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But if you’re looking for fun and excitement, outdoor adventure activities include river rafting, ziplining, horseback riding, and exploring caves. Of course, no cruise day in Jamaica would be complete without browsing local crafts in the various street markets in Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios is a small town of 16,000 inhabitants on Jamaica’s north coast. It has become a popular destination for cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea. There are also plenty of restaurants, luxury resorts, and possibilities for outdoor activities. Ocho Rios is home to two piers where cruise ships dock, both of which are within walking distance of the city center.
Ocho Rios Cruise Port Waiting Area and Seating
Fans of Jamaican legend, Bob Marley, can tour what is being called the Graceland of Reggae. The trip to Nine Mile is roughly a 90-minute ride from the cruise port across Jamaican countryside, passing through beautiful Fern Gully en route. During a tour of Marley’s childhood home and mausoleum, guides will provide information and insights into the life of the man known as the King of Reggae. You should know that the Rastafarian religion and culture involves marijuana. Archaeological evidence shows the caves were first used by the Arawak Indians. Since that time, the caves have severed a remarkable number of purposes.
Admire the Natural Beauty of Exotic Birds at Blue Hole
Carnival Changes Jamaica Port of Call for Multiple Sailings - Cruise Hive
Carnival Changes Jamaica Port of Call for Multiple Sailings.
Posted: Sun, 11 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Off the beaten path and approximately 10 miles East of Ocho Rios is the famous James Bond Beach. The local town of Oracabessa was once the home of Ian Flemming, who is rumored to have written a number of his Bond novels while at this little beach. It was also the location for the scene in the movie Dr. No when Ursala Andress emerges from the water in her white bikini to meet James Bond. There is some decent snorkeling that can be done from the shore near the rocks on the eastern side. If you have ever wanted to go to Jamaica and ride a camel, here’s your chance!
cruises to ocho rios
Possession of no more than 2 oz is a petty offense punishable with a small fine. While in Jamaica for the day, it is very common to smell it being smoked or be approached with an offer to buy. If caught, you could be charged with transporting drugs across international borders. Side orders consist of recognizable items like roasted corn, or rice and peas, but some you may have never heard of. And a Red Stripe beer goes well with the jerked meat after a day of adventure. Scotchie’s does take credit cards but requires that you show ID. Cash is preferable and US currency is fine.
Nevertheless, many can be easily organized independently with Local Tour Guides, or on your own with a taxi at the pier. Both are within walking distance of the city and relatively close to top attractions such as Dunn's River Falls, Dolphin Cove, Mystic Mountain, or the Blue Hole. Scotchies Ocho Rios Jerk Centre is a cruise day must in Jamaica if you want to try authentic Jamaican food. Located close to the port, this popular restaurant is famous for serving some of the best jerk cuisine on the island. You can try mouthwatering jerk chicken, shrimp, pork, and ribs—all washed down with local Red Stripe lager. One of the most popular attractions for cruise passengers spending a day in Ocho Rios is swimming with dolphins.
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Turtle Bay Cruise Pier is the main pier located in front of the downtown. It can accommodate either one large cruise vessel or two mid-sized cruise ships. The currency in Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
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Adrenaline junkies can get their fill of ziplining, horseback riding, ATV excursions, and (you guessed it) even bobsledding. The natural beauty of St. Martin starts at Cruise Terminal, transportation to all top attractions is around the corner and affordable. Ocho Rios Bay Beach is the most affordable, it is at walking distance and is never too crowded. Margaritaville has a very nice, quaint, shaded beach but is more expensive.
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If you want a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting Firefly Estate and Lookout. It was once home to Sir Noël Coward—a famous British playwright, composer, and actor. Several tour operators in Ocho Rios offer guided rafting and tubing excursions on the White River.
As you step off your cruise ship, you will be greeted by a colorful array of shops selling various Jamaican goods. However, there are also stores like Harley Davidson, House of Diamonds, and Tanzanite International. If you disembark from the cruise ship at the James Bond Pier, the Island Village is the first attraction you will encounter. Located close to Ocho Rios, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect day of relaxing in paradise. If you are looking for peace and serenity in Ocho Rios, the Firefly Estate should be on your list of things to do. It typically has fewer tourists than the other attractions, and it gives a unique insight into Jamaica’s past.
Whether you are into relaxing beach days, high-energy thrills, cultural tours, or souvenir shopping, there are plenty of things to do when you find yourself in Ocho Rios. Most passengers fly into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ), located about a 1.5-hour drive from the Port of Ocho Rios. Shuttles, ride-share services and taxis offer easy transfers to the cruise port.
The piers are right beside the downtown area where shops, restaurants and bars can be found just minutes away on foot. Must-see attractions are a bit far out and best reached via organized shore excursions. A Horseback Ride is a memorable experience as you will be guided through a tropical rain forest to a beach and then enjoy the thrill of galloping in the Caribbean waters. Once you step out of the gangway, you will realize that there isn't much at the Reynold's Pier where tour buses, taxis, and a tourist information kiosk share a small area. However, once outside the exit gates the cruise traveler will encounter vendors with all sorts of souvenirs, taxis in abundance and independent local tour guides and operators. Mahogany Beach is a beautiful spot located at the east end of the town.
You’ll also find many private taxis and independent local tour operators outside the exit gates. When it comes to dream vacations, an Ocho Rios cruise has to be near the top of the list. Nestled in an emerald Jamaican landscape, Ocho Rios is this island nation’s prime cruise destination. Your cruise to Ocho Rios docks near some of the Caribbean’s most fabled resorts and the cascading waterfalls of Dunn’s River. From the reggae rhythm to the action-packed activities at Dunn’s River Falls, an Ocho Rios, Jamaica, cruise has all the elements of a blockbuster film — one where you’re the star.
It is about four miles or seven kilometers east of the cruise terminal. Ocho Rios is a popular port of call for cruise ships in part because of its famous and probably most popular attraction –- Dunn’s River Falls. Turtle River Falls and Gardens on Eden Bower Road is a 15-acre tropical garden with 14 cascading waterfalls. The gardens are about a half mile or a 10-minute walk south of the docks. Even so, cruise passengers will find a decent amount of shopping and restaurants near the docks.
The actual time spent on the horse in the water won’t be very long, but a ride through crystal clear blue waters is one of those quintessential Caribbean images that stay with you. There will be plenty of entertaining ride time on land before or after the dip into the sea. Both beginners and more advanced riders can take part in one of these tours and there are several vendors offering this type of ride. Instead of climbing this waterfall from top to bottom, cruise passengers can jump their way down the falls. Most of the jumps are fairly small and easily done by children 10 years and older. For adrenaline junkies, however, the main attraction will be jumping from the highest portion of the falls into the large blue pool for which it was named.
Margaritaville is a vibrant beachside restaurant and bar offering a fun and lively atmosphere. You can enjoy tropical drinks at the bar or try classic Caribbean dishes and seafood. Most cruise passengers head for the Taj Mahal shopping plaza, a bustling marketplace in the heart of town. It offers a wide array of shops and vendors selling everything from locally made handicrafts to designer clothing and accessories.
