Bicycling

Abe Rental & Sales Ltd
876-974-1008

Jake’s Bike Rental
876-973-4403

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours Ltd.
Main Street, Ocho Rios
876-974-7075 or 974-7492, fax 876-974-0635

These easy tours cruise 18 miles downhill through the Blue Mountains and the tropical rain forest. Tours include brunch, lunch, refreshments and all bike equipment.

High Hope Mountain Bicycle Ecotour
16 Top Road, St. Ann’s Bay
876-972-2997, fax 876-972-1607

Of special interest to ecotourists and those who aren’t out for a challenge, this tour takes a five-mile downhill route through the beautiful hills, starting 2,300 feet above sea level. A guide points out the native species seen along the way. Complimentary fruit juices are provided and fruit sampling is encouraged. This tour is recommended for travelers 12 to 60 years old in good health with no physical handicaps. A bicycle helmet and safety lesson are given.

Flying Tours

Helitours
120 Main Street
876-974-2264, fax 876-974-2183

For the best view of Ocho Rios, consider a helicopter tour. The Jamaican Showcase lasts one hour and goes all the way to Kingston and Port Maria. The Memories of Jamaica tour, a half-hour ride, travels over Noel Coward’s Firefly and Ian Fleming’s Goldeneye. The Ocho Rios Fun Hop, a 15-minute trip, swings over Shaw Park Gardens, Fern Gully, Prospect Plantation and Dunn’s River Falls.

Hiking

One Love Trail
Roadside paved walkway with sea views. It runs from the bauxite factory to Dunn’s River Falls.

Blue Mountain Tour
Safari Tours, Ocho Rios
876-795-0482

This two-day hike starts with an early morning pick-up from Ocho Rios hotels then heads off into the mountains for a trek in the national park. After a short overnight stay in a log cabin, groups begin the trek to the summit at 2 am, arriving at the top in time for sunrise.

Cranbrook Flower Forest
West of Ocho Rios at Laughlands, one mile off
North Coast Highway (sign on left past Chukka Cove)
9-5:30 daily. 876-770-8071 or 995-3097

A popular picnic destination for families, this beautiful garden also offers a good hike. It is an hour’s walk from the central gardens to the waterfalls; bring rubber-sole shoes for walking on the often-wet rocks.

Horseback Rides

Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre
North Coast Highway, between Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios
876-972-2506, fax 876-972-0814

Chukka Cove is well known for its world-class polo matches, but the center also offers guided horseback trips along the beach and in the mountains. Their popular three-hour beach ride for beginners and experienced riders that departs daily at 9 am and 2 pm will take you through Richmond and Llandovery, two of the oldest sugar estates on the island. Shower facilities on the beach are available and free refreshments are served.

Hooves Ltd.
4 Church Crescent, St. Ann’s Bay
876-972-0905, fax 876-972-9204

This tour company offers two guided horseback tours. The Hooves Beach Trail takes 2½ hours, departing at 9:30 and 2:30 daily, and crosses Seville Estate in St. Ann with a visit to the great house and break on the beach (including a ride in the sea). The Bush Doctor Mountain Trail is a two-hour trail ride 1,800 feet above sea level, which offers a good chance to peek at the rural side of Jamaica. Refreshments are included, as is round-trip transportation from Ocho Rios, Boscobel, Oracabessa and Runaway Bay hotels. Maximum weight limit 250 pounds, and make sure to wear long pants and sneakers; and bring swimsuits and towels if your trail passes through the beach. Discounts for children under 12.

Spectator Sports

Polo
One of the best polo facilities in the Caribbean is just outside Ocho Rios. Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre, on the North Coast Highway, is home to many international matches. Open daily; admission charged. 876-972-2506, fax 876-972-0814. See page 174 for details about horseback riding excursions offered by Chukka.