Reputable independent operators in Montego Bay

[CruisinFools]

Have been to Ocho Rios. We originally booked an "independent" who never showed up. We were "lucky" to get a local at the tender port, to drive us through the rain forest and to Dunn's River Falls. We were very apprehensive, but wound up with a pretty good day. We will be going to Montego Bay in December. Can anyone recommend a good, reputable indpendent tour guide. While in Tahiti last June, we took mostly independent tours, which were a lot better and a lot cheaper than the ship's excursions. However, the Tahitians had websites and were very refined. Can I expect anything like this in MOntego Bay? Thanks!

[trcori]

We haven't met them in person yet -- our stop in Jamaica is about two weeks away --- but our correspondence with one of the bosses, Carolyn, was excellent (a lot of back-and-forth as we tried to figure out what tour would be right for us; she was very patient and informative).

 

Sorry BTW that you had a bad experience in Ocho Rios. We were there three years ago and booked independent operator Peat Taylor, whose tour is still one of the highlights of our "cruising career" thus far ... TR (awaiting Galaxy 4/1/06)

[Nanatravel]

We have used Belinda's tour company at both Mo Bay and Ochio Rios. She will help you see her country safely, comfortably in an aircondidtioned vehichle with knowledgable drivers for a reasonable price:

http://www.A-Zjamaicaplanners.com. We will use her service again in November.

 

Bon Voyage

[oldmedic]

cruisinfools,

we can whole heartdly recommend barrett adventures. we have used Carolyns services several times and have loved it each time!!! Carolyn will personalize her trips for your schedule and is a wonderful tour guide. she can be reched through her website: http://www.barrettadventures.com If you decide to book with her, please tell her bill and amy from texas said hello!!!

[makefitz]

we had a wonderful day with a-zjamaicaplanners ....mayfield falls was awesome .....they have a website too , have a look ....belinda was great with answering emails and questions .....check her out ...have fun ...m

[watchdiva]

Just back from our time in Jamaica last week - we docked in MoBay and had booked a private (2 person) tour with Barrett Adventures. Carolyn listed carefully to what we did/did not want to do and customized the day just for the two of us. Our driver (Deacon - who BTW was superb) met us at the terminal and for the next 7 hours shared his love of his country with us. We went to YS Falls and this definitely was the highlight of our cruise - the Falls were about a 2 hour drive into the mountains with the most incredible scenery. When we arrived at the Falls, Deacon arranged for a "tour guide" to escort us in the Falls which are NOTHING like Dunn's River - much more accessible, beautiful, etc., etc. DH and I felt we were the only two people there and our guide (Damon) took control of our camera and we have the most awesome pics of DH and I that you can imagine. Damon stayed with us the entire time (we were there almost 1-1/2 hours) making sure that he watched us carefully the entire time we were in the waters of the Falls and showing us the easiest ways to get in/out of each area. We then drove back to MoBay and spent a lovely hour at Drs. Cave Beach while our driver waited for us. By then we were tired but could have stayed at the beach as long as we wished (the $5 pp charge is well worth it). The Beach was immaculately clean, not very crowded at all, had chairs/umbrellas for rent (also $5/each) and servers from several restaurants/cafes which surround the Beach who walked the Beach and took food/drink orders.

 

For this private tour, we paid $80/pp and again, it was the best money we've ever spent - I'd recommend them to anyone/anytime.:)

 

Lin

[Daycare Provider]

You absolutly can't go worn with company......:D :D We have hired the twice before and will always use them.

angelaandjohn@charter.net if you want details of thier service.:) :)

[trcori]

We are just back from Galaxy 4/1 cruise and I'm working on reviews for our four port tours including Montego Bay with Chester from Barrett -- it'll be up in a separate thread shortly -- but I just wanted to say here, it was great & I'd book with them again without hesitation! Thanks to the previous CC post'ers who gave the recommendation that led me to them -- TR