Thread: Things To Do in Ocho Rios by a local

Things worth doing in Ocho Rios within a few minutes of pier:

Internet Cafe - exit the pier, turn left and it's across the street beside the Burger King
Supermarket ( coffee, sauce and spices)- exit the pier, turn left just a short walk.
Island Village/ Magaritaville - turn right about 5 minutes from the pier
Taj Mahal - souvenir/shopping close to Island Village
Mama Marley (Jamaican restaurant) - left across the street from Sunset Jamaica Grande
Craft Market - left of the pier

Family resorts: Beaches vs Sunset Jamaica Grande
Beaches - wonderful family resort but overpriced and 20 minutes from pier
Sunset Jamaica Grande- similar experience to Beaches but minutes from the pier

Adult Resort: Sandals vs Couples (note: these are actually adult resorts NOT just couples)
There are 2 Sandals in Ocho Rios but Couples do not market to the cruise line but will be less crowded. Couples is about 20-25 minutes by taxi

Waterfalls: Dunn's River vs Coyaba River Garden and Museum
Dunn's River, powerful magnificent. Must see/should see at least once but be ready to deal with very aggressive vendors. Avoid the vendors by leaving through the entrance. Coyaba, beautiful botanical garden with waterfall that is fun and easy to climb.

Beaches: Paradise beach is by Magarittaville which is a tourist trap but a lot of fun.
Reggae beach a short ride away nicer and less crowded.

Dunn's River: Dunn's River pictures, photos, and videos, from friends & fun on webshots
Coyaba: Coyaba pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots
Sunset Jamaica Grande: SJG Beach pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

*** By a local I mean that I was born and raised in this area but now return primarily as an American tourist. The about places I have enjoyed over the years.

Thanks!
It is always good to hear from someone who has personal knowledge and experience.

A frubal worthy post!

Thanks so much! Great information that should be a big help to many!

Note: The directions given are from the "Cruise Ship Pier". Cruise ships also dock at "James Bond Pier".

I think I found most of those on my last walkabout in Ocho Rios!

Carnival Freedom Cruise - Nov 30-Dec 6, 2008 - Ocho Rios

Originally Posted by zydecocruiser

I think I found most of those on my last walkabout in Ocho Rios!

Carnival Freedom Cruise - Nov 30-Dec 6, 2008 - Ocho Rios

Wow, your pics are impressive.

Originally Posted by mustbetripping

Wow, your pics are impressive.

Pauline, ALL of Bill's pictures are impressive! His food porn is what everyone looks for---that and his underwater pictures!

Hi JJ! Welcome to CLF!

Wonderful of you to tell us about your great day there!

Originally Posted by mustbetripping

Things worth doing in Ocho Rios within a few minutes of pier:

Internet Cafe - exit the pier, turn left and it's across the street beside the Burger King
Supermarket ( coffee, sauce and spices)- exit the pier, turn left just a short walk.
Island Village/ Magaritaville - turn right about 5 minutes from the pier
Taj Mahal - souvenir/shopping close to Island Village
Mama Marley (Jamaican restaurant) - left across the street from Sunset Jamaica Grande
Craft Market - left of the pier

Family resorts: Beaches vs Sunset Jamaica Grande
Beaches - wonderful family resort but overpriced and 20 minutes from pier
Sunset Jamaica Grande- similar experience to Beaches but minutes from the pier

Adult Resort: Sandals vs Couples (note: these are actually adult resorts NOT just couples)
There are 2 Sandals in Ocho Rios but Couples do not market to the cruise line but will be less crowded. Couples is about 20-25 minutes by taxi

Waterfalls: Dunn's River vs Coyaba River Garden and Museum
Dunn's River, powerful magnificent. Must see/should see at least once but be ready to deal with very aggressive vendors. Avoid the vendors by leaving through the entrance. Coyaba, beautiful botanical garden with waterfall that is fun and easy to climb.

Beaches: Paradise beach is by Magarittaville which is a tourist trap but a lot of fun.
Reggae beach a short ride away nicer and less crowded.

Dunn's River: Dunn's River pictures, photos, and videos, from friends & fun on webshots
Coyaba: Coyaba pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots
Sunset Jamaica Grande: SJG Beach pictures from friends & fun photos on webshots

*** By a local I mean that I was born and raised in this area but now return primarily as an American tourist. The about places I have enjoyed over the years.

Thanks lots of good info!!

Do you have any info on Bambo Beach?

What is the best place for Jamaican food, that is close to the port?