When Jamaica came up with a bobsled team for the Winter Olympics Games in the 1980s and '90s, it tickled the collective funnybone of the world. But the image has lingered long enough to intrigue Carnival Corp. It has partnered with Rain Forest Trams Ltd., a local bank and businessmen to develop Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica at Mystic Mountain, a new eco-friendly attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The facility welcomed its first visitors in a "soft opening" this week, with grand opening events set for late July. Among other attractions are a chairlift journey over the countryside, a zip-line canopy trip through the treetops, an island culture and heritage center, as well as mountaintop dining and shopping venues.
Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica covers more than 100 acres, stretching from the Coast Road entrance near Dunn's River Falls to more than 700 feet above sea level at the peak of Mystic Mountain. The site supports a diverse ecosystem of natural springs, tropical foliage, native trees and a variety of colorful bird species.
The complex is accessible for cruise ship passengers as well as ground visitors.
ON THE WEB
• Jamaica TravelNet
• Jamaican Cuisine
• CIA World Factbook: Jamaica
• Island In the Slum
• Dowd's Guides
