Making the most of Ocho Rios
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The Ocho Rios port stands immediately outside the principal town area, which is within an easy walk.
Two cruise piers serve the port. Turtle Bay Pier is beside the town's shops and restaurants, while James Bond Pier lies farther west, a 15-minute walk away, and has no facilities.
Island Village, Taj Mahal Duty-Free Shopping Center and Ocean Village Shopping Center are all within walking distance of the Ocho Rios pier. A small beach is also close to the cruise terminal.
The city can feel a little rough around the edges, so remain vigilant.
A multimillion-dollar refurbishment of the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Terminal was completed recently.
Carry a printable map while exploring.
Ocho Rios once depended for its livelihood on fishing and banana boats. Today, cruise ships arrive every day filled with tourists, keeping the coffers full all along Jamaica's north-east coast.
Between swimming and sunbathing on magnificent beaches, activities range from climbing waterfalls and riding horses through sugar cane plantations to taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright and songwriter Noel Coward.
Getting around
Do not be nervous about using Jamaican local buses: they cost 10 times less than tourist taxis. Avoid being overcharged by tourist taxi drivers. Local “route taxis” are an interesting way to travel and are much cheaper than tourist taxis.
Ocho Rios occupies St. Ann's ‘Garden Parish’, surrounded by lush tropical countryside, fern-covered cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls. A regional tour is well worthwhile for the scenery, including a drive through the celebrated three-mile, vine-covered Fern Gully.
Taxis use fixed fares but often attempt to demand more. Hiring a car is not recommended.
Jamaica is known for high crime levels. Take care when carrying money, wallets or handbags, and keep unnecessary valuables in the safe inside your cabin.
Nearby places
Popular Dunn's River lies about two miles (3km) west of central Ocho Rios. Its waterfall tumbles 600ft (183m) through cool pools and slippery rocks. A favourite visitor activity is climbing to the top with a guide while cold, clear mountain water splashes the route. Closed-toe water shoes with strong grip are recommended. A restaurant stands on the beach below, and a taxi to Dunn's River costs about $10.
Mystic Mountain Rainforest Adventure park is close to Dunn's River.
Beside Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. Four acres of lush tropical rainforest surround the natural cove. Rays, eels, sharks and tropical birds such as the macaw are also found here, and a gift shop sells souvenirs.
The caves on Jamaica's north coast are the island's most prominent natural attraction. They lie between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, only a few kilometres from Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay. The enormous labyrinthine limestone cave measures 5,003ft (1,525m) and contains stalactites, stalagmites, ceiling pockets, numerous chambers, openings for light and a subterranean lake deep inside.
Blue Hole is an area of concealed treasures, including crystal-clear water, beautiful Blue Hole Lagoons, a stunning Waterfalls and breathtaking cascade falls.
Food and shopping
Central Ocho Rios appears dominated by strip malls filled with numerous duty-free outlets, souvenir shops, restaurants and sellers of straw goods. The vendors can sometimes become irritating.
Island Village is an enjoyable mall and entertainment centre, as well as Jamaica's newest shopping and leisure attraction. Only minutes from the Ocho Rios Cruise Ship Pier, its beachside open-air setting, boardwalk, natural spring lagoons and attractive flowering trees create a refreshing experience.
Money
Approximately 70 Jamaican dollars (JMD) equal 1 US$.
USD is accepted widely, so exchanging money is unnecessary.
Many ATMs in Jamaica take international bank cards.
Staying connected
Most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole, locally called Patois, while English is also used widely.
Several internet and WiFi cafés operate in Ocho Rios at reasonable rates.
Dial 119 if you need the police.
Opening Hours and
Jamaican Stores typically trade from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday. Some outlets near the cruise terminal may remain open later when a few ships are visiting.