September 5, 2021
Situated on the north coast of Jamaica, Ocho Rios is one of the island’s favored hotspots. Known for its stunning waterfalls, lush gardens, and wide selection of shopping and entertainment options, it is a bit more laid-back than Montego Bay but with livelier vibes than Negril, making it the perfect balance for a relaxing and adventurous getaway.
Being one of Jamaica’s top places for the must-see and the must-do, there is literally something for everyone in Ocho Rios. From natural escapes, adrenaline pumping thrills to simply lounging on a beach, you’ll find your happy place. It may be quite the mission to see and do it all on one trip but we’ll get you started with our sample of exciting things to do in this beautiful town.
Check out our round-up of things to do on your next visit to Ocho Rios:
1. ATV SAFARI GUIDED TOUR
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Ocho Rios on a 4-wheel drive ATV. With the direction of your guide, you’ll drive through the dense tropical Jamaican countryside and local villages. Along the way, you’ll stop to admire the panoramic views of the Caribbean and learn about colonial history on the grounds of two former 17th-century sugar plantations. At the end of the tour, there’s a stop at a local beach to cool down after the dusty ride, where you can jump off a 30 foot cliff into the water.
2. BLUE HOLE
A deep cavern on the White River, nestled high in the hills of St. Ann, Blue Hole is an undeveloped treasure that is popular among travelers to Ocho Rios. It truly lives up to its name with rich hues of bluish-turquoise waters for refreshing swim sessions or diving into from 9ft and 10ft drops. In the area, there is also a series of small swimming pools, a waterfall, and a mud spa for back massages. It is known to rain in the late afternoon, so make sure you get there early to avoid a downpour.
3. DUNN’S RIVER FALLS & PARK
Dunn’s River Falls is probably at the top of the list of every traveler to Ocho Rios. At 960 ft. fall, it is considered one of Jamaica’s top national treasures and is accessible to all travelers. Not only is it one of the few rivers in the world that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea, it also continually renews itself from deposits of travertine rock; the result of calcium carbonate from the river, flowing over the falls. The most popular thing to do at the park? Climb the falls to the top before cooling off in one of the lagoons along the way. If you’re not into trekking up 960 ft, explore these other activities:
- Swim in the aqua waters of the beach (or snorkel!) or just relax in the soft sand
- Walk the nature trail and unwind in the lush tropical foliage
- Ride the zipline and soar hundreds of feet in the air over the falls
- Spend the day with the kiddos at the Splash
4. MYSTIC MOUNTAIN RAINFOREST
Located in the center of Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is a tropical rainforest and amusement park. After getting to top of the mountain via chair lift, you’re free to roam through the forest, have a drink at the bar, take a dip in the infinity edge pool, hop on the waterslide or take on one of three excursions:
- Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica: Twist and turn in the rainforest on custom-designed high tech sleds. Going up and coming down are complete opposites: the ride up is a tranquil fifteen minute mini-adventure while the ride down is a thrilling 90 seconds!
- Rainforest SkyExplorer: 15 minute ride on a state of the art chairlift which brings you 700 feet to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the amazing views of the ocean and the entire island.
- Zip Line: Ride through the top of the rainforest and take in all the awesome views down below you.
5. SCOTCHIES JERK CENTRE
After all the adventure, we’re sure you’ll need a pause to indulge in good food! For an authentic experience, eat at Scotchie’s, where the mouth-watering jerk meats and fish are served in a rustic and comfortable setting with a chill vibe. Along with the jerk meals, you’ll also find tasty sides like yams, sweet potatoes, rice and peas, and dumplings. Just want a light meal? Their soup dish is delicious too! It’s a pretty popular spot in Ocho Rios, so plan to go outside of rush hour to avoid long wait times.
Thinking of making Ocho Rios your next vacation spot? Let’s chat about the best resorts and itinerary for you. Reach out! 😊
