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City guide

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ocho Rios is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica, and is more widely referred to as Ochi by locals. Beginning as a sleepy fishing village, Ocho Rios has seen explosive growth in recent decades to become a popular tourist destination featuring duty-free shopping, a cruise-ship terminal, tourist attractions and several beaches and acclaimed resorts.

Type City

Why go

  • Town on north coast of Jamaica.
  • Served by Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ).

History

Ocho Rios is a town in the parish of Saint Ann on the north coast of Jamaica, and is more widely referred to as Ochi by locals. Beginning as a sleepy fishing village, Ocho Rios has seen explosive growth in recent decades to become a popular tourist destination featuring duty-free shopping, a cruise-ship terminal, tourist attractions and several beaches and acclaimed resorts. In addition to being a port of call for cruise ships, Ocho Rios also hosts cargo ships at the Reynolds Pier for the exportation of sugar, limestone, and in the past, bauxite. The estimated population of the town in 2011 was 16,671, which is nearly 10% of the total population of St. Ann. The town is served by both Sangster International Airport and Ian Fleming International Airport. Scuba diving and other water sports are offered in the town's vicinity.

Restaurants & places to go

Restaurant · Opening hours: 10:00-23:00 · plantationsmokehouse.com
Indoor
Italian, Restaurant · Italian restaurant · evitasjamaica.com
Indoor
Burger, Restaurant · Burger restaurant · margaritavillecaribbean.com
Indoor

59 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Airports

Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) 14 km to the centre
Boscobel, 05, JM — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Moneague Training Camp Airfield 13 km to the centre
Moneague, 06, JM
Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ); 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Sightseeing