Ocho Rios: a first-timer's guide to Jamaica's north coast

Why visit Ocho Rios

St. Ann is called the garden parish, and it shows. Rivers tumble out of the hills into the sea, the hills are thick with forest and the coast has small sandy bays. Ochi is a cruise port and a busy little town, but it is also the best base for active days, family outings and easy trips to the heritage sites of the north coast.

Dunn's River Falls and the Blue Hole

**Dunn's River Falls** is one of Jamaica's best known sights: terraced falls you climb in a human chain led by a guide, ending on the beach. Wear water shoes, go early, and check if cruise ships are in port. The **Blue Hole**, at Island Gully Falls in the hills, has turquoise pools, rope swings and jumps, and feels wilder. **Konoko Falls** is a gentler garden option with a small museum.

Adventures

**Mystic Mountain** has a chairlift, a Jamaican bobsled run inspired by the Olympic team, and zip lines through the trees. **Dolphin Cove** has marine encounters next to Dunn's River. The road through **Fern Gully**, a former riverbed now lined with giant ferns, is worth a drive.

Heritage nearby

**Nine Mile**, in the hills of St. Ann, is where Bob Marley was born and where he rests; tours show his childhood home and mausoleum. **Firefly**, Noel Coward's hilltop home near Port Maria, has one of the finest views on the island. **Goldeneye** in Oracabessa is where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels, now a hotel. West of town, the **Green Grotto Caves** at Discovery Bay hold a cave lake and stories of Taino people, runaways and smugglers.

Beaches

Ochi's beaches are smaller than Negril's. **Mahogany Beach** and Turtle Beach are close to town; the **Turtle River Park** is a pleasant free green space. Many resorts have their own private shore.

Food and drink

**Scotchies Drax Hall** serves pit jerk west of town. **Miss T's Kitchen** cooks colourful home style Jamaican food in a garden. **Toscanini** at Harmony Hall serves Italian food with Jamaican produce. In January the **Rebel Salute** roots reggae festival is held in St. Ann.

Staying safe and comfortable

Ochi is busy with vendors on cruise days. Use licensed taxis and official guides at attractions, keep valuables secure and avoid quiet areas after dark. At the falls and rivers, follow the guide and respect the current.

Where to stay

The town itself has small hotels and apartments within reach of the beach, shops and restaurants. East along the coast toward **Tower Isle, Boscobel and Oracabessa** you find classic small hotels such as Jamaica Inn, stylish hideaways like Goldeneye and several big resorts. West toward **Runaway Bay** there are more all inclusives and quiet bays. Families often prefer resorts with kids' clubs, while couples like the coves east of town.

When to go

The dry season from mid December to April is the busiest. Summer is warm and green, and the rivers and falls flow strongly after rain; heavy storms can close the falls for safety. Check the cruise schedule if you want quiet sights, since big ship days are much busier.

Plan your days with our places to visit list and the free trip planner.