Must try in Ocho Rios

In my opinion, the best way to experience a country for the first time is through the eyes of a local. After all, they’ve spent their entire lives exploring and getting to know their own backyard. In addition to their knowledge of the land, they speak the local language, know how much things should really cost, can navigate the sometimes precarious roads, and – most importantly – they know where to eat! So, before I headed to Jamaica for the first time, I reached out to a small tour company – Courtney Taylor Tours – to see if they could arrange a private tour around Ocho Rios for me and my hubby. I told Courtney that I had one goal: to see as many of his favourite gems as he could possibly squeeze into one day. And that he did! From jumping off cliffs to devouring Jamaican patties, we spent the entire day exploring and eating our way through the region. Here are some of the highlights:

1. If you’re staying in Ocho Rios or the surrounding area, I highly recommend a visit to the Blue Hole/secret falls before it becomes a tourist trap (there are plans to develop it in the near future). We spent the morning plunging off rocks, swinging into the crystal clear water (Tarzan-styles) and getting back massages from the serene waterfalls: