2024-06-14
Here is a list of things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Ocho Rios, which means ‘eight rivers,’ is a port town in the north of Jamaica.
It is a popular vacation destination, especially for cruisers on a Caribbean cruise.
Therefore, Ocho Rios is, above all, a bustling cruise port. However, beyond the cruises, there is much to see and do in Ocho Rios, and to help you plan your trip, I have prepared this comprehensive guide.
In it, you will find my suggestions on what to do and visit in Ocho Rios. If you are considering taking a cruise with a stop in Ocho Rios, I will also share my experience on a tour with MSC.
So, are you ready to discover an amazing place with Jamaican tones, flavors, and sounds?
Best Things To Do and Visit in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Climb Dunn’s River Falls
Dunn’s River Falls, or cataratas do Rio Dunn (Dunn River Falls), is the most sought-after tourist attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. And for good reason, as this place is unlike anything I’ve ever seen! Truly amazing!
The falls stretch 180 meters long and rise to a height of 55 meters, and the best part is that you can climb this waterfall on foot!
It’s advisable to wear shoes to avoid slipping while climbing the falls, but the experience is unforgettable!
It’s almost like a test of endurance, as you have to fight against the current to reach the top of the falls, meaning there is a certain amount of physical effort involved.
If needed, you can ask for help from guides who know the falls very well and accompany tourists to the end, pointing out potentially dangerous spots.
Relax at Dunn’s River Beach
Well, the famous Dunn’s River Falls cascades into a beautiful beach, perfect for those who love to dive into the Caribbean Sea!
This place is everything you expect from a Caribbean beach… fine, white sand, clear water, and, unlike the waterfall, warm water.
So, there’s nothing better than, after climbing Dunn’s River Falls, spending a few minutes (or hours) sunbathing on the beach of the same name.
Explore Columbus’s legacy in Jamaica
What do you think about exploring Christopher Columbus’s legacy in Ocho Rios, Jamaica?
If you’re a history enthusiast, particularly of the Age of Discovery, get ready to be amazed.
Ocho Rios is intricately linked to the expeditions of the famous explorer.
In Ocho Rios, visitors have the opportunity to explore historical sites associated with Columbus’s arrival in the region during his second voyage to the New World.
Among these tourist attractions is Discovery Bay, where Columbus is believed to have first anchored in Jamaica in 1494.
Following Bob Marley’s footsteps in Jamaica
Did you know that Bob Marley grew up in Ocho Rios and that his house can be visited? If you’re a music lover, this is the tour for you!
The Bob Marley Experience Tour, or Nine Mile Tour, is a journey in Ocho Rios centered around the life and work of the renowned artist.
Savoring typical Jamaican food
To indulge in authentic Jamaican cuisine is an experience filled with exotic and vibrant flavors. Starting with Ackee and Saltfish, considered the national dish, it’s a unique combination of ackee, a tropical fruit, and salted cod, seasoned with onions, bell peppers, and local spices.
On the other hand, Fried Breadfruit is a popular side dish and a delicious alternative to bread, with a buttery texture and a slightly sweet flavor when fried.
Goat Curry (Caril de Cabra) is highly regarded and served with a rich and aromatic curry sauce.
Not to be forgotten is the famous Jerk Chicken, where chicken is marinated in intense spices including allspice, resulting in a spicy and irresistible flavor.
Finally, the last recommendations for foods to try in Ocho Rios include Escovitch Fish, fried fish topped with a spicy pepper and vegetable sauce, and Mannish Water, a spicy soup made with goat meat.
What to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, during a cruise stop
We had the opportunity to visit the Ocho Rios region in Jamaica while on a Caribbean cruise aboard the MSC Divina.
Since we had limited time to explore Ocho Rios and didn’t want to take any chances, we opted to pre-purchase the excursion through MSC.
Thus, we chose the OCHO RIOS & DUNN’S RIVER FALLS – LUNCH INCLUDED excursion.
First part of the tour: climbing the Dunn’s River Falls
The water source that feeds the waterfall is rich in calcium carbonate, which makes the travertine rocks very slippery.
This time, the father stayed with the youngest while the mother and the older son ventured up the rocks.
Each group of about 20 people was led by a guide who knew the falls and helped us climb.
The climb began at the beach, and from there, it was a series of slips, glasses lost in the current, drowned cameras, and unplanned dives. It was an adventure!
The strong current and slippery rocks didn’t discourage us, as most of the group exited the waterfall at the first opportunity.
Only two families remained: an American couple with two children and us. It took us almost an hour to climb the falls, but we made it!
Second part of the tour: visiting Ocho Rios and lunch
After climbing Dunn’s River Falls, we were taken to a restaurant where we were served a traditional meal.
The options included chicken, goat, fish, vegetables, rice and beans, and coconut potato dumplings.
We ordered a bit of everything to try. We were warned that the food was spicy, and they weren’t kidding! So, the jerk chicken is similar to our barbecued chicken but with an extra-spicy sauce!
The fried fish had a sweet touch that we didn’t like much. The goat was tasty but quite spicy.
Poor our youngest son… the older one has gotten used to eating whatever is available, and when you’re hungry, you eat anything, but the youngest even complained that the rice and beans were spicy.
The dessert didn’t help him because, believe it or not, the chocolate and coconut dessert had pepper, and the apple pudding ‘burned in the mouth.’
We were so concerned that we forgot to take pictures of the dishes.
Before returning to the ship, we still had time for a short walk in Ocho Rios.
We particularly found a statue of Columbus with a tree growing out of his head amusing.
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