Resorts in Jamaica are Just for Tourists
by neurochic
Okay driving from the airport to our hotel in Ocho Rios I felt so bad. You drive through roads that pass by people's homes which consist of literally a cinderblock house with a tin roof maybe the size of someone's shed in the US. It literally is third world and I felt like stupid rich American coming in to reap the benefits of Jamaican resources while the resorts don't give a hoot about the Jamaican people. The proceeds that the resorts make are suppose to go into helping the people but you would never know it looking at the conditions they live in. I have been to other 3rd world countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, but Jamaica was by far the worse. Therefore I wouldn't recommend doing many activities at night outside your resort because there is a lot of crime because of the poverty of the nation.
Larry and I decided to step...
by lar-n-me
Larry and I decided to step outside one of the 'downtown' market places for a breather and a drink. We were soaking in Ocho Rios life when this man walked up and climbed in the dumpster next to us. He was searching in there approximately 15 minutes before climbing out and moving on.
Hey, was that a cheeseburger remnant we saw you pull out of there??? (mmm we're hungry) “You, uh, you gonna eat that, mon?”
(On a more serious note, this is obviously a sad, realistic aspect of Jamaican poverty.)
Tips for Divers at an All Inclusive
by Etoile2B
A couple notes for certified divers at Sandals & Beaches properties:
1)if you answer yes to any of the medical questions you will need to have your doctor fax the dive shop a signed note saying you are fit to dive before they will let you check-out. Come prepared. It’s much easier to bring the doctor’s note with you than to try and get a hold of your doctor once you’re there.
2)The check out is really easy. You just need to assemble your gear, fill and clear your mask, do a reg retrieval and the go to the deep end of the scuba pool and get neutrally buoyant.
3)If you haven’t been diving for over two years they have a refresher course. One guy I met hadn’t been diving in 9 years. He took the course and was on the boat that afternoon.
4)They offer 2-3 dives daily for certified divers. You are allowed to dive as soon as you finish the check-out. The first dive is at 9 am. It’s a deep dive (75 to 90 feet). On Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s it’s a two tank dive – every other day it’s a single tank dive. There is also a 2 pm single tank, shallow dive (35 to 40 feet) everyday.
5)They offer night dives for a fee. The minimum is four divers. If you’re interested in a night dive tell them at the dive shop and they will keep you in mind until they can assemble enough divers.
6)They don’t decide which site they will dive each day until they are on the boat that morning.
7)Since the dive shop moved to BGS they no longer allow certified divers and non-certified divers dive together. If your partner isn’t certified and you are and you want to dive together don’t tell them that you are certified and go through the resort course with your partner. Later in the week if you want to do a certified dive you can always present your c card then. It's not necessary to bring any of your own equipment - just your C Card and if you want to get the dives logged don't forget your log book. If you want to snorkel on your own bring your own mask. You can't borrow a mask, snorkel and fins unless you go on one of their organized snorkel trips or dives.
Go inside the island
by Alicja1
Most of the people are staying on the coast where the hotel resorts are. Thats a nice place if you want to spend a holidays relaxing, swimming and having everything ready. But to meet real Jamaican life it is better to rent the car and go insiede we island. I heard its not very safe but I did it. I was traveling by myself and nothing happen. People were nice, sometimes little bit too open. Many of them invite me to their homes and I regret I didnt couldnt go there. It would be too dangerous for a lonely girl. My taxi driver was very helpful keeping all drugs sellers away from me. He was singing all Bob Marley songs during the trip what was very funny.
Dunn's River Falls
by hoofhearted
Our trip to the Falls was arranged through the hotel concierge desk and involved a 10-15 minute bus ride down the coast. The area was a combination of jungle and beach with the 50 foot waterfall in the middle. The "tour" consisted of one guide who led our group of 20 from the sandy beach up the falls. The rocks are continally scrubbed to provide traction and water is refreshing (COLD!). Beautiful scenery, be sure to take your water camera.
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Fern Gully
Hard to choose which one!!
Dunn's River Falls
Dunn's river falls - Jamaica
