Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios is one of the most popular Jamaica vacation destinations for a variety of reasons. For starters, you will find world-class beaches in this Caribbean hot spot, and it is the Jamaican cruise capital. Being that Ocho Rios was formerly a fishing village, visitors can enjoy excellent deep sea angling expeditions, and the scuba diving is also amazing. Other water sports activity options abound, as do accommodations, so you won't have to worry about finding things to do or a good place to stay.

You can find Ocho Rios on the northeast coast of Jamaica. Close by are the other resort areas of Runaway Bay and Port Antonio. These resorts are largely responsible for bringing tourists to Jamaica in the first place, and it's the sandy beaches that hold much of the appeal. The Jamaica beaches images from this area show the quintessential Caribbean destination that many travelers crave. Palms dot the beaches, and should you stay at the right resort, you'll have a private strip of sand to share only with other resort guests. Regardless of where you choose to stay, getting bored will be difficult.

In the heart of Ocho Rios is where you find the best local beach. Known as Mallards Beach, it is especially popular with cruise ship passengers, which means that it can get crowded. If you prefer a less crowded atmosphere, Turtle Beach will arguably be more preferable.

Another of the Ocho Rios beaches that you might also look to include on the itinerary is Dunn's River Beach, which is set beneath the famed Dunn's River Falls and is very popular with cruise ship passengers. There's also the parasailing hot spot that is Jamaica Grande's Beach. Make a visit to James Bond Beach if you want to enjoy the best Ocho Rios beaches. This strip of sand fronts the former home of Bond creator Ian Fleming, which is now a hotel, and it features a center where you can rent water sports equipment. Those not staying at the hotel on James Bond Beach must pay an admission fee.