Located within a crescent bay on Jamaica’s north coast, Ocho Rios is the most popular destination in St. Ann, the "Garden Parish", and which lives up to its name with sloping, lush hillsides and hidden waterfalls. One of the town’s most famous, the iconic and endlessly photographed Dunn’s River Falls, contributed to the town’s name, a misnomer that resulted from a British misunderstanding.

Ocho Rios literally translates from Spanish to mean "eight rivers", however the town has many more than that. It’s believed that when the Spanish were on a raid from nearby Cuba, they called the area Las Chorreras, meaning "the waterfalls", however the British, who fought the invading forces off, came up with Ocho Rios. From battleground to sleeping village, Ocho Rios has since risen as cruise ship mecca and adventure hotspot with the perfect combination of thrill-seeker activities, botanical gardens and sandy beaches.

Don’t leave Ocho Rios without…

1. Going down under. Scuba diving lovers who appreciate close encounters of the marine kind will find ample sites to explore in Ocho Rios. Visit Fantasea Divers for trips to local reefs and a few shipwrecks. 876-974-2552

2. Kissing a dolphin. Get friendly with "Flipper", and even a quick kiss, at Dolphin Cove, where you can swim with sharks, stingrays and of course, dolphins. www.dolphincove.com

3. Going sledding. They couldn’t believe we had a bobsled team, but you can celebrate our participation in the sport at Mystic Mountain, which provides stunning views of Ocho Rios, a bobsled ride, and ziplining. www.rainforestrams.com

4. Some adventure. Adrenaline junkies can find thrills at Chukka Caribbean Adventures, where a collection of tours, including dog-sledding, ziplining,
4x4 ATV safaris, and off-roading tours await. www.chukkacaribbean.com

5. Taking in the flora and fauna. Budding botanists are never left out anywhere in Jamaica, a country known for its incredible plant diversity. Cranbrook Flower Forest offers stunning royal palms, perfectly groomed lawns and an array of tropical flowers. Coyaba River and Gardens, is another breathtaking spot with a panoramic view of Ocho Rios and the spectacular Mahoe Falls. www.cranbrookff.com and www.coyabagardens.com

6. Climbing the falls. They say no trip to Ocho Rios is complete without a climb up the world famous Dunn’s River Falls. The climb rises 600 ft, and you can snake along the tiered cascades as a part of the human chain, watch from any of the many observation decks, or get your shopping on at the craft market. www.dunnsriverfallsja.com

7. Shopping. Shopaholics unite at Island Village, an open-air complex with over 30 shops for all your craft, jewellery, art and resort wear needs, and the world’s only interactive reggae museum, Reggae Xplosion. www.islandvillageja.com. For a more unique shopping experience, venture into the hills above Ocho Rios, to Wassi Art studio and gallery for one-of-a-kind pottery and hand-crafted art. www.wassiart.com

8. Taking in some history. See how the other side lived at Firefly, once the home of British playwright and bon vivant, Sir Noel Coward. It was here he hosted parties in the 1950s for the gliteratti including Sean Connery, Elizabeth Taylor, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and many others. It was also here that Coward died in 1973, and here where he is buried. Take in the breathtaking view that extends from the Caribbean Sea to the Blue Mountains and you too will understand why he chose for this to be his resting place. 876-725-0920