Big Dude]

I have some friends who live in Jamaica and run a tour and taxi service there. They normally run out of the Montego Bay area but they will take you on any type of tour you want to go on. Last year I went to a place called Roaring Rivers. It was a 2 part tour. On the 1st part, we were taken through a local village by a Rastaman who knew the lay of the land. We were able to see all kinds of vegetation and herbs such as basil, lemon grass, thyme, mango trees, bannana trees, coconut trees. Although they are not as exotic as the tarantulas, we were able to see escargot (the good snails) in their natural habitat attached to mango trees.

We learned about the village life and got to meet local people. There are rivers that actually form on that property (springs) and the water is absolutely beautiful. The 2nd part of the tour requires a $10.00 per person charge because the Jamaican government laid claim to the land when they saw they could make money from it. You get to go into an underground cavern where you could see some neat formations. The caves were once used by the slaves that were brought there way back when. There is also a mineral spring within the cave that you can take a dip in. The waters are supposed to contain healing powers.

There are so many tours you can do such as, rafting down the Martha Brae river (I will be doing that again this year) Visiting glistening springs (where the water sparkles at night), taking a drive into cockpit country and enjoying the scenery and local fare. Stop at a jerk stand for jerk chicken or pork, sample some fresh chilled sugar cane, try some green oranges. Visit Falmouth during market day for a taste of local customs. Infuse your money into the local economy instead of the deep pocket mega-resort owners.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is a very touristy thing that can be fun when traveling with a group. It is lively at times but it does get expensive so don't be fooled. My only suggestion is to get away from the port and experience the real Jamaica. If you want, I can supply you with my friend's information or you can visit their website at Conch Tours

If you look carefully through the site, you can see a couple of pictures with my wife and I during our last visit. If you have any questions I will be more than happy to share my info with you.

Adam aka Big Dude