A stall selling coconuts in Ocho Rios

Things to do in  Ocho Rios

Eight rivers run through it

Ocho Rios, located on the island of Jamaica, welcomes visitors with its lush tropical greenery, majestic waterfalls, and resort-lined beaches. The epitome of an easygoing Caribbean getaway, the port town is popular with cruise ship passengers and outdoor adventurers looking to experience its natural landmarks, such as Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Hole, and the Blue Mountains. One of the top things to do in Ocho Rios for many is a visit to Nine Mile, the birthplace of music legend Bob Marley, along with sampling island fare like jerk chicken.

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Top 15 attractions in Ocho Rios

#1

Dunn's River Falls

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Dunn's River Falls is a spectacular White River waterfall near Ocho Rios in Jamaica, where cold mountain water cascades 1,000 feet (300 meters) down naturally terraced steps. Those interested in geology will be fascinated with the way the world-famous falls renew themselves via regular deposits of calcium carbonate and sodium, while movie buffs will recognize them from films such as Dr. No and Cocktail.More
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#2

Blue Hole

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The Blue Hole—alternatively known as the Cool Blue Hole, Secret Falls, or Island Gully—is a natural limestone sinkhole near Ocho Rios. A deep cavern within the tropical mountains of Jamaica, the Blue Hole gets its name from the deep azure hue of the water. Travelers visit to swim, cliff dive, and make their way through the lush rain forest to Secret Falls.More
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#3

Martha Brae River

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Winding 20 miles (32 kilometers) through Jamaica’s tropical inland rain forests, the turquoise Martha Brae River is an essential stop for nature lovers traveling in this Caribbean country. Visit for a quick rafting trip or take advantage of its privileged position close to other natural attractions and diverse wildlife during your Jamaica vacation.More
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#4

Bob Marley's Nine Mile

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A visit to Nine Mile, a sleepy town high in the Jamaican mountains of St. Ann Parish, is a must for die-hard Bob Marley fans. Home to the birthplace, house, and mausoleum of the legendary king of reggae, Nine Mile offers visitors insight into Bob Marley’s everyday life and his music, and a deeper understanding of his roots.More
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#5

Rio Bueno

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Reportedly the place where Christopher Columbus first set foot on Jamaican soil, Rio Bueno is a small village east of Montego Bay. People come to the area to take part in water sports on the river.More
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#6

White River

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Floating along the White River in an inflatable tube or kayak is one of the most relaxing adventures you can share with friends and family in Jamaica. Close to Ocho Rios, the tranquil and warm waters of this secluded river flow slowly enough for all ages to soak up the beautiful tropical atmosphere.More
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#7

Mystic Mountain Adventure Park

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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.More
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#8

Columbus Park Museum

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Located in one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic natural harbors, Columbus Park at Discovery Bay is said to be the place where Christopher Columbus first landed in Jamaica in 1494. Now a lovely open-air museum, the park commemorates the island’s history with well-preserved artifacts and a killer view of the island’s north coast.More
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#9

Konoko Falls and Park

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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.More
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#10

Fern Gully

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Go deep into the wild nature of Jamaica with a drive through tropical Fern Gully. A towering tunnel of ferns and tropical overgrowth, this dense rain forest—full of spectacular falls, gorges, and plant life—is one of the most noteworthy attractions on the island.More
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#11

Green Grotto Caves

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The Green Grotto Caves are a labyrinth of limestone caves located in Falmouth, between the resort towns of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Once used as shelter by the native Arawak Indians, the caves have since been employed as a hiding place for smugglers and runaway enslaved people, before serving as the site of a nightclub. Now, they're a Jamaican attraction you can tour in the company of a local guide.More
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#12

Turtle Beach

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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.More
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#13

Blue Mountains

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The highest peak, the longest range, the best coffee—Jamaica’s Blue Mountains rightfully claim a handful of superlatives. The mountain range spans 28 miles (45 kilometers) across the rugged eastern portion of Jamaica and offers views of the island’s north and south coasts, and on a clear day, even all the way across the Caribbean Sea to Cuba.More
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#14

Port Antonio

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A former banana-port town on Jamaica’s northwest coast, sleepy Port Antonio is an off-the-beaten-path destination. Away from the busier Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Port Antonio is marked by craggy shorelines and hilly jungle rife with rivers and lagoons. It’s clear why Errol Flynn, aka Tarzan, built a Hollywood escape here in the 1940s.More
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#15
Ocho Rios Cruise Port

Ocho Rios Cruise Port

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The Ocho Rios Cruise Port in 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.More
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Top activities in Ocho Rios

Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling

Jamaica Dunn's River Falls Party Cruise with Snorkeling

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$133.34
Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios

Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Private Tour from Ocho Rios

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$50.00
Dunn's River Catamaran Cruise From Ocho Rios

Dunn's River Catamaran Cruise From Ocho Rios

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$118.00
Bamboo River Rafting Experience from Ocho Rios

Bamboo River Rafting Experience from Ocho Rios

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$76.93
Ocho Rios Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls Tour

Ocho Rios Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls Tour

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$85.14
Bamboo Rafting and horseback

Bamboo Rafting and horseback

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$150.00
Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transportation One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotels

Montego Bay Airport (MBJ) Transportation One-Way or Round-Trip to Hotels

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$20.14
Zipline, Snorkel and Party Catamaran with Dunn's River Climb

Zipline, Snorkel and Party Catamaran with Dunn's River Climb

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135
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$179.00
Luminous lagoon Dark night Tour from Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels

Luminous lagoon Dark night Tour from Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels

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$81.00
Jamaica Combo Tour: Dunn's River Falls and Bob Marley’s Nine Mile

Jamaica Combo Tour: Dunn's River Falls and Bob Marley’s Nine Mile

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$129.00
Blue Hole plus Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Combo from Runaway Bay Hotels

Blue Hole plus Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls Combo from Runaway Bay Hotels

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$118.00
Dunn's River Falls from Ocho Rios

Dunn's River Falls from Ocho Rios

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$51.30
Ocho Rios River Tour: Blue Hole, Dunn's River and Tubing

Ocho Rios River Tour: Blue Hole, Dunn's River and Tubing

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$135.14
Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios

Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios

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$76.93
Taste of Jamaica Farm Cookout

Taste of Jamaica Farm Cookout

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$98.00
Horseback Riding in the ocean & Bamboo Rafting from Ocho Rios

Horseback Riding in the ocean & Bamboo Rafting from Ocho Rios

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$150.00
Wet n Dirty ATV Outback Adventure From Ocho Rios

Wet n Dirty ATV Outback Adventure From Ocho Rios

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$156.25
Private Sightseeing Tour in & Around Ocho Rios

Private Sightseeing Tour in & Around Ocho Rios

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$58.00
Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Blue Hole, Tubing, Horseback Riding

Ocho Rios Shore Excursion: Blue Hole, Tubing, Horseback Riding

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$182.00
Blue Hole from Ocho Rios

Blue Hole from Ocho Rios

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$49.28
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All about Ocho Rios

When to visit

While balmy tropical weather makes Ocho Rios a welcoming escape year-round, early winter (November to mid-December) has the advantages of off-season rates, fewer crowds, and lower odds of having your trip sidelined by a storm—but do plan to pack an umbrella in case of rain showers. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with August and September being the peak months.

Getting around

Although you can rent a car to get around, driving on the left side of the road can be confusing for those not used to doing it. If you’re arriving in Ocho Rios by cruise ship, grab a taxi at the port to explore the city and island; look for official taxis with red license plates. Public buses in Jamaica are the cheapest option, but you should avoid taking them since they’re usually unreliable and can be unsafe.

Traveler tips

It’s a good idea to carry some local currency for souvenir shopping and tipping. You can procure local currency from most ATMs on the island—in many cases, local vendors are not able to provide change in US dollars. Wear insect repellent, especially when you’re near water, to prevent getting bit by midges—tiny insects also known as “no see ums” because they’re so small you can’t see them—and sand flies. The bites aren’t dangerous but can be irritatingly itchy.

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Tours
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People Also Ask

What is Ocho Rios known for?

Creamy beaches, emerald rainforest, waterfalls, rivers, and sultry sunshine pretty much all year round—Ochos Rios holds many attractions for visitors. Dubbed the “garden parish,” its main draws are Dunn’s River Falls, jungle adventures to the top of Mystic Mountain, James Bond Beach—featured in Dr. No—and the Bob Marley memorials at nearby Nine Mile village.

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How far is Dunns River Falls from Ocho Rios?

Dunn’s River Falls is around 3 miles (4.5 kilometers) west of Ochos Rios, along the coastal road between the town and St. Ann’s Bay. The easiest way to get there is by guided tour, but, otherwise, cabs from town or the cruise port will whisk you there in under 10 minutes.

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What excursions are popular in Ocho Rios?

Most popular are trips to Dunn’s River Falls to enjoy its terraced falls and pools, followed by excursions to the Blue Hole’s lagoons, and Konoko Falls’ botanical gardens. Other favorite things to do in Ocho Rios include rainforest-and-river zipline, bobsled, and tubing adventures; party cruises; and forays to James Bond Beach and Nine Mile, Bob Marley’s birthplace.

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Is it safe to walk around in Ocho Rios?

Yes. Ochos Rios has a low crime rate relative to other parts of Jamaica, so daytime walking should present no problems. However, walking alone at night isn’t recommended: if you must go anywhere on foot, stay on main roads—taking care of the unpredictable traffic—and in highly populated areas.

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What is there to do in Ocho Rios port?

The cruise terminals are a stroll from town, so there’s plenty of things to do in Ochos Rios when arriving at the port. Pay an entry fee to lounge on white-sand Bay Beach; meander around Main Street’s duty-free malls, markets, and restaurants; or hit the beachside Island Village plaza for a meal and cold beer at its colorful Margaritaville restaurant.

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Is Ocho Rios safe for tourists?

Yes, Ochos Rios is considered safe for tourists, helped in no large part by the presence of tourist police in and around its cruise port areas. That said, tourists are sometimes targeted by pick-pocketers and petty thieves, so it's wise to keep your valuables with you and out of sight.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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