Just back: first time to Jamaica
 

Finally bit the bullet and went after reading lots and lots about Jamaica. It was truly worth it. It is a beautiful island with a vibrant culture and people. We stayed at Jamaica Inn which was excellent. I highly recommend the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour. It was amazing. We were able to see a bit of the Jamaican interior and mountain villages. Although Ocho Rios itself was not much, there is alot to see around the area. Island Village was the best shopping complex in Ocho Rios itself. I was also pleasantly surprised at the efficiency of the tourism infrastructure. Airport experience very smooth, transfers on time and reliable. If you are wondering about going but are having trouble deciding, just do it.

thanks for the report..My husband and I want to go to Negril sometime in the next few months.It is always nice to hear good reports.:)

I always give a little inward cheer now when a first timer returns from Jamaica enchanted, which is how I felt on my first trip. Jamaica Inn is high on my list--just wish I could transplant it to a part of the island I would rather visit over Ocho Rios. May there be many happy returns!

Yay!

We went last year and stayed at Jamaica Inn (Negril first at Idle Awhile).

The Blue Mountain bike tour was also the highlight of our trip - well, that or the beach rum punch at JI. :)

Dear bosoco, Thanks for the trip report. Did you snorkel at JI? We are going to be at JI in November and plan to take our snorkel equipment with us. I went to Trip Advisor and read reviews of the bike trip. Many said the bus ride was long and the roads rough, but worth the ride. Thanks for the information. Owa

Yes, we did a bit of snorkelling, there isn't a lot to see, but the area on the west side of the beach has some coral and small fish. The bus ride to the bike tour is long, but we got to see different areas this way. I didn't find the roads too rough but if you are prone to motion sickness, take something before the ride.