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16 Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ishaan Govardhan Apr 15, 2024
One of the Caribbean's most popular ports of call for cruise ships, Ochos Rios is a true tropical gem. The only difficulty you'll face here is having to choose your own adventures out of the wide variety of experiences this place has to offer. In fact, "Ochi" has the highest amount of tourist attractions per square mile!

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From its humble origins as a small fishing village, Ocho Rios' natural splendor has propelled it to the top of Caribbean vacation spots. You can start by booking your stay at one of the many acclaimed luxury resorts that call this city home.

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On your first day, you should head straight for the thundering cascade of cool water that is the 180ft tall Dunn's River Falls. Stretching out over 600 ft of the tropical jungle, this iconic waterfall can even be climbed (if you think you can withstand its force, that is!).

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Besides the gushing cascade at Little Dunn's River, there are other pristine waterfalls in Ochi for you to shower under, like the Konoko Falls and the Turtle River Falls.

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Discover your wild side with a splash at Ochi's Dolphin Cove. This is your opportunity to not just observe, but actually interact and swim with dolphins, stingrays and even sharks in their natural environment.

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Soon enough, you'll be drawn to the gorgeous beaches of Ocho Rios, each one more serene than the last. Make sure to swing by James Bond Beach, where iconic scenes from the classic Bond movie Dr. No were shot.

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If a big touristy cruise ship is not really your style, you can charter a sailboat from the docks of Ocho Rios and set sail on the sparkling blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Go wherever the wind takes you!
Back on dry land, you can get acquainted with this area's deep connection to the iconic Bob Marley, who was born and
buried in the hills above Ochi. Fans of the King of Reggae shouldn't miss out on
visiting Nine Mile - Marley's village.

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For a sense of adventure, tourists take to the air by strapping themselves to the lofty zip lines at the Mystic Mountain park or joining the H'Evans Scent Zipline Adventure tour. Why wait for the cool ocean breeze to find you, when you can soar through the air?

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Ochi's lush inland terrain is perhaps best experienced on a bike. See the sights and get some light exercise at the same time, by joining the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour of Ocho Rios.

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If you prefer cars to bicycles, you can rent one and set off driving down the Fern Gully Highway, for a refreshing road trip through nature. The Fern Gully is a naturally-grown patch of forest packed with over 540 types of different ferns looming over either side of the road.

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Even though "Ochos Rios" means "8 Rivers", only 4 rivers snake their way through this tropical wilderness. At Martha Brae River or White River, you can hop on a simple bamboo raft, for a peaceful river ride through the thicket.
Lazy afternoons are perfect for river tubing on White River or at the natural pool of the Blue Hole. You can float calmly at a leisurely pace, or head for the fast-flowing turbulent parts of the river for a thrill-ride on your tube!

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Intrepid explorers will end up hiking the One Love Trail, which leads from the city all the way to the hills behind Ochi.

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If you find yourself at Mystic Mountain, head to the Hummingbird Garden for a close look at wild hummingbirds. You can even feed these busy little beauties!
If you're willing to venture a little further from Ochi, head over to the Green Grotto Caves. This incredible 5,003ft long cave system makes for an eerily stunning experience in the dark. It was depicted as the villain's lair in the Bond movie Live and Let Die.
Back within city limits, foodies will follow the smell of delicious Jamaican jerk chicken to popular restaurants like Ocho Rios Jerk Center and Scotchies Jerk Center.
Sooner or later, you'll find yourself back at the alluring beaches of Ochi. Visit Bamboo Beach for a seaside dinner party to cap off the night.

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Book yourself a saddle on a guided horseback tour. You'll get to ride your horse into the Caribbean Sea! Or, head to Yaaman Adventure Park for camel and dune buggy rides that cut through the untamed inland terrain.