Ocho Rios does not, as its name suggests, have eight rivers. The original Spanish name was, appropriately, Las Chorreras (meaning "waterfalls"), which the English settlers inexplicably garbled into Ocho Rios.

Rivers are, however, a very prominent feature of the Ocho Rios area. Most famous of these rivers, which also boasts Jamaica's most famous waterfall, is Dunn's River. No one should miss the experience of climbing this magnificent falls!

Today, Ocho Rios is one of the most popular travel destinations in Jamaica, boasting a wide range of attractions and activities. From craft markets to art galleries; from roadside "Jerk Pork" stands to European style restaurants; from strolling the beach to teeing off on world class golf courses; from snorkeling in a sheltered cove to Para Sailing over the sea, Ocho Rios has indeed much to offer!

Ocho Rios is in the Parish of St. Ann, called the "Garden Parish" because of it's lush tropical beauty. Shaw Park Gardens, famous for its profusion of hibiscus and poinsettia and its breathtaking view of the bay and coast below, is just minutes away.

Also nearby is Fern Gully, a three-mile roadway through a river bed, with numerous twists and turns beneath a canopy of lush topical rain forest foliage.

For reggae enthusiasts, the final resting place of Jamaica's reggae superstar, the Honourable Bob Marley is at nearby "Nine Miles" which is near the town of Runaway Bay, so named as the area where many runaway slaves escaped before emancipation.

You can learn more about Ocho Rios, and Jamaica by visiting Jamaica's Premier National Website on our Useful Links page.

Home    Apartments    Dining    Getting Here    Rates    Attractions
Picture Gallery    About Ocho Rios    Useful Links    Contact