Although Ocho Rios translates into "eight rivers" in Spanish, eight rivers don't exist in or near the city. The Spanish originally named the city "Los Chorreos" in 1657. The current name originated when the British tried to translate las chorreros, or river rapids, and came up with Ocho Rios instead.
Although he landed in many spots along the Jamaican coast, many believe that Christopher Columbus first set foot on land in Ocho Rios. Just outside the city, travelers and residents can visit Columbus Park, where Columbus supposedly first came on land, and see maritime artifacts and Spanish colonial buildings.
Travelers can visit several working plantations to get a glimpse of what life was like for hundreds of years. These plantations still produce the major exports of the island such as citrus fruits, bananas and coconuts. Two plantations, Brimmer Hall and Prospect Estates, allow visitors to sample the fruit they produce and also include tours with lessons on the banana life cycle and properly carrying a head basket full of coconuts.
Known for its waterfalls, the most famous and visited attraction of Ocho Rios cascades over rock terraces down a 600-foot-plus cliff to the sea. The steppingstones of Dunn's River Falls shower and cool off guests and allow easy walking access up and down the cliff for guided tours. People can see the coastline from the top and participate every week in a feast that features music, dancing and swimming.
James Bond Beach is east of Ocho Rios and a little farther lies Firefly, Sir Noel Coward's burial site and hilltop estate. Firefly, built in 1941, served mostly as Sir Noel's painting studio and hosted guests like the last British Empress of India, Queen Elizabeth I, and her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II.
The hilltop home of Ian Fleming is located not far from Firefly. He called his home Goldeneye and created the character of James Bond there that was named after a birdwatcher and author of The Birds of the West Indies. Fleming continued writing about the fictional British spy until his death in 1964.
