In all my days on this earth, I've never thought a crab could be frightened to death. A British girl while walking the beach, saw the crab crawling towards her and screamed so loud that the crab jumped and flipped on it's back, ( bufff ). It was unconscious, and that is why I am holding it in the palm of my hand. Poor crabby.
On my visit back home to Jamaica last year, this was my second or third beach day, the first beach day you can see here.
On this day we went to a private beach recommended by my cousin who is also the Airbnb owner. The name of the beach is Columbus cove and surprisingly it was my first time visiting this gem.
Now, why am I going to a private beach in Jamaica? Well it was what was recommended. I have also come to terms that I am no longer a local, I am a foreigner. And travelling with a Japanese wife and three mixed kids gives that away real quick.
If I were to go to a public beach, it would be no problem, but the stares are enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable. At the private beach, no one even blinks an eye in your direction except the staff.
The private beach offers an extra layer of security as well, being that there are less people there. LOL here I am trying to defend why I chose a private beach. The truth is it is just a way better experience, especially for a family.
Now here is the thing, in Ocho Rios I went to two private beaches recommended to me. Bamboo Blue and Columbus cove, both in the Mamee Bay area, of Ochi.
So the pictures in this post are a mixture of both, but mainly of Columbus cove ( I am realizing while I am writing reminiscing.
Bamboo Blue has this restaurant
and fancy deck, Colobus cove has restaurant a further away from the beach
Of course with the cove you can see the beach is enclosed by rocks and greenery which also helps keep the sea calm for the beach guests. But then the question comes to mind. Why is it called Columbus Bay Beach? Is this where Columbus landed when he fist reached Jamaica?
Columbus Bay Beach (or Columbus Cove) is likely named after Christopher Columbus, who is believed to have landed in Jamaica in 1494 during his second voyage to the Americas. Many places in Jamaica, including Columbus Park in Discovery Bay, have historical ties to his exploration.
While there's no widely known historical event specifically tied to Columbus Bay Beach itself, the name likely reflects the general association with Columbus’ arrival and exploration of the northern coast of Jamaica, including areas near Ocho Rios.
The sea it self was turquoise blue, calm, inviting and soothing. I felt really at peace being here with my family. The waters were so calm that my wife and I could stay on the beach and watch the boys play in the sea without any worries. just look at my youngest, he isn't even a bit scared and he is usually one to be scared of vast waters.
My paraphernalia: Camera, beer, vape and wallet bag. I really enjoyed just taking in the scene, watching people go by and my kids playing the sea. There was a lot going through my mind but I tried and brought myself back in the moment. "Dude you are in Jamaica, relax. Enjoy life!"
My boys really love the beach. They spent entire days here without complaint. I really love that. Looking forward to more trips to Jamaica and other islands. Would be awesome to travel with them and their GFs/Wives in the future. Jah, mek it happen. 🤞 That would be more that amazing. I am smiling just thinking about it.
The picture above is from Bambo Blue too. I'd say Bamboo blue has more space on the beach and fancier facilities while Columbus Cove seems more exclusive and intimate with a little rough side to it..
The food at Columbus Bay wasn't bad, a bit pricey but expected in the tourist towns of Jamaica, especially on the beach. But hey, we are on vacay, eat good food and live some life. Its not everyday that we are on the beach in Jamaica.
My twins really enjoyed the fried escovitch fish with festivals. It is there favorite food from Jamaica, jerk chicken slid to second place. 😂
What I also loved watching was my boys interacting and playing with other kids on the beach. And though they don't know a lot of Jamaican patois they picked up real fast. Now they know patois isn't just "Bomboclaat" and "wah yuh a do?" 😆
Give thanks to JAH for travel, the family experiencing the land of my birth, the family and friends that took care of us on the journey and the over all good vibes of the entire trip. Thank you GOD!
And thank you, for stopping by.
Bless UP!
