Thank you for visiting our site on Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Below is a brief history of Ocho Rios followed by a description of trips, shopping, restaurants and night life. Once you have finished reading, be sure to visit our main page for: other towns of Jamaica, pictures of Jamaica, facts about Jamaica and other Jamaican links.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Click to reserve online now or call toll free for more information call 1-866-276-1884 in North America or (876) 953-9555 in Jamaica. We offer rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.
The Parish of St. Ann on the north coast is known as the "garden parish" because of its great beauty with lush, vibrantly hued foliage. Its parish capital is the market town of St. Ann's Bay. However the vacation development of this delightful parish has centred on the seaside town of Ocho Rios.
The name Ocho Rios, literally translated from the Spanish, means "Eight Rivers" but it could be a corruption of Las Chorreras, the waterfalls, because waterfalls are perhaps the most striking feature of the area.
In fact, Ocho Rios owes much of its fame to Dunn's River Falls, a much-photographed and much-climbed attraction. It is a joy to be in or swim underneath the refreshingly cool water of the falls, and great fun to make the climb to the top.
Another very beautiful attraction is Eden Falls at The Ruins restaurant and the picturesque white-sand beaches that ribbon water's edge along the town.
Ocho Rios is also famous for Fern Gully, a rocky gorge of tremendous depth which zigzags for about four miles from the Ocho Rios coast up to the central mountain area of the island. Although it has become rather commercialized in recent years by souvenir vendors, it is still well worth a visit to see the profusion of tropical ferns (over 500 species) and the kind of foliage only to be found in a tropical rain forest. In the deepest parts of the gorge, only faint dapples of sunshine penetrate through the thick foliage and the temperature is about ten degrees cooler.
In the last 20 years, Ocho Rios has developed from a small fishing village to a thriving tourist destination. New beach land, hundreds of acres, was dredged to the south and hotels, apartment blocks, shopping centres and a marina were added to the already well-established old hotels like Jamaica Inn and Shaw Park.
A deep water pier with berthing space for three cruise ships at a time has attracted this segment of the tourist industry and it is a rare day when the streets of Ocho Rios do not throng with cruise ship visitors.
Moon San Villa is a four bedroom, four-bath villa with two dining rooms, two decks, living room/TV, small library and cable TV in every room. All four bedrooms are decorated in Caribbean style and colours. The villa is one hundred feet from the ocean and seven miles from Port Antonio, and has two decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Approximately three hundred feet from Moon San is the entrance to the world famous Blue Lagoon. The Lagoon is a blend of spring and salt water both cold and warm, which makes swimming a whole new experience. To reserve the Moon San Villa online, click here now
Tower Cloisters, an intimate apartment complex located just outside Ocho Rios, is ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing holiday with choice of restaurant or self catering facility. Call 876-975-4763/4.
Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a number of unique attractions to enjoy. Dhana Car Rental and Tours, Ltd. can help you experience these sites by renting a car. Click to reserve online now or call toll free for more information call 1-866-276-1884 in North America or (876) 953-9555 in Jamaica. We offer rates as low as US$175 per week, plus taxes and insurance. Click here to find out why Dhana's rates are so low.
There are several shopping plazas to cater to visitors, offering everything from Jamaican handicrafts and souvenirs to duty-free bargains from the in-bond stores. Included is Island Village which is located on the beach, stays true to its tropical location vibrant gardens, picturesque boardwalk, water features for a relaxed shopping experience. Find Reggae XPlosion, duty free shops an ice cream parlour, Margaritaville and much more on-site. The Taj Mahal is nearby with additional shopping and dining options.
The Crafts Market is situated in the downtown area.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Port Antonio is where river rafting started, originally by planters who constructed bamboo rafts for both transporting bananas and for the amusement of their families. The rafts glide serenely down river on this romantic two- hour trip. (876)993-2778.
Discover the very beginnings of this island's rich history and people. The site marks the area where Jamaica's first inhabitants, the Taino Indians made their largest settlement over 1500 years ago. 876-972-2191
Trace the evolution of Jamaica's indigenous music through a vivid presentation starting from the 1950's to present day. Soundtracks, other recordings and images bring to life this celebration of the island's music. 876-974-8353
Jamaica is truly about flavours which are brought to life in our music, art and of course foods. Our spices and unique methods of blending them has created a cuisine that both reflects our background as a melting pot for many cultures as well as a definitive taste found nowhere else. Tucked away in the hills just beyond Ocho Rios is the Walker's Village home to the world renowned seasoning and sauce factory. Tour this community based company and sample the sauces and of course purchase for take home packages.
Once a holiday refuge for the luminaries of the day, the historic home of playwright Noel Coward has played host to Queen Elizabeth II, Laurence Olivier, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. Stop by for a tour and learn more about this beautiful home named for the luminous insects that come out in the evenings. 876-725-0920
This 45-hole championship course has been host to many events including the Jamaica Open and the World Cup of Golf Qualifier. Beautiful views and a fast paced game characterize this golf experience. Want to learn the game or just sharpen your swing, there is a golf school on-site. 876-973-7319
Also considered to be fast paced and challenging greens, the course is located just outside St. Ann. Enjoy a fun short round of nine holes here.
Renovated in June 1992, Sandals golf course features greens rebuilt with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass and beautifully resurfaced fairways. This golf course is great Caribbean golf experience.
Take a sea-taxi and you can cruise in style to places like Dolphin Cove or Reggae Beach. Plan your private charter on any one of four vessels. From fun, snorkel, dinner or sunset cruises. Also speed boat tours to Cuba. 876-974-5367
This is an incredibly beautiful and secluded beach to spend the day at and enjoy Jamaican favourites such as fried fish and bammy. 876-974-5367
Perhaps the most celebrated beauty spot in the Ocho Rios area. Dunn's River Falls is not to be missed. The waterfall, which cascades over wedding cake tiers of smooth rock directly onto the beach, offers a challenging climb to the top-600 feet up. But don't be discouraged if you are not athletic, as it is much easier than it looks and experienced guides are always willing to assist. This breathtaking site is definitely a "bucket list" worthy experience.
Set sail to an exotic cove for swimming and snorkelling. On board enjoy the pulsating beat of Reggae music while you sunbathe and sip on refreshing cold drinks.
Call Jamaqua Dive Centre at 876-973-4845
Arguably one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the Caribbean, Discovery Bay is another must see locale on the north coast between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. Named in recognition as the long believed place where Columbus first landed, a park/open air museum has been set-up in this quiet seaside town. A marine park managed by the University of the West Indies is also next to the park.
For those of you unfamiliar with the major towns of Jamaica, we have included the following road maps and a set of road signs with major hotels/villa noted so that you can plan your trip in Jamaica accordingly. You can zoom in or out and scroll around as needed.
