Riu Ocho Rios Family Activities

Kids ages 4 to 12 can sign up for the daily children's program. Counselors lead the children in sand castle competitions, relay races, and arts and crafts projects, among other options. My 9- and 11-year-olds were content whisking away their hours on their own. They played Ping Pong, swam to the swim-up bar for virgin coladas, and played volleyball and other games on the beach, usually initiated by the resort's Director of Fun.

There's an active water sports desk, where you can rent Hobie cats by the hour (though I found myself tangled on the reef on several occasions) or go sea kayaking. Don't miss the chance to jump on the pontoon boat and go snorkeling on the reef. We spotted sting rays, colorful tropical fish, even squid.

The highlight to any trip to Ocho Rios is a walk up Dunn's River Falls. Standing 600 feet high, you hike up the terraced rock as the waters come barreling down. Strolling hand-in-hand and helped by a guide up the slippery steps, it's an exhilarating and memorable way to spend a morning. There's no need to take a guided tour of the falls since there are employees at the site ready to help. Simply take a taxi from the Riu and you'll be at Dunn's River in 10 minutes.

You will need to hire an outfitter to tube down a mountainous river or horseback ride on a secluded beach. We wisely chose Chukka Caribbean, one of the most reputable companies in the country. We took a minivan high above the hills of Ocho Rios and soon entered the cool and clear waters of the White River. Planting our bums in the tube, we slowly let the current lead us down the thick green interior of ferns, banana trees, and bamboo. Along the way, we sang reggae songs and stopped for (what else?) a bit of jerk chicken.

The horseback riding jaunt led us to Papillion Bay, a pristine cove with no other people. We rode at a casual pace along the coast and stopped for a cool drink of pineapple juice. The next thing we know we were following our guide into the ocean waters on horseback! Mounting our horses without a saddle or stirrups, we rode bareback holding on to a small handle. At first, the horses waded in the water, but soon were sprinting with the waves up to their neck. We never laughed so much, trying to hold on.

On our last excursion, we hired a taxi to take us to the birthplace and final resting spot of Bob Marley in the small rural village of Nine Mile. As we cruised higher and higher into the mountains, we passed school kids dressed in navy and sky blue uniforms as they walked to school. They were soon replaced by flocks of goats and cows resting on green pasture. Eventually, we were at the Bob Marley Mausoleum, lighting a candle and walking around the tomb of Jamaica's greatest spokesperson who died far too young at the age of 36. Afterwards, we watched cane juice being made from the stalks of sugar cane. The sweet concoction was refreshing after the long drive from Ocho Rios.