The Jamaica Tourist Board’s Soft Adventure Bloggers Meetup 2011From November 9-13, 2011 The Jamaica Tourist Board invited 9 Bloggers from across the US and Canada to experience the “softer” side of adventure travel in Jamaica. Bloggers Stephen Barrymore of The Wanderer Cynthia White of Johnny Jet, Lindsey Davis of Go Nomad Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil of The Planet D, Michael Ortiz of Smart Women Travelers, Robert Lloyd of Stop Having a Boring Life, and Teresa Plowright of About.com were those selected to enjoy these 5 days exciting action. Upon arrival on the evening of the 9th, our bloggers (now guests of the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay) were ushered my a bellhop and almost immediately introduced to their very own personal Butler who ensured that they were comfortable and connected to the internet so that they could share the journey they were about to embark on with the world. November 24, 2011 at 3:04 pm | Montego Bay, Negril, News & Updates, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do, Where to Stay, Where to Visit | No comment What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Zion Bus Tour, JamaicaOnce a small fishing village Ocho Rios is now one of Jamaica’s major tourism hubs. Fun and excitement blend with rest and relaxation within this astoundingly beautiful garden parish and there’s no shortage of things to do. Popular activities include swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and bobsledding through a tropical rainforest at Mystic Mountain. ( via Chukka Caribbean ) From ATV Safaris to Zip Line Canopies and River Tubing Chukka Caribbean Adventures is well known for its thrilling and adrenaline pumping tours that invite travelers to experience the wild side of Jamaica. In addition to these there are however a vast collection of calm and relaxing tours that allow you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful Jamaican Scenery. Their Zion Bus Line is one such tour. September 21, 2011 at 8:16 am | Ocho Rios, What to Do | No comment What to Do: Chukka Caribbean’s Dune Buggy AdventureJamaica is well known as the home of some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. White sands and golden sunshine is a source of appeal for many vacationers. However many travelers prefer to take a detour through the island’s striking mountains, backroads and hidden rivers, for their very own uniquely Jamaican excursion. One such excursion is the Chukka Dune Buggy Adventure. With locations in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Trelawny this tour is for those who want to go off-road for a bumpy, dusty, dirty ride through Jamaica’s interior. Travel in the depths of the Cascade Rainforest where the sun plays hide and seek through the canopy of thick tropical foliage. Tour the historic hills of Rose Hall or take a tour through one of the great plantation estates of Jamaica the 18th century Good Hope Estate. With experienced and knowledgeable guides and so much to see this is an experience not to be missed. Start your engines in your Dune buggy built for two. Get ready for the drive of a lifetime ‘Caribbean Style’. July 8, 2011 at 12:09 pm | Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Trelawny, What to Do | No comment Where to Visit: Good Hope Great House, JamaicaIn the 1800’s heyday of King Sugar, the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica boasted almost one hundred plantations. For the architecture or heritage buff, the Parish and in particular it’s capital, the coastal town of Falmouth is a virtual goldmine. When sugar was king and the profits from the sweet gold made the fortunes of men, families and nations, Falmouth was considered to be the most cosmopolitan city in the western world, the “Paris of the Indies”. ( via Cockpit Country Jamaica ) It was also home to a vast number of merchant shops and traders selling slaves, sugar, rum, fine furniture and logwood. Located just minutes outside of Falmouth, sitting back from the main road the Good Hope Great House was built around 1755 and is known for its high raftered ceilings and pinewood and wild orange floors. Good Hope Estate was formed through a land grant, given to Colonel Thomas Williams. The estate consists of one thousand acres, bordering the Martha Brae river. Colonel Williams was the grandson of one of the first settlers in the island after its conquest by the English. The estate later became the property of John Tharp who became the largest land and slave owner in Jamaica. June 27, 2011 at 1:25 pm | Weddings & Honeymoons, Where to Visit | No comment Travel Resources: 5 Must See Rivers and Waterfalls in JamaicaThere’s more to Jamaica than just scrumptious food, stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is bejeweled with fascinating hidden gems and natural wonders suited for anyone looking for an off the beaten path adrenaline rush or simply a tranquil day amongst seductive scenery. Numerous navigable rivers and exhilarating waterfalls offer a number of exciting opportunities for activities and adventures. To help you decide which ones to visit here’s a list of 5 Must See Rivers and Waterfalls in Jamaica: Dunn’s River Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is one of Jamaica’s most celebrated national treasures. It is hands down the island’s most frequented waterfall and one of most popular attractions in the Caribbean. This 600-foot majestic waterfall, known as “the Niagara of Jamaica” sees thousands of visitors from around the world each year climbing the limestone rock formation as water cascades past them and splashes into the ocean below. A truly outstanding treasure for everyone from the adventurous tourist to the more cautious individuals and an experience the whole family can truly enjoy together. May 18, 2011 at 3:21 pm | Negril, Ocho Rios, Off the Beaten Path, Portland, The South Coast, What to Do, Where to Visit | No comment News & Updates: Historic Falmouth Cruise Port to expand Jamaica’s Cruise Ship CapabilitiesJanuary 2011 will bring the first of many cruise ships to the 32-acre, two-berth Historic Falmouth Cruise Port as the Navigator of the Seas arrives on January 7. The Port is a US$220 million project under development by Royal Caribbean Limited (RCCL) in partnership with the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) for the berthing of the cruise line’s Genesis class ship, the newest and largest class of cruise ships. Historic Falmouth will offer visitors a new port experience, featuring walking tours of the 240-year-old town. Additionally, passengers will have access to 60 attractions in the surrounding area and in nearby Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.
“Historic Falmouth is the first cruise port to become an attraction in its own right, and is poised to transform the town into a host city for Jamaica’s growing cruise industry,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch. “Smart planning and superior berthing capabilities will attract an increased number of large vessels, and will significantly boost visitor arrivals. Historic Falmouth Port will additionally showcase Jamaica’s diverse range of attractions.” December 8, 2010 at 8:39 pm | News & Updates, Where to Visit | No comment DogSledding Anyone? -Jamaica Tourist Board Bloggers Meetup-Day 2
July 17, 2010 at 2:06 pm | JTB TV, Jamaica Events, News & Updates | No comment |








