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Ocho Rios holidays
In Jamaica’s gorgeous Garden Parish, this fishing village turned big-time beach destination has a lot on its to-do list: climb waterfalls, swim with dolphins, visit botanical gardens and museums… Or simply sit back on one of the islands prettiest beaches. The smaller areas of Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay and Oracabessa sit further along the coastline for a more secluded base.
- Flight time
- 10 h
- From London
- Currency
- J$
- Jamaican dollar
- Time zone
- GMT -5h
Getting to Ocho Rios
Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is an hour and a half’s drive from Ocho Rios (97km), an hour from Discovery Bay (64km) and Runaway Bay (72km) and two hours from Oracabessa (118km). It’s served by direct flights from London Gatwick, and the flight takes about 10 hours. Though the airport transfer is longer than the one to Montego Bay, the drive’s a simple and scenic one along the A1 highway, with views of the sea, plantations and shady stretches among the tree-topped hills.
If you’d rather not take the road, it’s possible to book a private plane or helicopter flight from Sangster to Ian Fleming Airport, which is only twenty minutes drive (16km) from Ocho Rios and ten minutes (5km) from Oracabessa.
Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston is a two-hour drive away from Ocho Rios (107km) and Oracabessa (92km). If you’re staying in Runaway or Discovery Bay, the journey is an extra hour and a half or so on top of this. Nonstop flights run to Norman Manley from London Gatwick, taking around 10 hours.
Average weather in Ocho Rios
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Ocho Rios
A population swelled by fleets of cruise ships; of course, the nightlife in Ocho Rios is going to be lively. This is the birthplace of Reggae, and they will not let you forget - (nor will you want to!) Sunset cruises are a must if you wish to lap up the delicious spectrum of colours that grace the evening sky. Then head back inland to try the quirky - and always carefree - side of Ocho Rios.
The beach is the stage for most of the evening's escapades; stick a cocktail or rum punch in your hand and breathe in that stunning scenery. Or take on the nightclubs such as Noir Nightclub, Margaritaville, or Amnesia Nightclub. Here you will find swim-up bars, live music, waterslides, DJs, and always (always) reggae!
We know eating out is often the best part of the holiday - especially evening time; it’s a chance to reflect on the day, eat new cuisines and welcome in the night. Ocho Rios knows what it’s doing when it comes to food, be it homestyle, fine dining, beachside or nibbles and snacks.
In a coastal area, seafood is a big part of the restaurants in Ocho Rios. But do not be afraid vegetarians, the seaside restaurants don’t just serve seafood, but cater for the veggies too! Seaside Dutchie is a hidden secret, understated in appearance – delicious in flavour – plus, they serve their meals in small Dutch pots and pans, a commentary on their Dutch roots.
Fine Dining comes in many forms in this part of Jamaica, highlighting the many cuisines of Europe. Bettino’s Italian takes you to the outskirts of Ochi, a veritable feast. For a taste of France, try L’Escargot. Spring Garden Seafood & Steakhouse does what it says on the tin – an impeccable fine dining experience offering the best of the ocean. For a more homely vibe, Miss T’s Kitchen and Scotchies show you Jamaica’s best bits.
Shopping’s big in Ocho Rios. The Ocean village shopping centre on Main Street is full of boutiques and places to eat, or for the Jamaican market experience, head down to Ocho Rios craft park. This is the biggest market in the area, with dozens of stalls selling wooden ornaments, straw hats, jewellery, t-shirts and food. You certainly have to hold your own and haggle, exerting polite but firm no thank-yous along the way… But it’s a blast when you get into the swing of it, especially when the farmer’s market’s on. The Taj Mahal mall near the cruise terminal is also very touristy, known for its persistent traders selling Jamaican art and crafts. We like the Wassi Factory where you can buy art and pottery, watching pieces being made in the showroom.
Activities in Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios seems to have nabbed the best position on the island when it comes to activities – the beautiful blue stretching out ahead of it, the iconic Dunn’s river falls behind and plenty more a walk or short drive away.
Watersports
Diving in Ocho Rios
There are a number of PADI dive centres (like Garfield Diving) around Ochi, where newbies can get their certification and experienced divers can join scuba tours. The Catherine Wreck is a favourite site, where a sunken ship has created an artificial reef under the water – look out for eels, nurse sharks and rays. Turtles are common sightings at Devil’s Reef, while Jack’s Hall is a stunning series of reefs and chutes, teeming with marine life. Meanwhile, snorkelers can swim out from beaches like James Bond Beach and Turtle Beach to explore reefs within easy reach from the shore.
Surfing in Ocho Rios
Reaching one of Jamaica’s main surfing beach takes just over a 2-hour drive southeast - this lands you on Bull Bay, where there’s a growing surfing community and consistent breaks. The other option is driving 2.5 hours or so east to Boston Bay which is also known for good conditions. Around Ochi, the waves tend to be barely there – save for a couple of stormy nights a year. Paddling on bamboo rafts was a thing here long before SUP was invented – you can still book a raft ride on the White River but for standard SUP’ing the main all-inclusive hotels have their own boards and paddles.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Ocho Rios
An hour’s drive west of Ochi, Brian at Kitesurf Jamaica based in Berwood Beach provides kiteboard lessons, gear hire and unbeatable local knowledge. Last time we checked, that was your lot in terms of kite centres but if you’ve got your own equipment, the north coast’s your oyster! When it comes to windsurfing, the big Ocho Rios hotels have their own water sports centres where guests can try their hand in a windsurfing class, or just use the equipment.
Sailing in Ocho Rios
Most of the big hotels have Laser Bug Performance and hobies for guests to use, and some run ASA sailing classes for all ages. If you’d rather have someone else at the helm, there are a number of companies (like Cool Runnings) offering sunset cruises and party boat tours from Mahogany Beach.
Fishing in Ocho Rios
The north coast is fantastic for deep sea fishing – charter a crewed boat and the locals will show you the best spots for landing blue and white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and more. Most trips end with a Redstripe beer on the beach, while your catch is cooked for you, it doesn’t get fresher than that!
Canoeing & kayaking in Ocho Rios
Adventure companies run river kayaking tours to the White River valley, with rapids, cliff jumps and rope swings to keep the adrenaline pumping along the way. Rio Bueno (a 40 minute or so drive west of Ocho) is another popular spot: currents swoosh you downstream, via rapids and natural pools, easing as you paddle towards the sea. A leisurely paddle along the coastline usually follows, ending on a hidden beach. You can usually find a fleet of kayaks in most of the bigger hotels and at Turtle Beach, with coast tours or the chance to paddle at your own pace.
Land activities
Golf in Ocho Rios
The Sandals Golf Club in Ocho Rios is thought to be one of the nation’s finest, with 18 holes up in the hills giving brilliant views over the Jamaican landscape. Runaway Golf Club has an 18-hole championship course designed by Brit Major John Harris. Host of the Ryder Cup Match between the UK and West Indies, as well as the Jamaica Open. Green fees for the above are usually free for guests staying in the corresponding hotels.
Cycling & mountain biking in Ocho Rios
Companies like Blue Mountains Bicycle Tours lead fantastic day trips from Ocho Rios – zoom down the hills of the Coyaba Preserve and visit the villages and waterfalls of the Blue Mountains, stopping to sample coffee and devour hearty jerk lunches. Though the coach journey takes a while to get there, it makes for a great tour of Jamaican towns and countryside. Singletrack Jamaica lead tours on a number of spectacular unmarked trails around Ochi and Oracabessa.
Walking & hiking in Ocho Rios
There are some spectacular hiking routes in this neck of the woods, from the Dunn’s River park to the White River Valley (where you can rest legs on a charming bamboo raft trip down the river). We love the twenty miles of walking trails around the Green Castle Estate, which feature over a hundred species of birds, spectacular waterfalls and tropical rainforest.
