Town centre
Guesthouses, transportThe bay and town.
Town guide
Things to do in Ocho Rios
The north coast's waterfall town: climbing Dunn's River Falls, swimming in the Blue Hole, Bob Marley's birthplace at Nine Mile, James Bond Beach, Firefly, and some of the best day trips on the island.
2
Hostels in the city
9.1
Average, from 161 reviews
Nine Mile
Marley's birthplace
2–3
Days
Waterfalls on the north coast
Ocho Rios is a busy resort and cruise-ship town on Jamaica's north coast, in the parish of St Ann, about an hour and a half from both Montego Bay and Kingston. Its setting, between green hills and the sea, is full of rivers and waterfalls.
Its best-known sight is Dunn's River Falls, where water cascades down terraced limestone steps to the beach, and visitors climb up the falls in a human chain. Inland, the Blue Hole, also called Island Gully Falls, has turquoise pools and rope swings, and Konoko Falls has gardens and a mini zoo.
St Ann is also Bob Marley's home parish: his birthplace and resting place at Nine Mile is about an hour inland. East along the coast are James Bond Beach at Oracabessa and Firefly, the hilltop home of the playwright Noël Coward. Give Ocho Rios two or three days.
Where to base yourself
The town centre for guesthouses and transport, or the coast east and west for beaches.
East coast
BeachesTowards Oracabessa.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 2 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Ocho Rios
Climb Dunn's River Falls with a guide, arriving early or on a day with few cruise ships. Swim and jump into the pools of the Blue Hole, and walk the gardens at Konoko Falls.
Visit Nine Mile, where Bob Marley was born and is buried, on a tour led by Rastafarian guides. Take a ride on the Mystic Mountain bobsled and chairlift, above the coast.
Relax at James Bond Beach in Oracabessa, and visit Firefly, Noël Coward's former home, for one of the best views in Jamaica.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
Ocho Rios Bay Beach is a public beach, and walking the town and the waterfront costs nothing.
Turtle River Park in the centre is free.
Dunn's River Falls, the Blue Hole and Nine Mile charge.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Jerk centres serve chicken and pork for €5 to €9, and patties cost about €1. Small restaurants serve ackee and saltfish, curry goat and fish.
Try fresh fruit and coconut water from roadside stands.
A 10 to 15 per cent tip is usual in restaurants; check the bill, as service is sometimes already added.
Nightlife
Going out
Ocho Rios has bars and clubs in town, busy on cruise days and weekends, and beach parties.
It is livelier than Port Antonio, quieter than MoBay.
Red Stripe costs €2 to €4. Use licensed taxis at night.
Getting around
Getting around
Knutsford Express coaches link Ocho Rios with Montego Bay and Kingston in about an hour and a half each, and with Port Antonio. Ian Fleming International Airport, nearby, has a few flights.
Route taxis run along the coast and to the falls. Use licensed taxis, with red plates.
Tours go to Nine Mile.
Costs
What Ocho Rios costs
Guesthouse and hostel beds start at around €25 to €40 a night. Jerk plates cost €5 to €9.
Dunn's River Falls costs about €25, the Blue Hole about €15, and Nine Mile about €25.
Attractions are priced for cruise passengers; pay in Jamaican dollars where you can.
Safety
Safety and scams
Ocho Rios is busy and generally fine for visitors. Touts and unofficial guides gather at the falls and in town; use official guides and agree prices first.
The rocks at the falls are slippery; wear water shoes. Use licensed taxis at night.
Tap water is generally safe in towns, but drink bottled water in rural areas and anywhere supply has been disrupted. In an emergency, call 119 for the police, or 110 for an ambulance or the fire service.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Marley, holidays and the dry season.
6 February
Bob Marley's birthday
Nine Mile
Celebrations at his birthplace.
6 August
Independence Day
Nationwide
Celebrations across the island.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in Ocho Rios, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
December to April is the dry season and the busiest time. Cruise ships make some days much busier. Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Jan
Dry, busy
Feb
Marley's birthday
Mar
Dry
Apr
Easter
May
Rain
Jun
Hurricane season opens
Jul
Hot
Aug
Independence Day
Sep
Peak hurricane risk
Oct
Rain
Nov
Drying
Dec
Holidays
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Hot and green.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Ocho Rios prices.
Treat these as a guide. Attractions cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Ocho Rios questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Dunn's River Falls worth it?
Yes, but go early or on a day with few cruise ships.
Can I visit Nine Mile from Ocho Rios?
Yes, it is about an hour away by tour or driver.
What is the Blue Hole?
A series of turquoise pools and falls inland, also called Island Gully Falls.
How do I get to Ocho Rios?
By Knutsford Express from Montego Bay or Kingston.
Is Ocho Rios safe?
Generally, but use official guides and licensed taxis.
How many days do I need?
Two or three.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April.
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