Bay Beach (Turtle Beach)

This nearly 1700-feet long beach has fascinating views of the Caribbean and Ocho Rios' Turtle Bay, and has numerous facilities including bars, bathrooms, changing rooms, and sun beds which are available for hire. There are also plenty of activities to choose from including scuba diving and jet ski — unless you need nothing more than a refreshing dip and a nap in the white sand under the coconut trees.

• Opening hours:

  daily 8am–5pm

Blue Hole

This landmark is a well-known secret of Saint Ann Parish: despite its growing fame as a tourist attraction, it has managed to reserve its secluded quality. Fed by gushing waterfalls and surrounded by rich tropical flora, these stunning azure pools provide a perfect setting for hiking and swimming. Adventure-seekers can even grab rope swings to plunge over the Hole, or sign up for a river tubing tour.

• Web:

  www.coolblueholeochorios.com

• E-mail:

  coolblueholeja@gmail.com

• Address:

  Office: Shop# 10 Office, Double V complex, 109 Main Street, Ocho Rios

• Phone:

  +1 876 777 5226

Bobsledding

Inspired by Jamaica's famous Olympic team, a bobsled ride on this 1000-meter track is the way to go for some adrenaline and an up-close experience of the Jamaican rainforest. The popular operator Mystic Mountain has a long list of other exciting activities, and is located just a stone's throw away from the magnificent Dunn's River Falls.

• Web:

  www.rainforestadventure.com/mystic-mountain-jamaica

• E-mail:

  contact@rainforestadventure.com

• Address:

  Ocho Rios

• Phone:

  +1 876 618 1553

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Wed 8am–5pm, Thu & Fri closed, Sat & Sun 8am–4.30pm

Dunn’s River Falls and Park

Natural formations like the Dunn’s River Falls are a good reason Jamaica has earned herself the nickname "Land of Springs." The 180-feet high, terraced waterfalls flowing down the travertine rocks just before making their way into the Caribbean is a stunning sight in itself, but there is also plenty to do here: climb the rocks, take a refreshing dip, or grab a zipline and see it all from above. There is also a water park for the youngest explorers.

• Address:

  Main Street, Ocho Rios

• Phone:

  +1 876 974 4767

• Opening hours:

  daily 8.30am–4pm

Horseback Riding

For some unconventional sightseeing, saddle up and let an experienced guide show you the city's most remarkable landmarks from natural beauties to architectural gems — then end the trip with a ride straight into the sea for a movie-like finale. There are multiple tour guide operators offering horseback riding near Ocho Rios, including Ocho Rios Jamaica Tours (details below) and Jaital Tours.

• Web:

  www.ochoriosjatours.com/local-island-tours/animal-experiences-tours

• Address:

  Main Street, Ocho Rios

• Phone:

  + 1 876 630 0664

• Opening hours:

  daily 8.30am–10pm

Laughing Waters

The island is packed with locations that are linked to the James Bond franchise. The private beach of Laughing Waters, which also appears in the movie Dr. No, is probably the nearest of all to Ocho Rios. With only a 10-minute ride from downtown, just after Dunn’s River Falls, you can find yourself in one of Jamaica’s most picturesque beaches, where gurgling waterfalls will provide an idyllic setting to your peaceful getaway.

• Web:

  www.udcja.com/venues

• More info:

  The property is managed by the Urban Development Corporation. Rental information is available on their website.