JM
Ocho Rios
Waterfalls, rivers and rainforest gullies on Jamaica’s north coast
Waterfalls, rivers and rainforest gullies on Jamaica’s north coast
Visitors climb the terraced cascades hand in hand with a guide, from the beach up to the top. An entry fee applies.
Wear water shoes and avoid cruise-ship peak hours.
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0
Also known as Island Gully Falls, this inland series of turquoise pools has ropes and ledges for jumping. A fee and a local guide are usually required.
Photo: Thank You (23 Millions+) views, CC BY 2.0
A small public beach east of town, popular with locals. Ocho Rios Bay Beach in the centre is another option.
Photo: Jimfbleak, CC BY-SA 3.0
Just east of town, the White River is used for tubing and rafting. Fern Gully, a road through a forested ravine, climbs inland from Ocho Rios.
Photo: Katinka Zuchowicz Photography, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try jerk at a roadside jerk centre, ackee and saltfish, festival (sweet fried dumplings) and fresh coconut water.
Local cookshops in town are cheaper than restaurants near the cruise port.
Ocho Rios is about 1.5–2 hours by road from Montego Bay’s airport and around 1.5 hours from Kingston via the toll highway.
Knutsford Express coaches, licensed taxis and tours link the main towns. Bob Marley’s birthplace at Nine Mile is about 1–1.5 hours inland.
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, often at a rounded rate. Many visitors stay at all-inclusive resorts, which changes the budget considerably.
Prices are approximate; check current rates.
Falls, rivers and hills.
Climb Dunn’s River Falls early, then relax on the beach.
Swim at the Blue Hole and drive through Fern Gully.
Visit Nine Mile, Bob Marley’s birthplace and resting place.
Attractions are busiest when ships are in port.
Water shoes help on the falls and in rivers.
Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Agree fares before you ride.
Quick answers for planning time in Ocho Rios.
Yes, it reopened soon after Hurricane Melissa; check hours before you go.
About 1.5–2 hours by road.
A set of pools and falls inland, also called Island Gully Falls.
Yes, Nine Mile is about 1–1.5 hours away.
December to April.
Planning a wider trip? Our Jamaica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.