Itineraries for Your Trip to Ocho Rios
3 Days in Ocho Rios for First Timers
I’ve stayed in a number of towns and cities along Jamaica’s northern shores, and Ocho Rios is one of my favorites. It’s a little more manageable than busy Montego Bay, but still feels a lot livelier than Port Antonio, with good nightlife and great restaurants. This Caribbean Sea city is particularly convenient if you like spending time out in nature, and some of the prettiest waterfalls and lagoons in Jamaica are only a short drive away.
With three days in Ocho Rios, you’ll have just enough time to check out area highlights with time left over to visit the birthplace of reggae’s biggest star: Bob Marley. Here’s how to do it.
You can often get cheaper rooms if you visit during the March–October low season, but be prepared for rain if you come during this time.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Dunn's River Falls.
Spend your first morning in Ocho Rios getting familiar with the lay of the land. Joining a guided tour is an easy and efficient way to get your bearings. Don’t forget to ask your guide for recommendations about where to find authentic Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish.
In the afternoon, head out to the nearby White River for a rafting adventure. Just don’t expect rushing rapids: Trips on this waterway are decidedly more relaxing and allow you to take in the scenery while a guide leads you slowly downstream on a bamboo raft.
On your second day, pack your swimsuit and a towel and head out for a day of freshwater swimming and waterfall adventures with a visit to Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole. At Dunn’s River Falls, you’ll have the opportunity to don water shoes (available to rent or purchase on-site) and carefully climb up cascading terraces. Then head to the Blue Hole for a refreshing dip in a sinkhole surrounded by lush rainforest.
Don’t pack up your swimsuit just yet. In the evening, head to the Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon, where you can swim among bioluminescent dinoflagellates.
Devote your final day in town to immersive musical experiences, starting with a visit to the birthplace and final resting place of Bob Marley in Nine Mile. Learn about the life of the reggae legend and pay your respects at his grave.
On your last evening in Rotorua, celebrate your time here with a special Māori cultural dinner at Te Puia. Enjoy Māori food and cultural entertainment while getting front-row views of the Pohutu Geyser.
