Ocho Rios: Why it might be the best Caribbean destination for you
When planning a trip to Jamaica, there are a few towns and cities that generally lead the pack. One of those is Ocho Rios.
A small town with a big heart, Ocho Rios offers a taste of Jamaican culture while also providing a haven from its wilder nearby cities.
There are many reasons that make this little ex fishing village a premier Caribbean destination. Listed below are just a few.
Ocho Rios is home to many money saving all-inclusive resorts
Lining the beach you’ll find resort after resort all offering the same thing, relaxation at a value. Each resort itself provides a slightly different take on a Jamaican vacation with some specializing in spa treatments and others food. These resorts are a great option if you rather stay in one area but also don’t want to miss out on fun filled activities.
Love the Jamaican sunshine but not a fan of the water? No worries there as each resort gives the promise of a heated outdoor pool accessorized with a bar and restaurant. Not only will you be enjoying the vacation of your dream, but your bank account will be smiling along with you.
Ocho Rios calm personality is great for young families
A big reason why many chose Ocho Rios over other Caribbean destinations is the draw of a quiet family vacation. Unlike other parts of Jamaica, Ocho Rios still maintains the small town vibe that caters perfectly to families wishing to stay away from the party scene and instead experience a little bit of family bonding.
For parents vacationing with their young children, the beach serves as a great place to spend your days with calm waters and relatively uncrowded sands. If you’re traveling with pre-teens and teenagers, both the beach and adventure tours are a great way to keep everyone happy.
Ocho Rios is an adventure lover's dream with ATV tours and more
Adventure enthusiasts beware, you might just meet your match in Ocho Rios. Here you’ll find everything from horseback riding on the beach (and sometimes in the ocean), Jeep tours, white water rafting, cave exploring and more.
If you’re looking to get a little muddy, hop on the back of an ATV and get ready for an adventure filled tour through the back county of Ocho Rios. The tours will take you through a colonial era estate, mountain sides, forest and a local community.
Ocho Rios is great for weddings and honeymoons
Whether you’re planning a big destination wedding or simply planning a small family gathering, Ocho Rios will be ready to accommodate all of your needs. There are many different companies, both big and small, that specialize in making your dream wedding a reality.
Beach wedding? Check! Wedding set along the hills overlooking the city? Check! If you’ve already had your wedding and are planning a honeymoon, Ocho Rios can help you with that as well. Due to all of the different activities and accommodations available, you can easily achieve the honeymoon you’ve always wanted.
Ocho Rios is a popular duty free shopping destination
Ocho Rios is known for its plentiful shopping opportunities. On the beach you’ll find vendors pacing the sands while in town you’ll find the streets lined with vendors, small shops and big stores. Some of the more recognized shops are located in the New Ocho Rios Plaza, Island Plaza, Ocho Rios Craft Park and the Mutual Sercurity Plaza.
If you’re looking for more of a bargain, you’ll find exactly that at the Taj Mahal Mall and its 26 duty free stores. In those stores you’ll find everything from general souvenirs, clothing, locally made items, small pieces of furniture, jewelry and more.
Photos by Flickr users Tomash Devenishek, Vox Efx and Ricardo Mangual.