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- Destinations
- Caribbean
- Jamaica
- Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios
The port town of Ocho Rios used to survive on the strength of
fishing and banana boats, but now it is the daily arrival of cruise
ships full of tourists that keep the coffers full all along the
northeast coast of Jamaica. Ocho Rios and its near neighbours
Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay and Port Antonio are mainly clusters of
holiday resorts and hotels, catering for package-deal holidaymakers
and several celebrities who maintain their private retreats in the
region.
Ocho Rios cannot claim to be a genuine Jamaican experience, and
is filled with tourist paraphernalia. Because of the need to
entertain thousands of fun-seekers, the natural and historical
attractions of the area have been commercialised and controlled.
There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and
sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up
waterfalls to horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or
taking afternoon tea at the former home of British
playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward.
The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the 'Garden
Parish' of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and
breathtaking waterfalls, and a self-drive tour of the region to
take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile
vine-draped Fern Gully, is very worthwhile.
Ocho Rios is a town dedicated to fun and sun, a crossroads of
pleasure and leisure full of surprises and delights in the centre
of Jamaica's vacation wonderland.
Information & Facts
Climate
Ocho Rios experiences a tropical climate with warm year-round
weather and average daytime highs reaching 84°F (29°C). There are
two distinct seasons, the wet and dry season. The wet season runs
from May to November and sporadic showers can be expected with the
heaviest rains occurring in September and October. The hurricane
season runs from June to November, though relatively few hurricanes
pass through Jamaica.
Language
The official language of Jamaica is English but a local
patois is also spoken, a mixture of English, Spanish, and various
African languages.
Money
The Jamaican Dollar (JMD) is divided into 100 cents. The island
is well supplied with ATMs, banks and bureaux de change. Banking
hours are usually Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2pm, and Friday
from 9am to 4pm. Cambio exchange offices are found throughout the
country, open later than banks and often offering better exchange
rates. Retain receipts as proof of legal currency exchange.
Exchange bureaux at the airports and hotels also offer better rates
than banks. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Both cash and travellers cheques are best taken in US
Dollars.