Ocho Rios, Jamaica – Ocho Rios, or Ochi is a very popular cruise ship destination set far away from the hustle and bustle of Jamaica’s major ports of Kingston and Montego Bay.   For many family travellers, Jamaica is sometimes a nervous experience the first time you go after hearing stories of depressed inner city political strife, gang violence and unsafe places for tourists.      Those are all accurate representations of certain places within the larger cities, but Ocho Rios is a sleepy shore tourist community and the residents understand the importance of the tourism industry.

Right at the terminal in Ocho Rios is a beach.  Most cruise lines offer a beach break there, but it’s not such a great experience for kids.    The beach for the most part is clean, but you have to watch out down the beach near the restrooms outside the watchful eye of the local tourism group that maintains the section of beach near the terminal.

You will get restaurant quality jerk and Jamaican meat patties at the beach party, but it’s like going to New York City and having a slice of pizza at Dominoes.   Venture into town and sample the more authentic tastes and flavors local vendors have to offer.  

Venture out further to beaches like Dolphin Beach, Dunns River Falls Beach, James Bond Beach and get away from the mass of tourists into a more beautiful and natural setting.

Is Dunns River Falls good for children?   It depends on your child.  If your child is athletic, adventurous and likes to explore, then they will enjoy Dunns River Falls.  You can climb the whole thing or get off at certain points along the way up.   There’s lots of shallow pools along the way up for the kids to frolick in and have a great time.  The water is cool, crisp and perhaps the most refreshing water you will ever step foot in while you’re in the Caribbean.

I would also suggest not going to the peddler’s village at the falls as it could be a very scary walk for younger children as they are some of the most aggressive street vendors in the area and will follow you around wherever you go.  It’s defnitely the one sore spot for me when I go to Ocho Rios.

Margaritaville is another option. It’s a tourist trap of course and offers nothing authentic and nothing you haven’t seen at every other Margaritaville in the Caribbean.  If you need a controlled environment for your family with facilities, a pool and convenience, then Margarittaville is your best bet.

Outside Margaritaville and inside the Island shops complex, you’ll find a guy playing the bongos and he’s absolutely fantastic with the children.  Over the years, he’s come to know our daughter by first name and calls her out when she walks by for a quick song and a bongo / conga session.

If you want to shop and buy souvenirs, venture out to the Taj Mahal.  The shops are privately owned and not chain stores, so you can find more local crafts like steel drums, clothes, shirts and souvenirs at more affordable prices.

Around the cove at the docks, the Sunset Grande Hotel offers visitors day passes.  If you’re into resort life, for a nominal fee per person, you can pay to use their pool, spas, restaurants and beach for the day away from the locals.  It’s a nice relaxing day, but again, it could be any hotel on any Caribbean island.

There’s also the Green Grotto Caves.  We’ve never done the caves, but people who have, told us it’s also a must do activity in Ochi.    Ocho Rios is not one of the big cities, so there’s not all that much to do, but if you’re only in port for 1 day, you can pack your day with family fun.

Find more Caribbean Cruise Travel Tips at  www.cruisenewsnet.com.

About Cruise News Network & Tropical Ports
Tropical Ports is home of the world’s only interactive online Cruise Ship Tracking software.  Cruise News Network is a family travel blog.

Book your vacation today!  call 1-800-780-5733 using discount code 167976

Search for a Cruise Online: http://www.tropicalports.com/page.php?page=cruises