Hostels in OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA

Ocho Rios – Centre of Jamaican Entertainment

Ocho Rios, located on Jamaica’s north-eastern shore is popular for its cruise ships, water sports and tourist attractions. Its location makes it a centre-point from which other Jamaican cities can be explored.

History
The history of Ocho Rios goes back to 1000 B.C when it was inhabited by the Arawak Indians. After its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1494 and subsequent Spanish annexation, the city was destroyed by slavery, disease and war. It was seized in 1655 by British forces. The city, combined with Port Royal, was also used by pirates for their operations. Slavery was finally abolished in 1834.

Popular Places And Attractions

The Dunn’s River Falls is the most major attraction of Ocho Rios. The amazing sight of cold water making its way through underground springs and trickling down for more than 900 feet of steps naturally formed by the waterfalls is one of the most enthralling natural views. Visitors are allowed to climb these waterfalls through the formation of human chains. The location of these falls near the sea makes it just one of a kind in the entire world. Visitors can opt for feeding the stingrays or swimming with sharks or dolphins at the nearby Dolphin Cove. Private beach and craft shops are also present nearby.

The Green Grotto cave and its hidden chambers and secret passages were used by runaway slaves for hiding purposes. There is also an underground water body containing blind fishes.

Some other popular attractions are the Fern Gully rainforest, Chukka Cove, the James Bond beach located just next to Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, Coyaba River Museum and Garden and Shaw Park Botanical Gardens known for its tropical birds and waterfalls. More than 600 fern species can be found in the Fern Gully.

Getting Around
Rout taxis are primarily used for travelling in and around Ocho Rios, a good guide is to keep some change handy to pay for your travel. Other than this, chartered taxis and minibuses can also be found. One can also opt for Hotel taxis but they are more expensive.

Places for Entertainment
Cafes, discotheques, bars, music clubs and restaurants are the usual places for entertainment. Sunset cruises in the company of rum punch, reggae, limbo and red stripe make for an unforgettable experience. Talent shows, reggae performances and fire dances are often organized by beach resorts. Some of these resorts are known for their wild reputation. Singles and uninhibited couples can definitely have a great here. The Little Pub Complex is the central place for Ocho Rios’ nightlife and is known for its outdoor grills, sports programming, Spanish theme bars, musicals and slot machines. Ocho Rios also plays host to the annual International Jazz Festival. There are also tubing, snorkelling, kayaking, trailing and horseback riding facilities in Ocho Rios, especially at Dolphin Cove, White River and Chukka Cove.

Accommodation
Vacation resorts, villas, B&B (bed and breakfast), youth hostels, motels, guesthouse, budget hotels and country inns are the various options available for staying in Ocho Rios.

Currency
The official Jamaican currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD), for the latest exchange rates check the news and internet. The July 2009 exchange rate with the U.D Dollar was 88 JMDs for every USD. Traveller’s cheques in USD and credit cards are also widely accepted. There are many ATMs in the city as well for holders of International Bank Cards.

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