Family Adventure in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios' Aquatic Wonders

Today was a day of embracing Jamaica's natural beauty, a stark contrast to the structured world of coding I usually inhabit back in Toronto. Aisha, Ethan, and I dove headfirst into an adventure that combined refreshing dips and tranquil river journeys. It was a day that reminded me why we needed this family getaway, a chance to reconnect with each other and with nature.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Moon Palace Jamaica. The buffet spread was impressive, and I made sure to load up on some ackee and saltfish – a taste of home that always brings back fond memories of Speightstown. Ethan, of course, went straight for the pancakes, while Aisha opted for a lighter, fruit-filled plate. Fuelled up, we were ready for our first adventure: Cool Blue Hole Ocho Rios.


Experience the breathtaking beauty and exhilarating activities at Cool Blue Hole Ocho Rios, a tropical paradise in Jamaica.

The drive to Cool Blue Hole was an experience in itself. The winding roads, lush greenery, and glimpses of the coastline were a feast for the eyes. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos, trying to capture the essence of Jamaica's vibrant landscape. Aisha kept remarking on how different it was from Toronto’s wintery landscape, a sentiment I wholeheartedly shared. Ethan, ever the curious one, peppered us with questions about the flora and fauna, turning the drive into an impromptu nature lesson.

As we arrived at Cool Blue Hole, the air was thick with anticipation. The cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters were even more breathtaking in person than in the photos I'd seen online. The place was buzzing with energy, a mix of locals and tourists all eager to take a plunge. After a quick change, we were ready to dive in.

Ethan was a bit hesitant at first, but with a little encouragement from Aisha and me, he took the leap – literally! The water was indeed cool, a welcome contrast to the Jamaican heat. We spent the next couple of hours swimming, jumping off small cliffs, and exploring the hidden grottos behind the waterfalls. Ethan, now completely fearless, was showing off his newly acquired swimming skills, while Aisha and I enjoyed the therapeutic massage of the cascading water. I even managed to capture some incredible underwater shots with my GoPro, moments I know we’ll cherish for years to come.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones where you simply let go and immerse yourself in the moment.

After working up an appetite at Cool Blue Hole, we headed to Taste A yard restaurant & jerk for lunch.


Experience authentic Jamaican flavors at Taste A Yard Restaurant & Jerk in Ocho Rios – where every dish tells a story.

The aroma of jerk chicken filled the air as we approached, and I knew we were in for a treat. The restaurant was a laid-back, open-air spot, with reggae music playing softly in the background. We ordered a platter of jerk chicken, rice and peas, and some festival – a type of fried dumpling that's a Jamaican staple. The food was incredible, bursting with flavor and spice. Ethan, surprisingly, enjoyed the jerk chicken, though he needed a few extra sips of his pineapple juice to cool down his taste buds.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we embarked on our next adventure: bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River.


Discover the magic of Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios, where adventure meets tranquility on Jamaica's stunning rivers.

The thought of gently gliding down a river on a bamboo raft sounded like the perfect way to unwind after our energetic morning. When we arrived, we were greeted by our raft captain, a friendly local named Omar. He introduced us to our raft – a sturdy structure made of bamboo poles lashed together – and helped us settle in.

As Omar skillfully guided us down the river, I couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. The scenery was simply stunning: lush vegetation, towering trees, and the gentle sounds of the river flowing by. Omar shared stories about the local flora and fauna, pointing out different species of birds and plants. He even showed us how to identify the different types of bamboo used to build the rafts. Aisha was particularly fascinated by the medicinal properties of some of the plants, drawing parallels to her work as a nurse.

Ethan, initially restless, soon succumbed to the calming rhythm of the river. He spent most of the ride gazing at the water, occasionally dipping his hands in to feel the cool current. I took the opportunity to capture some more photos, trying to immortalize the serene beauty of the Martha Brae River. It was a moment of pure bliss, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Ocho Rios. Before heading back to the hotel, we made a pit stop at Pineapple Sports Bar and Grill.


Discover the lively atmosphere of Pineapple Sports Bar and Grill in Ocho Rios, where delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live sports await.

It was lively and the perfect spot to grab a drink and reflect on the day’s adventures. I enjoyed a Red Stripe while Aisha sipped on a rum punch, and Ethan had a refreshing glass of lemonade. We reminisced about our favorite moments of the day, laughing and sharing stories. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

For dinner, we decided to try Ocean's 11, a restaurant known for its seafood and ocean views.


Discover delicious Caribbean cuisine at Ocean's 11 in Ocho Rios – where great food meets stunning views.

The food was delicious, and the ambiance was perfect. Aisha and I shared a grilled lobster, while Ethan opted for a more familiar dish: fish and chips. As we ate, we watched the waves crashing against the shore, the moonlight casting a magical glow on the water. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Back at the Moon Palace Jamaica, Ethan was fast asleep, exhausted from our day of adventures. Aisha and I sat on the balcony, sipping on some herbal tea and reflecting on our day. We talked about how much we appreciated this time together, away from the stresses of work and everyday life. It was a reminder of why we needed to make these family getaways a regular occurrence.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, I'm excited about visiting The Turtle River Falls & Gardens. I hear it's a beautiful place with stunning waterfalls and lush gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. And of course, we can't miss Fern Gully, a unique rainforest with a diverse array of ferns. I think Ethan will especially enjoy exploring the natural wonders of Jamaica, and I'm looking forward to capturing some more incredible photos.

As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to experience Jamaica with my family. It's a reminder of the importance of taking time to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural world – and with each other. And as a software developer, I know that sometimes, the best code is the one you don't write, the one that allows you to simply be present in the moment.

The day was a tapestry of experiences, each thread woven with laughter, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Jamaica. From the exhilarating plunges at Cool Blue Hole to the serene glide down the Martha Brae River, it was a day that will forever be etched in our memories. And as I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that tomorrow would bring even more adventures.

Before I finally close my eyes, I need to make sure I have packed everything for tomorrow. I am particularly annoyed that I forgot the insect repellent and waterproof phone case. I will make sure I buy them tomorrow at The Harbour Shops.