Need advice on exploring Jamaica without booking a shore excursion
 

My husband and I are leaving for a cruise in two weeks. One of our stops will be in Ocho Rios. I'd like to explore the island a little without booking a shore excursion through the cruise line, but I'm wondering if that would be a good idea? Here are my questions: Is it safe to explore the island alone? Will we be able to access shopping and Dunn River Falls without taking a bus or taxi? Is there anything else that we should make sure to see? Any other comments/suggestions on anything? Thanks!

I've heard that Chef and Libby Thompson who will treat you like family and are two wonderful people who make any trips you take with them memorable - and give you a wonderfully authentic insight into the north coast of Jamaica. Their website is: http://www.sealawncoralbeach.20megsfree.com

I would second TonyHarris's suggestion to get a private driver to get you to the local attractions in the least amount of time.

Things to do:
Shaw Park Gardens
-A trip up to Murphy Hill and have a drink. From up there you get magnificent views of the entire coastline!
White River Rafting.
Dunns River is great but keep in mind that you will be competing with the hordes of other cruise ship passengers.

Check out Carolyn Barrett at: www.barrettadventures.com

Harmony Hall/a gallery just outside Ochi
with Toscanini restaurant
Cranbrook Flower Forest
Waasi Art for pottery
Frame Gallery/branch of the Kingston
gallery worth searching out for non-tourist art. Avoid the Disneyland of the cruiseship shopping park. Ditto Bob Marley Museum. But have your driver take you out into the countryside. A good guide can help you jump the conga lines at Dunn's River which is fun if totally tourist but will monopolize most of your onshore time.

I just wanted to second both tour guide recommendations, I know both Chef ad Libby and Carolyn and you can't go wrong. If you're a smoker, pick Chef though, Carolyn's van is no smoking.


I second also the idea of hiring a private driver - you can do a lot more and have a better time by far, I think, than you will sitting on the bus with everyone else.

....and also mention that tubing down the White River, should that appeal, is not far at all and might be a nice alternative to Dunn's.

Also:go into the countryside, maybe the Brown's Town open-air markets if you headed west, in Dunn's River Falls direction. Going east, thru and past Ocho Rios, head past Orcabessa for Firefly, Noel Coward's house, at Grant's Town, Port Maria for one most spectacular view and vibe.

I would not go out on my own unless you go with one of the drivers recommend. I usually stay in the Sandals resorts and use the cab drivers there and have no problem but I've heard horror stories about just flagging down a cab. Shopping is awesome for fine jewelry and Llardros. Start doing some squats if you are going to climb those falls or you'll be sore for the next few days.

Chef Thompson moved from Sea Lawn 2 years ago, you can now find him in Montego Bay at www.cheftours.5u.com
He is still giving great tours.
Check out this forumn and trip advisor for trip reports on this guy...what a great day out !!