Overview

Nestled on Jamaica’s breathtaking northern coast, Ocho Rios is renowned for its pristine beaches, where turquoise waters meet white sandy beaches. A popular stop for many cruise lines, it boasts some of the finest resorts and spas in the Caribbean. From the iconic Dunn’s River Falls to thrilling water sports and endless adventures, Ocho Rios captivates with its majestic beauty. Immerse yourself in the island's vibrant atmosphere, where the stunning natural scenery blends seamlessly with exciting activities in this true Caribbean gem.

Things to See & Do

While many visitors come to Ocho Rios and stay at their resort the entire time, we highly encourage you to go out and explore by planning some excursions or tours off-site. This offers the best way to get a feel of the Jamaican culture and experience some beautiful things the island of Jamaica offers.

Swim With Dolphins at Dolphin Cove. This is very popular among families with children. Dolphins are very friendly, and not to mention entertaining and Dolphin Cove offers close-up experiences to meet them. Watch them play around in the water, dance, and maybe even offer a kiss! Different packages are offered, from the basic swim with the dolphin package to a package where kids get to care for and help train a dolphin. Also offered are educational programs on Caribbean sharks and stingrays. There’s also mini-boat rids and a 40 ft water slide.

Tour a Working Plantation at Prospect Plantation. With over 1,000 acres at Prospect Plantation, a visit here will bring insight into what plantation life was like at one of the oldest estates on the island. There are different areas on the plantation divided into something specific to learn and see. Tours are available where you’ll have a chance to explore the grounds, learn about the various herbs found there, and later, visit the Great House where you can take part in a cooking session. Learn to make some local dishes and take in the flavors of Jamaica through an all-embracing mixture of food and history.

Experience Jamaican History at Columbus Park Museum. The Museum is filled with opportunities to learn about the Spanish and Taino period of Jamaican history. Located on the very spot where Christopher Columbus landed in 1494, this ocean-side museum is filled with artifacts from the indigenous Tainos who inhabited Jamaica when Columbus landed, and examples of Spanish-style architecture.

Go Ziplining Above the Rainforest. Ocho Rios ziplining offers views of the jungle and the Caribbean Sea while the treetops fly by. Mystic Mountain is one of the most popular places to try ziplining. Where you’ll ride up the mountainside of the Sky Explorer by chairlift over the rainforest offering spectacular views of the cruise ship port and coastline. After ziplining you can ride a bobsled down the mountain, or do other fun activities here.

Visit Nine-Mile Village in Saint Ann Parish. This is the birthplace of Reggae legend Bob Marley, it is also his final resting place. Which is why this village is extremely popular with music fans. While here, you can take a guided tour of the local museum and the mausoleum where the popular iconic musician was buried. The tour shares insight into the Rastafarian religion and also tells about the life of Bob Marley.

Go Horseback riding on the beach. It’s a bit different from a regular horseback ride, as you’ll have the opportunity to ride along the coast and eventually even get into the water with the horses.

Go river rafting on the Martha Brae. Float along this 3-mile river on a traditional Bamboo raft and take in the natural and peaceful surroundings. Flowers and trees of all varieties drift past as you soak in the experience and learn about the legend of "Martha Brae" and memorize the Reggae songs being sung by the guides. The river rafting tours leave from the Martha Brae Rafting Village, which is just over an hour's ride from Ocho Rios. On-site you'll find a picnic ground, swimming pools, shops, a medicinal garden, and more.

Conquer the Falls at Dunn’s River Falls & Park. This is one of Jamaica’s national treasures - a stunning waterfall that cascades water into the Caribbean Sea. It is considered to be a natural phenomenon. Apparently, it continually regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, resulting from the precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it passes over the falls. You can enjoy the beauty of both Dunn’s River’s beach and falls in one visit. As you climb the waterfall, be sure to stop for a dip in the different pools along the way.

Go Swimming in a Natural Blue Hole. In the tropical mountains of Ocho Rios is a cavern with a naturally formed pool in its limestone. Although far from the ocean, this pool miraculously has turquoise blue water that invites visitors to jump in. You can also swing like Tarzan from one of the ropes hanging above the water. It makes for a beautiful day of swimming and adventure.

Go Snorkeling. The waters off Ocho Rios are home to a decent reef with diverse sea life that you can snorkel. Some of the best diving outfits combine a snorkeling trip with a cruise on a catamaran boat where you can party to live DJ music on the way to the dive site.

Culture

Although Jamaica was under British colonial rule for 300 years, the island's strongest cultural roots are African. Jamaicans embrace folk magic, spiritual rituals, superstitions, and beliefs in witches and ghosts. One of the island’s most intriguing aspects is Rastafari. Emerging from the struggles of poor Black Jamaicans, Rastafarians believe in the worship of inner divinity, viewing the body as a temple and considering the smoking of marijuana a sacred act.

In the early 1900s, Marcus Garvey prophesied the rise of a new Black king in Africa who would be the messiah. Shortly after, Haile Selassie I was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia, and many saw this as the fulfillment of Garvey’s vision. The Rastafari movement was born as a path of empowerment for Black Jamaicans, rejecting what they viewed as an oppressive system. As part of their beliefs, they avoid processed foods, staying true to their natural way of life.

When you visit Jamaica, you’ll quickly notice that Jamaicans speak Patois (pronounced “patwa”). This vibrant language blends English with elements of Spanish and French, creating a unique dialect with distinct pronunciation and vocabulary. You can even find handy vocabulary guides to help you navigate the conversations!