This is an excursion I have been looking forward to for about five years now. My excitement was building as I boarded the van and we began picking up guests at the other hotels. One of the stops was at the Mystic Ridge Resort. From the outside it looked very nice. I may look into staying here next time I visit Ocho Rios.
I booked the excursion online directly through the Mystic Mountain website. I booked the Tranopy package, which includes the aerial tram (Rainforest Sky Lift), the Canopy Zip Line, and the Bobsled Tour. The combination package saves somewhere close to $50 US over purchasing each tour separately. I recommend buying your tickets in advance on the Internet for even more savings. Buying tickets through your cruise ship will probably save you some money, too.
Mystic Mountain was under construction last time I was in Jamaica in 2008 – and opened the month after we left. We could see some evidence of the construction back then. Our drivers back then told us that the whole intent during construction of the park was to minimize damage to and impact on the rain forest and surrounding environment. Materials were ferried by hand or helicopter, or smaller trucks. No bulldozers or other heavy equipment that are normally used to build a park like this were employed. They used helicopters to install pylons for the chairlift.
A few minutes on the road and we arrived at the park. I picked up my tickets and hung around for a couple of minutes reading some of the signage at the entrance. Two other ladies were there also. We struck up a short conversation. I learned they were from Canada. Not surprising since the plane ride over was overwhelmingly full of Canadian passengers.
Above the treetops
After going through the entrance, which is at the base of the mountain, you walk a few feet up to the Sky Lift. Each chair seats three to four adults. The chairlift takes you up to the top of the mountain and into the park itself. I boarded the lift and was expecting a short ride up. Boy, was I wrong! The ride takes about 10 to 12 minutes to go from the base to the top of the mountain. It covers a little under a mile and a half in distance while climbing 700 feet.
Along the way, the lift climbs up through and above the treetops. Way up above the treetops. The views on the way up are stunning. You will see flowers, trees, and a wide view of the rainforest. Like I said, it is a long ride up and eerily quiet along the way. You’ll have plenty of time to look in front, look behind, off to the side to see the ocean or the interior of the island. Don’t miss the opportunity to take in this beautiful panoramic scene.
As you near the top, watch for the cameras. There will be a sign informing you as you approach so you can get your smile and your best pose ready. The first trip up, I couldn’t think of anything that would be worth having a photo of (yes, you can buy your photo from the shop at the top) so I just threw up a peace sign.
If I remember correctly, the Sky Lift ticket is good for unlimited rides on the lift. You will probably want to ride this at least two times, if nothing else, to see it at different times of the day and/or to see what you may have missed the first time.
At the top I walked around through the Mystic Pavilion and the museum, reading the plaques and viewing photos of Jamaican icons. I appreciated another chance to learn more about Jamaican history and culture.
From there I headed straight to the bobsleds. The station where the sleds await you resembles a train station of sorts. The sleek sleds are painted with the colors of the Jamaican flag. They look fast. The track they glide on looks even faster. For some reason they bring to mind a cross between a roller coaster, a bumper car, and a bobsled.
The bobsleds are driven by gravity alone along a 1000-meter long track. You ride with your hand on a lever, which controls the brake. After the ride operator gives you instructions, you push the lever forward and off you go. I tried to see if I could make it through the entire course without using the brake. Nope, I had to nudge it a couple of times. I thought I was going too fast and might fly off the track, although I was assured during the launch instructions that that could not happen. But still… You do go pretty fast down the track.
The course hugs the side of the mountain and slings you through the rainforest. Rises, dips, and curves along the course keep the ride exciting. Very exciting. There were some moments where you could imagine that this is what the Jamaican bobsledders must be feeling as they barrel down the sled course during the Olympics. Only here we trade snow for steel, and spectators for selva. No surprise, TripAdvisor ranks this as one of the top attractions in Ocho Rios.
Close by the sleds is the zip line. You go to a separate area to get geared up, then walk over to start of the zip line. There is a footbridge between a couple of the platforms that crosses over the top of the bobsled track. If you’re lucky, one of the sleds will whiz by beneath you while you cross. One of the lines has you sailing over one of the island’s many rivers.
The guides gathered us into a small group, strapped on our gear, gave us some instructions, and we were off to the first platform. Before we took off, I read a few of the signs on the trees explaining their names and uses.
For most in our little group, this was their first time zip lining. And they were obviously nervous. As we departed the first platform, their screams exposed their fear mixed with delight. Our guides brought up the rear with some of them turning themselves into weird positions along the way. One even turned completely upside down as he traveled between platforms.
As the ride progressed, the first-timers got used to the heights and speed. Fear left their screams which then became just screams of delight. Having been on a few zip lines, I may be biased. In comparison this one was kind of short, but fun nonetheless. I enjoyed it.
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