Things to do in the area near JaVillas

Things to Do in the Area

Duncan's Bay is located on Jamaica's Northern Coast, halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The red star shows its location.

Duncan's Bay Duncan's Falmouth Cockpit Country Montego Bay Ocho Rios

Once you get to JaVillas, you will appreciate the beauty and laid-back atmosphere of a vacation in rural Jamaica. There are no large all-inclusive resorts flooding the beach; for the most part, you will enjoy a mostly private experience on a quarter-mile stretch of beach. The local residents may come to the beach on the weekend, but on the weekdays you will share the beach with a few fishermen.

You may choose to relax and disconnect from the world in this unspoiled location; enjoy the people you are vacationing with, spending quality time together while your housekeeper takes care of you. If you are interested in more adventurous pursuits, however, there are plenty of things to do in the immediate area, and within an hour's drive of your villa. Here's a list of ideas starting right in Duncan's Bay and expanding out concentrically:

Duncan's Bay

Fisherman's Village: Just a short walk down the beach is a working fisherman's village where men use wooden rowboats and fishing boats equipped with outboard motors to cast nets and lines in search of the catch of the day. Around 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. every morning they return and share their bounty - lobster, octopus, blowfish, and barracuda - it's interesting to see what they return with!

Above: The intrepid Jamaican fishermen head out to sea in the boats above. LeRoy's Beach Bar is the building that looks like a Jamaican flag.

LeRoy and Cordelia's Enterprise (Beach Bar): Right next to the fisherman's area is a building painted like a Jamaican flag. This is a great beach bar with ice-cold Red Stripe beer. The owner, Leroy and his wife, Cordelia, cook and serve food, and on Saturday nights, LeRoy's band Silver Line plays. Great place to hang out - it's kind of a social hub and as one visitor said "It's got a lot of character!"

Above: The band Silver Line includes, from left, Leroy, Lamp Oil, and Finger Prince. They play most Saturday nights at LeRoy's.

Juliet's Jamaican Cook Shop: Just inland from LeRoy's is Ms. Juliet's place, where you can enjoy excellent Jamaican breakfast, and dinners of fried chicken at lunch time. She will deliver to the villas if you give her some advance notice. She also sells ice cream treats, some baked goods, drinks, liquor, beer, and soda.

Above: a table at Ms. Juliet's is a cozy place to stop and enjoy a meal or a treat.

Duncan's Cave: Local resident Mike will take you on a tour of this local cave. Great trip for kids, and Mike will entertain you along the way. The cost of this trip is a tip for Mike; make arrangements when he stops by to visit you.

Above: The cave is close to enormous root structures. Below: An entrance to the cave.

Duncan's

About 2 miles up the hill from the villas is Duncan's. a larger area with shops and goods available. If you want something specific, your housekeeper can get it for you and bring it along every day. You need never worry about getting groceries if you don't want to. However, if you decide to accompany your housekeeper on her marketing errands one day, or make the trip yourself, you will enjoy the sights. Saturday is a good day to visit; you will see more local people.

The Clock Tower, above, is a central spot in Duncan's.

Chen's Grocery: All basic grocery needs can be found here. There is also a money machine available if you want to get some cash from a credit card. The store will run a tab for you, and your housekeeper will purchase the groceries you need to make your meals. At the end of your stay, you can pay by credit card.

Duncan's Bakery: This small shop sells yummy looking baked goods, huge cinnamon rolls, and the Jamaican beef and veggie "patties", excellent flaky baked sandwiches with filling.

Marlene's Produce, above, is a great source of fresh fruit and veggies.

Marlene's Produce: Like Chen's Grocery, Marlene's will run a tab for your housekeeper. This is a great place to shop for fruit and fresh produce. Marlene always has a good selection of Ackee, the Jamaican vegetable used to make Ackee and Salt fish. Right next to her shop is a small counter that makes a great rest stop for a soda or something cool to drink.

There are other markets and areas of Duncan's to explore and see. Take time to check it out!

Falmouth

About 15 minutes away by car is the larger city of Falmouth, home to lots of historical architecture, and neat things to see. Market Day is on Wednesday, and the town will be jammed with residents selling their wares. It's a good time to visit Falmouth.

Rafting on the Martha Brae: You can take a 30-foot bamboo raft on a 3-mile scenic adventure, traveling through the Jamaican countryside. This is a great way to see the local culture. Make reservations by calling 952-0889 or 940-6398.

Glistening Waters: The Glistening Waters are hard to explain, and harder to capture on film, but will amaze you. A natural phenomenon that occurs in only 4 places in the world, The Glistening Waters is an ocean lagoon that is bisected by the Martha Brae River. The unique water content of the area produces living microorganisms that glow when the water is moved or disturbed by wind or motion. Imagine a gently rippling pool of water illuminated at night by thousands of tiny rippling lines of light. This is the magic of the Glistening Waters. In the 1960s, scientists from Johns Hopkins University set up a lab near the lagoon to study the effects, and to this day have not been able to duplicate the microbes. The laboratory is now a restaurant serving seafood and Jamaican jerk pork and chicken. Go for dinner at 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. and take a night cruise (starting at 7:30 p.m.) on the luminous lagoon to see this wonder for yourself. See the outlines of fish swimming, and if you care to, take a swimsuit so you can swim and glow! Call ahead for reservations: 954-3229.

Above, the harbor of the Glistening Waters is peaceful at sunset. Below, colorful tables line the restaurant balcony, providing a great view.

Charles Swaby's Swamp Safari: Take a walking tour through a 4-acre marsh, which is home to crocodiles that are native to Jamaica. The James bond film "Live N Let Die" was filed here. Fascinating hike for kids who want to see nature at its finest. Call 954-3065 for more information.

Outside of Falmouth: Cockpit Country

The Good Hope Estate kicks off your tour of rural Jamaica, providing breathtaking views! This plantation was built in the 18th century and is still working today Originally built in 1755, this 4-bedroom home features classic Georgian architecture and is open for tours. You can go horseback riding through the papaya and "ugli fruit" plantations, at a cost of about $35 per person. Best to call a day ahead and make reservations. Call 995-2825 or 1-876-610-5798.

Montego Bay

Greenwood Great House: Built in the late 1700s by Richard Barrett, cousin of poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the Greenwood Great House epitomizes formal, proper English culture. The home is filled with original antiques and furniture. Cost is about $1200 (JA) for adults.

Rosehall Great House: This Great House was formerly the home of Annie Palmer, the infamous "White Witch". Dead for over 100 years, her legend still evokes memories of her monstrous reign as mistress of the house and the husbands that did not outlive her. Call 953-2323 or 953-9982.

Montego Bay Undersea Tours: The home of Montego Bay's Marine Park, this tour provides panoramic views and is Jamaica's only marine sanctuary. A fascinating look at the underwater eco-system, and views of brilliant coral formations. This tour is entertaining and educational. 979-2281.

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville: Singer Jimmy Buffet has developed an entertainment enterprise that is a pop culture icon. For three decades, his "Parrot-Head" fans have transformed the idea of "searching for (a) lost shaker of salt" into a laid-back vacation lifestyle. Margaritaville pays homage to those fans, serving (what else) Cheeseburgers in Paradise and other tropical selections, alongside waterfront entertainment. Features giant water trampolines, a rooftop hot tub, and a monster slide that plunges 100 feet into the sea, together with a dance floor, a bar and rocking music. An excursion in itself!

Ocho Rios

If you are at JaVillas on the right days, you will see giant cruise ships pass by as they sail toward this touristy port of call. If you've never been to Jamaica, you may want to head here to see the sights. Call ahead and try to pick a day that isn't quite as crowded by cruise ships.

Dunn's River Falls: Anyone who knows anything about Jamaica will mention Dunn's River Falls to you. It may be "touristy" but it's also scenic and beautiful. Walk 600 feet up rock formations and stop along the way, taking pictures of water falls and panoramic views. Wear aqua socks or tennis shoes that can get wet. Call 974-2857 or 974-5944.

Dolphin Cove: Here's your chance to swim with dolphins, interacting with a family of bottlenose dolphins in an idyllic tropical retreat adjacent to Dunn's River. Call 974-5335.

Evita's: This restaurant comes highly recommended. Set high on a hill overlooking Ocho Rios, Evita's has excellent food, reasonable prices and great service.

Ruins Restaurant: The ambiance at this restaurant is spectacular. You dine by a waterfall!

Fern Gully: A three-mile road built into an old riverbed that winds through a lush valley of ferns. You drive through this area to appreciate its beauty.

Shaw Park Gardens: 25 acres of tropical gardens with a waterfall overlooking Ocho Rios. Call to schedule a tour: 974-2723.