Ports

Top 15 Things to do in Ocho Rios Cruise Port

The Jamaica's government approved $19.3 million to upgrade Reynolds Pier of Ocho Rios cruise port
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Things to do in Ocho Rios Cruise Port are taking a Jamaican Bobsled Roller Coaster ride and exploring Green Grotto Caves. Sky Explorer Chairlift Ride is a must-try activity.

The Ocho Rios Cruise Port has two piers: Turtle Bay Pier and Reynold's Pier. For transportation, visitors can plan to go anywhere in Jamaica by taxi or choose regular public buses as a budget-friendly option.

Abundant in natural resources and beauty, this gorgeous city is bound to engage and delight you at every turn. The former fishing village embodies natural winders from lagoon pools to Dunn's River Falls.

Let's jump in and see the 15 fun things you can do in nearby Ocho Rios cruise port:

1. Roar On An ATV Ride Through Tropical Jamaican Woodlands

Rad Venture's ATV takes you through a thrilling ride to lush tropical rainforest
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One of the enjoyable things to do in Ochos Rios cruise port is a rugged ATV ride experience operated by Rad Venture. It is a guided 40 minute to 1-hour tour.

The journey begins with a short cruise through Snow Hill and straight onto the off-road. Hop onto an ATV through the lush tropical rainforest and get a splendid ocean view from the top.

Adrenaline junkies get into this exhilarating adventure and venture into the unspoiled countryside of Jamaica. Explore the scenic route on your all-terrain vehicle.

  • Distance from Port: 1.4 miles
  • Location: Rad Venture ATV & Off-road Adventure, Snow Hill Road, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 368 9597
  • Cost: $135 per person
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (Daily)

2. River Tubing At Dunn's River Falls

Things to do near ocho rios cruise port include river tubing on Dunn's River Falls. The World Famous Dunn's River Falls and Park is one of Jamaica's national treasures.

The 600 feet waterfall flows into the Caribbean Sea, bordered by lush tropical jungle. Reconnect with nature as you hike, stop by the Tranquility Gardens, and splash some water on Dunn's River.

Climbing the giant natural stairs takes 1 to 1.5 hours with short breaks in between.  The river carries a history of being the ground of the battleship of Las Chorreras in 1657 between the English and Spanish.

After reaching, you will get a tube nearby White River. You can flow down the river alongside an experienced guide and venture a thrilling experience through lush jungles and fresh river water.

  • Contact Number: +1 866 999 6590
  • Cost: $139 per person
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday)

3. Set Aside A Few Hours and Visit Shaw Park Garden and Waterfall

Shaw Park Garden and Waterfall has climb Mahoe Falls surrounded by flowering plants
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With an overload of fun and interesting things to do at Ocho Rios cruise port, go for visiting the Shaw Park Garden and Waterfall. It is lodged above the Ocho Rios.

The 25-acre of botanical garden features a large waterfall cascading through the exotic flower garden. There are above 600 species of plants and shrubs including bougainvillea and ferns.

Walking trails, picnic areas, and viewpoints, what is there not to do at Shaw Park Garden and Waterfall? Take a calming walk around the park and stop by the faunas to take some pictures.

  • Distance from Port: 1 mile
  • Location: Inn at Shaw Park Gardens & Waterfalls, CV2P+5QC, Old Hotel Road, Shaw Park Ridge, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 974 2723
  • Cost: $10 per person
  • Open Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Monday to Thursday), 8:30 am-4:00 pm (Friday)

Also read: Things to do in Nassau Bahamas Near Cruise Port

4. Dip Into Blue Hole

Blue Hole is blue due to the natural limestone sinkholes
Source : beaches

Blue Hole is a series of natural limestone sinkholes nestled within the tropical mountains of Jamaica. You can get a shuttle bus from Ocho Rios or contact a tour company with roundtrip from the port.

The jungle oasis features natural freshwater pools, hidden caves, and waterfalls. Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you jump off the cliffs straight into the water.

Take a dip into the natural jacuzzis around one of the natural pools or the adjoining rivers. Visitors can try adventures like rope swings and ziplining over the river. You also hike to 20-foot-high Island Gully Falls.

  • Distance from Port: 2 miles
  • Location: Cool Blue Hole Ocho Rios, Shop# 10 Office, Double V complex, 109 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Cost: $20 per adult and $10 per child entry fee

5. Laze at Nearest Beaches

Ocho Rios Bay Beach is also known as Turtle Beach nestled in Sunset Jamaica Grande
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Ocho Rios beaches near cruise port are Ocho Rios Bay Beach and Pearly Beach. Mahogany Beach is the most famous beach there.

There is a string of beaches dotted around Ocho Rios serving an oceanic environment with its soft sands and beach boulders.

Ocho Rios Bay Beach

This beach is within walking distance from the cruise port. Book a pass and enjoy your day in crystal clear turquoise water and silky soft white sand.

It is a private beach owned by Urban Development Corporation. There is an entrance fee of $200 per adult and $100 per child.

Pearly Beach

Beach lovers, this stunning free beach is just 3 miles away from the port. You take rent olden fine loungers and umbrellas to sunbathe on the golden sands.

There is a safety barrier set a little less than 5 feet deep in places so swim through the oceanwater free of any stress. There are plenty of picnic places suitable for families.

Mahogany Beach

The best beach in Ocho Rios near cruise port is Mahogany Beach. It offers a variety of non-motorized water sports equipment on rent for the day.

During peak season, the beach is even more popular than usual so the sands get packed with tourists and beachgoers.

6. Discover Green Grotto Caves

Green Grotto Caves embodies the deep Jamaican history as it is believed to be used by the first inhabitants of the island, Arawak Indians.

The caves were used as nightclubs until the Jamaican government regained control in 1999. It is said that pirates also used these caves to hide treasures and were also a storage area for arms during World War II.

It features an underground lake, eye-pleasing rock formations, and a series of caves. Watching stalactites and stalagmites is a one-of-a-kind experience of exploring underground caves.

They offer protective headgear with a hairnet, and pets are not allowed to enter the caves. The historic caves are surrounded by thick vegetation and river waters so enjoy the hidden gems of Jamaica.

  • Distance from Port: 19 miles
  • Location: Green Grotto Caves, Main Street, Discovery Bay, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 973 2841
  • Cost: $20 per person ($10 for ages between 4 to 12)
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

7. Say Hello To Dolphins At Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios is spread in a 23-acre coveted semi-virgin area
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Want to encounter a dolphin up close? That is exactly what you can do on a Swim with Dolphins in Dolphin Cove Jamaica package. Dolphin Cove is a partner of Dolphin Discovery Group.

This package includes Jamaican lunch and an encounter with Stingrays. You can take a belly ride or hug or handshake with these bubbly sea creatures.

Pun on your swimwear, get into the water and have tons of fun around. Children and their families can spend a day continuously getting amazed at the responsiveness of dolphins.

  • Distance from Port: 2 miles
  • Location: Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios, Belmont Road, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 800 727 5391
  • Cost: $119.2 per adult and $95.2 per child
  • Open Hours: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (Daily)

8. Taste Jamaican Sweet Potato By Pudding Man

Edgar Wallace opened Jus Cool Restaurant two decades ago
Source : facebook

Where to taste famous Jamaican sweet potato? Browse the Just Cool Restaurant and garb their signature indigenous dishes by Pudding Man.

Edgar Wallace, aka Pudding Man, hails from Clarendon. He makes puddings that are slow-cooked in foil on iron pedestals. Other dishes like ackee, brown stewed, and callaloo are also famous.

It costs $11 for whole potato pudding, $12.30 for the toto and cornmeal pudding, and $0.97 for a slice. The scrumptious treat has some secret recipe mixed that Pudding Man's wife inputs.

  • Distance from Port: 8.6 miles
  • Location: Pudding Man, Main Street, Priory, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 423 1760
  • Open Hours: 7 am- 9 pm (Sunday to Friday)

9. Gaze At Soft Painting At Harmony Hall Art Gallery

Gazing art of Harmony Hall Art Gallery is an absolute must activity to add to your list of things to do in Ocho Rios port.

Browse the eclectic collection of intuitive arts dating back to the 1980s. Keeping up with the times, it was the centerpiece of a sugar plantation during the 19th century.

From the artworks of Mallica Kapo Reynolds to Allan Zion Johnson, you will get to see hundreds of artwork collections. At John Addison Concert Hall, you can find entertainment like exhibitions of local arts.

  • Distance from Port: 4.9 miles
  • Location: CXC3+RJ8, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 975 4222
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Open Hours: 10:00 am - 6:000 pm (Monday to Friday)

Related: Best Time to Cruise to The Caribbean With Destinations

10. Kick Off Your Adventure On A Sky Explorer Chairlift Ride

The Ocho Rios Mystic Mountain Sky Explorer Chairlift Ride Excursion is suitable for all ages
Source : shoreexcursioneer

Shore Excursioneer provides an Ocho Rios Mystic Mountain Sky Explorer Chairlift Ride Excursion. They offer Round-trip transportation from the Ocho Rios cruise terminal.

This 2-hour ride to the top of Mystic Mountain through natural trails covers standout attractions like Mystic Pavilion and Lookout Tower, and Butterfly Attraction Garden.

One chairlift can accommodate up to four persons, so it is enjoyable for families. While riding above 700 feet mountain, you can get a panoramic view of the nearby Dunn’s River Falls.

See Mystic Mountain from a new angle as you soar through the sky high above the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like exotic birds including Humminbird.

  • Contact Number: +1 866 317 2999
  • Cost: $150 per person
  • Open Hours: 8:00 am - 5 pm

11. Exclusive Trail and Beach Horseback

The Exclusive Trail and Beach Horseback excursion is provided by Shore Excursions Group.  It is a trained tour guide for a scenic countryside trail ride.

It is a four-hour excursion that starts directly from the cruise terminal. Their shuttle picks you up from the port and takes you a drive through the Corral.

After guiding with some instructions, you can ride on your assigned horse through wooded areas. From deserted beaches to coconut trees lines and mangroves, you can set out on a bareback horse ride experience.

  • Contact Number: +1 866 999 6590
  • Cost: $112 per person
  • Open Hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Monday to Friday)

12. Try Jamaican Bobsled Roller Coaster

Riding the bobsled through the Ocho Rios city and coast view in Mystic Mountain Bobsled
Source : facebook

The famous Jamaican Bobsled Roller Coaster ride on a metal track was started by a group of Caribbean in the 1980s.

The adventure begins with a short chairlift ride to the top of Mystic Mountain. Enjoy the scenic glide throughh the tropical seaside forest canopy and cliff-lined north shorelines.

Take a walk around the hummingbird garden or observe the Jamaican maritime prominence, fun is there at every step. The tour activities include Reggae Rock, Annancy's Rope Course and access to infinity pools and waterslides. 

  • Contact Number: +1 876 579 2180
  • Cost: $99 per person
  • Open Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Except Thursdays and Fridays)

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13. Treat Your Tastebuds With A Food Tour

Foodies rejoice! While on Ocho Rios cruise port has plenty of local food to discover guaranteed to tantalize the taste buds with an array of food outlets dotted around the port.

Miss T's Kitchen

The restaurant provides rustic country cuisine and authentic Caribbean dishes. Taste the home-style Jamaican dishes ad beverages in a garden setting.

Famous dishes: Boneless Oxtail Pasta at $32, Shet Pan at $32, and Bar-B-Fried Chicken at $20.

Evita's Italian Restaurant

Situated in St. Ann Parish, the restaurant is housed in the 1860s gingerbread house. It is an open-air eatery serving Traditional Italian fare with a Jamaican spin.

Famous dishes: Mozzarella in Carrozza at $46.20, Marinated Octopus at $9.50, and Minestrone Milanese at $3.50.

Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records Ocho Rios

Famous dishes: Appleton BBQ Wings at $5.18 and Jerk Grilled Shrimp $8.74.

14. Get Wet On A Bamboo White River Rafting

Bamboo White River Rafting is accompanied by a guide
Source : tacdn

Ocho Rios cruise port safety is a concern while selling merchandise. Visitors need to be careful of their belongings on their person and don't flash expensive items.

Bamboo River Rafting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard a 30-foot bamboo raft. The authentic Jamaican experience takes you on a ride surrounded by lush and tropical scenery.

Keep your eyes peeled for birds and encounter freshwater fish darting in the water.

  • Distance from Port: 3.4 miles
  • Location: Keith's Bamboo Crew, CW8H+C9P, Shaw Park Beach, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 702 648 5873
  • Cost: $76.03 per person

15. Go For A Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon Tour

Luminous Lagoons light up when water is disturbed and the organisms begin to glow
Source : glisteningwaters

Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon is a little far from the cruise port, so you have to take a shuttle. The nightly boat tours of the Lagoons are worth every hassle you can take to reach there.

The lagoons are home to some microscopic organisms that emit bioluminescent light. You can also take and swim and experience seeing their outlines as streaks of light.

  • Distance from Port: 39.3 miles
  • Location: Luminous Lagoon Glistening Waters, F9MC+CCQ, Falmouth, Jamaica
  • Contact Number: +1 876 617 4625
  • Cost: $25.00 per adult and $12.50 per child