Day Trip To Ocho Rios, Jamaica

By alantvuong on June 13, 2020

A buddy and I had a great time going on a day trip to Negril when we went to Montego Bay back in February/March 2011 that we had to do another excursion anywhere. When we talked to the concierge of our resort; Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort & Spa, we were told that there weren’t that many options for a wheelchair person. Our trip to Negril was basically it, so we were ok with going on an Ocho Rios day trip. This includes going on a party boat and exploring Dunn’s River Falls. I can skip part of the tour and don’t mind watching my buddy having fun for the both of us.

Getting There

Holiday Inn Resort is about a 90 minute drive to Ocho Rios so again, it is not a long drive at all. We got on a smaller type tour bus than the one we went on to Negril. My buddy still had to carry me in a couple steps into the bus and we sat at the front of the bus. My manual wheelchair was just collapsed and stored in the luggage compartment of the bus. It was another smooth bus ride as we just enjoyed the scenic views.

on the bus ready for another day trip

Lunch At Mahogany Beach

the seating area

The first thing we did once we got to Ocho Rios was have the included lunch at a grassy seating area area right by Mahogany Beach. We got some amazing freshly made jerk chicken with rice and coleslaw. The food was spicy but delicious. The tables were easy to accommodate my wheelchair and after lunch, we got to hang out at the beach for a short time before getting on the boat.

delicious jerk chicken

The Boat

on the catamaran

The boat was a medium sized catamaran that never had a ramp or anything to get in. My buddy and some staff members lifted me and my wheelchair and let me park my wheelchair at one side of the boat. The boat was quite packed so I stayed at my one spot mostly. It was quite hot and the waters were so blue and amazing. The boat never really went fast so it wasn’t scary or anything. The captain did stop the boat at one point for a bit to let everyone do the next part of the tour.

was quite crowded

Snorkeling

There was the option to go snorkeling, but it wasn’t something I could do so my buddy went with the other guests who opted to go too. Even though I didn’t get into the water, I still had fun watching everyone snorkeling and splashing in the water. I live vicariously by seeing everyone having fun. Once that was done, the boat started moving again and it was headed towards Dunn’s River Falls.

my buddy enjoying the snorkeling

Dunn’s River Falls

Once we get to Dunn’s River Falls, there was the option to climb the falls or take the stairs next to the falls. I couldn’t do either so I stayed behind on the beach with a few others from our tour group who stayed behind too. Most people climbed the falls including my buddy so I gave him the camera to take a bunch of photos for me.

waiting at the bottom of Dunn’s River Falls

I can see my buddy and our tour group had to hold hands with one another to climb up the slippery falls. This was a safety measure to ensure no one gets lost or separated from the group. Even hanging out at the bottom on the beach, the views of Dunn’s River Falls were so beautiful, relaxing and enjoyable that the hour or so while my buddy was gone went by so fast.

everyone holding hands to climb the falls

Boat Party

alcohol served for the boat party

After that, it was time to get back on the boat to sail back to Mahogany Beach where the bus was. This time, the atmosphere on the boat was different. There was a DJ playing loud music, free alcohol was given out and everyone was dancing. The boat party was fun and was a great way to celebrate the end the tour. Everyone seems to be having fun so there were no complaints there.

music and dancing

This was another great day trip in Jamaica and Ocho Rios was beautiful. From the delicious jerk chicken lunch and spending time on the boat to hanging out at Dunn’s Rivers Falls, we both had a great time. Even though I couldn’t do some of the activities on this trip, I would definitely go again.