The Must-Do’s In Ocho Rios

Situated on the north coast of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is a destination in its own right thanks to an abundance of beaches, exciting nightlife and more than enough activities to keep even the most active visitor busy all day.

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to narrow down your choices.

Well, our advice is this – start by staying at Couples Resorts for an all-inclusive adult experience, and then check out these things to do.

Adventure Tours. There are a variety of ways for thrillseekers to experience Ocho Rios. From an exciting two-hour ATV safari tour that crisscrosses the island’s scenic mountains and forests, to a horseback ride n’ swim adventure that takes visitors over farmland and an 18th-century sugar plantation, to the warm waters of the Caribbean, where well-trained horses will take you for a dip in the sea. Others may wish to explore the Green Grotto Caves or experience Jamaica by sea with a catamaran cruise. Reggae fans cannot miss the Zion Bus Line and the unique tour that ends at the final resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley.

Off-the-Beaten Path. While the rest of the world zigs, you zag. If that’s the case, then exploring some lesser-known venues is in the cards. Take a visit to the Firefly House, the historic home of playwright Noel Coward, which also served as temporary quarters to such luminaries as Laurence Olivier, Sophia Loren, Alec Guinness, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Or see Ocho Rios from a different angle with a visit to Mystic Mountain, a 700-foot peak that is home to the Rainforest SkyExplorer state-of-the-art chairlift, and Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, a 3,280-foot long sledding adventure. Guests can also traverse the rainforest via zip line. Nature lovers will want to explore the Green Castle Estate, a 1,600-acre ecologically conscious property that is home to the largest orchid and organic farm in the Caribbean, or the Flower Forest and River Head Adventure Trail, which offers up 130 acres of tropical forest as well as a 40-acre landscaped garden.

Shopping. You may come for the beaches and relaxing tropical environment, but there’s more to Ocho Rios than lovely blue water. Visitors have a wealth of shops and boutiques catering to every whim and taste from which to choose. So whether you are looking for fine jewelry and watches, designer clothing, local hand-crafted goods and souvenirs, or some of the finest rum, cigars and spices, the shops of Ocho Rios have it all.

WATCH MORE: Couples Resorts In Jamaica

Golf. What better place to perfect your swing than in Ocho Rios? Duffers have two great courses from which to choose—the Runaway Bay Golf Club and Sandals Golf & Country Club. Runaway Bay’s par-72, 18-hole championship Jewel Golf Course was designed by Major John Harris and has hosted numerous events including the Jamaica Open and the Ryder Cup match between the U.K. and West Indies. It’s known for having long rolling fairways, and large flat greens. Sandals’ course is one of the most scenic courses with stunning views of both the sea and mountains.