Ocho Rios or Negril?

Question

My Hubby and I are planning a trip to Jamaica for our honeymoon in July and we have never been to Jamaica. We are not party people and since were from NY we could really care less about shopping, we want to really just relax maybe do some water sports and explore the island- which would you suggest Ocho Rios or Negril (also I would love to see some water falls and caves if possible) Thanks!

Answer 1

(FYI - we're not party people either)

I've been to both and love Negril so much more for the following reasons:

* Negril is 70-90 minutes from the airport

* Ocho Rios is 2.5-3 hours from the airport

* Negril is located on the far west end of the island - therefore, the sunsets are stunning

* The ocean is calmer/clearer in Negril

* Negril seemed more laid back to me, less crowded.  The cruise ships port is in Ocho Rios and loads of tourists are all over the place.  It had kinda a city-like feel that I didn't like.

* Yes, Ochi has Dunns River Falls, but Negril has falls too, just on a smaller scale and waaaaaaaaaaaay less packed with tourists than Dunns River.

Check out my pics:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welco...

Answer 2

I say Ocho rios especially if you are not party lovers. Negril is more party based. There's lots to do in "Ochi", shopping, climbing the falls( Dunns RIver) the works.

I know you say you don't like to shop but the products in Jamaica, like souvenirs are usually unique and hand made so picking up a few pieces for friends and fam, would help out the local economy a lot.

Jamaica is not that big so even if you choose to stay in one place, you can usually explore the other parts of the island. There are lots of attraction. If you're big into water sports Mobay would be your best bet, but like I said you can explore other parts and still get home in time for dinner.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

go to negril...........its more laid back. ocho rios is a cruise destination, hence more partying and shopping. note however that the first week of august is partying non-stop in negril, day and night. come outside of that time and you should be ok.

Answer 4

Ocho Rios - Beautiful beaches !

Negril - Party scene !

Since you don't like partying I'd say go to Ocho Rios. There's Dunns River Falls there. I went there and the waterfall is beautiful. Climbing the waterfall was so fun ! It's really nice !

Answer 5

Okay let me break it down for you. I am jamaican so I know what I am talking bout. Anyway since you are not really looking to party you are better off going to Ochio Rios, Negril is a party town. Ochio Rios is more laid back but a lot of fun, there is Dunns River Falls there since you want to see the falls and you can climb the rocks there, it is beautiful there is always a lot of beaches there too. You can also visit Dolphin Cave there too. Negril is very nice too but it is know as the party town in Jamaica. Well I hope you have fun there. Bring me back some sun when you come back.

Answer 6

Both places are nice but if you want to relax and just hang out go to negril. Ocho rios is more shopping and stuff but that is also where the Dunn River falls are and you have to go there. and the green grotto cave is near there But Negril is more for the water sports and just chillin

Answer 7

I've been to both and prefer Negril. Ocho Rios seemed dirty and VERY busy when the cruise ships are in port.

Negril is casual and has a wonderful beach and the sunsets are so romantic. If you just want to relax then don't go to the nightclubs in town. Negril can be very relaxing. They also have 2 different Falls areas, YS Falls and Mayfield Falls....they are less touristy!

Answer 8

While Negril is known more as a party town, I'd suggest the cliff side of Negril.  It's more laid back and the water is crystal clear off the cliffs, unlike the poor visibility sandy beach side.  It's on the western end of the island which limits your exploring but allows you to explore the southern coast which has nice coves.  Ochi is ok but once you do Dunns River Fall, you did it all (Jamaicans don't slam me cause there's other things to do like fight the cruise ship crowds, visit the craft market).  If you want to truly relax think about someplace around Port Antonio on the northeast coast.  Lots of nature in that area.