17 Absolutely Awesome Things to Do in Ocho Rios Jamaica
If you are staying anywhere on the North Coast of Jamaica, you’re probably thinking of visiting Ocho Rios for even one day. From Discovery Bay, the most western end of the Ocho Rios region, the town of Ocho Rios is a mere 30-minute drive.
Here’s a little help with some ideas for top things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica.
A little bit of advice as you try to tackle this list of the best things to do in Ocho Rios
- This list of things to do in Ocho Rios is not in any particular order.
- If an activity involves water, whether being in a river or the sea, wear water shoes and consider bringing a change of clothes.
- If there is a cruise ship in port, it is best to avoid Ocho Rios unless you love being shoulder to shoulder with other tourists and waiting in long lines.
Without further ado, here is the list of the top 17 things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica.
1. Dunns River Falls
This is perhaps Jamaica’s most iconic landmark. Not visiting Dunn’s River is like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Climbing the falls is an exhilarating experience; but, for those who aren’t interested in the climb, there is a really nice beach at the bottom of the falls. Read our detailed trip report on Dunns River Falls Jamaica here.
2. Ziplining at Dunns River Falls
Ziplining is becoming quite popular in Jamaica. For a unique experience, do the full zip-line attraction at Dunns River and go zipping over the falls. It’s not Niagara Falls but your heart might think it is! Read our trip report about Ziplining with Chukka Cove here.
3. Mystic Mountain
This attraction is the closest that Jamaica has to a theme park. Enjoy a water slide, ziplining, cultural exhibits, a hummingbird garden, and a bobsled roller coaster where you control the speed! Read our Mystic Mountain Jamaica trip report here.
4. Konoko Falls
This garden, as well as its waterfall, is smaller and less crowded than Dunns River. The gardens have a wonderful array of tropical plants. There is an aviary and a crocodile habitat that has been introduced. There is also a small museum dedicated to Jamaican history. And they have a resident iguana named Ziggy. Read our trip report on Konoko Falls here.
5. Dolphin Cove
Enjoy the unique experience of swimming with the dolphins. The dolphins’ habitat is actually in the sea as opposed to a man-made pool. If this bothers you, don’t visit. Read our Dolphin Cove Trip Report.
6. Chukka Adventures Catamaran Cruise
This is a wonderful combination tour. You cruise over to Dunns River after stopping to snorkel on the way. Once at Dunns River you can climb the falls or lounge at the beach or go ziplining. Then the trip back is an all-out party on the boat ending with dinner at Margaritaville. Read our trip report of Chukka’s Catamaran Cruise here.
7. Island Village and Margaritaville
Quaint shops adorn this small shopping center. The highlight is Margaritaville with its restaurant, bar, and giant 60-foot water slide, all contributing to its all-day beach party atmosphere.
8. Ocho Rios Craft Market
You will either love or hate Jamaican craft markets. If you hate to haggle, stay away.
Read our blog post on how to survive the craft market in Jamaica.
9. Little Dunns River
This is a hidden gem that the locals love. Just across from the actual Dunns River Falls is a smaller and more natural version.
10. Turtle River Falls and Gardens
Formerly known as Enchanted Gardens, Turtle River Falls and Park is a beautiful garden with cascading waterfalls, a koi pond, and an aviary with exotic birds.
11. Shaw Park Gardens
This 25-acre garden as a small waterfall. This was a really popular garden in its heydey but has long been surpassed by Konoko. Still, if you love gardens, it is worth a visit.
12. Fern Gully
This old river bed is home to thousands of ferns and trees. In years gone by the foliage from the ferns was so dense that you needed to have your headlights on to be able to see.
13. UDC Beach
For a small fee, you can visit the UDC beach. Located right in the town of Ocho Rios, near the craft market, this beach is close to restaurant and shopping. It has clean restroom facilities. Lounge chairs can be rented.
14. JetPack Adventures
They describe themselves best.
“One part sci-fi, three parts British secret service agent, and 100 percent pure adrenaline rush, your water- propelled jetpack is about to send your spirits — and yourself — soaring.”
15. Fun on the White River
Wherever there is a river in Jamaica, there is loads of fun. Enjoy river tubing or river rafting on the White River, just east of Ocho Rios. Chukka Adventures has some great on-river offerings.
16. Blue Hole
No list of things to do in Ocho Rios would be complete without Blue Hole. TripAdvisor readers consistently list it as a top attraction in Ocho Rios. Blue Hole is actually about 25 minutes drive outside of Ocho Rios. There is the “Blue Hole” where people jump in on a rope swing. And, there is another section with a waterfall called Secret Falls. There are different entrances to the area; but, the licensed attraction is the one called Island Gully Falls. If it rained, skip this attraction. The Blue Hole won’t be blue but brown!
17. Yaaman Adventure Park
We haven’t tried this adventure yet but are looking forward to visiting it soon.
Set on the grounds of the historic Prospect Plantation, just a east of Ocho Rios, this adventure offers a medley of interesting activities – cooking class, tractor-drawn jitney tour, Segway tour, camel ride, and dune buggy rides. From what I hear, prepare for an adrenaline rush and to get dirty of the dune buggy ride. After all, I’m sure that’s why they named it the Dirt Buggy Wet and Wild Tour!
So there you have it, 17 top things to do in Ocho Rios.
For more things to do in Ocho Rios Jamaica as a region, read this article, Things to Do in Discovery Bay Jamaica. Find out all there is to do in Discovery Bay, the most western portion of the Ocho Rios region.
Where to stay in Jamaica
If you are visiting Jamaica and are looking for a villa in Ocho Rios Jamaica region, look no further than Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay, offering the best of both worlds – close to not only the attractions of Ocho Rios but also to those in other nearby regions like Rio Bueno-Falmouth, 30 minutes closer to Montego Bay’s airport than Ocho Rios, but without all the crowds and hustle and bustle of a large town.
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
Considering a visit to Jamaica with a group? Contact us today for more information about, Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa, our boutique 8-BR ocean view Jamaica villa rental experience in beautiful Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Perfect for multi-generational families and groups, retreats, and intimate destination weddings and vow renewals.
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