Ocho Rios



Ocho Rios is on the northeastern shore of Jamaica. Commonly referred to as Ochi it is a popular destination for cruise ships and tourists alike. It features a bulk of resorts and tourist attractions. There are many conveniences, such as supermarkets and restaurants.

By plane
A local airport provides charter plane access from the larger airports in Montego Bay and Kingston (Jamaica). Montego Bay is home to the biggest airport in Jamaica and this is where most of the visitors will enter island. There are many companies that offers private transfers to Ocho Rios from the Montego Bay. The two resort towns are 67 miles apart which is done in about 90 minutes' drive.

By helicopter
Montego Bay Helicopters can be hired to transport from Kingston, Negril, etc. to get into Ocho Rios. The Bell 206 Jet Ranger can take 4 passengers. In some cases you may need additional short distance ground taxi if your resort does not provide a landing area e.g helipad, golf course.

By boat
Many cruise ships visit the town year round, and are served by two piers. The large "main pier" (nearest downtown) has some facilities and many vendors just outside the secure area. The "James Bond" pier farther West is very industrial, with almost no services except for tour operators; it requires a substantial walk to downtown, but the sidewalk is lined with taxis.

By route taxi
Direct route taxis are available from St. Ann's Bay and Port Maria (~J$150).

To get to Ochi from Kingston, Port Antonio or cities in eastern Jamaica, take a route taxi to Port Maria and take a route taxi from there to Ochi. Avoid saying you're going to Ochi, otherwise route taxis going to other destinations will try to grab you and you will require another route taxi to get over to Port Maria.

Get around
Route taxis are everywhere. To give you an idea of the local cost 120 JMD$ is the cost of a shared route taxis between Ocho Rios and Oracabessa! ( $1 USD is equal to $86 JMD

Chartered taxis from Ocho Rios to Kingston can cost as little as 500 JA$! You share with lots of other people!

Taxis called by hotels are safe but expensive. Have the hotel call a taxi for you; they know the island better and you will not be put in an unmarked taxi. Minibuses go around the island from transportation centres.

See

 * Shaw Park Botanical Gardens
 * Coyaba River Garden and Museum
 * James Bond beach, in nearby Oracabessa, which is in the vicinity of GoldenEye; what was the home of James Bond's creator, Ian Fleming.

Do
There are many different adventurous activities from rafting to zip-lining.



Buy

 * United Supermarket, downtown, offers virtually all basic grocery items needed for self-catering.
 * Crafts, Ocho Rios has 7 craft markets namely: Ocho Rios craft market (across from Sonis Plaza), Coconut Grove, Dunn's River Falls, Fern Gully, Swansea, Pineapple Place, and Olde Market.
 * Crafts, Ocho Rios has 7 craft markets namely: Ocho Rios craft market (across from Sonis Plaza), Coconut Grove, Dunn's River Falls, Fern Gully, Swansea, Pineapple Place, and Olde Market.

Eat

 * Steamed fish at the Fishermen's Beach in Ocho Rios.
 * Passage to India. Great Indian food.
 * Jerk Chicken Smoked spicy meat done on spice wood fire

Drink

 * John Crows. Modern Bar and Food at very reasonable prices with excellent service.
 * Margaritaville. Beach, themed bar and waterslide. Drinks are expensive when compared to other local bars. Beach party and club nights a regular event.
 * Hard Rock Café.
 * Ocean's Eleven. Beachfront bar with special event nights (Thursday is Latin night!).

Go next

 * Wata Land - In St. Mary Parish, Jamaica, which is 15 minutes drive from Ocho Rios. Wata Land offers many adventurous activities like, water sliding from 15ft in the air into the deep pool of water. Wata Land also offers mystic climbing and horseback riding
 * Dunn's River Falls- In St. Ann Parish, not far from Ocho Rios. You can climb the fall or the rocks, swim in the river to the beach waters.