Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios

Jamaica · Coast · JMD · 18.420000, -77.116700
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: December-April (dry season)

Best for

Suitable for families, waterfall lovers, active tourism and beach holidays.

Best season

December-April (dry season)

Daily budget
$117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽)
For 7 days
$819.00 (≈ 68 730 ₽)
Ocho Rios, Spanish for "Eight Rivers," is a popular port town on Jamaica's north coast that has transformed from a fishing village into a major tourist hub. Its main attraction is the majestic Dunn's River Falls, where you can climb the cascading water. The town is surrounded by lush tropical greenery and offers a variety of adventure activities.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
20.0°C
Sea
29.9°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

active

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, energetic, working in tourism.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Famous Dunn's River Falls
  • Developed tourist infrastructure
  • Crystal clear water
  • Many attractions
  • Good hotel choice

Cons

  • Many tourists
  • Dangerous jellyfish in season
  • Rip currents
  • High prices
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.4°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
20.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.9°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November (wet season)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
golden sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Turtle Beach (Ocho Rios Bay Beach)
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Rip currents on the north coast, sea urchins in rocky areas, seasonal jellyfish. Swim in lifeguarded areas.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins found in rocky areas and reefs, water shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Corals along the coast, can cut skin

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish occur seasonally, usually cause mild stings

Sharks — details

  • Various shark species inhabit the waters off Ocho Rios, including the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi), blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
  • Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are also found, often resting on the bottom. Sharks do not pose a serious danger to swimmers, but caution is recommended
Attractions

Dunn's River Falls

Famous 180-metre waterfall you can climb, one of Jamaica's top attractions.

Blue Hole

Picturesque natural pool with turquoise water surrounded by rainforest.

Mystic Mountain

Adventure park with a gondola, rainforest bobsled and zip line.

Dolphin Cove

Marine park where you can swim with dolphins and stingrays.

Bob Marley's Nine Mile

Birthplace and resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley.

Best areas

Turtle Beach (Centre)

Main tourist area with beach, hotels and restaurants.

Mammee Bay

Area with resorts and quiet beaches east of the centre.

Must-try food

Jerk

Spicy grilled meat (chicken or pork) marinated in jerk sauce.

Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica's national dish made from ackee fruit and salted cod.

Callaloo

Stewed callaloo leaves with salt and pepper.

Where to go next

Runaway Bay

Neighbouring resort town with white beaches and Green Grotto Caves, ~20 km.

Montego Bay

Major resort city with Doctor's Cave Beach and nightlife, ~100 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April (dry season)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$26.00
≈ 2 182 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$66.00
≈ 5 539 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$126.00
≈ 10 574 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Ocho Rios Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Ocho Rios: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April (dry season). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Ocho Rios: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +30.4°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Ocho Rios: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +20.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Ocho Rios: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.9°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Ocho Rios: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November (wet season). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Ocho Rios: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "golden sand" surface, golden sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Turtle Beach (Ocho Rios Bay Beach). The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Ocho Rios: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Ocho Rios: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, jellyfish. Rip currents on the north coast, sea urchins in rocky areas, seasonal jellyfish. Swim in lifeguarded areas.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Ocho Rios: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Ocho Rios: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $26.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $66.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $126.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Ocho Rios: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Ocho Rios: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $35.00, a single public transport ticket — $6.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $55.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Ocho Rios: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Dunn's River Falls — Famous 180-metre waterfall you can climb, one of Jamaica's top attractions.; Blue Hole — Picturesque natural pool with turquoise water surrounded by rainforest.; Mystic Mountain — Adventure park with a gondola, rainforest bobsled and zip line.; Dolphin Cove — Marine park where you can swim with dolphins and stingrays.; Bob Marley's Nine Mile — Birthplace and resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Ocho Rios: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Jerk — Spicy grilled meat (chicken or pork) marinated in jerk sauce.; Ackee and Saltfish — Jamaica's national dish made from ackee fruit and salted cod.; Callaloo — Stewed callaloo leaves with salt and pepper.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Ocho Rios: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Turtle Beach (Centre) — Main tourist area with beach, hotels and restaurants.; Mammee Bay — Area with resorts and quiet beaches east of the centre.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Ocho Rios: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Ocho Rios: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Ian Fleming International Airport (code OCJ). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $35.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Ocho Rios: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — JMD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $117.00 (≈ 9 819 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Ocho Rios: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Ocho Rios: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Ocho Rios: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Runaway Bay — Neighbouring resort town with white beaches and Green Grotto Caves, ~20 km.; Montego Bay — Major resort city with Doctor's Cave Beach and nightlife, ~100 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 374