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Under the Sea Photo - Jamaica, Caribbean

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Jamaica is known for being the "Island in the Sun" and besides the occasional bout of "liquid sunshine" (a.k.a. rain shower) it really is the Island in the Sun. Jamaica has an atmosphere that sets it apart from all the other Caribbean islands. Not only does Jamaica have beautiful beaches—because, lets face it, beautiful beaches cover most of the Caribbean—but it also offers coral reefs, water sports, horseback riding, sport fishing, golf, bird-watching, working plantations, botanical gardens, markets, bamboo raft river rides, Dunn's River Falls, and a whole lot of reggae. The island is covered with all-inclusive resorts that strive to meet your every need. The most popular travel destinations in J...Read More

Jamaica is known for being the "Island in the Sun" and besides the occasional bout of "liquid sunshine" (a.k.a. rain shower) it really is the Island in the Sun. Jamaica has an atmosphere that sets it apart from all the other Caribbean islands. Not only does Jamaica have beautiful beaches—because, lets face it, beautiful beaches cover most of the Caribbean—but it also offers coral reefs, water sports, horseback riding, sport fishing, golf, bird-watching, working plantations, botanical gardens, markets, bamboo raft river rides, Dunn's River Falls, and a whole lot of reggae. The island is covered with all-inclusive resorts that strive to meet your every need. The most popular travel destinations in Jamaica are Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril, because of their commercial resorts. Yet after you leave the island, you'll leave with a lot more than some great pictures, a couple of souvenirs, and feeling pampered. You'll leave with the memory of the warm and gracious people and their easy-going motto on life. Despite wit and work ethic, many Jamaicans live in poverty. When seeing the living conditions of many citizens, you can't help but appreciate and even feel a little guilty for everything we take for granted on a daily basis.

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When traveling in Jamaica, an open mind and common sense go a long way. The driving is little tense, you'll probably be asked occasionally to buy drugs (but not in a scary demanding way), it may feel a little hustled in the markets, and theft from baggage in the airport is not all too rare, but it all just adds to the adventure. The food is great and you can't leave without trying the jerk chicken, many items are duty free, coffee and rum are some of the world's finest, and the overall experience is top notch.

In other words, Jamaica is the kind of place you go to to just take it all in. Staying in groups is a good idea. Most of the resorts arrange transportation for you, and as long as you don't go looking for trouble, you'll have "no worries, mon".

Best Way To Get Around:

The island of Jamaica has two international airports. One in Montego Bay and the other Kingston. Most tourist arrive and depart from Montego Bay.

Once we arrived in Montego Bay, we quickly found the "Couples Resort" area in the airport. It was like a bar and we were offered drinks and a comfortable place to relax for a few minutes. A short time later, we were shuttled the 2½ hour ride to our resort. The main roads were OK, but their was lots of construction and some parts of the road were awful. Every time we left our resort, we were shuttled to our destination.

From what I know, driving yourself on the island is a little tricky. Besides the road conditions, the gas stations close at about 7pm and only take cash. Plus, everything was priced in liters (yes, I am American). So, know what you're signing up for before renting a car. Read Less

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Couples Ocho Rios All-Inclusive

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Hotel

the famous nude island Photo - Couples Ocho Rios All-Inclusive, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Everything about the Couples Resort in Ocho Rios is top notch. I honestly can’t say enough about how wonderful this all inclusive resort really is. This resort is only for couples (male-female). Everything is included in the cost and tipping is not allowed. Although I’ve never actually stayed at a Sandal’s Resort, I think that Couples is very comparable but a lot less commercial and more personal.We were picked up at the airport and drove to the resort. The second we stepped out of the van we were given cool clothes to cool off with and rum punch. Being we were honeymooner our room had a bottle of chilled champagne and we received free massages. The food and drinks were delicious. The ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 9, 2007

Couples Ocho Rios All-Inclusive
P.O. BOX 330
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
+876-975-4271

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Margaritaville

Restaurant

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Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is one of the largest restaurants in Jamaica. The restaurant is able to seat 450 people. Margaritaville has a reputation as a high-energy bar and grill with entertainment continuing late at night, and most people, including me, think that it does live up to its reputation. Attractions include a rooftop whirlpool tub, a 100-foot water slide that goes through the main floor of the restaurant, a pool, along with three bars and a Trading Post. We didn't do any of the water items because we didn't come dressed for that. The decor is a mix of rustic West Indian, African, and Cuban. Everyone has to try one of the world-famous tropical margaritas—they're great!. The menu is bas...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 7, 2007

Margaritaville
Island Village
Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Dunns River Falls

Attraction | "Dunn's River Falls"

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We had a fun time crawling up Dunn's River Falls. The entire waterfall is 600 feet from top to bottom, but the falls is a collection of cascades and pools. Overall it is very safe, but at the same time the force of water can be powerful. They have you hold hands (boy-girl-boy-girl) the entire way up the falls. If a girl slips the guys that hold her hand can usually stop her from falling, but guys aren't so lucky. We saw a bigger guy take a spill and the two girls holding his hand held on to his hands as his face hit a rock. He had a pretty nasty mark on his face, but he was alright. A first-aid station is available. Swimsuits are a must. Rubber sandals (a.k.a. water socks) can be rented for $5...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on April 9, 2007

Dunns River Falls
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
+876-974-2857

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Martha Brae Rafting

Attraction

Quote:

Our resort hooked us up with tour. Although our resort was all-inclusive we did have to pay extra for this, but it was well worth it. We were picked up in a van and when we were finished they took us back to our resort so we didn't have to worry about directions or driving in the crazy traffic.Each couple rides on a 30 foot bamboo raft with their raft captain. Our raft captain, Jamas, was a wonderful man. He made the raft we rode on and everyday he goes to river to take one (or if it's a good day two) couples down the river. Our ride lasted about an hour. Jamas did ask us to buy a gourd that he etched a picture on. It was a nice souvenir and it's hard to say no to people who have so little....Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on April 9, 2007

Martha Brae Rafting
Trelawny
Montego Bay, Jamaica

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Prospect Plantation

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Attraction | "Horseback Riding at Prospect Plantation"

Prospect Plantation Photo - Prospect Plantation, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Horseback riding was offered as an activity that was included in the resort. If the tour isn't included, the cost is $20-$50 depending on what you do. The plantation has a number of different plants that the tour guide will tell you a few interesting facts about. Their are views of Ocho Rios that are spectacular. Plus, the tour guides give a couple demonstrations. One of the older men, he said he was in his late 70s, ran right up a palm tree in seconds, dropped down a couple of coconuts, ran back down the tree, cracked the coconuts open, and gave us a sample. Seeing the elderly man run up a tree was shocking. We also tried a lot of other fruits at the plantation. The old hill...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 7, 2007

Prospect Plantation

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

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Best Way To Get Around:

Couples Ocho Rios All-Inclusive

Margaritaville

Dunns River Falls

Martha Brae Rafting

Prospect Plantation

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