I have been to Negril 4x and am now giving Ocho Rios a whirl and need advice badly.

[Jamaica Joleen]

Hi Boardies,
Not much happening on the Ocho Rios portion of the board, so was hoping you could help me. Hubby and I have been to Montego Bay twice and Negril four times. We LOVE Negril, but decided this reach to see another side of the island.
We plan on hiring a driver for a day.
Dunns River Falls looks pretty awesome, but also looks like a big fat tourist trap. Worth it or no?
Can anyone recommend a private JUTA driver for me to contact for the day?
Where is a great place to get authentic Jerk Pork?
Any recommendations are GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks for the help!!

[NOLAnmr]

Scotchie's was great Jerk Pork over there as well as the Jerk Centre who trhows a big party once a month too. We took a day trip to 9 mile/Mystic Mt(zip-lining & bobsled) plus scotchies and it was a great day. Used Moodie as a driver and a great guy too.

[VVHT]

Joleen,

Haven't been in Ocho Rios since 2002, but it was a fun trip. Day Trips from that part of the island, Golden Eye Beach, Blue Mountains, 9 Mile, Glistening Waters....

IMHO Dunn's River is okay, not as nice as Mayfield Falls. The okay rating can deteriorate quickly depending on the number of cruise ships in port. Ideally it would be best to go on a day when there aren't any ships in port (don't know if that is possible anymore).

Did the Blue Mountain Bike tour and it was a FULL DAY, left before Breakfast and didn't get home until after dinner time, but it was definitely worth the trip. I'm sure weather can have a significant impact on your experience. When I did the bike trip it was cool and cloudy in the morning, but cleared up in the afternoon. There was some rain, but the tour operater had ponchos for everyone.

Glistening Waters was AWESOME. Again weather, phase of the moon, # of tourists can all have an impact on your experience. I actually did this trip from Negril, but it is closer to Ocho than to Negril.

Golden Eye was great if you are a James Bond Fan.

I flew from Mo Bay to Ocho back before the Highway was improved. The new Highway is awesome, don't think you need to pay the fare to fly to Ocho anymore.

Basically went on that trip to check out a few day tours on that part of the Island. Ocho Rios didn't have the same vibe that Negril had and we missed Negril, but had a good time on the Ocho Trip.

I'm sure others will have more...

Enjoy,

VVHT

[Patricia]

Grab a cab & check out Flauvors in Runaway Bay ~~ excellent Jamaican food & inexpensive, too!

[Vince]

Grab a cab & check out Flauvors in Runaway Bay ~~ excellent Jamaican food & inexpensive, too!

<<Agree!!

[Irie John]

My advce: Stay in Negril...Ochi is not "where it's at".

[Sweet_Dawta]

My advce: Stay in Negril...Ochi is not "where it's at".

LOL....Ocho Rios is located in the GARDEN PARISH, surround by green lush vegetation and embraced by waterfalls. In one moment you can experience the not only the poverty the island is known for but the amazing beauty and wealth.

Depending on what you are seeking every destination in Jamaica is "where it's at". Negril is where the longest stretch of beach and cliff 'is at'. Montego Bay is where the airport 'is at'. Ocho Rios is where the lushness 'is at'.

[suzengrace]

I commend you in getting out of negril and checking out the rest of the island...Negril is NOt Jamaica-just a part of it...
I just got back from North Coast-spent time in Cockpit country and Duncans Bay and up in Clarks Town...The beach and area in Duncans Bay were beautiful and the just a different,more relaxed vibe..I have a excellent hook-up in that area ,and no, they dont live in Ochi but live on the North coast and could maybe help you out-they also have a excellent guesthouse they rent out ..Send me a PM and I give you more info ...

[Jo-Ann]

Ochi is not my favorite place to go. I would say check out Treasure Beach Area. It is very quiet but nice
A friend of mine is a Juta driver and he also works privately also. Delton Smith his number is 876-361-3752 You can also check out his web page DeltonSmithtransportaionand tours Enjoy where ever you decide to go

[poolguywindsor]

Not a fan of Ocho Rios but do like to hit the north coast at least once a year, Duncans Bay is a good place to check out. The Sc otchies just out side Ochi is a cool spot for some Jerk, and if you have not been to Dunn,s river falls its worth the trip. Also there is the Calypso tubing on the White river I have done that more than once and is always a good time