Ocho Rios Tours

Hi,

I'll be sailing on the Epic in January. I have my Grand Cayman and Cozumel activities already planned, but am not sure about Ocho Rios yet.

I've read that Dunn River Falls is a "must" see. I am also interested in the Bob Marley tour simply because it seems like it goes off into the island away from the main tourist areas.

For those who have been to Ocho Rios, what do you recommend?

As for tours, could I get a taxi driver to drive me around and give me a "local" tour? Is there any tour listed on the NCL website that you suggest I avoid?

Thanks.

You heard right....Dunns River Falls is a definite must!

Sent from my iPad using Forums

The 4X4 tour goes all over the island including the Falls and Ferngully. Although not for anyone with mobility issues as it is really offroad in a back of an open air Range Rover type of vehicle. Lots of very good photo ops.

Unless things have changed in Ocho Rios, you really should stick to a group excursion. I have no idea if this excursion is still offered, but we did a combination excursion for both Dolphin Cove and Dunn's River Falls which we enjoyed a lot. When you go to Dunn's River Falls you arrive at the top of the falls, where there are an abundance of lockers and various vendors. Those who plan to climb the falls are then escorted to the beach below. It's quite a climb but doable and definitely refreshing! Definitely wear enclosed water shoes if you do simply because of the small pebble-like stones in the water. Others can navigate down a series of stairways and platforms that run alongside the falls. There are areas where you can take a dip too.

I highly recommend Yardie tours. We did tour with them about 4 years ago and it was amazing. We went to Dunns River Falls and then to Reggae Beach. Both locations were excellent. You can read my full review on trip advisor (hawkshoe) if you like.

DH and I really enjoyed the Bob Marley tour!

It is a fun drive with a really fun tour guide.

Interesting & educational. A stop there & back was a great time, also.

There are people partaking at the compound of the "entire" Marley scene, so if you are judgmental, you should pass on it though! And NO minors!

Two years ago we toured with Phil Lafayette. Our group was under 12 people and felt quite personalized. Phil took us to Dunn's River Falls and then river tubing. We felt safe with Phil and had a great day.

We love Jamaica. Have been over a dozen times. I hate Dunns River. So crowded, the handholding and the super-aggressive camera guys and vendors at the end.

Spend the day with a driver just visiting a few beaches and a small town. The Marley tour is really nice and laid back. To me, Dunns river is the least impressive part of beautiful Jamaica !

Jamaica is absolutely gorgeous but also dangerous. I'd definitely stick to a good tour guide that will get you to the best places. I've used Marva Shaw and her son Javia several times and will use them again in October. They have always been well priced and they work with me. Duns River Falls is great and we've done that. Last time we went over to the Jerk Shack and had lunch and listened to the band. I love that Javia is flexible when we're out. It's kind of like calling a friend when we're in the islands! If you're interested, it's know jamaica dot com ... enjoy the beautiful country!

We went to Blue Hole with Liberty Tours and had an amazing day. No Crowds, absolutely beautiful place and a lot of fun jumping in the water. Ricardo from Liberty tours is great with communication and provides a great tour.

Years ago we went to Dunn's River and tubing. Another great day. Dunn's River is just much more crowded. One of the children (11 at the time) who is now 21 still talks about it as one of her favorite days.

Thanks for the replies and information. I'll look into some of the tour guides mentioned. The 4x4 tour on the NCL website caught my eye too.

Thanks again.

Great information!

Hi,

We're still trying to decide on what to do in Ocho Rios. I read about coffee plantation tours and think everyone in my party will enjoy that.

Any recommendations for coffee tours?

Thanks.

We are considering visiting the Crab Key Beach (this is ACTUALLY the location where Dr. No was filmed) rather than the James Bond Beach (not the filmed location even though its named that).

Has anyone been to Crab Key Beach before? its west of the port and Dunn River Falls near the Laughing Waters Villas??

We had a fantastic day with traveljamaicatours.com run by Errol Bowen. He was very reasonable for a private tour with just my husband and me, and he put together the day based on our interests, not just a tour with pre-set stops. He is reliable, honest and we had lots of fun, and he's highly rated on Trip Advisor. You can email him at errol@traveljamaicatours.com and let him know what you are interested in. He'll answer any questions and arrange the day based on whatever you want to do. We were not bothered by any vendors whatsoever on our day in Ocho Rios, and it was definitely without a doubt our favorite day of our 2-week east/west Caribbean b2b.

We had a fantastic day with traveljamaicatours.com run by Errol Bowen. He was very reasonable for a private tour with just my husband and me, and he put together the day based on our interests, not just a tour with pre-set stops. He is reliable, honest and we had lots of fun, and he's highly rated on Trip Advisor. You can email him at errol@traveljamaicatours.com and let him know what you are interested in. He'll answer any questions and arrange the day based on whatever you want to do. We were not bothered by any vendors whatsoever on our day in Ocho Rios, and it was definitely without a doubt our favorite day of our 2-week east/west Caribbean b2b.

That sounds exactly what I'd like to do on Jamaica. With all the talk about the pesky vendors, I just want a nice quiet beach day with my daughter! Can I ask how much you paid for your day with Errol?

Thanks,

debbie