Hello:

We have been to Jamaica several times and love this island.

Ochie area:

A must do obviously is Dunns River Falls---people come from all over the world to participate in the climb up the falls.

Another great place to visit is Dolphin Cove---swim and interact with the dolphins.

Everyone buys souveniors---head to the straw markets---amazing buys, lots to choose from, and the crafts are unbelievable (check out the carvings, jewlery).

We went horseback riding along the beach and into the mountains---it was a lot of fun.

Hope this helps,

Taly

PS: not sure how far it is to get to the Blue Mountain Train Ride from Ochie---this is another amazing tour to take---go up into the mountains by train---half way up you stop at this little material like store---you choose either skirt, shirt, shorts, etc, and the material (island designs: flowery, palm trees, birds, etc)---then on the way back down you stop again and pick up your finished product. I bought a swimsuit cover-up (1984) and still use it---LOL.

I second Dunn's River Falls. I would also suggest day tours to different parts of the island. I visited Jamaica in 2003 and stayed in Negril. We took several day tours and even visted Dunn's River. I think it was about a 2.5 to 3 hour bus ride from Negril but the coast road (though bumpy) is absolutely gorgeous and the views are stunning. If you can, take a few trip to Negril and visit Rick's Cafe and Half Moon Bay (not actually in Negril).

we have been on lots of excursions all of which were fantastic. I would recommend you go to

Kingston and strawberry hill which has breathtaking views, have to see them.

Negril beach for the day and got to ricks cafe to see the cliff divers, you can join in if you are brave. Then see the sunset very romantic.

Dolphin cove

Dunns River

Nine mile

Fern gulley

Luminous lagoon

YS falls and Appleton rum factory, this is a 3hr plus drive each way. we did the combined tour booked through the hotel, one of our first trips in jamaica. Have never booked through the hotel again always use moodie to take us everywhere. All the other places mentioned above moodie, (a private driver/guide) we know has taken us there. Always have a fab time with him. If you want to contact him his no is 876 404 6396. He is a great guy

Staying in Ocho Rios, I wouldn't necessarily travel over to Negril - I would rather save that for another trip!

You can check this site for some info:

http://www.leestours.com/Attractions_1.htm

we went to negril for the day and loved it. It took about 2 and half hrs each way and would do it again.It did not seem that far as we were entertained by the private driver we know. Nice scenery drive too. But thats just me.

The falls are a must see and the best way to go is on the Sandals Catamaran. They take you to a snorkaling spot and then to the falls. On the way back it's a party. Very fun.

Nine Mile is an iteresting experiance. We enjoyed it but if your offended by ganja don't go.

The Appleton estates is an education on rum. Fun and tasty.

I would not recomend the shopping tours. It's haggaling and there are nights and afternoons that the resort has people selling crafts. Buy your liquer at the airport on your way home.

Whatever you do it will be great because even just being in Jamaica is increadable.

Be offended by Ganja thats like being mad at a rose or something. Nine mile is the tour to do Smoke or no smoke this tour is much more than this.

when we went to nine mile there were people selling ganja but noone was smoking it. Maybe it depends what time of day you go. We went in the afternoon and it was the last tour of the day, there were about 8 of us altogether doing the tour.I dont smoke and i enjoyed the nine mile tour. Very interesting to do and you learn alot.

IS NINE MILE IN OCHO RIOS or is it in Negril. Since there are smokers traveling with me I know they would love this excursion.