Jamaica - Montego Bay? Oches Rios?

[bulletsworld]

Ever been there in December? Weather? Did you go swimming with the Dolphins? See the waterfalls? Did you love it there? Where did you stay? Pro's and Cons? Would you go back? Or have your heard of any info from co-workers or friends about their trip to Jamacia?

We are trying to decide where to stay if in Montego Bay or Oches Rios. We are most likely gonna stay at an all inclusive resort but we are open for suggestions ifyou have any.

Thanks a bunch for any info.

[muck]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

We are trying to decide where to stay if in Montego Bay or Oches Rios.

Which one is clothing optional?

[Quagmire]

Originally Posted by muck

Which one is clothing optional?

I could tell you of a great place in Dominican,but 5 days cost the same as a large fully stocked reef tank.

[Chaloupa]

Ocho Rios! My vote...as in the other thread this place is amazing in December...it was the best trip EVER! We went diving, horseback riding in the ocean, climbed the falls, um WOW...was stung by a very large Jellyfish which really sucked but (and NO, no one pee'd on me...we used "urea" cream...I know, I know EEEEWWWW but at least they didn't have to pee on me...man did it hurt, felt like my shoulder and chest were on fire!) didn't stop us from just having an amazing trip! I will try to find some pics to post for ya!

[Snappy]

I have been to Ocho Rios and it is very beautiful, however it wouldn't be my first choice as a "return to" holiday destination. I found the people obnoxious, very pushy and got quite mad when we wouldn't buy the tourist wares they were peddling. I personally would think twice about visiting Jamaica again with so many other great destinations so close that are much safer and tourist friendly. I recommend St. Thomas, St. Marten, Cozumel / Playa del Carmen or the Cayman's. All have fabulous diving and I found the people were far less rude.

[Tarolisol]

Latly i have heard nothing but horror stories about jamaica. You dont want to leave the resort and go wandering. It can be a very dangerous place latly for tourists.

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Chaloupa

Ocho Rios! My vote...as in the other thread this place is amazing in December...it was the best trip EVER! We went diving, horseback riding in the ocean, climbed the falls, um WOW...was stung by a very large Jellyfish which really sucked...

Owie the Jellyfish sting... was that during the horseback ocean ride or the falls trip? Yeah I was warned about the Jelly fish stings. Glad to hear you didn't have to get pee'd on. LOL

I wanted to stay at a private Villa (since most seem to enjoy then the resorts) but all booked up already for Xmas. Damn. Instead were gonna stay in Trelawny, which is about 40mins from Montego Bay and an 50mins to Oches Rios. I'm so excited! Curious.. were did you dive? Also do you remember what tour you took for the horseback in the Ocean? Did you really enjoy it? Did you get to do the swimming with the dolphins in Oches Rios, when you were checking out the falls?

I already booked the swimming with the dolphins. Glass bottom boat tour, water trampoline and Jungle tour. I would love to book the horseback riding in the ocean. So many tours to choose from though. So excited! This is gonna be my best Christmas ever! WooHoO!

Originally Posted by DiscusZ

Been to Jamaica aboutn 3 times love it there. we stay at a private place, we have a personal driver who takes us places (Port Antonio etc) we stay close to a golf coarse near Frenchmans Cove. love it there i want to go back soon been 2 years or so since I have been there.Ya its different but its like most places every place you go has the :"bad" take Mexico for example, you can get robbed by the Police late at nite if you wonder off .Jim

Thanks for your reply! It seems most have a great time when they dont stay on the resorts. But Jamaica seems to be a place people love or hate. I guess I will have to report back in January, after I get back with some pictures for everyone.
I do have to agree with you as well, you have to watch out where ever you travel too. I was told there was a popular spot (Coco Bongo) club in Cancun that the bartender was accused of putting the date rap drug in womans drinks! YIKS!

[Chaloupa]

The jelly fish was actually while swimming in Port Maria....it was at this really cool beach...but the time of day and water were perfect time for the jelly fish!

The horseback riding was actually a small "company" on the side of the road that our driver Winston was friends with. It was a hillside tour first and then in the ocean .....pretty amazing! I'll check with my Mom and brother to see if they remember any details on names.....we did the falls a different day...right by the falls is an amazing jerk chicken place....the jerk sausage was AMAZING!

Diving was with another friend of our drivers...give me a day or so to get ahold of my bro to get details (he lives in Beijing so has totally screwed up time zone!) It was an amazing dive....we actually did our first dive, then were offered a second dive at a reduced rate if we wanted (uh yeh!) and boy did that sell me on diving....we're planning our next trip around diving (and kids activities) it was amazing. The first dive we went around this shipwreck that was absolutely teaming with fish and life! Second dive was completely over a coral reef ...WOW! I wanted to do it again but we were flying out the next day so couldn't...it was a great Christmas Day activity.

Yes, they do "celebrate" Christmas....it was the most festive time! And people everywhere!

You're so lucky you get to swim with the Dolphins!!