Sunday, March 31, 2024

Ocho Rios Jamaica Cruises to Ocho Rios

ocho rios cruise

The lush forest covers over 3,000 acres of river gorges and stunning waterfalls that you won’t want to miss. There’s a lot of activities to choose from so, to help you decide, here are the top 10 things you can do during your trip to Ocho Rios. The most popular destination is the incredible Dunn’s River Falls, where you can climb the waterfalls.

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For many of his fans, visiting Nine Mile is a pilgrimage to pay homage to the most famous reggae musician. The magnificent Dunn’s River Falls is one of the few travertine waterfalls in the world that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. You may also miss out on local culture as the tour operators tend to deal with large commercial companies rather than private, local vendors. Although many car rental companies and private vendors rent cars, it can be more trouble than it’s worth. Jamaican roads tend to be narrow and full of potholes, and you must deal with dangerous drivers. Additionally, there are stories of unscrupulous police officers pulling rental car drivers over and trying to extort money.

Chill out at James Bond Beach

Today, this iconic location is accessible to the public and is one of the top tourist attractions in Jamaica. Another shore excursion option combines Pearly Beach with the nearby Dunn’s River Falls. The smaller Mahogany Beach is about one and a half miles east of the port. It’s a less appealing option than the others, but it is convenient for anyone walking in that direction through the town.

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ocho rios cruise

You can find tours that include ziplining and blue hole swimming, finished with authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. Start your day with a ride on the Rainforest Sky Explorer, a chairlift that takes you high above the treetops for panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Most people visit the adventure park to experience the world-famous Bobsled Jamaica. This state-of-the-art bobsled adventure takes you 0.6 miles (1 km) through dense tropical landscapes.

Ocho Rios Cruises Port Guide

Ocho Rios Cruise Port and Terminal Information - CruiseCritic.co.uk

Ocho Rios Cruise Port and Terminal Information.

Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Officially certified taxis, called Freelance Taxis, have fixed fares for specific journeys. However, it’s worth taking a picture so you have a record of official fares. This article is a comprehensive guide to planning a cruise day in Ocho Rios. You’ll get my top tips on getting around the island, where to shop, and the best cafes and bars to make your stop in this Caribbean port memorable. At Konoko Falls & Botanic Garden, continue your waterfall-hopping adventure and stroll through the peaceful walkways of the scenic botanical garden. In addition to the garden’s flora, you can see parrot feedings in the onsite aviary or learn more about Jamaica’s past in the small museum located on the site grounds.

Go caving in Green Grotto Caves

ATMs are located at the cruise terminal and in town at Island Village, Soni's Plaza and Gem Palace. Be prepared to pay a higher service fee than you normally would from home, and make sure the machine is marked dual currency if it's U.S. dollars you want. Mrs T’s Kitchen is another popular restaurant in Ocho Rios with cruise passengers. This well-known restaurant offers authentic Jamaican cuisine in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features traditional dishes such as jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, and ackee saltfish. Mrs T’s Kitchen is also known for its generous portion sizes and flavorful dishes.

The most popular attraction within walking distance is Ocho Rios Bay Beach, otherwise known as Turtle Beach. Food services are available such as snack shop and picnic facilities. While travelling to your chosen excursions, keep your eyes peeled for local performers along the way ready to share their eye-catching acts with you. Discover where cruise ships dock, how to get to town, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Cabbage and Junkanoo beaches and how to explore it all on your own. The other possible docking spot in Ocho Rios is officially named Reynold's Pier but is frequently referred to as James Bond Pier. This pier is also within walking distance to downtown - around 1/2 mile (800 meters) - and used by both cargo and cruise ships.

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The Martha Brae River is located in Trelawny Parish, roughly an hour and a half drive west of Ocho Rios, depending on traffic and the exact starting point of your journey. The peaceful Turtle River Falls and Gardens is a popular place in the center of Ocho Rios to escape the hustle and bustle of the cruise port. Many local vendors sell souvenirs, and many photo opportunities are available in this unique, mystical landscape to post on your social media. Plan your drive through Fern Gully on your way to Nine Mile when visiting the Bob Marley Museum and Mausoleum.

ocho rios cruise

For lunch, many cruise travelers head into town to enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine—either jerk chicken or Jamaican patties. Other attractions include swimming with dolphins, the famous Bobsled roller coaster, or a leisurely drive through Fern Gully. You can relax in beautiful parks and gardens or admire stunning waterfalls.

It is a natural cove that is home to several dolphins and other marine life. It is a unique experience with various activities that set it apart from other dolphin encounters. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of a relaxing day out, Shaw Park Gardens and Waterfalls is worth a visit. Remember to hire a guide to fully appreciate the rich history and lush vegetation in this beautiful oasis in the heart of Ocho Rios. One of the main attractions of Shaw Park Gardens is undoubtedly its waterfall. And the great news is that visitors do not need to get wet to experience it.

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. Until cruise ships arrived, Ocho Rios (“eight rivers”) was a sleepy little fishing village. Now, with two major piers for cruise ships, it’s become one of the hottest destinations in the Caribbean. Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the most popular ports of call in the western Caribbean — and it’s not hard to understand why.

No.” This is the first of many James Bond references you’ll learn about when planning a cruise day in Ocho Rios. Choose to drive your own ATV or ride with a buddy on a dune buggy; then take off on your own overland adventure. What could be more fun than taking a three-mile river tubing trip through coconut plantations and bamboo groves full of amazing scenery? Sit back in your tube and join hands with your companions as you prepare for some leisurely floating following by a quick rush as you zip through the rapids on White River. While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the famous White River Valley to taste the local Jamaican Jerk. We hope you enjoyed this list of things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica while on a cruise.

The most popular excursions get extremely busy, especially on days when there are a lot of ships visiting. It will be a better experience when you schedule your visits to these spots as early in the day and arrive before the rest of the cruisers do. Similar to Mystic Mountain, Chukka Good Hope is a privately owned multi-activity destination.

Ocho Rios Cruise Port 8 Best Things To Do In Ocho Rios Jamaica

ocho rios cruise

From action packed to serene, there’s a water adventure waiting for you. Get the opportunity to interact with one of the most beloved animal species on the planet when you visit Dolphin Cove. In addition to hands-on dolphin experiences, you can also swim alongside sharks and visit the adjacent white sand beach, where you can rent a beach lounger to relax on. Families love visiting the onsite Treasure Reef, where you’ll find a replica of Port Royal where pirates used to frequent. 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.

Unwind at the Bamboo Beach Club

Walking the drive is also an option for those who prefer a more intimate experience. Turtle River Falls & Gardens is an idyllic spot in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This picturesque garden and waterfall area is filled with lush greenery and blooming flowers. Visitors can take a stroll around the grounds or take part in a guided tour to learn more about local flora and fauna. Taxis and excursion buses are the best option for getting around Ocho Rios and visiting major attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls. The area has a few local and national car rental companies that serve cruise visitors.

Scotchies Jerk Centre in Ocho Rios

In this idyllic spot, Dunn’s River spills dramatically over a five-story waterfall. The springs continue for another 600 feet through various small pools and cascading waterfalls. Geologists call the area a “living phenomenon” because it’s constantly forming new terraces based on the flow of water and sediment.

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ocho rios cruise

When docking in Ocho Rios, it’s worth planning to visit the Irie Blue Hole or Secret Falls. This natural wonder and hidden gem is not far from the center of Ocho Rios. This natural swimming pool is not as crowded as Dunn’s River Falls, offering you the chance to swim in crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by tropical greenery.

IDEAL Things to Do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

The town center is a five to ten-minute walk when disembarking from the cruise ship. The closest attractions are the Taj Mahal Plaza beside Turtle River Park and Gardens and Harbor Shops. If you arrive at Reynold’s Pier, you should expect to walk 15 minutes to the start of Main Street. Arriving at Scotchies Jerk Center, you’ll be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of jerk seasoning and spices. The jerk pork and chicken are cooked over a pimento wood fire, adding to their unique flavor.

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ShipRocked Cruise Hits Pier In Jamaica Due To Weather, Passengers Temporarily Left Ashore.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway

The area features restaurants, shops, and stalls selling locally-made crafts, souvenirs, and designer clothing. Remember to bring suitable water shoes for climbing the waterfalls to get the best out of the park. If you want to get lunch in tropical surroundings, there is a good-quality restaurant. A catamaran cruise lets you explore the crystal-clear Caribbean waters.

Bob Marley’s Nine Mile Tour

You’ll glide through the crystal-clear waters in a twin-hulled sailboat (called a catamaran). The unique design of these boats offers plenty of stability and a wide deck to stretch out and unwind. The river is mostly calm, although there are a few stretches of small rapids.

ocho rios cruise

A collection of waterfalls cascade into a stunning blue pool, transforming the locale into a tropical paradise. Your scenic horseback excursion will take you through a lush tropical forest, sugar plantations, and historic castles. Eventually, you’ll ride out onto the beach, where you have the option of unsaddling your horse and riding bareback in the water. You may also recognize the area around the Jamaican point of interest from the classic James Bond movie, Dr. No. The filmmakers were instantly drawn to the natural beauty of the region when searching for a Caribbean shooting destination.

An opportunity to discover the present reality and history of a working plantation like the Appleton Rum Estate or the Sun Valley and, taste some of the exotic flavors of Jamaica. The Blue Hole has become a top attraction in the last couple of years. The clear blue water of this Natural Wonder is a delight to dive in and swim. Just 300 feet away from the Turtle Bay Pier - and less than 1/2 away from the James Bond Pier, Margaritaville is an easy, fun and close by spot to enjoy a day at the beach. Activities such as riding a state-of-the-art chairlift 700 feet above the rainforest, a Canopy Zip Line, a Bobsled ride and a Waterslide are the top thrills at this park.

Mahogany Beach, one of the popular free public beaches in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is a must-visit for beach lovers. The beach offers various activities for visitors, making it an ideal destination for families and solo travelers. Dr. No, the first Bond film, was shot on the north shore of Jamaica nearby James Bond Beach.

Friendly guides escort guests between the different jumping points so it can all be accomplished safely. A photographer will follow your party down the falls capturing each jump and burn the photos to a CD if you choose to purchase them. If you’ve seen the cruise-themed Netflix movie, Like Father, there’s a prominent scene shot at The Blue Hole to give you an idea of just how beautiful it really is there. Be warned, the falls are slippery and can be somewhat tricky or strenuous for some.

Ocho Rios cruise port visitors will find it is one of the best destinations for attractions and things to do on the island of Jamaica. You’ll be happy to know that both piers in Ocho Rios are within easy walking distance (15 minutes or less) from the town. The port area has been designed with the traveler in mind and features plenty of shopping centers, restaurants, and duty-free stores. Learn about attractions like Dunn's River Fall, Dolphin Encounter, Mystic Mountain and other tropical destinations you'll encounter on a Panama Canal cruise from Princess Cruises. Spanish for "Eight Rivers" Ocho Rios is a scenic and peaceful port located on the northern end of Jamaica.

Visitors to the falls, which cascade more than 600 feet down hillsides, climb up the rocks and water in the form of a daisy chain. The daisy chain, requiring visitors to hold hands, is a bit awkward but necessary for safety on the slippery rocks. Ocho Rios is a moderate-sized resort city with a moderate amount of things to do and other points of interest within the cruise port area. Ocho Rios is a small city of about 17,000 people on the northern coast of Jamaica.

Life jackets are provided but where the tubing takes place, the river is quite shallow. Guides often walk along next to the tubes keeping them toward the center of the river. River tubing along the White River is a good activity to combine with a trip to The Blue Hole due to their proximity.

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