Ocho Rios Cruise Port: Top Things To Know Before Your Cruise
Are you considering going on a cruise to Jamaica and stopping by 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 a variety of 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.
How do you get around Ocho Rios?
Ocho Rios has two main cruise terminals: Turtle Bay Pier and Reynold’s Pier, also known as the James Bond Pier. There are several ways to get around the town from both cruise terminals.
Public Transportation
The public bus system is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Ocho Rios.
Taxi
Another common and easy mode of transportation throughout Ocho Rios and Jamaica is by taxi. It’s important to note that taxi drivers may try to spike the price, so feel free to try negotiating with them.
Walk
Both cruise terminals are a short walk from Main Street and many of the town’s top attractions, making it a convenient stop on your cruise itinerary. It’s so nice to hop off your cruise ship and be within walking distance of some of the best beaches, shops, restaurants, and sites.
Best Shore Excursions from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port
In Ocho Rios, cruise passengers have plenty of options. Check out some of the coolest activities below, including my favorites, for a memorable time.
Take A Trip To Dunn’s River Falls
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.
Be sure to wear water shoes to keep your feet protected from rocks as you explore the surrounding area.
Visit The Irie Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is this amazing sinkhole with bright blue water that lots of people love to swim in and take pictures of.
One of the best ways to visit the Blue Hole is by taking a combination tour of both the Blue Hole 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 plenty of incredible photo opportunities.
Check rates and availability for your combination tour here!
Spend Time At The Bob Marley Museum
Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port is the Bob Marley Museum. 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 the life of Bob Marley, explore Jamaican culture, and immerse yourself in the world of music.
Once the residence of Bob Marley, 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
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, make sure to give horseback riding a try.
Take Advantage Of A Resort For The Day Pass
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
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 many top places to kick back, and 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
If you love plants and flowers, this botanical garden is the best spot to visit. There are hundreds of different flowers, plants, and lush vegetation, creating the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Enjoy Time Spent River Tubing
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.
Book your River Tubing and Blue Hole experience here!
Have Fun At Mystic Mountain
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
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
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.
Check rates for the private tour of Ocho Rios here!
Savor The Taste Of Coffee From Blue Mountain Coffee
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
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.
Getting From Sangster International Airport to the Cruise Port
The best way to get from the airport to the cruise port is by taxi. The taxi stand is outside the Customs exit.
Places To Stay Near Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Sandals Ochi is a 5-star couples resort famous for its great service, incredible dining, and awesome nightlife. It’s the perfect place to stay for a couples getaway in the Caribbean.
Another excellent option is Moon Palace Jamaica. This all-inclusive resort is known for its awesome spa, fantastic fitness center, friendly service, and tasty food and drinks. Situated on the northern side of Jamaica, it has stunning views of the lush forest in the distance and the natural beauty of the ocean right outside its doors.
RIU Ocho Rios is another great all-inclusive resort. It’s famous for its beautiful pool, incredible views, and stunning property.
Ocho Rios Quick Facts
- The currency in Ocho Rios and throughout Jamaica is the Jamaican Dollar.
- The languages spoken in Jamaica are English and Patois.
- Ocho Rios is famous for Dunn’s River Falls.
- Jerk Chicken is one of the top dishes in the country.
- Bob Marley was born in Nine Mile, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Ocho Rios Cruise Port.
Best Time To Visit
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.
Cruise Lines That Visit Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Many different cruise lines visit the Port of Ocho Rios, which include:
Royal Caribbean
Carnival Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruises
MSC Cruises
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Safety In Jamaica
Ensuring your safety in Jamaica involves taking standard precautions, much like anywhere else. While most visitors have a fantastic time, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, especially in certain areas.
Stick to well-traveled spots, keep valuables low-key, and be cautious with public transport. Keeping around tourist areas and moving in groups is also advisable for added security.
Enjoy your time responsibly, stay alert, and follow any local advice. Just like any trip, check travel advisories and stick to popular areas where you feel confident and safe.
FAQs About Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Continue reading below as I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about visiting the Ocho Rios Cruise Port.
Can you walk to a beach from the Ocho Rios cruise port?
Do cruise ships dock in Ocho Rios?
How much is a taxi from Ocho Rios cruise port to Dunns River Falls?
Can you swim in Ocho Rios?
Final Thoughts On The Ocho Rios Cruise Port
Ocho Rios Cruise Port is a fantastic spot for cruise lovers. It’s nestled on Jamaica’s beautiful north coast, offering stunning beaches, famous waterfalls, and fun activities.
The friendly local vibes and the variety of things to do make it a perfect stop for any cruise. Once you step off the ship, Ocho Rios is ready to charm you with its warm weather and breathtaking scenery, leaving you with beautiful memories.
