The Wanderer » Caribbean

Jamaica Zip Line- Chukka Caribbean Adventures Excursion at Rose Hall

sbarrymore — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:54:05 +0000

The next a.m., it was time to get right back into the “soft adventures”. This Jamaica gig has been a lot of fun! First stop for the day was the zip line at where else, but Chukka Caribbean Adventures! I had done a zip line tour once before, so I knew it would be a fun day on the “high wire”

The zip line tour is located on a beautiful plantation called Good Hope Estate. As a side benefit, you get to enjoy a nice drive through some beautiful Jamaican back country to get here.

Entrance to Good Hope Estate in Montego Bay

The plantation was established in 1755. There are some great signs around the property that are educational in giving you a brief history of the place.

The Original trading house from 1792 on the Good Hope Plantation

We toured several of the building at Good Hope Plantation

Prior to begining the zip line, the guides also give you a brief presentation about the place before you start your “high wire” act.

the safety conscious guides at Chukka zip line tour

Again, Chukka is very safety conscious and made sure we understood everything before we started.

climbing the platform to take our turn on the Chukka zip line

JJ looks happy to jump off the zip line platform at Chukka

Deb and Dave are looking at the river as they pondering their next leap through the top of the trees at Chukka zip line

All in all, we did 5 zip lines. The guides were very patient and helpful. You want a photo of yourself swinging through the trees? “No problem, mon.” They will be taking your photos as you zipline your way through paradise. Afterwards, you can purchase any copies you may want. No pressure.

Here are a couple of videos to give you an idea of what to expect

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbv-Pnfffs&context=C3764d09ADOEgsToPDskJPUOw1UTL0TELmK_iUmfuQ

http://youtu.be/CFYi2ykisoY

My favorite part of all was when we zip lined over a portion of the Martha Brae River. The scenery was break taking. Now I know why birds are so happy!

If you haven’t done zip lining, you are missing out on one of the really fun adventures in life. A great way to spend part of day in Jamaica is zip lining with Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about the rest of my Jamaica travels here

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Jamaica ATV Safari with Chukka Caribbean Adventures

sbarrymore — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:02:26 +0000

Before I came to Jamaica, I had never ridden an ATV before. But now, I understand why people do it. It’s a blast! Especially with Chukka Caribbean Adventures in Jamaica.

The check-in for the Chukka ATV ride

our group of travel bloggers getting ready to conquer the ATV ride

In this photo above you will see many outstanding travel bloggers such as: @thePlanetD @GoNomad @bloggeries@TravelwithKids@johnnyJet @smartwomentravler @HarleeQuinn@mklofquist and Wayne Lowers, one of the best cinematographers in the Caribbean.

The guys at Chukka are very safety conscious. Before we started, we were outfitted with helmets and patiently given a lesson on how to drive the ATV’s. In addition, we learned the hand signal procedures to follow from our trusted guide when out on the trail.

safety first with our guide from Chukka ATV ride

After a few practice runs around the track, we were ready to ride together up into the hills through some beautiful countryside.

Our ATVs are lined up and ready to go!!

My favorite part was riding through a bamboo jungle. You really feel like you are isolated.

Look at the denseness of the forest, just having left the bamboo jungle

It doesn’t take long to get the hang of the ATV once you start going over bumps and dodging potholes.

This is where your great training from Chukka pays off

Don’t get too fancy because the guides don’t allow any racing or breaking of formation.

After about 30 minutes, you finally arrive at the top of a hill that gives you a beautiful view of the coastline.

The top of the hill marks the halfway point in our tour-time for a rest

The guide walks you around through an area where they have several different kinds of fruit trees. He identifies each and explains its use. Here are some photos.

Our guide on the Chukka ATV tour gives us a botanical lesson

Lots of Ackee fruit hanging in the trees on top of the hill

I ate a guava off a tree and now am addicted to them! Really tasty.

After about 30 minutes at the top including some complimentary water, it is time to return to HQ at the bottom.

a beautiful view of the Caribbean from the top of the hill on the ATV ride

The ride back is even more fun because by this time you have become very confident of your ATV skills.

JJ @HarleeQuinn stops to take a photo of Wayne our Cinematographer

At the end of the ride, we had a chance to relax and were served some Jamaican jerk pork and chicken for a late lunch. Thanks to Chukka it was a fun afternoon. Then it was back to the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel for some rest before dinner.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

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Kool Kat Kelly Snorkeling Catamaran Cruise in Negril, Jamaica

sbarrymore — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:02:06 +0000

If you want to have a really fun snorkeling catamaran cruise while in Jamaica, jump on the “Kool Kat Kelly” in Negril. I love catamaran cruises. There is just something about lying on the deck and feeling like I own the boat. The crew of the 65 foot “Kool Kat Kelly”, does an outstanding job in providing a fun experience.

There was not a large group of people the day we took the cruise. We had a small group of other travel bloggers and some spa bloggers.

Here’s how to do a snorkeling cruise in Negril, Jamaica:

To do a snorkeling trip in Jamaica, you first walk down the beach

then you wade out to the Kool Kat Kelly anchored off the beach in Negril

Then you simply sail away!

Then, you get ready to go snorkeling

Sometimes, catamaran cruises can be pretty one dimensional. You go to a snorkel spot, sail around for a little while, then go home. The “Kool Kat Kelly” is different. The crew first did the snorkel part, then we sailed down to the Rock Hotel where we did some cave swimming with some of the crew from the boat. The cave swimming is a lot of fun. It adds a little extra fun to the trip. The water up and down the coast is beautiful—and warm.

getting ready to do some cave swimming near the Rock Hotel in Negril

There used to be a bar in the cave. There are actually some steps that lead up to the top of the cave and the hotel. We did not go up the stairs, instead we just swam around in the cave. From there we sailed off to the world famous Rick’s café.

Approaching Rick's Cafe in Negril, Jamaica

World Famous Rick's Cafe in Negril

Rick’s Cafe was not open in the morning , but we stopped and watched a diver practice a few dives from the cliff. Rick’s has been featured on the Travel Channel a number of times and I wanted to see it. Glad I did. I think it would really be a fun place to spend some evening hours. Ok, I can cross that off my bucket list now.

From Ricks, we headed back towards Negril and anchored off shore for a while. We had our choice of reggae dancing on the boat to a DJ and great music or we could go bounce around on the water trampoline. I did both.

The DJ likes to dress up in a wolf's mask

They set up a good bar on the Kool Kat Kelly

After I practiced my reggae moves, I was off to try my skill on the water trampolines. Between the two trampolines there is an inflatable connecting walkway. The challenge is to walk it without falling in the ocean.

Lots of fun bouncing around on the Aqua Trampoline

I tried it and fell in the first two seconds. My friends, Deb and Dave of theplanetd.com were taking photos of some of us and unfortunately took a photo of me unceremoniously falling into the ocean. However, I am a good sport and will publish the link to the photo here. BTW, you really owe it to yourself to check out Deb and Dave’s web site: theplanetd.com. They are really cool people and have traveled all over the world.

If you want to see a short video on the Catamaran ride that Wayne, our Jamaica Tourist Board photographer shot; you can see it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZobw1hrPc

After about 3.5 hours of a fun day on the water it was time to return to shore. We still had more soft adventure ahead with the Chukka ATV Safari.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about the rest of my Jamaica travels here

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Follow me on Twitter: @stevebarrymore

Mystic Mountain Jamaica Bobsled Run

sbarrymore — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:02:36 +0000

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I was on a soft adventure tour with some other travel bloggers and we wanted to make the most of our time on the island. So, at 9:30 a.m. on our first day, we took off for Ocho Rios and Mystic Mountain. Mystic Mountain is a really cool place if you want a lot of exciting fun. For me, it was the “Skylift Explorer” and the “Rainforest Bobsled (really cool)—a 10 minute run down the mountain. Remember the bobsled team in the Winter Olympics of 1998 that called themselves “Jamaica Bobsled”? I think everyone does……so ya gotta do this one if for no other reason than to support the spirit of the Olympics!!

The starting place for the Mystic Mountain Jamaica Bobsled Run

First, you take the skylift for a 15 minute ride up the mountain. From the skylift, you have some amazing views of the forest and Ochos Rios in the distance.

The skylift up to the top of Mystic Mountain for the bobsled run

Look to the left and you will get a fantastic view of Ocho Rios as you go over the tree tops.

A view of Ocho Rios from the skylift

The tram takes you right over the tops of the trees.

The skylift ride through the trees on the way to the Jamaica Bobsled run

At the top, there is a visitor center where you can look at the history of Jamaica’s involvment in the Olympic Games. Below are some travel bloggers: @thePlanetD @GoNomad @Travelwithykids and in the background is Wayne Lowers our trusty cinematographer

Visitor Center at the top of Mystic Mountain

In the Visitor Center you have a chance to read specifically about Jamaica’s entry into the Olympic bobsled event and how ingenious they were in getting prepared to enter the games.

An overview of the Jamaica Bobsled in the vistitor center

Once on top at the bobsled run, we go through the safety instructiions (important).

Written instructions for the Mystic Mountain bobsled run

I tried to remember if I had any bad karma hanging over me before I got into that bobsled for the run down the mountain.

Steve Barrymore ready for the Mystic Mountain Jamaica Bobsled run

I turned my life over to Jamaica bobsled and away we went!! 10 minutes of twists, turns, ups, and downs at speeds reaching almost 40 mph per hour! Yikes!

You control the speed with an accelerater handle and brake. Go as slow or as fast as you want. Once you start down the run and gain confidence, you will really want to push the speed. After the run, there is a cable that pulls you and your sled back to top for another run if you like. Or, if your nerves are shot by this time, you can simply just visit the gift shop.

As your trip advisor I would say, “don’t leave Jamaica until you have done the bobsled ride!!”

If you want to see a really cool video of the ride, Rob at stophavingaboringlife.com does a great job of narrating his own run down the mountain. You can see his video here. I think you will find his travels very interesting.

After the bobsled, I was ready for that food that made Jamaica famous-Yep, Jerk! That’s my next post, “Scotchies” Jamaican jerk.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about the rest of my other world travels here

Read about the rest of my Jamaica travels here

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Follow me on Twitter: @stevebarrymore

Iberostar Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica-the pools and the grounds

sbarrymore — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:02:42 +0000

Lets take a look at the outside areas of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand and some of the things you will encounter on the property. Here are some shots of the common areas-pretty nice, huh?

A view of all 3 of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand pools

Iberostar Rose Hall Grand pool, Jamaica-looking towards the ocean

Infinity pool of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel-Montego Bay, Jamaica

Can you picture yourself sitting in the infinity pool and just staring out to sea? A great way to daydream about how lucky you are to be in Jamaica.

Looking back from the inifity pool towards the main part of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel in Montego Bay, Jamaica

After you have had either enough swimming or beverages, it is an easy few steps over the open air restaurant that overlooks the beautiful Caribbean. They open at 8 a.m. for breakfast and is a great way to start the day. It is also a great way to finish the day with a late afternoon buffet served until 6 p.m.

Iberostar Rose Hall Grand pool and beachside snack bar

Late afternoon snack at the pool and beachside restaurant

Whatever your pleasure, the all-inclusive Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel is a great way to spend your vacation and satisfy your appetite!!

In my next Jamaica blog I will tell you about a really fun day at the Jamaica Bobsled run on Mystic Mountain.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about the rest of my other world travels here

Read about the rest of my Jamaica travels here

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Iberostar Rose Hall Grand Hotel- Montego Bay, Jamaica

sbarrymore — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:02:23 +0000

The beginning of a great vacation at Iberostar Rose Hall Grand-Jamaica

When you first enter the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand, you are consumed by the grandness, openess, and beauty of the lobby. It has that feel of upscale casual elegance. The Iberostar Rose Hall Grand is part of the Iberostar chain that is well known for quality throughout the Caribbean.

LObby of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand-Jamaica

Lobby of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand-Jamaica

Lobby Bar of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand-Jamaica

Central Stairway of the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand-Jamaica

One of the hallways leading to the rooms in the Iberostar Rose Hall Grand in Jamiaca

The check in process is very easy.

Rose Hall Iberostar lobby check in

While the property is a good size at 295 rooms, I wouldn’t necessarily put it in that “mega resort category”. It’s small enough where people know and recognize you, but big enough to feel very spacious, which is one of the reasons I liked it. One of the first things I noticed was the friendliness of the staff.

If you dine at the hotel there is a resort casual dress code in most of the restaurants. I packed linen slacks and tropical shirts which is fine for all of the restauarants. In my next post I will give you an idea as to what you can expect from the grounds and the very attractive pool areas.

Comments? Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about the rest of my other world travels here

Read about the rest of my Jamaica travels here

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Got a few hours to burn in San Juan, Puerto Rico? Here’s something to do.

sbarrymore — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:55:24 +0000

Got a few hours to kill in the San Juan, Puerto Rico airport? Here’s what to do:

Over the years, I have flown through the San Juan, Puerto Rico airport a number of times. Frequently I have had 3-5 hours between my connecting flights. If you find yourself in this situation I would like to make a couple of suggestions.

First of all, go outside of security. If you try to stay in the gate area you will either drive yourself crazy or have the opportunity to eat some of the worst airport food in the world!

In the main lobby of the airport there are at least a few interesting shops to visit. There is also a fair selection of fast food restaurants. If you are a gambler, there is a casino right across from the American Airlines ticket counter inside the airport lobby.

If you walk outside the airport there are two more restaurants in the parking garage(no kidding!) right across the street . One is a Buffalo Wild Wings and the other is a Wendy’s.

However, my favorite thing to do is to go downstairs to the baggage claim area, grab a taxi and head to the Metropol Café in the Isla Verde area. It is a $12–10 minute taxi ride to this great Cuban restaurant. If you have a Guayabera shirt, put it on! Here is the front of the restaurant:

Metropol Cafe in San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you have never eaten Cuban food then this is your big chance. Bring an appetite and pig out!

After you have eaten plenty of food with lots of garlic and onions, you will want to walk it off. Go outside, turn left, walk two blocks to the famed Hotel El San Juan. If you don’t want to do the Metropol gig first then just go straight to the Hotel El San Juan from the airport. The hotel has a beautiful lobby, interesting lobby bar, and a good size casino. For the shoppers, they have some really nice shops in the hotel where you can spend what little vacation money you may have.

The beautiful lobby of the Hotel El San Juan

If you didn’t eat at the Metropol then treat yourself to a meal at poolside at the hotel.

Pool area of the Hotel El San Juan in Puerto Rico

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to get back the airport and re-clear security.

If you don’t want to do any of the above between flights, then just stay in the gate area, drive yourself crazy and eat some of the worst airport food in the world. Bon Appetit!

Steve

Barbuda-An unspoiled island getaway in the Caribbean

sbarrymore — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:02:40 +0000

I thought I would temporarily break from writing my blog about my travel through Colombia to bring you some information that I learned recently about a interesting island in the Caribbean

I am not in the habit of blogging about places that I personally haven’t visited, but I felt this was too good to pass up.

Take a look at this approach photo:

Don’t confuse it with Bermuda or Barbados. It’s Barbuda. It is not necessarily well known because there isn’t much there. Not much……. except some stunning beaches

I had first heard of Barbuda over 20 years ago when I was spending some time on the island on Antigua. At that time I was told I needed to visit Barbuda someday because not many people traveled there. Over the years I have kept it in the back of my mind.

It was not until this year that my interest in Barbuda was re-awakened by a chance meeting on the island of Anguilla with a Brit named Mark who lives on Antigua and has for the last 20 years. Mark and his girlfriend happened to be staying in the apartment just beneath ours on Meads Bay, Anguilla. Mark is a friendly chap who shares my interest in travel and out of the way places. He told me about spending time on Barbuda and how remote and unspoiled it was. He had his laptop with him and he showed me many, many pictures of the beach and the small inn (4 rooms) where they had stayed.

I asked Mark to forward some of his photos to me and I would put them on my blog. He said if you are looking for a true unspoiled island getaway then Barbuda is for you.

(All photos are courtesy of Mark Harrold)

Mark told me about spending some time in one of 2-3 beach cottages on North Beach. Here is a link to the cottages:

http://www.northbeachbarbuda.com/

Barbuda can be reached by boat from Antigua but Mark advised against it because of the possibility of rough seas. His recommendation was to take Carib Air from Antigua. I took a look at their web site www.carib-aviation.com and it looks like most days they fly twice a day to Barbuda for $44 each way from VC Bird International Airport on Antigua. Looks like they fly the DHC-6 Twin Otter 20 passenger STOL(short take off and landing) that are known throughout the Caribbean.

Here are a couple of other links that list some info about the island.

www.barbudaful.net/

www.cocopoint.com

www.lhbresort.com

Barbuda looks like an island of which dreams are made. Not many people have heard about it, friendly people, safe, no major developments and maybe the best of all……your friends haven’t been there yet!!

Steve