Key West and Ocho Rios help!

[excitedcruiser!]

I'm cruising with my boyfriend (both in mid-twenties) and was wondering what to do in Key West and Ocho Rios? I have never been to Key West before but heard snorkeling was good. However, we already have snorkling set up for Grand Caymen. Should we do both ports?

I have been to Dunn's Falls before so was wondering what else was available, and worth the trip, in Ocho Rios? Also thinking about just walking around on our own at either place.

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks!!

[penny3333]

Hi excitedcruiser, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Key West is a great city to bar hop, shop, walk around. The only half way decent beach there is Smather's Beach. If you dock at the military dock, it's not too far from there. It isn't like the beaches in the Caribbean, but it's an ok beach. The snorkeling is good, but it will take you a while to get there by boat. (The best snorkeling is in the Tortugas which is a good hour away by boat.) There are some fun museums to visit, Mallory Square is great at sundown and fun to walk around during the day. If you like key lime pie, visit the Blond Giraffe, it's off of Duvall Street, about a block down, the best key lime pie I've had. We were there on a Sunday, so the bars didn't open until noon, but it's still a ball to walk around the downtown area, lots of interesting sites. The most fun thing in Ocho Rios is Dunn's River Falls. We did a catamaran sail/snorkel there that was ok. Jamaica is one place that you really don't want to venture off by yourselves, stay in the tourist areas. There is an excursion to Fern Valley that's ok. Hope you have a wonderful cruise and once again, welcome aboard!

[spoheat]

Don't venture off on your own in Jamaica. Stay with a guided tour, either the ship or some other professional organization that has references. Lots to do there: tube down the white river, climb the falls, we went horseback riding in the ocean (Hooves.com). Mostly you will find pushy vendors--tourist money is there only chance, but crime is high there as well for the same reason. It is a beautiful island.

[wilson]

Hi There,
WE took an excursion to the White River a couple of years ago. They take you by taxi up in to the hills and drop you off. Once there they supply you with a life jacket and 'paddle' (okay it was a small piece of wood) and a inner tube. Then you take a lazy river ride that lasts about an hour. It was the best thing we did all cruise. The river was clear and decently warm. Most of the time you spent lounging on the river but there was the occasional rapid to make it interesting. They kept an eye on you so you did not get separated. Great views on the way and a great deal of fun.