Rafting Down the Rio Grande

River rafting in Jamaica was given birth at Rio Grande. Before this activity popularized as to what it is right now, let us travel back to its rich history. Not everyone knows that river rafting here started as a means of transporting banana products from the inland plantations to Port Antonio. It was then that rafting has been persuaded as this kind by Errol Flynn who used to dare his guests in rafting during moonlight along the river. 

At present, bamboo rafting activity at Rio Grande continues growing as a popular attraction to tourists. The calmness of Jamaican waters spiced up with the most beautiful views really takes on an amazing adventure. Considered as one of the most magical experiences in the world, no one will dare try to reject stepping up to bamboo rafting. Relax above the blue waters on a bamboo raft made for two as you take a glimpse on Jamaica’s picture-perfect views. 

The Itinerary of the Bamboo Raft Tour

For about two and a half hours, you’ll experience the ultimate vacation treat at Jamaica. Rio Grande Tours provide this awesome experience to those who are willing and able. The trip usually starts at either at Grants Level or Berrydale up to Rafters Rest as the ending point. The duration of the trip greatly depends on your point of entry, the agility of the boatman, and the speed of the river current. The thirty-foot raft is being steered by a trained ‘captain’, and is also the one to take care of your safety along the trip. 

Things to Expect along the Trip

The approximately two and a half hour trip will definitely take on a different experience. It is a perfect time to be one with nature again as you indulge yourself in all its goodness. Expect to pass through rainforests and farmlands along the way that will satisfy your sight-seeing. Gaze through the wide and shallow waters of Rio Grande and grab the chance to spot some of the local birds like the Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets that accentuate the skies. Along the route are several vendors also that sell a variety of food and drinks crucial to keep you being hydrated. You have the privilege to ask your boatman to stop on any of these stores to taste yourself what Rio Grande has to offer for your empty tummy.

The Rio Grande River located at Port Antonio has long created an unbreakable legacy for vacation-seekers. Even up to the present, vacation really means something special and soothing to the senses as you choose Rio Grande to be the site of your next trip.

Image credits: tripadvisor.com

Top Jamaica Tourist Destinations

Central America’s one of the country’s largest island in the Caribbean Sea - Jamaica.  It’s an extremely popular vacation destination. Why? Because it offers a beautiful environment, the sun and extreme weather and the unforgettable moment you’ll experience when you visit in top destinations of Jamaica.

Place to relax under the sun, enjoy the white sand beaches, snorkel in its crystal clear waters and dive into the water and meet different sea animals. The most adventurous can choose to climb up its cascading waterfalls. Or just sit and relax while enjoying a close overview to crocodiles and learn more about flora and fauna.

Jamaica: Top Tourist Destinations

Doctor’s Cave Beach-Montego Bay. The Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and near white sand beaches. The beach is bordered by trees, and has a lot of facilities: bar, restaurant, well-appointed changing rooms and showers. The beach is under the protected Montego Bay Marine Park, which has many species to be seen on coral reefs which can be viewed by snorkelers, probably using local boats to access the best locations.

Dunn’s River Falls-Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River Falls is a famous water fall near Ocho Rios, Jamaica and a major Caribbean tourist attraction. In fact, it is the top-grossing tourist site in Jamaica. The falls is surrounded by lush, green vegetation that provides shade for visitors. The waterfalls are deck like giant natural stairs through some incorporate man-made improvements. It takes approximately 30 minutes to climb the falls, incorporate with tour guides.

Black River Safari-St. Elizabeth Parish. Black river is the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish, in southwestern Jamaica. It’s a haven for ecological tours owing to the vast swamplands and rivers. The Black River Safaris allow you to get close to native crocodiles and savor local dishes at shack on the waterside. These fun-filled guided tours take place a comfortable boat that gives you the opportunity to learn a limitless amount about the areas of flora and fauna. The tour seems to bring one’s mind closer to how great creation is. Neighboring attractions on Jamaica’s south coast include the Lover’s Leap, cascading Ys Falls and Treasure Beach.

Bob Marley Museum-Kingston. The Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the reggae musician Bob Marley. It details the life and achievements of the reggae legend. An hour-long tour provides an insights into Bob Marley’s fascinating life and ends with a short film about the reggae superstar’s final days. The museum is located at 56 Hope Road, Kingston 6, and is Bob Marley’s former place of residence.        

Blue Lagoon Jamaica.  Blue lagoon is located at Port Antonio and is popular travel destination for families and honeymooners. The water seems a little bit magic on it, as the color changes throughout the day, depending on the sun moves over it. During your arrival, the water look turquoise but you may notice during your boat ride, the water changes to a deeper sapphire or even royal blue. Another popular attraction is the home of top-class Blue Lagoon Hotel. Blue Lagoon Jamaica also offers a popular activity that everyone must try, a boat ride along the coast to nearby Monkey Island.  

Image credits: moztravel.org 

Some Pointers for Jamaica Zip line Tours

Zip line tours are no unfamiliar adventure to anyone. In fact, it has been one of the most popular modalities of canopy trips engaged in by people from all walks of life—in different forms and sizes. However, as more and more of people’s interests are being caught by such a ‘trip’, it is best that we do not just benefit for fun, but for learning as well.

In Jamaica, there are lots of activities offered whether you prefer trekking the rainforest by land or travelling through the canopies. As much as there are a huge number of zip line tours around, so there are a lot of things you need to know about riding a zip line in Jamaica.

With regards to zip lining, there are two important places in Jamaica: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Region. On the North western coast of the island is a resort town named Montego Bay. It is popular by welcoming many cruise ships each week. In just half an hour you will reach the longest zip line in the Caribbean located in the small community of Lethe. Including the 1,600-foot Big Timba, you will enjoy the Zip line Adventure Tours that operates five lines. Their professional guides transport guest from one line to the next via jungle rope bridges. To finish the tour, guest ride in Pinzgauers, a military troop transport vehicles, for an off-road eco tour. The tour company requires weighing between 60 to 265lbs. and under 6 feet, 5 inches in height. They also require that children be at least 10 years of age. The Original Canopy Tour also runs a zip line near Montego Bay. It requires people weighing 265lbs. or less, and it includes a 1,000 foot run.

On the North central coast of the island that serves as the second port of call for many cruise lines sailing through the Caribbean named Ocho Rios. The Original Canopy Tour operates 9 zip lines, where guests soar above both the trees and the river of the Cranbrook Flowering Tree Sanctuary. It requires children to be at least 10 years old, and all the guests must weigh less than 265lbs. but must also be able to wear the restraints. The tour takes approximately two hours.

Safety Reminders: Always remember that safety first. When traveling on the zip line you need to secure your protection first. Zip line tour is not applicable for pregnant women or for person suffering from heart conditions or severe back pain. Always consider to wear closed-toe shoes with secure backs to keep your feet protected during the tour, and hiking shoes since most of the tour include a walk through the jungle. Wearing jewelries are also excluded during the tour because it can get tangled in the harness.   

Image credits: realtoursjamaica.com

Night Life in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios in Jamaica is not just a place to enjoy during the day, but also perfect for nightlife. Being a resort town at Jamaica’s northern coast, we can say that this is a very suitable place for clubbing and partying. Before Ocho Rios is just a place for many tourists just for the day, and disappears in the night. It is because of this reason that the place soon established several night clubs often courtesy of a hotel or a resort to keep visitors from banging in even in the darkness and coolness of the night. Listed here are some of the nightclubs you can find in Ocho Rios:

Amnesia. This club tops the list of party hoppers in Ocho Rios. If you’re looking not for Americanized but purely Jamaican taste of nightclub, Amnesia is perfect. Located at the Main Street, Amnesia offers everything from live music to foam parties. Experience here will definitely kick your night away with a bang.

Jamaic'N Me Crazy. This is also one of the tourists’ favorites. This is located at Sunset Jamaica Grande, and offers an Americanized style of night partying. Its high technology sounds and light systems are assets to tourists and even the party atmosphere with large crowds and drinks variation. 

Little Pub. What’s interesting about Little Pub is that aside from offering hotel accommodations, you can also enjoy the night with a variety of activities for different interests of people. A live band is there to entertain for six nights a week, DJs playing live Jamaican musicals and even sports match are shown via satellite for the benefit of sports fanatics. People with hungry stomachs will also take delight in their expert-made dishes.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. It is considered to be the liveliest place in town, having three separate bars in it- the Havana Day Dreamin’ Bar with serpentine waterslide, the main bar area and the Rooftop Bar. It also offers wide variety of dishes for different taste buds.

James Street. If you’re looking for reggae-themed party music atmosphere with the locals, James Street is the perfect site for you. Called the “Reggae Strip”, it includes a number of nightclubs and bars with live DJ music, one of those is the Jack Ruby Bar and Grill.

Club Memories. Located at the corner of Dacosta Drive and Main Street at Ocho Rios, this club is popularized by its varying theme every night. For instance, on Thursday, the theme is Ladies Night.

Image credits: valenciavillajm.com

Mystic Mountain Adventure

Ocho Rios in Jamaica is blessed with a place where in one can view Ocho Rios or the country itself on a different view point. So if you’re tired of exploring the lowlands of Jamaica, why not try exploring it close to the sky? 

One significant aspect of Mystic Mountain is its location. It is in the heart of Ocho Rios and just five minutes away from the other popular tourist site in Jamaica, the Dunn’s River Falls. The Mystic Mountain, coming from its name is indeed a magical place for tourists of all walks of life. Consider the richness of the ecosystem you’ll get to observe, and take time to relax and be in one with nature as the views serenade you.

In Mystic Mountain are three nature trip adventures that you’ll surely desire to try:

Bobsledding in Jamaica. As you approach Mystic Mountain, you might first hear of this one that is their signature attraction. The idea of this ride is inspired by the Jamaican Bobsledding team that represents the country during competitions. This is a 100 meter high-tech sled that is completely controlled by gravity. The tour extends from the Mountain through the landscapes in Jamaica and up to the coastal views. What’s important to note is that the sled has a break on the side that will enable you to control the speed of your own sled.

Be lifted by the Sky Explorer. The Sky Explorer will be the one to welcome you as you enter the Mystic Mountain. It is a state-of-the-art chairlift that is tasked to bring the visitors 700 feet higher to the top of the Mountain. Consequently, this is the first ride that will give you a sneak peek of the nature’s abundance in Jamaica. The Sky Explorer is also a way for you to ride the Bobsled. Lastly, as you enjoy the view and the feeling being on top, you will be filled with knowledge of the culture and people of Jamaica.

Slide through the Zip line. This might probably be the most familiar rainforest adventure to you, but the way Mystic Mountain have it is different. The zip line tour is composed of a series of suspended lines that allow you to glide through the rainforest canopy with ease. Once you’re done, the Sky Explorer will bring you back to the mountain. 

This is that kind of adventure that will not let you walk with your feet on the ground. In Mystic Mountain, it always feels like flying.

Image credits: blog.rainforestadventure.com

Ocho Rios is a town in the north coast of Jamaica in the parish of St. Ann. The literal translation of the name Ocho Rios is ‘eight rivers’, but this does not really describe this region of Jamaica. Ocho Rios is believed to be an adulteration of the name “Las Chorreras” which means ‘the spouts’ or simply, the waterfalls. It is claimed that the British are the ones responsible for this misnomer because of the Dunn’s River Falls nearby the village.Before, Ocho Rios is just a fishing village, but now this place is known to tourists. This place also became notable for its exposure in the first James Bond film, Dr. No as the home of Miss Taro and also featured as a primary location for “Piranha II: The Spawning’ movie. Furthermore, after several developments, Ocho Rios is now known to be a very beautiful resort stunned with amazing beaches and waterfalls. Also, there are interesting colonial-period buildings like the Geddes Memorial Church famous as an attraction to tourists.

Aside from the aforementioned spots in Ocho Rios, there are still lots of places to visit and activities to offer:

Have a step on the Dunn’s River Falls. The Dunn’s is probably the most famous site in Ocho Rios. Here everyone is able to climb up and down the falls along with the rushing waters because of its stepping stones along the middle of the falls. Also, there is a Dunn’s River Feast in each week suited for party people, where you can dance, sing and swim at the same time.

Have a trip on the Mystic Mountain. The eco-friendly Mystic Mountain is a winner for Ocho Rios attractions and your adventure here will be definitely worth remembering. One trip can take you 700 feet high up above the rainforest and blue waters. You can choose among the four adventure trips, or probably try them all: Sky Explorer, Mystic Waterslide, Bobsled Ride or the Canopy Zip line.

Take a dive on the Dolphin Cove. Three minutes from the famous Dunn’s River Falls is a marine attraction called the Dolphin Cove. In here you can experience an up-close and personal encounter with bottlenose dolphins in the Caribbean Sea. Your day will not be wasted as you try to have a nature trail or maybe kayaking.

See how wonderful life is in the Reggae Beach. Wonder why this beach is named like this? Well, you’ll get to enjoy soft reggae music here as you lie on the coast and taste the calmness and beauty of the beach. Witness a white-sand beach at its best and delight yourself in tasty local cuisines offered by seaside restaurants.

Image credit: http://www.bahighlife.com/

Why you must try Zipline in Jamaica’s Rainforest

A rainforest trip or a nature trip to the country of Jamaica will never be complete without a zip line canopy adventure. A place of refuge filled with beautiful rainforests and vast tree canopies are just perfect to experience the thrill and excitement of riding a zip line.

Just like any other rainforests in the world, Jamaica’s rainforest have a lot of zip line and canopy tours to offer for first time or even common visitors. These tours assure everyone trying it that their adventure in Jamaica will be treasured as an experience of a lifetime. Zip line tours are top-on-the-list in Jamaica when you’re looking for amazing nature trip experiences.

Here we’ve listed reasons why you should try a zip line adventure in Jamaica:

Zip lining takes your rainforest adventure to the next level. You might think that riding a zip line serves only one reason: to provide a thrilling adventure for those who want it. But that’s not the case; indeed, zip lines are invented to travel goods and now persons, to one end of the canopy or a hill to another. Just like riding an elevator compared to taking the stairs, definitely you’ll find more enjoyment and accessibility with zip lining rather than just walking on a rainforest floor. 

Zip lining provides you with a bird’s eye view of wildlife in Jamaica. Soaring above tree tops is a great way to explore the canopy of trees providing you with a good look of trees, plants and animals above. Although you might not see the plants and animals on the ground, travelling above the trees near the sky is definitely a new experience and a new opportunity to learn about wildlife.

Montego Bay Region and Ocho Rios Region offer great zip line adventures. There are perfect places in Jamaica that will provide you zip lines of a lifetime. At Montego Bay found on the northwestern side of Jamaica, you will find the longest zip line in the Caribbean. The 1600 feet line named Big Timba, is just one of the five lines. After soaring above the forest canopy, the guides will take you to an off-road ride through Pinzgauers. On the other hand, Ocho Rios Region found on the north central edge of Jamaica will not just take you above trees, but also above a river on the Cranbook Flowering Tree Sanctuary.

A zip line trip from a mountain top to a forest floor is offered. If you’re tired of the usual zip lines transporting you from one end of the forest to its another end, or one mountain top to a lower mountain top, there’s a new experience made for you. At the Mystic Mountain Adventure Park you can experience six lines, a vertical rappel then a suspension bridge. The end of the zip line tour will definitely give you nerve tickles. You’ll get to ride on their Rainforest Sky Explorer which is a chairlift that will take from the canopy to the rainforest ground.

Image credits: http://www.tripadvisor.com/