Ocho Rios

[stephi]

Did any one do the Brimmer plantation excursion?
Can somebody tell me something about the dolphin cove in ocho rios?
Which excursion would you recommand?
We will go with RCCL in september!

Stephi.

 

[Cruizer]

Dunns River Falls is EXTREMELY popular. I did the River Tubing Safari. Have not done any of the others, including Dunns Rivers Falls (I will do that next time). I enjoyed the River Tubing Safari. Here is a short blurb about it ...

One of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets is the river tubing safari tour.

On this excursion you will:

* Take a short 30-minute ride through Jamaica’s mountainous interior.
* Start your adventure at "Spanish Bridge", the 17th century landmark where your guides await.
* Participate in a short orientation and begin your three-mile adventure down the White River.
* Pass bamboo and coconut plantations as well as a host of beautiful scenery.
* Stop at the famous "White River Valley" for a taste of Jamaican Jerk and enjoy impressive views of the tropical side of Jamaica.
* Discover in addition to the natural beauty, there is the Bar and Grill and gift shop for your exploration.

Note: Maximum weight limit 230 lbs. Minimum age is 6 years old.

 

[Ted_D]

Stephi,

I can't help you with the Brimmer Plantation question, but I have been to Ocho Rios and definitely
recommend that if you decide to go ashore an organized excursion is the only way to go. Of all
Caribbean ports, I think those in Jamaica pose the greatest challenges for all but the bravest of travelers.

First, there is a relatively high crime rate. Second, there are literally a couple of hundred "hawkers" who will be right outside of the dock's security area trying to sell you things, take you on tours, etc. They are VERY aggressive and not for the faint of heart. The folks running the excursions shield the guests from most of that and your experience is a lot more pleasant, in my opinion. Third, the roads are very bad and poorly signed, so I would never think of renting a car and setting out on my own, which I have done on lots of other islands.

I have been to Dunns River Falls and enjoyed it. I would tell you, however, that it is fairly strenuous and isn't for the aged, handicapped, or those who are "balance challenged". . .

Enjoy your cruise.

Ted

 

[floridaheidi]

My daughter and I did the RC excursion of Dunns Falls and the Dolphin Swim combo. It was really fun. Dunns Falls is very challenging. The water is also very cold, but after hiking up a ways you welcome the refreshing temperatures. Bring an underwater camera and the falls guide will take any pictures you want with it, just hand it to him. Don't forget to tip your guide and his assistant at the end.

Dolphin Cove was also very fun. They have a little nature walk with caged animals along the way. Kind of corny, but ok. You can do it while you are waiting your turn to swim with the dolphins. First of all don't waste your money on the Dolphin Encounter/Touch. YOu'll wish that you paid the extra to swim with them once you are there and then it's too late. You also don't need to know how to swim since you wear a life vest. Don't wear any jewelry in Ocho Rios - once because they will wrap tape all around it with the dolphins and two because it may get broke at Dunns Falls. Once you are done I purchased two pictures of my daughter and I with our dolphin at the souvineer shop (a bit on the pricey side, but worth it now that we are home).

 

[CODNERZ]

I WAS IN OCHO RIOS MARCH 2006. It was the best port of all. We got a tour through Pete Taylor, and and took us anywhere we wanted all day for 30.00 each. That included Dunns addmission. he will take you tubing, etc... anywhere. He took us to schools and neighborhoods. I felt very safe as he was very respected in the community. Many other stories I heard from others on ship were bad if they took ship tour.I booked Pete online.Do not go out alone, can be intimidating for a first timer expecially.Dunns was fun, we climbed alone(they will try to tell you that a guide is necessary, just walk by and say no thank you-they want a tip to take you. They rush you and it isnt as fun-we had a blast-bruises and all)Pete gave us these tips. He also said do not leave the Dunns river Falls by teh vendors exit-the vendors will grab you and are very harassing-the workers wil tell you you have to exit that way, but you dont have too. Shopping wasnt good. It is beatutiful from high up in town, be sure to take pictures down at port area of the cruise ships docked. I brought a waterproof camera!!Must have for Dunns!! Also stop by Margaritaville on way back(Pete will take you-then walk back to ship)Yes very touristy_But you have to do it once-Go on the slide!!! Blast!!I heard lost of bad reviews and dreaded Ocho Rios, but It was the best time of all the ports!!

I heard about Brimmer planatation, and it was not good-they took you by covered wagon(car trailer) and hardly said much. Just like riding around in 100 degree farm,. If you are a city person it may be interesting, but boring to a farm girl like me.

 

[boba]

I've been to Ocho Rios twice and went to Dolphin Cove and Dunn's Falls both times. The dolphin "touch" was pretty lame, should have done the swim. The animals on the nature trail were my favorite part. They let you hold and take pics with iguanas, exotic birds, snakes, etc. We loved it. We had a great time at Dunns Falls and had a great guide each time.