Beautiful beaches, jungle adventure and thundering waterfalls: Ochos Rios takes all this and more and wraps it up in a bow just for you.
Nowadays, the one-time fishing port of Ocho Rios probably generates more income from zip lines than fishing lines. It's a place to go on active adventures, enjoy secret white-sand coves and take in some of Jamaica's most astonishing areas of natural beauty. The streets here can be chaotic, but in the upscale resorts, on the secluded stretches of shore and in the surrounding verdant jungle, you'll find the kind of peace that makes city life seem far away.
Ocho Rios is a great place to base yourself for exploring the wider charms of Jamaica (and trust us, they are many). But its own star attraction has to be its wonderful waterfalls. The striking Dunn's River Falls are the biggest draw. Naturally carved from water swooshing over mineral deposits, these falls take the form of a giant staircase. Climb onto one of the wide steps and pose for the best photo of your vacation. Another treasure of the jungle is YS Falls, not too far away.
Kayaking, horseback riding, zip lining and hiking are also popular activities in the jungles and on the beaches surrounding Ocho Rios. The White River and Black River offer opportunities for river rafting, while dolphin lovers can go swimming with everyone's favorite marine mammal at Dolphin Cove.
In the town itself, there are several good places to eat, bars blasting reggae beats and bustling craft markets where you can pick up some souvenirs that scream Jamaica.