Ocho Rios © Christopher

Ocho Rios is loacted on Jamaica's north coast, and it's the country's most popular cruise destination. It's a modern resort and cruise liner playground surrounded by breathtaking tropical mountain and beach scenery.

The best and most popular sights just outside the city include the Dunn's River Falls, a series of waterfalls which empty out into the Caribbean Sea, and nearby Dolphin Cove, where dolphins swim with visitors in a natural setting. However, many visitors find that the glorious Ocho Rios beaches are more than enough to occupy them for several blissful days!

Cruise ships either dock at Ocho Rios Bay cruise terminal located in the central part of town, or Reynolds Pier. When these are full, cruise liners anchor in the harbour and tender passengers into town. The cruise terminals are free of vendors and taxi solicitors.

Contact

www.portjam.com

A tourism office is located in the cruise ship terminal.

Transport

Inside the cruise terminal visitors can arrange for a taxi pick-up or take a shuttle. Outside the terminal, passengers can regularly find waiting taxi drivers; it is best to agree on a fare vefore setting off. JUTA taxies are registered by the government and recommended. There are no buses departing from the cruise terminals although they are available in town.

Attractions

In the city, shopping centres and recreation areas abound, but the best attractions are provided by the wonderful natural scenery. Dunn's River Falls and Dolphin Cove are the most popular but rainforest preserve Fern Gully is also a special sight. Nearby beaches are resort-owned and operated which offers a reprieve from the aggressive vendors in the rest of the town for travellers. There are also some top golf courses that welcome visitors.

Restaurants

BiBiBips - Caribbean cuisine on an open-air veranda with live reggae music.

The Ocho Rios Jerk Center - Very casual open air restaurant centred around all things jerk.

Evita's - A Celebrity favourite with hilltop views and Italian food.

Best Dish

Jerked meat

Shopping

With at least six different shopping markets there is one around every corner in Ocho Rios. Items range from duty-free luxury goods to local crafts. Prices are usually highly inflated and tough bargaining is expected in the markets.

Best Buy

Coffee, rum, jerked meat

Excursions

Visit Chukka Cove

Tube the White River

Pay respects at the Bob Marley Mausoleum

See the Green Grotto Caves