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Ocho Rios

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Overview: On Jamaica's north coast, the country's most popular cruise destination, Ocho Rios is a modern resort and cruise liner playground surrounded by tropical mountain and beach scenery.

The best and most popular sights just outside the city are the Dunn's River Fall which empties 600 feet (183m) into the Caribbean Sea and nearby Dolphin Cove where dolphins swim with visitors in a natural setting.

Cruise ships either dock at Ocho Rios Bay cruise terminal located in the central part of town, or Reynolds Pier. When these are full, cruise liners anchor in the harbour and tender passengers into town. The cruise terminals are free of vendors and taxi solicitors. Contact:

Tel: +876 922 0290

Email: paj@portjam.com

www.portjam.com

A tourism office is located in the cruise ship terminal.

Transport: Inside the cruise terminal visitors can arrange for taxi pick up or take a shuttle (Tel: 974-2292). Outside the terminal, passengers can regularly find waiting taxi drivers. JUTA taxies are registered by the government and recommended. There are no buses departing from the cruise terminals although they are available from in town. Attractions: In the city, shopping centres such as Island Village are part museum, like the Reggae Xplosion, and recreation area but the best attractions are in the nearby natural scenery. Dunn's River Fall and Dolphin Cove are the most popular but a rainforest preserve Fern Gully is also a rare sight. Nearby beaches are resort owned and operated which offers a reprieve from the aggressive vendors in the rest of the town. There are also some top golf courses that welcome visitors. Restaurants:

• Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville - Beach side casual haunt with easy western meals and cocktails.
• The Ocho Rios Jerk Center - Very causal open air restaurant centred around all things jerk.
• Evita's - A Celebrity favourite with hilltop views and Italian food.

Best dish: Jerked meat

Shopping: With six different shopping markets there is one around every corner. There are items ranging from duty free luxury goods best found in the port shops to local crafts which can be found in the several craft markets. Prices are usually highly inflated although tough bargaining is expected.

Best buy: Coffee, rum, jerked meat

Excursions:

• Visit Chukka Cove
• Tube the White River
• Pay respects at the Bob Marley Mausoleum
• See the Green Grotto Caves

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