Choose from 6 Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios
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Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is the ultimate gateway to a plethora of sightseeing and cultural experiences on the north coast of the island. Originally a fishing village, Ocho Rios has grown into a well-known port of call for cruise ships with its bustling economy surrounding the port.
The Basics
Most shore excursions from Ocho Rios head for the north coast. Popular day tour destinations include the terraced Dunn’s River Falls, which visitors can climb in the company of a guide for views over the surrounding area. Horseback riding tours allow travelers to enjoy the Caribbean Sea while learning about marine life and the ecosystem. Cruisers can pay tribute to the iconic film Cool Runnings by checking out the bobsled and rain forest canopy chair lift ride at Mystic Mountain. Ocho Rios’ Green Grotto Caves are full of geologic wonders and subterranean history, and the nearby Blue Hole is a popular stop for its azure waters and rock formations. Other Ocho Rios shore excursions include water sports such as river rafting and tubing, catamaran cruises, and kayaking outings.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most Ocho Rios shore excursions include round-trip transportation from the port.
- If you’d like to visit farther Jamaica destinations from Ocho Rios, such as Falmouth or Bob Marley's home at Nine Mile, expect a full-day tour.
- Booking a private tour ensures cruisers can make the most of their (often short) time in port.
How to Get to Downtown Ocho Rios from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port
From the cruise port, it’s possible to walk to downtown Ocho Rios, where you’ll find six shopping plazas and an abundance of bars and restaurants. Taxis are plentiful in the area.
Port Information
English is the official language of Jamaica, and the currencies are the Jamaican dollar and the US dollar.
Address: Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
From $ 44
Mystic Mountain
Set in the lush rain forest outside Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is a nature theme park featuring thrill rides, gardens, and pools. Adrenaline junkies can zip through the jungle on ziplines and bobsleds, while more laid-back visitors can enjoy panoramic views on a chairlift canopy ride.
The Basics
Race through the canopy at Mystic Mountain’s zipline course, which features a variety of platforms and cables up to 550 feet (168 meters) in length. The Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica ride allows you to control your own speed, accelerating for a wild ride or slowing down to enjoy views of the rain forest and Caribbean Sea. Finally, opt for the Sky Explorer: a chairlift that travels high above the treetops for incredible views of Ocho Rios and the nearby Dunn's River Falls. You can enjoy all three activities in one tour, with guaranteed admission during sold-out days, along with access to the butterfly garden, lookout tower, waterslides, and infinity pool.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If Mystic Mountain closes due to inclement weather, tickets are not refundable but can be applied to another day.
- The Sky Explorer has no age or height restrictions, passengers on the bobsled must be 46 inches (117 centimeters) tall, and zipline participants must be 6 years of age.
- The Sky Explorer is the best option for those with physical limitations or who don't meet the height or weight restrictions of the other rides.
How to Get There
Mystic Mountain is centrally located in Ocho Rios, just five minutes away from the city’s main cruise ship port. While it’s possible to arrive by taxi or private vehicle, most tours include round-trip transportation from the cruise port or downtown.
When to Get There
Inclement weather is the biggest threat to a Mystic Mountain visit. Jamaica's hurricane season spans from June 1 through November 30, and the rainiest months are May, October, and November. The nature park is popular with cruise line passengers—to avoid crowds, check the cruise ship schedule and pick a day when no ships are in port.
What to See Near Mystic Mountain
Climb up the tiered Dunn’s River Falls for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Ocho Rios itself. Another must-see attraction is the Blue Hole, a limestone sinkhole filled with aquamarine water.
Address: Mystic Mountain, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 44
White River Valley
White River Valley prides itself on its eco credentials, offering all manner of outdoor adventures.
The white limestone rocks give the White River its name, causing the water to tumble over rapids and forming tranquil lagoon pools for rafting.
You can go tubing or kayaking in the White River, or even saddle a horse for a ride along trails leading through tropical rainforest! Visit the landscaped Village of Flowers, and seek out the old Spanish Bridge dating back to the 1600s.
Practical Info
White River Valley is 7 miles (11 kilometers) inland from Ocho Rios, between the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann. The river mouth is in Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Coyaba River Garden and Museum
High above the sun-drenched beaches and bustling fray of Ocho Rios, the lush Konoko Falls and Park are filled with innumerable species of tropical flora and birds, and streams that tumble into gentle waterfalls. The excellent on-site museum traces the history and culture of Jamaica’s original inhabitants, the Tainos and Arawaks.
The Basics
At this park, formerly called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, enjoy a brief respite from busy Ocho Rios as you walk quiet trails past streams, casades, and pools filled with carp, turtles, and crayfish. For a stupendous panoramic view, climb to the summit, which sits about 420 feet (128 meters) above the coastline. Festooned with tropical plants, gurgling fountains, and hummingbird feeders, the garden’s museum is housed in a colonial mansion and features an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks from the Tainos, Arawaks, and Spanish colonists.
You can visit Konoko Falls and Park as part of a half-day tour highlighting the best attractions of Ocho Rios, including a shopping excursion to the town’s eclectic markets and shopping arcades, a drive through the lush forests of Fern Gully, a relaxing moment at Turtle Beach, and a jungle hike and swim at nearby Dunns River Falls.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Konoko Falls and Park is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a deeper understanding of Jamaican cultural history.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water. If you would like to refresh yourself in the gentle cascades, bring swimwear and a towel, too.
- A wheelchair-friendly wooden walkway connects Ysassi’s Lookout Point, named after the last Spanish Governor of Jamaica, and the park’s cascade, Mahoe Falls.
- There’s an on-site boutique selling locally made crafts, a shaded courtyard café offering tasty lunches and locally grown coffee, and Columbus Cafe and Arawak Jerk Pit serving up delicious local specialties.
How to Get There
Konoko Falls and Park is on Milford Road, a 5-minute drive west of Ocho Rios. Catch a taxi to the park (easy to arrange through your hotel); if you are driving, there is plentiful parking.
When to Get There
The garden and the museum are open daily from 8am to 5pm year-round. Each season showcases a different array of blooming plants and trees. On Thursdays from 5:30pm to 12am there is a Moonshine Festival comprising a Jamaican buffet accompanied by African drumming and dancing to reggae music.
Locals Call It Coyaba
Konoko Falls and Park used to be called Coyaba River Garden and Museum, so if you ask a taxi driver to take you to Konoko, don’t be surprised if they are confused at first. Coyaba is a word the Arawak people used to convey heaven or paradise, and konoko meant rain forest or wooded area—either way, both words perfectly describe the place and the special experience awaiting you.
Address: Milford Road, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Admission: Varies
From $ 51
Puerto Seco Beach
Puerto Seco is a long white-sand beach stretching off to palm trees in the distance, lapped by calm shallow water.
A beach hub for families, it's lined with snack bars and vendors hiring boats and skis. A waterslide and playground for the kids adds to the fun.
There are changing facilities at the beach, thatch huts for shade, food vendors and snorkel hire.
Practical Info
Puerto Seco Beach is right in the center of Discovery Bay, on the eastern side of the harbor, a 30 minute drive west of Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Discovery Bay JMCAN10, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 59
Turtle Beach
Also known as Ocho Rios Bay Beach, busy bayside Turtle Beach is just off Main Street, and is the main beach of Ocho Rios. Despite its proximity to the cruise ship port, the crescent-shaped sandy stretch is clean, and the crowd is mostly locals with a smattering of travelers who come for a release from the ship to kayak and jet-ski.
The Basics
Turtle Beach, lined with palm trees and high-rise hotels, has a host of well-maintained facilities such as changing areas and showers to make your visit fun and easy. Watersports like kayaking and jet-skiing are available, and the shallow waters go out several yards—a bonus for waders and parents with small children.
You can visit Turtle Beach solo or as part of a half-day tour highlighting the best attractions of Ocho Rios. Tours typically include a shopping excursion to the town’s eclectic markets and shopping arcades, a drive through the lush forests of Fern Gully, and visits to Konoko Falls and Botanic Garden and/or Dunns River Falls for a jungle hike and swim. Most tours include round-trip transportation and admission to Dunn’s River Falls and Konoko Falls and Botanic Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Turtle Beach is suitable for everyone, and families with small kids will especially appreciate the shallow water.
- For a small entrance fee, you have access to the beach, changing rooms, and showers. Rental sunbeds, umbrellas, and lockers are extra. Bring cash.
- Small vendors serve simple truck-style food and drink. Alternatively bring your own snacks or picnic lunch.
How to Get There
Turtle Beach is in the center of Ocho Rios, off Main Street. Ask at your hotel about a shuttle bus to the beach or hiring a taxi. If driving, there is free parking in the Super Foods parking lot.
When to Get There
This public beach is open and busy year-round. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Turtle River Falls and Gardens
Worth a visit before or after the beach is Turtle River Falls and Gardens, a 14-acre (5.6-hectare) tropical park just across the way. Take your time in the diverse nature of this heavenly oasis among 14 waterfalls, a koi pond, and an aviary where friendly exotic birds like peafowls, red macaws, and budgies feed from your hand. If you’re tired of the crystal turquoise sea, there are a pool and deck area for swimming and relaxing.
Address: Main Street, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Admission: Free
From $ 51