A 2-hour drive east from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios was once a small banana and fishing port, but now the bay is dominated by an ore terminal and hotels with sandy beaches fringed by palm trees. Situated on Jamaica's northeast coast, the resort area Ocho Rios is known for its abundant rainfall, verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and jagged estuaries, this region was once the preferred hangout for Noël Coward, Errol Flynn, and a host of British and American literati. Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond spy thrillers, lived at Goldeneye near Ocho Rios.

Ocho Rios is far lusher than Montego Bay, and many of its resort hotels boast private sandy beaches.  The place is fine for a lazy beach vacation; it's more tranquil.