If you like luxurious surroundings in a resort-like atmosphere during your Jamaican vacation, check out the town of Ocho Rios. This tropical paradise town is a resort hub, with a cruise ship port surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful natural features. Situated on the north side of the island of Jamaica, Ocho Rios hosts a plethora of high-end hotels, beaches, and fun activity hotspots. It has everything you could hope for during your Caribbean holiday.
Once a small fishing village, hotels line the beach. The city sits between the ocean and lush rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers. Nearby is Dunn’s River Falls, a stunning terraced mountain waterfall reaching nearly 600 feet high.
Located in the St. Ann parish, the port serves more than cruise ships. Cargo ships carry sugar and other exports. Along with Monterey Bay, it’s one of the two largest cities in Jamaica.
Places to Stay in Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is home to high-end resorts, but there’s something for every budget in the area. From long-term rentals, perfect for families, to romantic getaways, you’ll discovery the lodging that fit your vision of the ideal tropical vacation.
The most romantic place to stay
Located on the beach, Jamaica Inn is the perfect honeymoon or anniversary trip. With only 48 cottages or suites, every room boasts a view of the ocean and the private beach. This award-winning hotel features day-long service in their restaurant, including afternoon tea. With a long and celebrated history, Jamaica Inn hosted Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller on their honeymoon as well as a number of other celebrities during the heyday of Hollywood.
The hippest place to stay
Reggae Hostel Ocho Rios is perfect for young people visiting Jamaica during a gap year or on spring break. With a reggae and rock and roll vibe, there are three Reggae Hostels on the island. Just steps away from the beach, they feature both shared and private rooms. Private rooms have verandas and kitchenettes to make your stay more comfortable. Shared dorms with six beds are about $25 a night, with $75 for private rooms. They also offer female-only shared dorm rooms if desired.
The most relaxing place to stay
More of an art installation than a vacation resort, Hermosa Cove is a bastion of artwork and landscaping. The 12-acre resort is the result of art collector and owner, Clayton Korver, and his determination to carve a secluded retreat in the Jamaican wilderness. Choose from a variety of nine distinctive bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens. These include a one-bedroom treehouse.
The best place to stay for families
With lots of extras for the kids, Beaches Ocho Rios Resort and Golf Club makes for a rocking family vacation. This Beaches resort in Jamaica won Traveler’s choice for families in 2017. With Pirates Island Waterpark and a golf program just for kids, it the hotel boasts larger rooms for families. Your kids will love Kids Camp, with age-appropriate activities. They’ll also enjoy the unlimited play at their Xbox Play Lounge, and older kids can hang out in Trench Town arcade.
Things to Do in Ocho Rios
No matter how luxurious, you’re not planning to spend your whole vacation in your hotel room. Check out some of the local action for things to in and around Ocho Rios.
Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios, a natural waterfall. Pic. by: Hiroyuki Matsumoto
Dunn’s River Falls
Just outside Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls is the must-visit natural feature near Ocho Rios. With its many levels, you can even climb the limestone terraces to the top. You’ll enjoy swimming in the lagoons at the foot of the falls, too. A breathtaking sight, the river continually deposits calcium carbonate on the tiers of limestone, and this living rock wears down and becomes continuously renewed. Take swimming gear and water shoes, and try to visit between cruise ship dockings for smaller crowds.
Rainforest Adventure
Mystic Mountain offers fun and excitement for every member of the family with their Rainforest Adventure. Try a zip line through the rainforest canopy. Or take the more peaceful route on the Sky Explorer chairlift ride. Jump on the Bobsled roller coaster for a wild ride inspired by the world-famous Jamaican Olympic team.
Dolphin Cove
In Ocho Rios, right across from Dunn’s River Falls, you’ll find Dolphin Cove. This family-friendly marine park features five acres of natural beauty. Snorkel with stingrays in the natural cove or meet with dolphins one-on-one. Other animals featured include sharks, iguanas, tropical birds, and even a camel!
Firefly
If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, and dare we say, sophisticated, visit the home of playwright Noël Coward, not far from Ocho Rios. Built in 1955, Coward bought the land for $150, added a house, and dubbed it “Firefly.” If you love great theater, mid-century history, or just a fantastic view, stop by for a tour.
Ocho Rios’ Natural Beauties
Dunn’s River Falls is not the only natural beauty in Ocho Rios. You and your family will find parks, preserves, and other natural habitats to explore.
Turtle River Park
Marked as one of Ocho Rios’ must-see spots, Turtle River Park offers free fun for vacationing families on a budget. Sitting in the center of Ocho Rios, the park features flower beds and fish ponds, along with gazebos and a pavilion for concerts. You’ll find tourists and local families alike enjoying Turtle River Park during the operating hours of 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. during the week, and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.
Shaw Park Gardens and Waterfalls
A superb choice for families with little kids, this park full of wildlife is in the hills above Ocho Rios. With a 200-year-old Banyan tree, the waterfalls don’t loom as high as those at Dunn’s River Falls, but some people say the laid-back feel and lack of crowds make it a better place to visit. Gardeners and flower enthusiasts will rave over the abundant tropical plants and flowers.
Fern Gully
Not just a great kids’ movie, Fern Gully is lush and silent three-mile trail that runs from Ocho Rios to Colgate. With either side bursting with over 500 different species of ferns, of course, this winding road is a preserve under the auspices of the National Heritage Trust. The trail runs so deeply shaded by tropical rainforest, the temperature in Fern Gully is 10 degrees cooler than elsewhere in Ocho Rios.
Best Places to Dine in Ocho Rios
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a quick bite or a night on the town, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in the city of Ocho Rios. Make sure you try regional specialties like jerk chicken and the fresh-caught seafood. Servers don’t expect to get tips, but if you receive spectacular services, they’ll appreciate a gratuity.
Best casual dining in Ocho Rios
If ocean-side vistas are what you crave for your Jamaican vacation, check out Pleasure Cove in Ocho Rios. This family-owned bar and restaurant has a private beach, which is open to the public and free for all. This spot is where locals eat and enjoy the beach on Sundays. With fresh and delicious food, this affordable eatery is well priced, too. The cove waters are shallow, making it an excellent choice for small children and inexperienced swimmers.
Best healthy eating in Ocho Rios
You can find ital food, vegetarian food embraced by many Rastafarians, at Reggae Pot Restaurant in Ocho Rios. Try their fresh juices and authentic ital stew. Vegans will find themselves right at home with the freshly prepared and wholesome meals. Dining is very casual in this tiny restaurant, with communal tables. And are no menus. Chef Deano prepares a set meal according to the local growing season and availability, and guests are welcome to join him for a minimal price indeed.
Best fine dining in Ocho Rios
If you’re looking for a fine culinary experience for a special occasion, Toscanini in Ocho Rios is known as the best restaurant on the island. It features primarily Italian food made with fresh island ingredients and fresh-caught seafood. Their menu is a delightful fusion of the two. The tropical colonial villa makes an elegant statement for any romantic dinner date. You can choose the dining room inside or enjoy the sea air on the verandah.
Best Spas in Ocho Rios
You go on vacation to relax, as well as have fun and adventure, right? And what could possibly be more relaxing than a few hours at the spa? You’ll usually find a spa at any resort or hotel in Ocho Rios, but these stand out in the crowd.
The Ocean Spa
With massage rooms that open up to a view of the vivid blue waters, the Ocean Spa will provide you an experience like no other. With attentive and skilled masseuses, you’ll find it attached to Jamaica Inn, facing the ocean. Start with a classic Jamaican rum punch to relax you from the inside out. Then, allow the professional staff to work out every knot of modern living from your stressed-out frame. Try one of their seaweed body wraps or fruit acid exfoliation treatments and emerge refreshed and invigorated. The spa offers a full menu of styling and barbering services, as well.
Veronique’s Day Spa and Wellness Centre
This small business in Ocho Rios offers beauty and massage services with a professional and personal touch. When traveling, it always feels good to give your business to the hard-working people who live there. So much more satisfying than dealing with a big hospitality corporation. Doing so is often a lot less expensive as well if you’re vacationing on a budget. Veronique’s is a cozy corner of relaxation and will even travel to your hotel for your massage.
Ready to Book Your Trip to Ocho Rios?
Ocho Rios, on the north coast of Jamaica caters to young singles, couples, and families alike. There are so many cool things to do and see that you’ll be challenged to fit it all in. Whether you’re looking for a luxury Caribbean vacation or just hanging out during spring break, Ocho Rios is where you’ll find the action. A fabulous place for adventure seekers and families, too, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, will impress you with its warmth, beauty, and hospitality.