|
|
|
|
|
Falmouth, Braco & Runaway Bay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Braco and Runaway Bay are the heart of a north coast region scattered with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, not far from where Columbus first landed more than 500 years ago.
Amazed by the island's beauty, the explorer declared: "It is the fairest island ever eyes beheld...mountainous, and the land seems to touch the sky." Jamaicans say that Ocho Rios is the place where heaven spills into the seas.
Today, visitors come from all over the world to make their own discoveries in this stimulating yet tranquil resort area, which combines the attractions of one of the Caribbean's most popular ports-of-call with the splendid scenery of the surrounding "garden parish" of St. Ann.
From the open-air museum of Columbus Park in Discovery Bay to the sleepy settlement of Oracabessa, a dazzling sequence of brilliant-blue bays, quaint fishing villages and soft, sandy coves beckon sunbathers, swimmers and watersports enthusiasts.
It's also a mecca for music fans: One of Jamaica's most famous sons is celebrated in the tiny village of Nine Miles during the first week of February, when official birthday celebrations for reggae legend Bob Marley, who was born and is buried there, attract hundreds of visitors.
Beyond the renowned resorts and golf courses of Runaway Bay, there's horseback riding at Chukka Cove, an equestrian resort facility that features polo matches, lessons and trail rides through neighboring plantations. At St. Ann's Bay, the Seville Great House & Heritage Park includes artifacts from the excavated colony of Sevilla La Nueva (New Seville) that was founded in 1509 by Columbus's son.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our FREE Newsletter keeps you up to date on:
- Last Minute Deals
- Limited Space Specials
- Latest Travel News
- And More!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One of the island's best-known natural attractions is Dunn's River Falls, a dramatic 600-foot drop of cascading water that's considered the Niagara of the Caribbean. A highlight of any trip to Ocho Rios is a careful climb up its limestone tiers, followed by a swim at the beach below.
 The three-mile drive through vine-draped Fern Gully includes close-up views of 30-foot-tall fern trees and other specimens unique to the island. Transfixing vistas of the coast and a profusion of indigenous plants, flowers and trees are offered at Shaw Park Gardens, while a look at Jamaica's indigenous Taino Indian culture is provided at the Coyaba River Garden and Museum, in another leafy tropical setting.
Abundant crops of sugarcane, coffee and bananas have been harvested since the 18th century at Prospect Plantation, which offers tours and horseback riding. Further east, Harmony Hall is a restored Victorian mansion with an art gallery that sells some of the finest art and crafts on the island.
When night comes, you can take a canoe ride up the torch-lit White River, a journey that includes a folklore show, dinner and open bar, or take in the dinner theater performance at the Little Pub. Fine dining in exotic settings is also available at restaurants like the Ruins and the Almond Tree--or try Evita's, where the menu features unique Jamaican-Italian specialties like "Rasta Pasta."
Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios overflow with places to stay, from traditional high-rise hotels to all-inclusive resorts which cater specifically to families or to couples only. A number of elegant resorts offer luxurious old-world ambience and service; numerous moderate low-key lodgings flourish along the beach, and the a number also offer modern spa facilities to their guests. Several charming small hotels and inns provide a different kind of Ocho Rios experience.
Further inland, fishing, boating and horseback riding are included in an excursion to the Goshen Wilderness Resort, set amidst forested green hills. A few miles further east, in the town of Oracabessa, Goldeneye--the former home of author Ian Fleming--is now an exclusive villa resort with a celebrity clientele, close to James Bond Beach.
From here, it's only a few miles to Firefly, where Noel Coward lived and is buried. Built on a hilltop that was once a lookout point for the pirate Henry Morgan, the house is now open to the public for tours and special functions, including afternoon tea.
The town of Ocho Rios is a lively blend of sun and fun. It's vibrant and diverse. Centrally located on Jamaica's North Coast, it is a crossroads of things to do, places to see. So, runaway, discover Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Braco & Runaway Bay… like Columbus, you'll see that this is no ordinary place.
Jamaica Tourism Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things "To See & Do" - Falmouth, Braco & Runaway Bay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beaches
|
|
 The beaches in the small resort areas of Falmouth, Braco & Runaway Bay are some of the best in Jamaica. Secluded and calm, these beaches are great for finding a nice spot under a palm tree and relaxing the day away . If you prefer to take part in some of the watersports that the Island offers, the waters here are clear and tranquil.
|
|
Diving
|
|
Jamaica's underwater world is filled with spectacular caves, canyons and crevices...schools of shimmering tropical fish...star, rose and giant pillar coral. All the equipment you need is available from licensed diving operators.
Couples Hotel
Tel: 876-975-4271-5
Enchanted Gardens
Tel: 876-972-1937
Jamaqua Dive Centre
Tel: 876-973-4845
E-mail: webedivin@jamaqua.com
Resort Divers
Tel: 876-974-5338
Reef Divers
Tel: 876-973-4400
Sandals Ocho Rios
Tel: 876-974-5961-3
Sandals Dunn's River
Tel: 876-972-1750
Sans Souci Lido and Buscobel Beach Club
Tel: 876-974-5344
|
|
Exploring
|
|
Polo
|
|
Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre
Hotly contested matches featuring leading local and international riders.
|
|
|
|
Waterfall Climbing
|
|
Dunn's River Falls & Park
Climb up, up, up 600 feet through cool, cascading waters with the help of an expert guide. One of our visitors' favourites! 9am-5pm, daily.
|
|
Deep Sea Fishing
|
|
Charters can be arranged for half or full days through hotels or directly through operators. Approximate cost for half a day, US$300, includes boat, captain, crew and equipment. Four to six passengers, depending on boat size. Popular game fish include marlin, tuna, barracuda, bonito, kingfish and dolphin.
Independent operators:
King Fisher & Sun Fisher
Tel: 876-974-2726
Mitzy
Tel: 876-974-2527
Sunfisher Ltd.
Tel: 876-994-2294
Triple "B"
Tel: 876-975-3273
|
|
Golf
|
|
Runaway Bay
The Superclubs Breezes Runaway Bay Course is a Par 72, 18-hole championship course offering an exhilarating experience for beginners and accomplished golfers alike. Designed by Commander John Harris, the course was opened in 1960 and features sand bunkers, long rolling fairways, and large flat greens protected by grassy mounds. The host of many championship events, the course measures 5,389 yards and is slope rated 117 from the forward trees. From the back it measures 6,870 yards and is slope rated 124. The course is well trapped, protecting it from certain errand shots and wind gusts of up to 35 mph. Guests of the resort receive unlimited greens fees and complimentary entrance to the on-site golf school.
|
|
Shopping
|
|
In the craft markets and stores you can find items of wood  (by Rastafarians and Maroons), straw, batik (from a number of good textile companies) and embroidery; the hand-knitted woollen gold, red, green Rasta caps (with or without black dreadlocks affixed) are very cheap. Jewellery from Blue Mountain Gems, near Rose Hall, Montego Bay area. For art and ceramics, Devon House gallery, Chelsea Galleries on Chelsea Road, Gallery 14, Old Boulevard Gallery, Grosvenor Gallery, Contemporary Art Centre in Liguanea. Blue Mountain coffee is excellent, cheaper at airport duty free shop than in supermarkets or tourist shops.
Please remember to check with legislation (and your conscience) before buying articles made from tortoiseshell, crocodile skin, and certain corals, shells and butterflies. Many such animals are protected and should not be bought as souvenirs. It is illegal to take or possess black or white coral in Jamaica; sea turtles are protected and you should refuse to buy products made from their shells. The closed season for lobster fishing is April-June, so if lobster is on the menu check where it has come from.
Some shopkeepers offer a 10-15% discount on all goods but in fact merely refrain from adding the tax when payment is made. Street vendors never add tax.
Photographic film is reasonably easily obtained but take spares of essentials such as Lithium batteries as they are difficult to find and expensive. Glare and UV light is constant, take suitable filters. Do not photograph Jamaicans without their permission, the men, particularly in Kingston, can get aggressive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coming Soon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
