Ocho Rios Local History

Situated on Jamaica's northeast coast east from Montego Bay, the resort area of Ocho Rios helped to launch large-scale tourism in Jamaica. It once was a small banana and fishing port, but over time tourism became its leading industry, known for its abundant rainfall, verdant landscapes, rolling hills, and hotels with sandy beaches fringed by palm trees. Ideal for a lazy beach vacation, and also Jamaica's cruise-ship capital.

Ocho Rios Attractions

Top Attractions

Ocho Rios Shopping

Harmony Hall Jamaica - Ocho Rios Jamaica's finest artists and craftspeople come to display their work at this art gallery.

Island Village - for a great Jamaican shopping experience in Ocho Rios town center.

Ocho Rios Parks & Gardens

Shaw Park Gardens - in Ocho Rios. These beautiful, well-kept botanical gardens with hundreds of species of tropical birds and flowers, plus a beautiful waterfall are just a short walk from the center of town.

Coyaba River Garden and Museum - named after the Arawak word for paradise, these spectacular tropical gardens also offer a museum displaying pre-Columbian artifacts. Daily guided tours of the botanical garden and museum are offered.

Prospect Plantation - one of the great plantation tours on the island.

Ocho Rios Beaches

The two most famous beaches in Ocho Rios are:

Jamaica Grande Beach - parasailing is the sport of choice at this Jamaican beach.

Dunn's River Beach - one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its close proximity to Dunn's River Falls and for its cool, calm waters perfect for water sports.

Ocho Rios Restaurants and Bars

Ocho Rios Restaurants

BiBiBips - this is real Caribbean relaxation; sitting on a cliffside overlooking the cool blue Caribbean Sea, and sipping a Red Stripe. The atmosphere is casual, the food is good, why not try a favourite dish - Ackee & Saltfish?

Evita'a Italian restaurant - in Eden Bower rd. For excellent Italian-Jamaican fusions, pastas and pizza.

Passage to India Restaurant - On 50 Main st, for exciting and authentic Indian Cuisine.

The Ruins at the Falls - Jamaican and Asian cuisine in this tropical paradise restaurant setting centered around a soul-inspiring waterfall.

Ocho Rios Bars & Clubs

Ocho Rios - is a lively harbour town well-known for its nightlife and restaurant/bars. Special mentioning to:

The Ruins Pub - located at the Ruins Falls in a tropical paradise pub/restaurant setting centered around a soul-inspiring waterfall. Jamaican and Asian cuisine on call.

Ocho Rios Tours

Looking for organised tours in Ocho Rios?

• Padi Open Water Diver
• Ocho Rios Highlights
• Dunn's River Falls & River Tubing

More Ocho Rios Tours