Family Vacations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Dunns River Falls Ocho Rios — Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

So what about family vacations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica? Ocho Rios said to have come from the old Spanish word for roaring river or, in modern Spanish, eight rivers, is roughly 67 miles east of Montego Bay.

The bustling town of Ocho Rios has been a favorite of cruise ships and vacationing families alike.

At one time is was a quite fishing village, and although there are now many Jamaica resorts and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, but the town has kept something of the laid back atmosphere of small-town Jamaica.

Ocho Rios is known as the garden-lover’s paradise, and the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens exhibit the fascinating variety of the area’s exotic flora, for which the town is celebrated.

One of the most stunning sights in Jamaica is Dunn’s River Falls, a crystal water stairway which leads to the nearby botanical gardens.

Two of the most popular tours available in Ocho Rios are to working plantations at Brimmer Hall and Prospect where sugar, bananas and spices are still grown and harvested, using many of the traditional skills handed down through generations.

A must see in Jamaica is a drive along Fern Gully, a road running along an old riverbed that winds through a 4-mile valley of ferns.

Another tour is the Jamaica Night on the White River, a canoe ride up the torchlit river to the sound of drums.

Dinner and open-air bar is available on the riverbank (Sunday evenings). Columbus Park, at Discovery Bay, commemorates Columbus’ arrival in Jamaica with a museum and 24-hour open-air park exhibiting relics of Jamaican history.

From Ocho Rios, drive west to Runaway Bay (so called because slaves once used this area as an escape route) to visit Seville Great House and Nine Miles, the birthplace of Bob Marley.

Runaway Bay, has fine beaches, great scuba diving and horseback riding; and the Runaway Caves nearby, offer a boat ride, below ground, on a lake in the limestone Green Grotto.

Best Family Beach Vacations Top Family Resorts in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Shaw Park Beach Hotel & Suites
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa

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Travelon Jo

Travelon Jo is a mom and travel blogger who believes that taking your kids travelling is one of the best things you can do for them. As a former travel agent, she knows all about the ins and outs of planning a trip, and loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge with others.