We are frequently asked by visitors what to do do in Ocbo Rios? What are the best Ocho Rios excursions
To save visitors to the island some time we have tried to compile a list of all the things to do in Ocho Rios in one place.
If you are arriving on a cruise ship and you are looking for a list of things to do in Ocho Rios port, we have also included the travel time from Ocho Rios for each attraction.
We hope you find this list of Ocho Rios activities useful! If you have friends or family visiting please share.
Dolphin Cove Jamaica
Is swimming with the Dolphins on your bucket list? It is one of the main items on the bucket list of most travelers. Dolphin Cove is a 5 minute drive from central Ocho Rios. You can swim with the Dolphins, watch a shark show, interact with stingrays, interact with exotic birds, snakes and iguanas or simply chill out on their sandy beaches. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Mystic Mountain
At mystic mountain Jamaica you can go bob sledding, zip lining or enjoy their sky explorer while enjoying fabulous views of Ocho Rios. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Heavens Scent
This attraction is around 20 minutes from Ocho Rios. You can enjoy zip lining and paint balling while enjoying some of the most fabulous views in St. Ann. This attraction takes you into the hills in the Jamaican countryside and is not as touristy as Mystic Mountain. Be warned the road is rough but it’s well worth the visit. There is a reason it was named heavens scent. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 20 minutes
Segway Tour
Enjoy modern technology as you explore the lush tropical backdrop of Jamaica on a green, eco-friendly personal transporter. The Segway will give you the feeling this intelligent machine is actually reading your mind, taking you in any direction your touch guides. This one of a kind tour is offered by Prospect Plantation tour. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 10 minutes
Jamaican Cooking
Jamaican cuisine is world renown. Why not take a few cooking lessons while on vacation. Be escorted on a scenic walk through a beautiful ornamental garden where you will see a wide variety of herbs and tropical plants. Then it’s off to a “Sea View” kitchen on the veranda of the historical and majestic Great House 1100 feet above sea level. Your senses will be tantalized by the different herbs and spices to be used in the cooking exercises. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 10 minutes
Vegetarian Cooking Tour
Visit a 15 acre organic farm nestled in the hills of St. Ann and experience a true farm to table experience.
Mud Buggy Tour
Are you ready to take a ride on the wild side? Enjoy an experience of a lifetime as you take these mud buggies off road thru magnificent tropical scenery and breath taking views of the Caribbean Sea from 1100 feet above sea level. With a few stops on the itinerary you are able to enjoy 980 acres of Jamaica and have a few unique photo opportunities. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 10 minutes
Camel Riding
Did you know you could go camel riding in Jamaica? Once you arrive trainers will give you a brief orientation before you saddle up. Feel free to observe, cuddle or take a photos with one of the camels. Experience a camel ride while you trek an amazing tropical Jamaican estate. Distance From Central Ocho Rios – 10 minutes
Horseback riding
Did you always want to go horse back riding while on vacation. Enjoy a spectacular ride on a trail that runs through primeval forests with views of the White River or go horseback riding along the Seville Plantation. Distance – 10 minutes from Ocho Rios
Horse back riding in the Ocean
This tour was on my bucket list a few years back. Riding on your horse along the beach. It can’t get better than this. There are two tour companies in Ocho Rios that offer this tour. Chukka tours and Hooves Jamaica. Distance from Ocho Rios – Both of these attractions are around 20 minutes from Ocho Rios.
Dunns River Falls
Is the premier tourist attraction in Jamaica. Dunns River Falls is about 180 feet (55m) and 600 feet (180m) long. The waterfalls resemble a series of giant stairs. There are a however a few man-made improvements. There are several small lagoons among the vertical section of the waterfalls. The waterfalls empty into the Caribbean Sea at the western end of a beautiful white sand beach.
Distance From Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Turtle River Falls and Gardens
Ocho Rios is the land of waterfalls. These falls are not as popular as Dunns River Falls but special in there own way. The Turtle River Falls and Gardens is a 15-acre tropical garden conveniently located in the resort town of Ocho Rios. It features: 14 cascading waterfalls on the Turtle River which flows through the property, varieties of indigenous and endangered plants, exotic birds in a 382,329 cubic feet sized Walk-In-Aviary. Distance From Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Konoko Falls
Konoko falls is another one of the main waterfalls in Ocho Rios. Konoko Falls and Garden is nestled in the hills of St. Ann. Overlooking the resort area of Ocho Rios awaits one of the island’s best kept secrets. Situated just five minutes away from the centre of Ocho Rios, come and discover the diverse and serene experience that is Konoko Falls. Distance from Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Blue Hole
The blue hole is one of Ocho Rios’ best kept secrets. Blue Hole Jamaica is an area with secluded and relatively untouched falls located in the hills of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Its best feature is probably that it is not commercialized in any way. Everyone who visits The Blue Hole raves about its beauty and serenity. The Blue Hole is hidden up in the mountains above bustlingly touristy Ocho Rios. It’s not an official Jamaican Tourist Board attraction, but this is key to what makes Blue Hole so special. Distance from Ocho Rios – 20 minutes
Cool Runnings Catamaran Sunset Cruises
Interested in taking a sunset cruise in Ocho Rios. This is the perfect tour for you. This tour is usually available on Thursdays. Distance from Ocho Rios – 5 minutes (Tour starts at Mahoganey Beach, Transportation available.
Dunns River Catamaran Cruises
Quite a few companies offer catamaran cruises to Dunns River Falls. Two companies that I am going to highlight are Chukka Caribbean and Cool Runnings Catamaran. Both cruises offer snorkelling, drinks and a stop at the world famous Dunns River Falls. The boats will dock on a small beach at the bottom of the waterfalls. If you are going to tour Dunns River why not do it in style. Distance from Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Green Grotto Caves
If you are looking for a sanitized cave tour this is for you. If you want to rough it and really experience caving in Jamaica I would recommend Rockspring Caves. Green Grotto Caves is located in Discovery Bay. If you are staying in Runaway Bay or Discovery Bay this attraction is nearby. This attraction is around 30 minutes from Ocho Rios. Distance from Ocho Rios – 30 minutes
Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour
If you are a Bob Marley fan you will enjoy the nine mile tour. Experience the beautiful countryside of Jamaica on your way to the hometown of the world renown reggae star Bob Marley Distance from Ocho Rios – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour
Do you want to visit the country side of Jamaica. This tour is for you. You leave from Ocho Rios and drive up into the hills of Portland to the Blue Mountain. The Blue Mountains is the home of our world famous blue mountain coffee. Distance – Tour starts in Ocho Rios (company provides transportation). This is a full day tour.
Seville Plantation Tour
I would call this tour a natural history museum tour rather than a plantation tour. Learn a bit about the history of Jamaica while enjoying breath-taking views of the coast line. Distance from Ocho Rios – 30 minutes (If you are staying in Discovery Bay or Runaway Bay you are pretty close)
Bamboo Blu Beach Club
This location is popular with Cruise ship passengers and can get a bit crowded when a cruise ship is in tour. If you are staying in Ocho Rios and don’t have ready access to a beach this is one of the best places to go. Personally I think this is one of the best beaches in Ocho Rios. The food here is a bit pricey, but it’s not too bad. Keep in mind you have to buy something at the restaurant to get access to the beach. Distance from Ocho Rios – 15 minutes
Reggae Beach (Bamboo Beach Club)
This is another great beach in Ocho Rios. The nice thing about this beach is it is closer to Ocho Rios. Perfect if you don’t want to travel far. Distance from Ocho Rios – 5 minutes
Sandals Golf Club
Give yourself the perfect golf vacation, with rolling fairways lined by sweeping views of the sea and mountains. This magnificent 18-hole course rises 700 feet above sea level in the lush hills of Ocho Rios, with a practice range, putting and chipping greens, pro shop, restaurant and snack shack. Distance From Ocho Rios – 20 minutes
Harmony Hall
With over 100 of the finest artists and artisans represented, the art ranges from naïve to highly sophisticated. If you are looking for some Jamaican souvenirs. This is a good place to go. Toscanini Italian Restaurant is located downstairs. Distance From Ocho Rios – 10 minutes
Jewels Resort Runaway Bay Golf Club
This 72 hole golf course is located around 30 minutes from Ocho Rios.
Chukka Canopy Zipline
Rocket through the tree tops! Start your journey in the canopy of the Cranbrook Flower Forest. Ziplines range from 105 to 600 feet. You will also soar over the laughlands river gorge. Distance from Ocho Rios – 20 minutes
Zipline, Tube and Sail
This is a great 3 in 1 tour offered by Chukka Caribbean. Zipline on three exciting ziplines, then go river tubing down the beautiful white river and then go sailing along the stunning coast of Ocho Rios.
Zipline and Horsebackriding Combo
Get two tours in one. Go horseback riding in the ocean and then follow it up with a zipline tour over the laughlands river gorge
Ultimate Jeep 4×4 Safari
Climb up and buckle in for a scenic journey into Jamaica’s hilly interior, where an adventure awaits you. Your ascent takes you to quaint rural villages, fertile farmlands and breath-taking coastline vistas. Piece it all together as you look out from over 1,500 ft above sea level.
Amazing ATV Buggy
Take an amazing ride through the Jamaican Country side. Climb aboard your powerful ATV for an amazing tour of undiscovered Jamaica!
Tubing and Zipline Combo
Enjoy two tours in one with Chukka Caribbean. Go zip lining over the laughland river gorge and then go river tubing down the beautiful white river.
Scotchies
You can’t come to Jamaica and not experience Jamaica Food. Scotchies is one of the best places to get some good Jamaican jerk.