The port of Ocho Rios is right outside of the main town area and is within easy walking distance to town.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video.

The port town of Ocho Rios used to survive on the strength of fishing and banana boats, but now it is the daily arrival of cruise ships full of tourists that keep the coffers full all along the northeast coast of Jamaica.

There is plenty to see and do in between bathing and sun-worshipping on the magnificent beaches, from climbing up waterfalls to horseback riding through sugar cane plantations, or taking afternoon tea at the former home of British playwright/songwriter, Noel Coward.

Don't be afraid to take Jamaican local buses. They are 10 times cheaper than tourist taxis. Don't let those (tourist) taxi drivers rip you off. Local taxis (called "route taxis") are an interesting way to get around and far cheaper than tourist taxis.

The surrounding countryside at Ocho Rios (sited in the ‘Garden Parish' of St. Ann) is lush and tropical, with fern-clad cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls, and a tour of the region to take in the scenery, like a drive through the famous three-mile vine-draped Fern Gully, is well worthwhile.

It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.

Jamaica is known for its high crime rates, so be careful when carrying cash, purses or wallets, and leave any unnecessary valuables stowed in your in-cabin safe.

Just about two miles (3km) west from the center of Ocho Rios is the popular beach and waterfall attraction of Dunn's River. The waterfall cascades down 600ft (183m) forming cool pools among slippery rocks, and a favourite tourist pursuit is to climb to the top of the falls with a guide, enjoying being splashed by cold, clear mountain water en route. There is a restaurant on the beach below.

Alongside the Dunn's river Falls in Ocho Rios is Dolphin Cove, where visitors can swim with a family of Bottle Nose dolphins. The natural cove is surrounded by four acres of lush tropical rain forest. The cove is also home to other marine species such as rays, eels and sharks as well as tropical birds, like the macaw. There is a gift shop selling souvenirs.

Jamaica's most prominent natural attraction are the caves on the island's north coast, between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, just a few kilometres from Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay. The huge labyrinthine limestone cave found here is 5,003ft (1,525m) long and characterised by stalactites, stalagmites, overhead ceiling pockets, numerous chambers, light holes, and in its depths a subterranean lake.

The downtown area of Ocho Rios seems to have been taken over by strip malls that houses any number of duty free stores, souvenir shops, restaurants and straw good vendors. The vendors can get annoying at times.

approx 70 Jamaican dollars (JMD) equals 1 US$

Many Jamaican ATMs accept international bank cards.

Currency Converter

Most Jamaicans speak Jamaican Creole, also known locally as Patois. English is widely spoken.

You can find several internet and WiFi cafes in Ocho Rios; their rates are reasonable.

If in need of police, dial 119

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600, Sat 0800-1300. Some shops close half day Wednesday in Kingston, and Thursday in the rest of the island.

Holidays:

New Year's Day - (1st January) or in case New Year falls on Sunday then the day after Year's Day.

Ash Wednesday

Good Friday

Easter Monday

National Labour Day - 23rd of May provided that if the 23rd day of May falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, Labour Day shall be kept on the Monday following.

Emancipation Day - August 1

Independence Day - August 6

National Heroes Day - third Monday in October

Christmas Day - December 25

Boxing Day - the day after Christmas Day or when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday then 26th and 27th of December

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