Ocho Rios is a lovely little village on the north coast of Jamaica. Spanish for Eight Rivers, Ocho Rios is not actually located in the midst of eight rivers. Historians speculate the name is a corruption of the Spanish phrase ‘the waterfalls’ or ‘las chorreras’, referring to the Dunn’s River Falls located nearby. Ocho Rios used to be a vibrant fishing village but has now become one of the most popular destinations for travelers heading to Jamaica. Cargo and Cruise ships frequent the harbor, dropping off or picking up sugar, limestone and visitors.
There are several megaresorts in Ocho Rios, as well as restaurants, night clubs and cafes. For those who like the water sports, there are several businesses available for scuba diving tours among the wonders of the sea. The unique ecosystems in Jamaica provide a amazing opportunity to view creatures one would not normally see. Even the chance to swim with dolphins in the azure blue Caribbean Sea is remarkable.
So, what has James Bond go to do with Ocho Rios, Jamaica? For those who are avid fans of the spy film franchise, that is an easy question to answer. For the rest of us, Ocho Rios was the home of Miss Taro, a villainess in Dr. No (the first Bond film). The iconic James Bond seduces Miss Taro at her home outside of Kingston, in Ocho Rios. At that time Bond is unaware of the fact that Miss Taro is a Spectre agent aligned with Dr. Julius No, the first villain in the Bond series. As he travels to the home of Miss Taro he eludes other Spectre agents and surprises Miss Taro by arriving early.
Expecting to find her in a state of undress, our hero actually discovers Miss Taro in the midst of arranging an opportunity for another Dr. No henchman, Professor Dent, to assassinate Bond while in the home. She is not aware of Bond’s discovery while he plays the part of an oblivious seducer. After spending the night together, Miss Taro and Bond engage a taxi which is actually a trap for the arrest of Miss Taro.
During these few scenes in the film there are breathtaking views of the Jamaican beaches in Ocho Rios, as well as dining establishments that existed there during the 1960’s. If it is time to plan a tropical getaway, why not pop in the first Bond movie starring Sean Connery and get a little spy-fueled action against the Jamaican scenery? The film may be almost 50 years old, but the luscious vegetation and picturesque beaches of Jamaica haven’t changed a bit!
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