Why Go to Ocho Rios
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Ocho Rios is Jamaica's adventure capital, a lush corner of the north coast where rainforest-covered mountains meet the sea. Known to locals as Ochi, this former fishing village in the parish of St. Ann is the place to experience Jamaica's natural beauty up close.
The most famous attraction is Dunn's River Falls, where you can climb the terraced cascades hand in hand with a guide, one of the island's most memorable experiences. Swim in the crystal-clear pools of the Blue Hole, ride the rainforest bobsled and zip lines at Mystic Mountain and float down the White River on a tube or bamboo raft. Visit the lush Konoko Falls and gardens and the home of Bob Marley in the nearby village of Nine Mile. Relax on the beach, snorkel the reefs and enjoy fresh jerk chicken from a roadside stand.
Ocho Rios is about 90 minutes from Montego Bay's airport and is one of the busiest cruise ports in Jamaica. I'll plan your resort stay or cruise-day excursions so you experience the best of Ochi.
BEST FOR
Adventure seekers, families, cruise travelers, couples and music fans
BEST MONTHS
November to April
EXPLORE
- Ocho Rios Town: The cruise pier, Island Village, beaches and restaurants.
- Mammee Bay & Drax Hall: Resorts and quieter beaches west of town.
- Tower Isle: Resorts along the coast east of town.
- Oracabessa: A quieter area with GoldenEye and James Bond Beach.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Ocho Rios
North America › Greater Antilles › Jamaica › Saint Ann Parish
Waterfalls, rainforest gullies and Jamaica's adventure capital.
Island Getaway
Waterfalls
Adventure
Cruise
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Check the cruise schedule before you go to Dunn's River Falls. On days without ships, the climb is far quieter and more fun.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Wear water shoes and bring a waterproof phone case; you'll be wet the whole climb.
Dunn's River Falls
Climb nearly 600 feet of terraced cascades hand in hand with a guide, from the beach to the top of the falls.
Hire a local guide at the entrance to show you the best jumps safely.
Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls)
A series of turquoise pools and waterfalls in the hills, with rope swings and cliff jumps for the adventurous.
Book the combo pass online to save on the bobsled and zipline.
Mystic Mountain
Ride a chairlift above the rainforest canopy, then race down on a Jamaican-style bobsled, zipline or waterslide.
Book ahead on cruise days, as sessions fill quickly.
Dolphin Cove
A marine park where you can swim and interact with dolphins, stingrays and sharks in a natural cove.
A great spot for a quiet break between activities.
Turtle River Park
A peaceful, free town park with ponds, koi, turtles and shady gardens in the middle of Ocho Rios.
A timeless, family-owned hotel with oceanfront suites, a private cove beach and a gracious, old-Jamaica atmosphere.
Jamaica Inn
Ocho Rios Bay
Boutique · Beach
Ian Fleming's former estate is now a chic, barefoot-luxury resort of cottages and villas around a lagoon and private beaches.
GoldenEye
Oracabessa
Boutique · Beach
A large, family-friendly all-inclusive with spacious rooms, plunge pools and a wide range of dining and activities.
Moon Palace Jamaica
Ocho Rios
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive for couples set on cliffs and coves, with a mineral spring and a renowned spa.
Couples Sans Souci
Ocho Rios
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A sprawling couples' all-inclusive with a beach village, many restaurants and a hilltop area with pool and views.
Sandals Ochi
Ocho Rios
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with a private offshore island for sunbathing.
Couples Tower Isle
Tower Isle / east of Ocho Rios
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An affordable all-inclusive with a broad beach, a good choice for families on a budget.
Royal Decameron Club Caribbean
Runaway Bay
All-Inclusive · Value · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with a private beach and an upscale but easygoing vibe.
Jewel Paradise Cove Adult Beach Resort & Spa
Runaway Bay
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A beachfront hotel close to town and Dunn's River Falls, with a budget-friendly price.
Shaw Park Beach Hotel
Ocho Rios
Value · Beach
A large all-inclusive with pools and kids' activities, good for families.
Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica
Runaway Bay
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Ocho Rios
High 86°F · Low 75°F · Rain 4.1 in
Drier, sunny weather returns at the start of high season.
The best time to visit Ocho Rios is November through April, when days are sunny and dry. Spring break and the holidays are the busiest times. Summer is hotter, with short showers and lower rates, and hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit Ocho Rios
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Ocho Rios dining ranges from roadside jerk to oceanfront dinners, with plenty of fresh fish and tropical fruit.
- Jerk centers: Look for smoky spots around town serving jerk chicken, pork and roasted breadfruit.
- Seafood: Try escovitch fish, grilled lobster in season and steamed fish with okra.
- Must-try: Jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, festival, coconut drops and a Blue Mountain coffee.
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Rental Cars
Driving is on the left. A car is useful for Nine Mile and Firefly, but many travelers prefer guided tours.
05
Knutsford Express
Comfortable coaches connect Ocho Rios with Montego Bay, Kingston and Negril.
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Licensed Taxis
Use licensed taxis with red PP plates and agree on the fare before you go.
03
Airport Transfers
Pre-book a shared shuttle or private transfer; many resorts include one.
02
Cruise Port
Ships dock at the Ocho Rios cruise pier, steps from town, beaches and taxi stands.
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Flying In
Most visitors fly into Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay, about 90 minutes west. Kingston's Norman Manley (KIN) is also about 90 minutes away via the highway.
Most travelers fly into Montego Bay and transfer to Ocho Rios, or arrive by cruise ship right in town. Licensed taxis and tours cover the main sights, while Knutsford Express coaches connect to other parts of the island.
Getting Around Ocho Rios