In my opinion the reality is that if you stick to Ocho Rios, MoBay or Negril, you will find plenty of what you are looking for. There are different excursion options depending on which area you pick and the shopping is equally good in all three. The best overall beach is probably at Negril, but Mobay has it's share of fine beaches too as does Ochi. If you are concerned about the fun excursions, put that to rest because as I said, there are many many options in each area. Unless you are staying for a month or so, you won't run out of fun things to choose from no matter which area you eventually go to. Everything isn't available everywhere, but everywhere has something that is uniquely their own to offer as well as many things that are pretty much universal no matter where you go. There is plenty to do everywhere. If Ocho Rios seems appealing to you, then go. Your not going to get there and say "gee, there's nothing to do here". The same can be said for MoBay and Negril.

best nightlife in JA is usually found in a party that is linked to a known promoter/group.... these are kept all over the place and if you walk in downtown area you'll see the signs around advertising what's coming up.. these parties are usually the true Jamaican experience, but it would be hard to know which ones draw the rougher crowd (a good guideline is price, but not always the case)... quite often they are all-inclusive parties (food and alcohol) and quite often not nighttime things at all (the daydreams series are usually one of the best ones and they are kept in from about 12 noon to 8 although they usually don't pick up until after 4 and typically run later than 8).. Just coming from the ATI/RTI Parties in Negril, I will say the daytime parties were far better than the night ones... although i did get on real bad at Stages lol... depending on when you are going and how far you are willing to travel, you maybe able to catch one of the main events of the month/year... there are a number of sites that will also post the parties that are happening for the month... if you're interested i can send you some links for them.. .

Port Antonio best for scuba. Check the Lady-G'-Diver outfitters.. Porty is lush, green, relatively untouristed Jamaica, the antithesis of Negril. Fly in to Kingston, have rental/car and driver awaiting youfor the 2.5 hour coastal transfers;keep car until you return toKingston with him. Rio Vista outside town, Goblin Hill, Fern Hill if reopened, the budget guesthouses Palmer and Ivanhoe in-town,more rootsy-Rasta Zion Country, Jamaica Heights, Great Hutsoutside town or a posh villa at San San beach. No all-inclusives.No big resorts. Kingstonians weekend here to get back to nature and it's still sleepy, a backwater and a base to also river raft, explore waterfalls,coffee plantations and the Blue Mountains