Best Things To Do With One Day in Ocho Rios

Dunns River Falls and the Mystic Mountain Bobsled are 2 of the best ways to spend a day in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Many cruise ships spend a day in Jamaica. Several years ago when we cruised the Western Caribbean with Disney. We stopped at Cozumel Mexico, George Town Grand Cayman, and Falmouth Jamaica.

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We try to take advantage of port days to see everything we can at each location. In Grand Cayman, we visited a turtle farm and Hell, Grand Cayman. We helped sail the True North IV racing sailboat and ate at Margaritaville in Cozumel.

Dunns River Falls

The most dangerous and thrilling excursion was in Jamaica. I cannot swim (I know – I should learn even at my old age). When we do things like the sailboat, I feel OK because I wear a life jacket.

Dunns River Falls is a famous waterfall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The falls are a natural waterfall that is fed by underground spring water. Cold spring water!

The falls are 180 feet high. It has several small lagoons between the vertical sections of the falls. While the falls’ tiered appearance may make you think it’s man-made, this is actually the result of lime deposits in the water that continuously build up rock in a staircase formation while the water continues to flow over. Dunn’s River Falls is also one of the few waterfalls in the world to actually flow directly into the sea!

I need to be clear – this is not a hike to see a waterfall – it is a hike up the falls!

The climb included a couple of local tour guides from the park. We started at the base of the falls and made a human chain of the group getting ready to climb. This chain was necessary in order to navigate up the falls. The rock was very slippery. I fell at least once and was helped along by my chain mates.

Many times along the journey I questioned my sanity!

We wore water shoes which helped some. Tennis shoes would not be a good idea! The guides were barefooted and jumped around the falls when I could barely stand up!

At one of the lagoons, the guides told us to fall back into the water. They were there to catch us and stand us back up.

One of the guides videotaped our adventure and we, of course, bought the DVD. If you get the opportunity to climb Dunns River Falls, bring cash for a tip to your guides, the DVD, and souvenirs.

(Because of the really wet conditions, I only have the video and one picture we purchased 🙂 )

Mystic Mountain Bobsled

The Mystic Mountain adventure includes several experiences. It starts with a Sky Explorer chairlift for about a 15-minute ride through the thick tropical forest overlooking the clear water of the Caribbean Sea. The chairlift goes to the top of the mountain, about 700 feet. The chairlift ride will pass through the top of the rainforest canopy, giving you a view of the cliff-lined north shore and the treetops. This is just one of the exciting activities at Mystic Mountain.

When you get to the top of the mountain, there is an educational pavilion where you can see interactive Jamaican history exhibits.

At the park, we had a yummy Jamaican meal and social time with the other tour group members. We were also treated by Jamaican entertainers. It was so much fun!

Then get prepared for the Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain! This signature ride is a gravity-driven plunge through 3,280 feet of twists and turns on a specially designed sled. You can relive the glory of the 1988 and 1992 Jamaican Olympic bobsled teams.

The track route for the bobsled run was designed to fit in the natural landscape. So, the trail curves around ancient trees and hugs majestic cliff faces.

The bobsled is controlled with an in-sled handbrake, allowing for either a leisurely tour through the forest or a pulse-quickening dive to the bottom of the mountain. My husband was the navigator and believe me, our ride was a heart-pounding ride!

At the Mystic Mountain park, there is also an infinity pool and breathtaking views of Ocho Rios below.

The tour we took was worth every penny! Climbing up Dunns River Falls, Jamaican food and entertainment, and the exciting bobsled ride! If you have the chance to experience a day like this in Jamaica – take it!

Fun and exciting things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica! #Travel #Jamaica #OchoRios Share on X

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