Take “sunburn” off of your to-do list while in Jamaica. We may need to check the thesaurus, but pretty sure “caves” is the opposite of “beaches.” You’ll have plenty of options to explore these dark, mysterious cavernous wonders while in Ocho Rios. One of the most popular options is via inter-tube. Just hold on tight and make sure the flash on your camera is working. And feel free to title your image, “We came for the coconut oil and stayed for the stalagmites.”
Some say dolphins are smarter than humans. We know for a fact they’re smarter than our uncle, but that’s not so relevant here. Dolphin Cove offers cruise passengers the ability to become one with our sea-mammal friends. Whether getting up-close and personal, or just hanging on the beach, Dolphin Cove is a great excursion option while in Ocho Rios cruise port.
Also extremely popular is the Dunns River Falls excursion. Spend the day climbing up waterfalls and splashing away in Jamaica’s natural waterpark. You’ll feel like Mowgli as you hop from rock to rock and hug wild animals. Wait, maybe don’t do that.
Yup, we used “mon” and it didn’t feel right. But, we wouldn’t be doing Jamaica justice without mentioning “reggae.” Many people associate “Jamaica” with the iconic “Bob Marley.” While in Ocho Rios, take a tour of the museum dedicated to this legend and learn all there is to know in the best setting possible for such.
Like most other Caribbean cruise destinations, Ocho Rios shopping is “duty free.” If looking to put that credit card to work, check out our shopping section for your best options.
This is totally our speed. Your rafting options while in Ocho Rios allow you to lay back and take in Jamaica’s natural scenery. A guide will narrate your trip down the river as you relax and take it all in. You’ll pass through lush, tropical landscapes and learn about Jamaica’s rich history from small fishing town to thriving tourist destination.
Ocho Rios is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Cruise passengers can enjoy a variety of beach activities such as swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. There are also plenty of beach bars and restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink.
Island Plaza Shopping Centre is a great place to find souvenirs near the Ocho Rios cruise port. It offers a variety of shops, including a duty-free store, a jewelry store, and a souvenir shop. There are also restaurants and bars, so you can take a break and enjoy a meal or a drink while you shop. The centre is open seven days a week, so you can find something to take home no matter when you arrive.
Make sure to have your morning coffee or afternoon mojito before heading to Sofi’s Shopping Plaza. Vendors are aggressive and you’ll need to be on your toes. That being said, you’ll find some great quality and bargain opportunities at this Ocho Rios shopping plaza. From souvenirs to high-end jewelry, you’ll find almost everything at Soni’s Plaza.
Taj Mahal is your other major shopping option near Ocho Rios Cruise Port. Like Soni’s, here you’ll find aggressive sales people but also potentially good bargains. If looking for Jamaican Rum to take home, you won’t be disappointed. Expect to walk home with bottles for roughly $10 a piece. Another favorite purchase here is coffee. Blue Mountain is the most well-known brand and makes for a great gift.
Bay Beach is the closest and most convenient option for cruise passengers looking for immediate beach time. Upon leaving Turtle Bay Pier, you’ll find a path directly leading to Bay Beach. Expect this quick walk to take only five-or-so minutes. There you’ll find plenty of amenities like showers, bathrooms, and changing areas. You’ll have plenty of options to rent chairs, umbrellas or water-sports equipment. Expect to pay $3 for adults and $1 for children to access Bay Beach. Also, plan to be confronted by many vendors, soliciting everything from excursions to marijuana (aka a “go directly to jail card”). Bay Beach is a great option to squeeze in some beach time before or after another Ocho Rios excursion.
Another hidden gem of Ocho Rios, this public beach offers free access and everything else you’ll need. It’s relatively close to your cruise port at just a couple miles east of where you’ll dock.
For this private beach option, you’ll need to purchase access. Included in your cost, you’ll get transportation to the resort, unlined food and drink (booze too), beach equipment, entertainment, and more.
This Ocho Rios beach option is for those looking to avoid the crowds. The taxi ride will take roughly 20 minutes along the northern coast of the island. Don’t be surprised if there’s less than a dozen fellow beach-goers at this secluded destination. Despite it’s small size, you’ll find amenities like bathrooms and changing areas.
Green Grotto Caves is a popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The caves are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and visitors can take a guided tour of the caves. The tour includes a stop at a local village, where visitors can learn about the culture and history of the area. The caves are also home to a variety of wildlife, including bats, birds, and reptiles.
Dunn's River Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down 600 feet of terraced rock. Visitors can climb the falls, which is a unique experience, or take a guided tour. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and provide a great opportunity for swimming and taking pictures.
Dolphin Cove is a popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Visitors can swim with dolphins in the natural lagoon, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. There are also several other activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and a zip-line. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the area, which includes a stop at a local village to learn about the culture and history of the area.
White River Rafting is a popular tourist activity in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Visitors can take a guided tour down the White River, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. The tour includes a stop at a waterfall, where visitors can take a dip in the cool waters. The tour also includes a stop at a local village, where visitors can learn about the culture and history of the area.
Mystic Mountain is a popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It is a rainforest adventure park with a variety of activities, including a bobsled ride, zip-lining, and a chairlift that takes visitors to the top of the mountain. There are also several restaurants and shops located at the top of the mountain, offering a great view of the Caribbean Sea.
Turtle Bay Cruise Terminal is the main dock in Ocho Rios, so it’s more than likely you’ll be porting here during your stay. The dock can hold two normal-sized cruise ships or one mega vessel. When exiting your ship, you’ll find a closed-off terminal area with some shopping options and other conveniences. There’s a small coffee shop (Blue Mountain) with free wifi if needed. Once leaving the dock’s gates, you’ll find a taxi stand with rates posted to all major attractions. The closest beach within walking distance is Bay Beach. You’ll find a safe path to this beach which should only take five minutes to arrive at Bay Beach. Expect to pay $3 for adults and $1 for children.
This less-frequented cruise terminal is shared with cargo ships delivering to Ocho Rios. If docked here, a walk to the downtown area will take roughly 15 minutes. Just follow Main Street all the way.