Family Adventure in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Adventures in Paradise: Ocho Rios Day 6

Another day in Ocho Rios, and the Jamaican sun continues to work its magic! Today was all about embracing the island vibes, from thrilling excursions to relaxing on pristine beaches, and ending the day with some good food and sports. Aisha, Ethan and I were ready to dive into another day of adventure, and Ocho Rios certainly didn't disappoint.

Our day began, as most days do, with a hearty breakfast at Moon Palace Jamaica. The buffet spread was incredible, offering everything from traditional Jamaican dishes to classic American breakfast fare. Ethan, of course, made a beeline for the pancake station, while Aisha and I enjoyed some ackee and saltfish, a local favorite. Fuelled up for the day, we were ready to explore!


Experience luxury at Moon Palace Jamaica, a stunning beachfront resort in Ocho Rios with all-inclusive amenities and endless activities for the perfect getaway.

First on the agenda was a visit to Island Routes Caribbean Adventures, conveniently located at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. I'd heard great things about their excursions, and we were eager to experience it firsthand. We opted for a catamaran cruise, which promised snorkeling, a visit to Dunn's River Falls, and plenty of Jamaican sunshine. Booking through Island Routes seemed like a breeze, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. I was particularly drawn to their commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring that the excursions have a minimal impact on the environment.


Experience the beauty of Jamaica with Island Routes Caribbean Tours, offering unforgettable adventures in Ocho Rios and beyond.

The catamaran cruise was everything we'd hoped for and more. The crew was fantastic, keeping everyone entertained with music, dancing, and plenty of Red Stripe beer. The snorkeling was incredible, with crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs. Ethan was absolutely thrilled, pointing out all the different creatures he could spot beneath the surface. Aisha and I enjoyed soaking up the sun on the deck, sipping on rum punch and enjoying the stunning views of the coastline.

The best memories are made when you least expect them, especially when shared with family in a beautiful place.

After the cruise, we were ready for some beach time, so we headed to Puerto Seco Beach Park. This place is a gem! The beach itself is stunning, with soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery. What sets Puerto Seco apart, though, is the array of activities and amenities on offer. Ethan was immediately drawn to the Wibit, an inflatable water park with slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses. He spent hours bouncing around and splashing in the water, while Aisha and I relaxed on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.


Experience the ultimate beach getaway at Puerto Seco Beach Park in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, where adventure meets relaxation in a stunning tropical paradise.

I was impressed with the facilities at Puerto Seco. The beach is well-maintained, with plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas for rent. There are also restrooms, changing rooms, and showers, making it easy to spend the whole day there. We even treated ourselves to massages at the spa, which was an absolute treat. Aisha went for a Swedish massage, while I opted for a foot scrub and facial. Dawnette, the massage therapist, was incredible, and we both left feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated.

For lunch, we decided to try Mama Marley's, a restaurant in Ocho Rios known for its authentic Jamaican cuisine. The restaurant was owned by Bob Marley's mother, Cedella Booker, until her death in 2008, which added to its appeal. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with Bob Marley songs playing in the background. I ordered the jerk chicken, which was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of spice. Aisha had the curried goat, which she said was incredibly flavorful and tender. Ethan, surprisingly, opted for the calamari, which he devoured in minutes. We washed it all down with some refreshing Ting, a local grapefruit soda.


Experience authentic Jamaican cuisine at Mama Marley's in Ocho Rios - where vibrant flavors meet warm hospitality.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Skydeck Sports Bar and Restaurant. I was eager to catch a game, and this place seemed like the perfect spot. The bar has a spacious outdoor deck with large screens showing various sports events. The atmosphere was buzzing, with people cheering on their favorite teams and enjoying the lively vibe. I ordered a Red Stripe and settled in to watch some cricket, while Aisha and Ethan enjoyed some classic American fare from the menu. It was a great way to unwind after a busy day of exploring.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Skydeck Sports Bar and Restaurant in Ocho Rios, where great food, drinks, and live sports come together.

For dinner, we decided to try Coconuts Bistro, a restaurant known for its authentic Jamaican cuisine and stunning ocean views. The restaurant had a charming, open-air setting, which allowed us to enjoy the cool evening breeze and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. I ordered the grilled lobster, which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of rice and peas. Aisha had the curried shrimp, which she said was incredibly flavorful and aromatic. Ethan, as usual, opted for something a little less adventurous, choosing the fish and chips.


Experience authentic Jamaican cuisine with stunning ocean views at Coconuts Bistro in Ocho Rios.

Before heading back to Moon Palace, we stopped by Skydeck Sports Bar again for a nightcap. The bar was still buzzing, with people enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere. I ordered a rum punch, while Aisha had a glass of wine. Ethan, tired from the day's adventures, fell asleep in Aisha's arms. We sat there for a while, soaking up the atmosphere and reflecting on another incredible day in Ocho Rios.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we're planning a trip to the Blue Mountains National Park. I'm particularly excited about this, as I've heard the views are absolutely breathtaking. We're also planning to visit the Harmony Hall Art Gallery, which I'm sure Aisha will love. For lunch, we're going to try Passage To India, a restaurant that specializes in Indian cuisine. And for dinner, we're heading to Sharkies Seafood Restaurant, which is supposed to have some of the best seafood on the island. I'm also hoping to squeeze in a bit of shopping at the Taj Mahal Shopping Center.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this beautiful island with my family. Ocho Rios has exceeded all of our expectations, and we're already planning our next trip back. The blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture is truly unique, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone looking for a memorable vacation.

Goodnight from Ocho Rios!