Overnight in Ocho Rios
We visited the following places on the way to Ocho Rios –
- Green Grotto Caves
- Nine Mile Village
Green Grotto Cave – About 70 km east of Montego Bay these caves are one of Jamaica’s most prominent natural attractions. During the 17th century when English invaded the island, the caves were used as a hideout by Spaniards who were being driven out of the country.
We went on a 45 min guided tour of this place which consists of a series of limestone caves and an underground lake. If you saw the 1973 James Bond movie Live and Let Die, you may recognize the caves as the location of Dr Kanaga’s secret lair.
Nine Mile Village – Nine Mile Village is about 40 km from Green Grotto Caves and took us more than an hour to reach. The drive was slow, with narrow, winding road and a steady uphill climb.
If you’re a fan of Bob Marley, this is a must-visit. Located in St. Ann Parish, Nine Mile is his birthplace and a deeply meaningful site for reggae lovers. We joined a guided tour of the home where he was born and raised, and where he composed many of his most famous songs. The tour also includes Mount Zion Rock, a spot where Marley often went to meditate. Nine Mile is also where both Marley and his mother are laid to rest, adding to its significance. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar as well, serving traditional Jamaican food and drinks, making it easy to spend a relaxed afternoon there.
After our visit, we continued on to Ocho Rios. The road was once again narrow and winding, with long stretches where there was barely any sign of life. We did lose our way briefly, but thanks to reliable GPS on our phone, we were able to get back on track quickly.
Note – There are plenty of organized tours to Nine Mile Village from both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. If you’re not comfortable navigating the roads on your own, it’s definitely worth considering one of these guided options.