Jamaica isn’t just a pretty Caribbean island with warm waters and swaying palm trees; it’s a country with rich culture and a big personality, man! At the mention of Jamaica are
you starting to hear the smooth groove of reggae in your head?
But it’s not just deep musical roots that make Jamaica a special destination. There’s the mouth-watering traditional dishes (we’ll get to some of the more famous ones in a
minute) and the warm and friendly people.
But perhaps the most special thing about Jamaica is it’s a destination that allows you to get up-close-and-personal with dolphins, some of the most amazing animals on the
planet!
How many people have “swim with dolphins” on their bucket list? Plenty of people all share the same dream of interacting with these wonderful creatures. The great news is, when you visit
Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, you can turn that dream into a reality.
Dolphin Cove has different dolphin programs. For the very young or those who are not strong swimmers, there is a program where you can simply stand in shallow water and pet and kiss the
dolphins.
For those who are comfortable in the water, Dolphin Cove offers a couple of swim programs that will have you not only swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat, the Caribbean Ocean, but
you’ll get a dorsal fin ride and foot push, which will let you know what flying feels like. While you’re in the water you’ll also get to swim near different colorful fish, rays, and other brilliant sea
life. You will love the swim with dolphins in Ocho Rios Jamaica.
The great thing about Dolphin Cove is, they offer SO MUCH MORE than “just” a chance to swim with dolphins (like that’s not enough.). You’ll also get an opportunity to ride a camel and stroll
through lush jungles where you can see all kinds of exotic birds and animals.
When you go, plan on spending the entire day there so you can take advantage of the mini-boats, funny Shark show, glass-bottom kayak tour, and the Jungle Walk.
Swim with Dolphins Ocho Rios << More Info
Jamaica is known for its many all-inclusive resorts, so when you book your trip, you may feel
overwhelmed at your options. To help you out, here are our three top picks:
Sandals Ochi offers the best of both worlds. One of those worlds is chic and modern and boasts a hot new beach club, 11 bars (including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy – how cool is that?),
and 16 trendy and delicious restaurants.
The other world is lush, serene, and private. The resort offers 100 immaculately-landscaped acres. No matter where you choose to unwind, you will feel like you and your loved one(s) are
totally alone in paradise.
Beaches Ocho Rios has something for everyone. While you will no doubt want to explore the entire island of Jamaica, you really don’t ever have to leave this resort. It has so much to offer.
Enjoy the championship golf course or the huge action-adventure waterpark. There are also 22 lush acres to explore and a white-sand beach to lounge on and forget your cares. Let’s not
forget the three, count them THREE swimming pools, seven gourmet restaurants, and you can see why visitors flock here each year.
How does an all-inclusive resort on the beach surrounded by lush jungle and waterfalls sound to you? Pretty good? Then consider staying at the Hotel Riu Ocho Rios.
This is where people who need to unwind and relax stay. That’s because the resort boasts the Renova Spa and Wellness Center with an array of different treatments and
massages. There is also a jacuzzi, large swimming pool, solarium terrace and fitness center. Add to this different bars and themed restaurants and you’ll want to come back
year after year.
As we mentioned earlier, Jamaica is known for its soul cuisine, and while you’re visiting you’ll
want to enjoy as much as you can. Don’t worry, with all of that swimming you do with the
dolphins you’ll be sure to burn off the extra calories!
Quite possibly the most famous Jamaican dish, Jerk Chicken is a style of cooking where the meat (sometimes it’s pork) is dry-rubbed (or it can be wet-marinated) with a hot spice mixture
called Jerk spice. What spices are in it? Typically, allspice and Scotch bonnet peppers. Just so you know, these peppers have a heat rating of 100,000-350,000 Scoville heat units, which
indicates the amount of capsaicin — the chemical compound that makes spicy things spicy. Just for comparison, most jalapeno peppers have a heat rating of only 2,500-8,000. You’ve been
warned!
Have you ever had plantain chips? They are very crunchy and very good. Similar to potato chips, plantains (sort of like bananas) are sliced thinly and either fried or dried. They can be
eaten plain, spiced, or even sweet with the addition of sugar and honey.
Escoveitch fish is a traditional Jamaican dish served for breakfast. Fish for breakfast?! That’s right. This dish is similar to ceviche, but instead of being raw it is fried. While the idea of eating
fish for breakfast may not automatically appeal to you, it is actually quite delicious. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. That’s what traveling is about!
Jamaica offers so many opportunities to explore and have fun. The next time you plan to go, don’t forget to visit Dolphin Cove where you will make memories that will last a lifetime.
