OCHO RIOS TRAVEL GUIDE
Things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
BASIC INFORMATION & EXPERIENCE
Once a fishing port on the northeast of Jamaica, Ocho Rios has become a very popular tourist destination because of its port being a major stop for cruise ships sailing around the Caribbean. The official currency in Ocho Rios is Jamaican Dollar, however, vendors do accept payments in the United States Dollar. The official language of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is English but the dialect is different from American or British English.
With regards to the weather, June to October are the hottest months with an average temperature of 84°F (29°C). November to May, average temperatures range from 79°F – 82°F (26°C – 28°C). In the summer, averagely, rain falls about 15 days a month at 100mm averagely. During the other seasons, precipitation is much lesser. Arriving in Ocho Rios, early in the morning, the weather was conveniently beautiful and warm—considering we visited in the winter—the sun indeed lives in Jamaica.
Places to See & Things to Do in Ocho Rios
STROLL IN MAIN STREET
The Main Street in Ocho Rios is where the party vibe begins. Starting from the Island Village Shopping Mall all the way to Sandals Ochi Beach Club, you will pass by beautiful colorful buildings and street vendors whistling while selling their stuff. Also, restaurants serving traditional Jamaican cuisine are plenty in Main Street. Sonis Plaza and Ocho Rios Craft Market are located in this street and very close to each other. Ocho Rios Market is just around the corner in a smaller street off Main Street.
ISLAND VILLAGE SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Island Village Shopping Mall is basically more than a shopping center. Quality food is served in the restaurants here, as well as other activities outside shopping. There is a private beach accessible to patrons with beautiful clean water and beautiful views of parked cruise ships. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed. The shops that are found here are both affordable local and international shops, as well as designer brands such as Fendi, Gucci, and Dior.
OCHO RIOS BAY BEACH – TURTLE BEACH
Very close to the port where Cruise ships dock, Ocho Rios Bay Beach is the ideal swimming spot for vacationers. You will pay a small fee to have access to the beach—about $2.50 (December 2018). The beach is satisfactorily clean and boasts of white sand and schools of colorful fish swimming in the shallow waters on the beach. If you are traveling with children, this beach is well suited because it has a large area covered with shallow water.
JAMES BOND BEACH
Another popular beach that captures and melts hearts is this gem located in Oracabessa, just over 20 minutes away from Ocho Rios. If you are star struck and want to experience the magical touches of Mr 007 himself, then you may find the drive to get there worth a while. But if you just want to swim in a clean body of water, stick to Ocho Rios Bay Beach or those private hotel beaches in the city.
PLEASURE COVE
Pleasure Cove is a quiet beach in Ocho Rios that has the advantage of having less traffic of vacationers—you are likely to see a few locals hanging out here. Couples San Souci is next door to the beach and you will find a bar, as well as a restaurant that serves fresh seafood straight from the water.
OCEANS ON THE RIDGE
For stunning and breathtaking views of the city of Ocho Rios, including the port and bay, head over to the hilly scenic spot in Shaw Park, Oceans on the Ridge. The location is actually a popular restaurant in Ocho Rios that serves Jamaican cuisine and tropical drinks—try their guava juice or papaya juice. You can indulge in the cooked to order authentic Caribbean delights for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—almost every meal is special. Weddings and other events are also catered here.
DUNN’S RIVER FALLS
You cannot go to Ocho Rios and not visit Dunn’s River Falls. This attraction is probably the most photographed in Ocho Rios. A guide is available to take you up the stones to the top of the falls. At the bottom of the falls, there is a body of water that people swim in. It is advisable that you wear water shoes when climbing up the limestone—it gets slippery especially on the edges.
SHAW PARK BOTANICAL GARDENS
On the hilly side of Ocho Rios, Shaw Park Botanical Gardens present an opportunity for nature lovers to relax and enjoy a peaceful sanctuary. Equally important, the views that can be seen from the gardens are purely breathtaking. Flowers, plants, and ponds fill the gardens and bring life to the park. Many birds in bold colors hover on top of trees and create a spectacle.
REYNOLD’S PIER
Facing Ocho Rios Cruise Terminal and surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Ocho Rios, Reynold’s Pier stands where you can view the cruise ships well and also take good pictures with the water and buildings in the background. The Island Village Shopping Mall is nearby and it offers many things to do.
VISIT COLORFUL HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOOD
One of the most rewarding aspects of travel is the ability to understand the culture and the way of life for the locals. In Ocho Rios, people live in colorful houses that line up to form colorful neighborhoods. As you go to Shaw Park Gardens, there is one neighborhood, considered a well to do area for the working class, that you can take time to drive around and see how people live. From Milford Road A3, start from St John’s Anglican Church, then take Stormont Road, turning into smaller roads deep inside, to explore houses around this area.
TURTLE RIVER PARK
Right in the heart of Ocho Rios, the Turtle River Park was created to allow people, both locals and tourists, find peace and tranquillity after a busy day. Turtles and fish in a pond are pleasant to watch and the flowers in the park are nicely arranged.
DOLPHIN COVE
Very close to Dunn’s River Falls, the Dolphin Cove draws crowds who are coming from the falls. Kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming with stingrays and dolphins are the main reason to get lost in this natural cove surrounded by a forest. If you decide to walk down the Jungle Trail, keep an eye for snakes, iguanas, exotic birds, and many other animals.
THE BLUE HOLE
Also known as Irie Blue Hole, this natural pool together with the waterfalls that pour down water from the mountains attract tourists as well as locals. The Blue Hole is located 30 minutes drive from Ocho Rios and is not as crowded with people as the Dunn’s River Falls. There is a fee to access the waterfalls and the hole.
RAINFOREST ADVENTURES AT MYSTIC MOUNTAIN
Offering the ultimate thrill in the jungle of Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is usually at the top of bucket lists for visitors to Ocho Rios. There are various activities here, including zip lining, waterfall tour, Sky Lift, and a Bobsled Tour. Many people come to the mountains for the Bobsled which takes you down a track through the mountains for about 1000 meters. The roller coaster concept was inspired by the Jamaican Bobsled Olympic Team.
FIREFLY HOUSE
Another spot perfect for a day trip is this Firefly House located 36 km from Ocho Rios, built by Noël Coward at this pirate lookout spot above his main house. Firefly is open to everyone who wants to see the house and the grounds. Weddings and other private events are also held here. Generally, visitors are more interested in the beautiful views of the coast.
GREEN GROTTO CAVES
The Green Grotto Caves are widely known and popular in Jamaica. Just about 30 minutes drive from Ocho Rios, you will find this once a hideout for slaves fleeing from the British. Guided tours are available but you may also tour the caves by yourself. Be advised that the paths are slippery and the number of stairs there might be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
NINE MILE IN SAINT ANN PARISH
About 41 km away from Ocho Rios, this popular small village, Nine Mile, is the place where Bob Marley was born and buried. To understand the history of this place and the roots of the legend, do take a guided tour of the mausoleum and the museum that exhibit items about the Rastafarian.
TURTLE RIVER FALLS AND GARDENS
Jamaica, generally, is known for its jungle adventures and water activities. Waterfalls, rain forests, swimming holes, and the most beautiful beaches—everything adventitious is at Turtle River Falls & Gardens. Exotic birds hovering up in the trees singing bring calmness.
FERN GULLY
The Fern Gully Drive is the perfect road trip you can take in Ocho Rios if you want to experience spectacular views of the coast and the beauty of the forest. You may encounter Jamaican vendors selling souvenirs that might work out to be cheaper than what you will find in the shops downtown Ocho Rios.
Shopping Centers in Ocho Rios
ISLAND VILLAGE SHOPPING MALL
The Island Village Shopping Mall is very close to the port where cruise ships dock—a very convenient location for shopping and swimming—there is a private beach overlooking the parked ships. A few well-known designer brands have stores at the mall. Also, shops that sell products that are reasonably priced are located in the mall.
SONIS PLAZA
The Sonis Plaza is located on Main Street, near the Ocho Rios Craft Market. There are not many shops here if you compare the place with the Island Village Shopping Mall—it is mainly perfect for souvenirs and gifts. These small items might be cheaper here than the Island Village Shopping Mall.
OCHO RIOS CRAFT MARKET
Right in Main Street, near Sonis Plaza, Ocho Rios Craft Market is where you would purchase souvenirs and gifts to take back for family and friends. Wooden crafts, Jamaican T-shirts and dresses, jewelry, and other handmade items are found here. Vendors usually come to the main road to lure you to their stands in the market. Don’t just buy the first thing you see, explore the market to see what else is there—this is not a big market.
We were so excited to go to the craft market for souvenirs and gifts, but when we got to Ocho Rios Craft Market, we were slightly disappointed to find that the market is small and only has a few sellers with a wide variety of unique items—most stalls had the usual Jamaican bracelets and necklaces made out of beads. Just across the road from the craft market, Sonis Plaza has a gift shop that has cheap items, from clothing items and jewelry to home decor.
Restaurants & Traditional Food in Ocho Rios
The food in Ocho Rios is unique and very good. Both restaurants and street stalls sell Caribbean food. The guy selling his Jerk Chicken on the bridge at Island Village Shopping has the best smelling flavors coming from his stand.
MARGARITAVILLE OCHO RIOS
Margaritaville Ocho Rios, located on Turtle Beach Road, is a restaurant that fuses the Caribbean and American delights. The restaurant is more than a food place—the pool and waterslide, pool seats, water trampolines, beach parties, live entertainment, and nightclub—all beckon party mongers and food lovers. Jerk Barbecue, Nachos, Crab Cakes, Chicken, and Tacos, are all on the menu.
OCEANS ON THE RIDGE
Not only is Oceans on the Ridge a very good restaurant serving the best of Jamaican food, but it is also a perfect spot for spectacular views of the bay of Ocho Rios. Located in Shaw Park, near the gardens, you will have to have a car or hire a taxi to drive up the hilly road to get here.
MISS T’S KITCHEN
Another traditional restaurant located at 65 Main Street, Miss T’s Kitchen is the hub for your typical Jamaican cuisines—Goat Curry, Oxtail Stew, Jerk Chicken, Seafood prepared in a Jamaican way, and many more local dishes. The owner, Miss Tomlinson, has done extremely well promoting Caribbean cooking and turning the restaurant into one of the best gems in Ocho Rios.
LOCAL TRADITIONAL FOOD
Oxtail: The oxtail meat is cooked in Jamaican herbs and spices and allowed to simmer for hours in order for the meat to become very tender. The oxtail is usually served with rice.
Jerk Chicken: Even though Jerk Chicken is the popular Jamaican dish that has been reinvented all over the world, you will definitely find the taste of the Jerk Chicken in Ocho Rios different and authentic. Basically, chicken is marinated with local spices and Scotch bonnet peppers.
Rundown Lobster: Since the ocean is just around the corner, Lobsters are readily available in Ocho Rios. Soaked in coconut milk and spices, this simple dish is everything but simple in taste—the coconut and spices fusion does the trick.
Hotels in Ocho Rios
MOON PALACE JAMAICA
This is one of a kind 5-star hotel—it is massive, with a whopping 700 oceanfront apartments. Located right on the beach, the views of the Caribbean Sea from the balconies are spectacular. The all-inclusive package at the Moon Palace Jamaica is grand—unlimited dining, a proper entertainment hub, a very large Spa, and a playroom for children, are some appreciated amenities.
WHISPERING SEAS JAMAICA
Whispering Seas Jamaica is a 4-star hotel in Main Street that boasts of being a quite and cozy resort. Right there near the ocean, guests don’t have to go far to enjoy the beach. Coconut trees that are on the grounds are perfect for an afternoon in the shade.
CHRISANNS BEACH RESORT
This 3-star hotel in Ocho Rios tucked away in Main Street is made up of vacation apartments that are clean and neat. The swimming pool outside is the center of enjoyment. There is free parking, free internet, and airport transportation. Chrisanns Beach Resort is family friendly.
Transportation in Ocho Rios
The first thing to comprehend and get out of the way in Ocho Rios is transportation. Compared with many other similar island destinations, public transportation in Ocho Rios may not be the most efficient. Buses are extremely unreliable, you are better off taking a taxi.
Airport: Kingston Norman Manley Airport
Taxis: Taking a taxi is the most efficient and reliable way to travel in Ocho Rios. Taxis are everywhere and you agree on the fare with the taxi driver. If, however, you do not want to be bothered too much with negotiating with drivers, contact the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA)—they arrange transportation and tours for tourists.
To give the reader the true picture of what really happened, it is important to mention that our experience with our taxi driver was hardly anywhere near being pleasant. After sweet talking us into hiring his taxi, we reluctantly agreed to pay him 45 USD for a tour of the Shaw Park and another stop at the falls. After a quick stop at one spot in Shaw Park for views, he took us around a residential area near the town center before dropping us off at Sonis Plaza. Seeing disbelief written all over our faces, he told us he could not take us to the waterfalls because they are further away—he forgot to mention this when he was seeking our business.
For those arriving via a cruise ship and are only planning to see the town and enjoy the beach, shops, and restaurants nearby—do not take a taxi (unless you have mobility issues), you will only walk for less than 10 minutes to get to Island Village Shopping & Entertainment, this is where the interesting and lively part of Main Street begins.
Buses: There are buses that run in the Ocho Rios area but these are very unreliable, and if you are coming in by cruise ship, and just have a few hours to tour Ocho Rios, avoid buses altogether—you might end up getting delayed and miss your ship’s final call.
Rental Cars: There are a few good rentals in Ocho Rios that you can use, most of them found at the airport. You would be able to explore further to other cities and towns such as Kingston if you had a car. If you are on a cruise ship, however, you might waste so much time picking up and returning the car, and only have a few hours to explore.
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