Ocho Rios is located in the center of the northern part of Jamaica, on the shores of Discovery Bay, 105 km from Montego Bay Airport. The resort area consists of a chain of beaches, bays, capes, small old towns and fishing villages. Here you can choose accommodation for every taste and budget.
Tourism began to develop here only in the 1980s, which, however, managed to significantly distort the character of the locals. From good-natured fishermen, they have turned into “bigwigs” of the tourism business, waiting for their victims in street shops, at food stalls or on the beach, at a table with sea excursions, from where the smoky rhythm of the next reggae artist bursts out.
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In addition, Ocho Rios is known as the second (after Mo Bay) most popular cruise port. Accordingly, as soon as another handsome cruiser enters the harbor, thousands of tourists pour into the center of the village to take pictures against the backdrop of Ocho Rios palm trees, buy the n-th magnet and run back as soon as possible – until the snow-white “ol inclusive” sails off with a farewell beep. This usually happens in the evening. The liners themselves are frequent guests on weekends, so on weekdays you can exhale and enjoy the leisurely Jamaican life. So that on the weekend, in turn, go on a one-day excursion to some non-port place, for example, to the picturesque northern coast of the country. To summarize, we can say: an excellent Reggae Museum, a fun nightlife and an abundance of concerts, three quiet and charming parks on a hill.
How to get there
JUTA (974-2292) is the main taxi service for tourists. To get with their help from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay will cost about 13,500 JMD, to Kingston – 12,000 JMD (at the same time, to the airport of the capital – 16,000 JMD).
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Buses and minibuses arrive at the main terminal of Ocho Rios (the so-called transportation center on Evelyn St). There you can find a bus to Mo Bay (1750 JMD, 2 hours), Kingston (1750 JMD, 2 hours) and smaller towns along the way. Minibuses are cheaper, but also less comfortable.
Ocho Rios also has its own airport for domestic flights – Boscobel Aerodrome – located in the village of Boscobel, 16 km east of the city center. AirLink Express operates flights from Ocho Rios to Montego Bay and Tinson Pen Airfield in Kingston. In addition, flights from Negril arrive at Boscobel.
Transport
Minibuses (80 JMD for short distances, 150 JMD to the airfield in Boscobel or Mammee Bay) and taxis (1200-2500 JMD) run around the resort. An official government taxi from downtown to Duns River Falls will cost JMD 2500, Firefly 4500 JMD, Prospect Plantation 4000 JMD, Sandals Golf & Country Club 5000 JMD and Shaw Park Gardens 2500 JMD.
Car rental in Ocho Rios is the cheapest on the whole island, a car will cost about 60 USD per day, 360 USD per week. You can find a suitable car at Island Car Rentals – this is the most popular rental car in the resort. You can also check out Budget (15 Milford Rd), Bargain Rent-a-Car (1A, Pineapple Place Mall, Main St) or Salem Car Rental (block 7, Sandcastles Resort).
Beaches
Ocho Rios’ main beach is the long stretch of Turtle Beach that stretches east from the Turtle Towers condominiums to the Renaissance Jamaica Grande Resort. There are changing rooms and palm trees that provide a pleasant shade. Entrance for adults 120 JMD, children 60 JMD.
Island Village Beach, located at the western end of Main St, is a quiet and peaceful small beach that offers towels (600 JMD), umbrellas and sunbeds (600 JMD each) for rent. Entry 250 JMD. Mahogany Beach, 1 km east of the center, is another small and charming beach in Ocho Rios.
Entertainment and attractions
Active vacationers in Ocho Rios are engaged in water sports, tennis and golf, as well as horse riding. From here you can take a tour of the working plantation, go down the river, climb the famous Dunns River Falls or visit the Fern Valley. The nightlife of the resort is very, very active.
Reggae museums
Reggae Xplosion Museum – everything you wanted to know about reggae, but you were too lazy to open Wikipedia. Or just an impressive collection of Jamaican phenomenon – reggae music. The museum exposition includes the entire history of this musical direction: from ancient African drums to futuristic dancehall rhythms. There are sections dedicated to such musical styles as mento, ska, reggae, dancehall, including the music of the genius Bob Marley (posters, music, photographs). As well as headphones and the opportunity to listen to high-quality recordings, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s recording studio and a tour of a slightly smoky, but peaceful and really knowledgeable guide, which is already included in the ticket price. Address: Island Village, Phone: 876 675-8895, Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat.
