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In Spanish, Ocho Rios means “Eight Rivers.” However, there are not eight rivers in or near the port town. Right outside the Port of Ocho Rios, a small café offers a short drinks and food menu. There is also a lively beachfront Margaritaville to the right of the cruise terminal as you exit. If you decide to stay in Ocho Rios, there are numerous things you can do. Mahogany Beach, situated a 5-minute drive/30-minute walk from the port, is another great option if you seek a more peaceful and secluded place.
Mystic Mountain Adventure Park
Don’t forget to get yourself a cup of the famous Blue Mountain Coffee, which has this rich flavor everyone talks about. Next photo shows the T-shaped pier and the Ocho Rios (Jamaica) cruise terminal as looked from a docked ship. There is also a range of water sports on offer, like jet skis, kayaks, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Experiences
The port of Ocho Rios is located on the north coast of the island of Jamaica. The name of the city means eight rivers in Spanish, but it more likely has its origin because there are several waterfalls in this area. Near Ocho Rios, the landscape is made up of mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation. Once the cruise ship docks, cruise lines organize plenty of transport to take you to the town center, local beaches, tours, or nearby attractions. You’ll also find many private taxis and independent local tour operators outside the exit gates.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Jamaica
If you are looking for peace and serenity in Ocho Rios, the Firefly Estate should be on your list of things to do. It typically has fewer tourists than the other attractions, and it gives a unique insight into Jamaica’s past. Formerly called the Enchanted Gardens, The Turtle River Falls and Gardens has plenty of opportunities for swimming. They will give you fascinating facts about endangered and endemic plants and show the best viewpoints.
It’s good to note that the Jamaican Tourist Board approves all vendors in the plaza. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top of the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. After exploring the caves, you could plan to visit the Ultimate Jerk Centre, which is just across the road. Here, you can experience authentic Jamaican jerk pork, chicken, and rabbit. Exploring Green Grotto Caves is usually on the list of things to do in Ocho Rios when visiting for a day on a cruise.
Experience beach horseback riding
If you prefer an all-inclusive package, several Ocho Rios resorts offer a day pass option with amenities, food and drinks included. Some of these include Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa and Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort. The second best Jamaica attraction is the dolphin interaction at Dolphin Cove, situated close to Dunn’s River Falls, only 5 minutes’ drive (3 km/1.8 miles) from the port of Ocho Rios.
During our visit, we took a catamaran straight from the docks to the falls at a cost of more than $100 per person. The least expensive way involves an excursion bus and costs about $65 per person. Ocho Rios is a popular port of call for cruise ships in part because of its famous and probably most popular attraction –- Dunn’s River Falls. Outside the town, residents and tourists can visit Columbus Park, the site where Columbus supposedly came on land, and see Spanish colonial buildings and maritime artifacts. The town is a port of call for cruise vessels, as well as for cargo ships that load sugar and limestone.
The best time to visit Ocho Rios is during the dry season, which spans from December through April. You can enjoy favorable weather with lower chances of rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches. The hottest month is July, with average temperatures of 90°F (32°C). There are rope swings around the blue pool for Tarzan-like adventures. Or you can climb to the top of the waterfall and dive into the deep pool.
Cruise Lines That Visit Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Shaw Park Gardens offers over 25 acres of land to explore via trails and wooden steps. Along with waterfall terraces and a grand historic house, you’ll also walk past tropical plants like ferns, palm trees, bromeliads, and an array of other exotic greenery. Bamboo Beach, formerly known as Reggae Beach, is a larger and better option about five miles to the east of the port. Prices usually range from $50 to $100 per person depending on amenities such as whether the excursion includes lunch or beverages. Ocho Rios is a common port of call on western Caribbean cruises.
Music is a big part of the culture, and you’ll likely hear reggae and jazz beats during your time here. You can experience the music scene by timing your visit with the prominent Ocho Rios Jazz Festival or visiting the Reggae Xplosion museum. On a cruise to Ocho Rios, there are endless opportunities to have fun in the water. Combine a scenic tour of Dunn’s River Falls with a thrilling tubing adventure down Jamaica’s White River. On the calm Martha Brae River, float on a bamboo raft surrounded by lush, tropical riverbanks as your guide navigates the river with a long pole.
Carnival Changes Jamaica Port of Call for Multiple Sailings - Cruise Hive
Carnival Changes Jamaica Port of Call for Multiple Sailings.
Posted: Sun, 11 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Island Village and Ocean Village Shopping Center are also great spots to find souvenirs and local fashions. Popular souvenirs include rum, coffee, Cuban cigars, and artwork and handicrafts by local artists. One of the most popular things to see on a cruise to Ocho Rios is Dunn’s River Falls, which is comprised of a myriad of smaller waterfalls cascading over dome-shaped cataracts. An easy way to visit is through a shore excursion, where you can explore the waterfalls on a nature hike or take off down mild river rapids on a tubing excursion.
November through April is the optimal time to visit Jamaica, marking the dry season. I suggest planning your visit in November or December for the best weather and a break from the chilly temperatures in many other places. It’s a great way to spend a few hours and a good retreat from the sun after a few hours spent soaking up the beautiful views and relaxing on the beaches. If I had to choose a single beach to visit in the area, my recommendation would be Turtle Beach.
This shore excursion is perfect for those looking to add a splash of excitement to their day. Imagine yourself in a tube, outfitted with a bottom, navigating through the White River’s gentle rapids and serene ponds. There are local buses available for transportation between towns, but they might not be the most convenient option for tourists due to irregular schedules and longer travel times.
Another popular shore excursion includes the Blue Hole, which is a very blue pool with cascading water, along with tubing or rafting on the nearby White River. The Ocho Rios facility is about two miles or three kilometers west of the cruise docks on the way to Dunn’s River Falls. The two attractions will fill an entire day for cruise visitors with a large budget. If you’re up for a mix of excitement and unique water sports in a gorgeous setting, river tubing is the way to go. I recommend taking a combination tour featuring river tubing and the Blue Hole for a fun experience full of water activities.
It offers a wide array of shops and vendors selling everything from locally made handicrafts to designer clothing and accessories. Do you want to continue enjoying the luxury of the cruise but on dry land? If so, plan to spend your day in Ocho Rios at the sumptuous All-Inclusive RIU Resort, located only a short 15 to 20-minute drive from the port. You can buy a day pass to enjoy all the resort’s facilities, which include live cooking stations, five pools, a tranquil spa, and reserved beach areas with complimentary loungers. Some tour operators also offer cruise ship passengers a buffet-style lunch while enjoying the sun, sea, and breeze. The nearest airport to Ocho Rios cruise terminal is Ian Fleming International Airport, located a 25-minute drive away.
There are shops and a bar-restaurant on-site and the food is delicious with various vegetarian/vegan options. This mountain-top adventure park is located only 2.5 km/1.5 miles from the Ocho Rios cruise terminal. James Bond Pier doesn’t have facilities, except for the small parking area for tour buses and taxis.
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