About Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica, and is more widely referred to as Ochi by locals. Beginning as a sleepy fishing village, Ocho Rios has seen explosive growth in recent decades to become a popular tourist destination featuring duty-free shopping, a cruise-ship terminal, tourist attractions and several beaches and acclaimed resorts. In addition to being a port of call for cruise ships, Ocho Rios also hosts cargo ships at the Reynolds Pier for the exportation of sugar, limestone, and in the past, bauxite. The estimated population of the town in 2011 was 16,671, which is nearly 10% of the total population of St. Ann. The town is served by both Sangster International Airport and Ian Fleming International Airport. Scuba diving and other water sports are offered in the town's vicinity.
Places to visit in Ocho Rios
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Dunn's River Falls
Nature · 3 mi from centreTiered waterfalls that tumble down limestone terraces straight onto a beach, where visitors climb up the falls in guided human chains. Wear water shoes and avoid days when several cruise ships are in port.
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Green Grotto Caves
Nature · 2 mi from centreA limestone cave system west of town with an underground lake and a long history of use by Taíno people, smugglers, and runaways. Tours are guided, so wear shoes with good grip for the damp paths.
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Firefly Estate
HistoricThe hilltop former home of playwright Noël Coward, preserved much as he left it, with his grave in the garden. The view over the coast is the highlight, so go on a clear day.
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Goldeneye
Historic · 11 mi from centreIan Fleming's former estate on Oracabessa Bay, where he wrote the James Bond novels, now an upscale hotel. Access is limited to guests and diners, so reserve a meal or drinks if you want to look around.
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James Bond Beach
Beach · 10 mi from centreA small beach on a peninsula in Oracabessa, named for its link to the films and often used for events. It is quieter than the Ocho Rios beaches, so bring snacks and plan to relax.
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Nine Mile
Historic · 13 mi from centreThe hill village where Bob Marley was born and is buried, with a small museum and mausoleum. The road up is steep and winding, so book a tour or hire a driver who knows it.
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Blue Hole
NatureA series of turquoise pools and small waterfalls in the hills above Ocho Rios, where visitors swim and jump from ledges. Go with a local guide, and only jump where the guide says the water is deep.
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Mystic Mountain
EntertainmentAn adventure park on a hillside above town, with a chairlift through the rainforest, a bobsled ride, and ziplines. Ride the chairlift up early in the day for the clearest views over the bay.
Things to do in Ocho Rios by type
28 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 9 experiences Chukka Good Hope Aventure: Jungle Zipline and River Tubing -
Cruise & Water Tours 3 experiences Chukka Island Village: Snorkel and Party Catamaran with Dunn's River Climb
- 3-6 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 1
- Senior 1
- Youth 1
- Families 1
- Couples 1
Top experiences in Ocho Rios
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 28 available.
Negril Beach and Ricks Café
From $88 per adult
Chukka Seville Horseback Ride 'N' Swim with Dunn's River Climb and Zipline
From $145 per adult
Chukka Seville Quad Safari, Horseback Ride'N'Swim with Party Catamaran Cruise and Green Grotto Cave
From $181 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Nature Explorer Pass
From $113 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Eco Explorer Pass
From $145 per adult
Chukka Good Hope Ultimate Explorer Pass
From $186 per adult
Seville Sunset Horseback Ride 'N; Swim
From $113 per adult
Where to stay in Ocho Rios
Popular hotels in Ocho Rios, out of 66 properties you can book.
Moon Palace Jamaica
From $408 per night
Jamaica Inn
From $2,036 per night
Fisherman's Point
From $107 per night
Hibiscus Lodge
From $149 per night
Silver Seas Hotel
From $83 per night
Seacrest Beach Hotel
From $125 per night
Sand And Tan
From $171 per night
Riu Ocho Rios - All Inclusive
Couples Tower Isle All Inclusive
Couples Sans Souci All Inclusive
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Sandals Royal Plantation
Best time to visit Ocho Rios
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ocho Rios is October to July, when average daytime highs are around 82–90°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Ocho Rios weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 86° 73° 92%
- Thu 22 Oct 87° 72° 75%
- Fri 23 Oct 85° 73° 100%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 73° 100%
- Sun 25 Oct 88° 72° 100%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 73° 85%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD)1 US dollar ≈ $159
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- America/JamaicaUTC−5
- Capital
- Kingston
Upcoming public holidays in Jamaica
- Christmas Day
- St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Ash Wednesday
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Ocho Rios
These are the airports closest to central Ocho Rios. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- KTP Tinson Pen Aerodrome34 mi (54 km) from the city centre
- KIN Norman Manley International Airport38 mi (61 km) from the city centre
- MBJ Sangster International Airport54 mi (86 km) from the city centre
Getting around Ocho Rios
Route taxis are everywhere. To give you an idea of the local cost 120 JMD$ is the cost of a shared route taxis between Ocho Rios and Oracabessa! ( $1 USD is equal to $86 JMD
Ocho Rios travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Ocho Rios?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ocho Rios is October to July, when average daytime highs are around 82–90°F and rain falls on about 21 days a month.
What is the weather like in Ocho Rios?
August is usually the warmest month in Ocho Rios, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 73°F (23°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 271 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Ocho Rios?
Tinson Pen Aerodrome (KTP) is the closest airport, about 34 miles (54 km) from the centre of Ocho Rios. Other nearby airports include Norman Manley International Airport (KIN, 38 mi) and Sangster International Airport (MBJ, 54 mi).
What currency is used in Ocho Rios?
Ocho Rios uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $159.
What time zone is Ocho Rios in?
Ocho Rios uses the America/Jamaica time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Ocho Rios?
Route taxis are everywhere. To give you an idea of the local cost 120 JMD$ is the cost of a shared route taxis between Ocho Rios and Oracabessa! ( $1 USD is equal to $86 JMD
What are the best places to visit in Ocho Rios?
Top sights in Ocho Rios include Dunn's River Falls, Green Grotto Caves, Firefly Estate and Goldeneye. Tiered waterfalls that tumble down limestone terraces straight onto a beach, where visitors climb up the falls in guided human chains. Wear water shoes and avoid days when several cruise ships are in port.
What are the top things to do in Ocho Rios?
Popular experiences you can book in Ocho Rios include Negril Beach and Ricks Café, Chukka Seville Horseback Ride 'N' Swim with Dunn's River Climb and Zipline and Chukka Seville Quad Safari, Horseback Ride'N'Swim with Party Catamaran Cruise and Green Grotto Cave. Destina Holidays offers 28 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Ocho Rios?
The most popular types of experiences in Ocho Rios are outdoor activities & adventure (9), cruise & water tours (3), amusement parks (1) and day trips & excursions (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Ocho Rios?
Popular areas for hotels in Ocho Rios include Ocho Rios. Well-reviewed options include Moon Palace Jamaica and Jamaica Inn.
How many hotels can I book in Ocho Rios?
Destina Holidays currently lists 66 properties in and around Ocho Rios, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
