Ocho Rios
Port of Call – Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is loacted on Jamaica’s north coast, and it’s the country’s most popular cruise destination. It’s a modern resort and cruise liner playground surrounded by breathtaking tropical mountain and beach scenery.
The best and most popular sights just outside the city include the Dunn’s River Falls, a series of waterfalls which empty out into the Caribbean Sea, and nearby Dolphin Cove, where dolphins swim with visitors in a natural setting. However, many visitors find that the glorious Ocho Rios beaches are more than enough to occupy them for several blissful days!
Cruise ships either dock at Ocho Rios Bay cruise terminal located in the central part of town, or Reynolds Pier. When these are full, cruise liners anchor in the harbour and tender passengers into town. The cruise terminals are free of vendors and taxi solicitors.
Shopping in Ocho Rios
With at least six different shopping markets there is one around every corner in Ocho Rios. Items range from duty-free luxury goods to local crafts. Prices are usually highly inflated and tough bargaining is expected in the markets.
Best Buy:
Coffee, rum, jerked meat
Dining in Ocho Rios
BiBiBips – Caribbean cuisine on an open-air veranda with live reggae music.
The Ocho Rios Jerk Center – Very casual open air restaurant centred around all things jerk.
Evita’s – A Celebrity favourite with hilltop views and Italian food.
Best Dish:
Jerked meat
Travel to Jamaica
Overview
Jamaica has a fascinating and diverse range of attractions. Visitors can take in the sights of Spanish Town or visit the former home of Bob Marley. Across the bay lies Port Royal, a notorious pirate haven from the 17th century, once renowned as the ‘richest and wickedest city in the world’. Boat trips to the coral reefs at Lime Cay leave from the port, while adventurous souls can also take a predawn hike up Blue Mountain for an unmissable sunrise.
Montego Bay is home to the clear turquoise waters of Doctor’s Cove Beach. Visitors here can experience a true taste of local culture in the busy, noisy bustle of downtown life. Further east lies Ocho Rios, where Ian Fleming wrote his James Bond novels. This popular destination for cruise ships also lies close to Dolphin Cove, the incredible Dunn’s River Falls and the Green Grotto Caves.
Tucked away on the east of the island is Port Antonio, the secluded retreat of the rich and famous. Navy Island boasts gold sands and its very own rainforest, while fans of the movie Blue Lagoon will find the actual site near Port Antonio.
To the west lies the beautiful town of Negril, with its famous Seven Mile Beach stretching up the coast. Perched up on the cliffs is Rick’s Cafe, one of the top bars in the world, serving great food, rum cocktails and a truly homegrown reggae vibe.
Climate in Jamaica
Jamaica’s climate is tropical with constant warm to hot temperatures all year round, though conditions are cooler in the higher, central areas. On the coast temperatures range from 72F (22C) and 88F (31C). Mornings and evenings are slightly chillier in the winter months but Jamaica is hot year-round. There are variations in climate according to region, with the east coast receiving substantially more rain than the rest of the country, and the south coast far less.
The wettest months are between May and November, when short sharp showers can be expected. The heaviest rains occur in September and October and the hurricane season runs from June to November. The country is also in the earthquake zone.
Due to its tropical climate Jamaica is a popular destination all year, but the best time to visit is between mid-December and mid-April, which is the peak tourist season. If visitors are travelling on a budget or want to avoid the crowds, they should consider coming in the rainy season, which has its own charms.
Health Notes when travelling to Jamaica
While generally safe, the tap water can cause stomach upsets and visitors are advised to drink bottled water. Mosquito-borne diseases, such as Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya have been confirmed. Private medical facilities are of a reasonable standard but can vary throughout the island, with facilities limited outside Kingston and Montego Bay. Medical treatment can be expensive so travel insurance is advised. If visitors require prescription medication, it’s best to bring it with them, along with a signed and dated letter from their doctor naming the medication and explaining why they need it.
Safety Notes when travelling to Jamaica
There are incidents of petty crime such as robbery, particularly in the capital city of Kingston and in Montego Bay. Tourists are advised to be cautious and take care of their belongings. It’s best to avoid using buses at night and also to steer clear of any public demonstrations that may occur. Hurricane season runs from June to November. While it is rare for tropical storms to make landfall in Jamaica, visitors travelling at this time should monitor local and international weather updates for peace of mind.
Customs in Jamaica
Contrary to popular belief, smoking marijuana is illegal in Jamaica. Homosexuality is also prohibited by law and the country is notorious for its intolerance towards it.
Duty Free in Jamaica
Travellers to Jamaica over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 230g of other tobacco products; 1L alcoholic beverages and wine; and perfume up to 170ml. Prohibited items include products made from goatskin (e.g. drums, handbags and rugs).
Doing Business in Jamaica
Business in Jamaica is surprisingly formal, with proper titles used and suits and ties the norm despite the tropical climate. Introductions are usually made with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is key, and socialising is an important aspect of the business meeting. Business hours are usually from 8:30am to 4:30pm or 5pm on weekdays.
Communication in Jamaica
The international access code for Jamaica is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 876. WiFi is available in the main towns, restaurants and resorts; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Jamaica
Outside the all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica where tips are part of the package, visitors should tip 10 to 15 percent for taxis, personal services, room service and restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill. Parking attendants, bellboys and porters also expect a small tip.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign visitors to Jamaica must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Jamaica if visitors are arriving from or have transited through an infected area. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport to enter Jamaica that has to be valid upon their return to the USA. A visa is required for stays of over 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens require a passport valid for period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport to enter Jamaica that has to be valid for the duration of their stay. A visa is required for stays of over 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. No visa is required for stays of fewer than 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Jamaica. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
http://www.visitjamaica.com
Jamaica Embassies
- In the United States:
Jamaican Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 452 0660.
- In Canada:
Jamaican High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 9311.
- In the United Kingdom:
Jamaica High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7823 9911.
- In Australia:
Jamaican Embassy, Sydney +61 04 0220 5266.
- In Ireland:
Jamaican Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Ireland): +32 2 230 1170.
- In South Africa:
Jamaican High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 362 6667
Foreign Embassies in Jamaica
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Kingston: +1 876 702 6000.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 926 1500.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Kingston: +1 876 936 0700
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 868 822 5450.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 233 6281.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Jamaica): +1 613 238 5991.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Kingston: + 1 876 620 4840.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
