Location: 22 mi (35 km) West of Odo Rios
Tel. 876 973 2841
Open: 9am-4pm
Coyaba River Garden, located in Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s north coast, is a serene and picturesque botanical garden and cultural attraction that offers visitors a tranquil escape into the island’s natural beauty and rich history. Nestled on the grounds of the historic Shaw Park Estate, approximately 1.5 miles south of downtown Ocho Rios, this lush 3-acre oasis is a hidden gem compared to the more famous Dunn’s River Falls nearby. Known today as Konoko Falls and Park under new ownership since the early 2010s, it retains its original charm while blending tropical splendor with educational and recreational elements. As of April 10, 2025, Coyaba remains a cherished destination for those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience of Jamaica’s landscapes and heritage.
Coyaba River Garden is a meticulously designed water
garden fed by the Milford River, a clear, limestone-filtered stream that
rises above the property and weaves through its entirety. The river’s
gentle flow creates a network of small pools, ponds, and stone-cut
channels, their surfaces alive with koi carp, snapper, mullet, and
turtles that visitors can observe through a viewing window in one of the
pools. This constant purification by the limestone bedrock keeps the
water crystal-clear, enhancing the garden’s Eden-like quality—fittingly,
“Coyaba” is an Arawak word meaning “paradise.”
The garden’s
terrain is relatively flat and accessible, with winding pathways shaded
by a canopy of towering trees—almond, avocado (known locally as
“pears”), giant cedars, and banyan—offering respite from the Jamaican
sun. These paths lead through vibrant flowerbeds bursting with tropical
flora: anthuriums, heliconias, pink ginger lilies, crotons, and rampant
vines, complemented by native ferns and bamboo. The air hums with the
sounds of running water and birdsong, courtesy of species like the
red-billed streamertail (Jamaica’s national “doctor bird”) and the tiny
Jamaican tody, flitting among the branches.
A highlight is Mahoe
Falls, a tiered waterfall tucked within the garden’s depths. Smaller and
less crowded than Dunn’s River Falls, Mahoe Falls stands about 20–30
feet high, its limestone steps capped with rounded, mushroom-like
formations that provide natural grip—unlike the often-slippery rocks
elsewhere. Visitors can climb the falls unguided, wading through shallow
pools and scaling the gentle cascades, which end in a refreshing plunge
pool perfect for a swim. The falls’ intimacy—no enforced human chains
here—makes it a favorite for those seeking a personal encounter with
nature.
At the garden’s highest point, Ysassis Lookout Point
offers a breathtaking panorama of Ocho Rios Bay, the harbor, and the
Caribbean Sea. Named after Cristóbal Arnaldo Isassi, the last Spanish
governor of Jamaica who reportedly hid in the area after the British
takeover in 1655, this vantage point frames the coastline’s lush
greenery and turquoise waters, a view that underscores Jamaica’s natural
allure.
Coyaba’s history is intertwined with the Shaw Park
Estate, a colonial property dating back to the plantation era when sugar
dominated Jamaica’s economy. In 1923, the estate housed Ocho Rios’ first
hotel, a milestone in the town’s tourism history. The garden itself was
developed in the late 20th century by Simon Stuart, who envisioned a
space that honored Jamaica’s natural and cultural roots. The name
“Coyaba” nods to the Arawak (Taíno) people, the island’s indigenous
inhabitants before Columbus’ arrival in 1494, whose language and legacy
permeate the site.
The Coyaba Museum, a small Spanish-style
building with a cut-stone courtyard and fountain, anchors this
historical narrative. Its exhibits trace Jamaica’s story from the
pre-Columbian Arawak era—featuring artifacts like pottery and
tools—through Spanish and British colonial periods, to modern
independence. Maps, photographs, and antiques illustrate the cultural
influences that shaped Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,”
reflecting its blend of indigenous, African, European, and later
immigrant heritages. Though compact, the museum offers a concise,
engaging primer on the island’s past, often overlooked amidst its
beach-centric tourism.
Coyaba River Garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission
priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children (subject to slight variation),
a modest fee that includes access to the gardens, falls, and museum. Guided
tours, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, are a highlight, led by knowledgeable
staff—often locals like “Happy” or “Naldi”—who identify plants, explain
their uses (e.g., ginger for scent, allspice for flavor), and point out
wildlife like hummingbirds and spiders. These tours, included in the entry
fee, cater to groups but feel personal, with guides encouraging questions
and photo stops. For those preferring solitude, self-guided wandering is an
option, though the falls’ climb is best with guidance for safety.
The
experience is hands-on: visitors can feed the fish, dip their toes in the
streams, or climb Mahoe Falls with a swimsuit (a must-bring item). The
garden’s flat paths suit most mobility levels, though the falls and steps to
Ysassis Lookout involve steeper terrain. A small craft shop sells Jamaican
souvenirs—wood carvings, jewelry, rum, and Blue Mountain coffee—while a
snack bar offers light fare and drinks in the courtyard, where the bay view
enhances the ambiance. Total visit time typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours,
though families or nature enthusiasts might linger longer.
The
garden’s location, a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from central Ocho
Rios, makes it accessible via taxi ($10–$15 round-trip from town), JUTA
buses, or organized tours from resorts and cruise ships. Its hilltop perch
above the bay adds a sense of seclusion, despite proximity to Ocho Rios’
bustle.
Coyaba stands out for its tranquility and authenticity, a contrast to the crowded, tourist-heavy Dunn’s River Falls. Locals often tout it as the “best-kept secret” for getting “back to nature,” offering a quieter alternative with similar waterfall charm. Its historical roots in the Shaw Park Estate and the Arawak-inspired design weave a narrative of Jamaica beyond its beaches, appealing to those interested in botany, culture, or simply a peaceful retreat. The falls’ climb, while less daunting than Dunn’s River, retains an adventurous spirit, and the museum adds depth for history buffs.