A large cruise ship docked at a tropical port with clear turquoise waters and a hotel in the background.

13 Super Fun Activities You Can Do At The Ocho Rios Cruise Port

Situated on Jamaica’s north coast, Ocho Rios is a dream destination for cruise lovers, thanks to its beautiful beaches, famous waterfalls, and various fantastic activities.

As someone who visits the Caribbean often, I find Ocho Rios amazing. It’s a perfect spot to include in your cruise itinerary. Keep reading to discover all you need about the cruise port and explore the area.

Take A Trip To Dunn’s River Falls

Visitors enjoying a climb up a cascading, rocky waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. One of the best thing to do when visiting Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Dunn’s River Falls is a must-see spot known for its breathtaking beauty. A popular activity is holding hands with others as you all try to climb to the top of this impressive waterfall, reaching heights between 800 and 1000 feet.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, making it a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. The falls welcome visitors from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. As someone who loves checking out beautiful waterfalls, I can confirm Dunn’s River Falls is stunning.

Wear water shoes to protect your feet from rocks as you explore the surrounding area. 

Visit The Irie Blue Hole

People relaxing on inflatable tubes floating down a calm river surrounded by lush greenery in the late afternoon sun.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

The Blue Hole is an amazing sinkhole with bright blue water that many people love to swim in and take pictures of. 

One of the best ways to visit the Blue Hole is to take a combination tour of both it and Dunn’s River Falls.

On this half-day tour, you’ll experience two of Ocho Rios’ main attractions and spend time swimming, playing, and taking many incredible photo opportunities. 

Spend Time At The Bob Marley Museum

A colorful mural with a portrait of a man with dreadlocks, possibly representing a popular reggae musician, alongside the message "Love is my religion" and "War is not the answer" in Jamaica.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

The Bob Marley Museum is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port. While the drive may seem lengthy, it’s absolutely worthwhile for the rich history of this iconic reggae legend.

Situated in Kingston, Jamaica, the museum offers an incredible opportunity to delve into Bob Marley’s life, explore Jamaican culture, and immerse yourself in the world of music.

Once Bob Marley’s residence, the museum now showcases many of his personal belongings, making it the perfect place to gain more insight into this influential artist.

Go Horseback Riding

A person riding a horse in the shallow waters of a blue sea with a clear sky above.
Photo credit: Canva.

There’s a unique calmness to horseback riding, and the Caribbean is the perfect spot to experience it. If you’re up for a fun activity and want to enjoy some beautiful scenery, try horseback riding.

Take Advantage Of A Resort For The Day Pass

A tropical resort on a beach with a large hotel building, a gazebo extending over the water, and lush greenery in the background.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Many resorts have day passes, which is awesome for cruise passengers. You can spend a full or half day enjoying the luxury amenities like pools, beaches, snorkeling, and water sports. It’s a fantastic way to have a day oozing with excitement and relaxation.

Explore The Beaches

A serene beach scene with sun loungers, a few people, clear turquoise water, boats, and a backdrop of lush trees and white multi-story buildings on a hillside.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Speaking from personal experience, Caribbean beaches are absolutely breathtaking. The combination of turquoise waters and powdery white sands creates the perfect setting for unwinding and enjoying the shore.

Jamaica boasts numerous stunning beaches and top places to kick back. It is conveniently located near the Caribbean port town of Ocho Rios. Some of my favorite beaches include Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Turtle Beach, Mahogany Beach, and James Bond Beach.

If I had to choose a single beach to visit in the area, my recommendation would be Turtle Beach. It’s the ideal blend of everything you’d want. There’s ample space for sunbathing and plenty of palm trees offering shade.

The water is fantastic for cooling off and engaging in water sports. Its convenient location near various shopping and dining options makes it even better.

Stroll Around Shaw Park Gardens

An old cannon overlooking a panoramic view of a coastal town with the blue sea in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

If you love plants and flowers, this botanical garden is the best spot to visit. Its hundreds of different flowers, plants, and lush vegetation create the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Enjoy Time Spent River Tubing

People relaxing on inflatable tubes floating down a calm river surrounded by lush greenery in the late afternoon sun.
Photo Credit: Canva.

River tubing in Jamaica is a super fun adventure. Picture yourself floating down a river on a tube, surrounded by beautiful tropical scenery and the sound of flowing water. You can try it in places like the White River or Martha Brae River, and it’s a unique way to explore Jamaica’s stunning landscapes. 

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’s about 4 hours long and the perfect way to spend half a day in the Ocho Rios area. 

Have Fun At Mystic Mountain


A chairlift passing through lush tropical forest with a view of the sea in the distance, located at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios.
Photo Credit: Canva.

Mystic Mountain is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers. With options like ziplining, bobsledding, and more, it’s packed with exciting activities for a day of fun and adventure.

Go Shopping


A vibrant and colorful souvenir shop displaying various crafts, jewelry, clothing, and reggae-themed items in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Photo Credit: Canva.

Jamaica is known for its many souvenir shops containing local goods and favorites.

Spend some time exploring different shops around the main road and picking up some souvenirs to commemorate your time spent on the island and bring back home to loved ones.

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.

Embark On A Private Tour 

A scenic view of a coastal Jamaican town with a pier, clear blue waters, boats, and green hills in the background.
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

One of the best ways to get to know the resort town is by taking a private tour with a local guide.

This lets you get some personalized inside knowledge of the town of Ocho Rios. On this tour, you’ll spend 2-3 hours getting to know the tourist and local spots and appreciate the beauty of Jamaica on a whole new level.

Savor The Taste Of Coffee From Blue Mountain Coffee 

Cans and bags of Jablum Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee on display
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Did you know Jamaica is known for its tasty coffee? Try local food and drinks to get a feel for the island. Don’t forget to get yourself a cup of the famous Blue Mountain Coffee, which has this rich flavor everyone talks about.

Spend Time With Dolphins At Dolphin Cove


A person in a life vest kissing a dolphin in a clear blue pool at Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios is well-known for letting you swim with dolphins. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, there’s no better place to check it off your list than on the stunning island of Jamaica.

Virgin Islands National Park

Aerial view of the coast with a turquoise sea.

No Passport is needed to visit this incredible park. I’m not exaggerating when I say it is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.

Learn more about Virgin Islands National Park.

Epic Snorkeling in St Croix, USVI

A young girl snorkels in clear, turquoise Caribbean waters, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

If you are looking for a beautiful snorkeling experience, plus a gorgeous setting to relax in, look no further than St Croix, USVI. You dont need a passport, yet you’ll feel like you are a million miles away from the US.

See the best snorkeling places in St. Croix.

The Ultimate Glow Up

A serene nocturnal ocean scene illuminated by bioluminescence. The water's surface glows with vibrant blue lights, emanating from bioluminescent organisms within.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

If you’ve never experienced the magic of a bioluminescent bay, you must book a trip to Puerto Rico ASAP. You don’t need a passport, and the beauty and fairytale-like setting of Old San Juan will blow you away.

See more about Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico.

Virgin Gorda Baths

Scenic view of Virgin Gorda Baths - large rock formations and crystal clear waters.
Photo Credit: Chantelle Kincy.

Virgin Gorda Baths are set in Devils Bay National Park on Virgin Gorda, BVI. You can get there by ferry from Tortola, and its a day trip you must take!

Read here to learn more about the Virgin Gorda Baths.

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