1st time to Jamaica - Hints

Smudger1975

Hi,

My wife and I are off to Ocho Rios in September. It's our first time in Jamaica, anyone got any tips? We're staing in All-Inclusive, and have heard about the Falls trips, that's a definite. Is there anything else we should see/do?

stephb34

When you go to Dunns rivers falls you need a pair of water shoes (can't think of the proper name for them hope you know what i mean) they hire them to you on the trip at 5 us$ each, save some money and buy some cheap ones here before you go, you don't have to walk up the falls you can go up the outside ( no water shoes required for this) as it is very slippy and some people do hurt themselves. You will need mosi things, plug in, repellent etc, and as for currency i'd personally reccommend jamaican $ or sterling, most people would say us$ but its very annoying trying to convert jamaican prices via us$ into sterling.

Smudger1975

Thanks Steph. When you remember what the shoes are called, please let me know! My wife has some things that look like wetsuit feet that she got cos she was scared of jellyfish in Aus, would they be like that?

neilbond007

You need something like this -
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Water-Shoe-Aqua-WetSuit-Factory/dp/B0037SCQBI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311862521&sr=8-1

Personally I'd just rent them for $5. I bought some before I went and have never used them since! (Plus the extra weight in the case).

When I was in Ocho Rios I stopped at 'Couples'. They had also had a Catamaran sunset cruise, horseback riding and the Dunes River Falls included in the cost.
Horse riding was something different... But the scenery is pretty bleak.
The Catamaran booze cruise is always a winner

I wouldn't go in to the town and shop if you're a little shy / intimidated easily. I've heard you get followed around and pressured to buy stuff. not my idea of fun.

MacMickster

Try rafting on the Martha Brae river. A great way to relax.

Arrange your own visits - taxis are usually cheap and available outside the hotels. This is far better than being rushed through the organised tours.

A small tip for the barstaff, waiters and maids will improve the service and your holiday no end.

Learn to love Bob Marley (if you don't already) as you will hear his music throughout your holiday.

Enjoy your holiday immensely.

Be prepared to take a bit of stick from friends and workmates when you find yourself saying "No Problem" frequently on your return

Enterprise_1701C

Just one thing - if you rent the water shoes, do not admit it if you lose one cos you'll have to pay, just throw what's left in the receptacle at the top, the lost ones turn up at the bottom anyway!!

It is worth visiting Bob Marley's house, some great paintings on walls outside, and you learn a lot about him.

Went riding through the coffee plantations - was really nice, and ended up riding in the sea.

It is a wonderful place, we just ended up chilling out most of the time - Jamaica does that to you!!

Smudger1975

Thanks guys.

scheming_gypsy

if you hire a car, don't stop - EVER! every time you stop you'll get your windows cleaned and they really don't like being told to sling it
Don't go to Kingston Town at night
Eat patties and lots of them
Stop at the little jerk shacks and don't be scared to buy jerk chicken or pork just because the place looks a bit grotty
Take a trip to the rum factories but if Ocha Rios is near Montego Bay, it'll take a while to get there

Enterprise_1701C

I would say do not hire a car. There are a lot of mad drivers around and they have a saying "the left side is the right side and the right side is suicide", a lot of drivers used to driving on the right hand side of the road and just expect Jamaica to be the same! Having watched the roads we would not have hired a car if you had paid us!

kittykat100

A trip to see where Blue Mountain coffee was made waslovely and you are able to buy from the top to take home. That coffee was amazing!
I stayed in Montego Bay and quite frankly would not have dreamed of leaving the hotel alone after hearing some reports from others on the same holiday who tried.

However i do believe Ocho Reus was a lot more tourist friendly.
The weather was fab, the sea was warm and the food was gorgeous.
You will have a blast.

I agree with the Bob Marley quote from another poster you will hear it all the time and for someone who does not like reggae I was glad of my IPOD lol

Kittyx