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Ocho Rios Cruise Excursions
Top Activities For Cruise Ship Passengers
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Trying to decide which excursions to take in Ocho Rios is already hard without the added pressure of only having limited time to do so, which is usually the case for Cruise Ship passengers. What are the best Ocho Rios Cruise ship excursions?
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What Is Ocho Rios Known For?
The beautiful town of Ocho Rios is known mostly for its many attractions, beach spots and restaurants that draw both locals and foreigners to the fishing village turned resort town.
Beaches and Water Excursions
Many beaches in Ocho Rios range in price and amenities. It just depends on the version of Jamaica you would love to experience.
For example, there is Puerto Seco, a state-of-the-art beach club, with the best amenities. That includes restaurants, restrooms, butler services, spa services and a host of others that are included in their group packages and cabana deals. You can also enjoy water sports on the beach through their partnership with Dolphin Cove and Resort Divers.
Mahogany Beach is popular with cruise ship passengers as it isn’t located very far from the town, is quite affordable, and is never crowded. There is a stream which runs from the hills of St. Ann to the Caribbean Sea. This makes the section of the beach where both bodies of water meet refreshingly cool.
Beach chairs are included in the admission price. I doubt that food bought off the property can be brought in, however, there is a restaurant and bar at Mohagony beach both of which have quite extensive menus. There are souvenir and clothing stands on the shores as well.
They also have motorised watersports such as sea bikes, jet skis and sea couch jet ski rides.
Margaritaville by day is a fun trip with music, food and water trampolines for the entire family. If you are here for the night, the adults can head back for a fun evening on the town with good music in a safe environment. Margaritaville often has themed nights and local guest artistes as well, so you might be in for a treat.
You might want to avoid being on a boat since you have most likely been on a ship for days, but catamaran tours are always fun for a few hours of partying on a boat and sailing along the coast of the Caribbean. Sometimes these catamarans have stops along the way, which often includes Margaritaville.
Other Places to visit in Ocho Rios
- Dunn’s River Falls
- Blue Hole
- Laughing Waters Beach
- Green Grotto Caves
- River Tubing on the White River
- Turtle River Falls and Gardens
- Konoko Falls and Park
Adventure Parks
Mystic Mountain is perfect for an adrenaline-pumping day. You will be ziplining and bobsledding through the rainforest all while looking over at the stunning Caribbean Sea below.
Yaaman Adventure Tours has a multitude of experiences waiting for you to try. You can do everything from an ATV tour to a camel riding experience after which you will be certified with your camel riding license.
Chukka is also a great place for those seeking adventure. With multiple locations across Ocho Rios and St. Ann, you won’t run out of things to do. Chukka has ATVs and dune buggies through the forest, horseback riding from the forest to the sea, zipline over the Dunn’s river and many more. It all depends on what you would like to do.
You can see more of what Chukka offers here.
Cultural Tours
The Nine Mile is a good distance away from the cruise port and if your ship will only be in Jamaica for a few hours or a day, then going this far out might be a little bit of a risk. But, if you have the time to venture a little way out, then the Nine Mile experience is worth it.
Here you will get to learn more about Reggae icon Bob Marley, his early life and his music career. You will also get to see his real awards and accolades, pictures of himself and members of his family and finally see where the Reggae star is buried now.
The Seville Great House and Heritage Park is one of Jamaica’s most culturally significant sites. This property includes relics from all the eras of Jamaican history from the Tainos to the Africans. The experience is only two hours long which means you will be there and back on your ship in no time.
Shopping
A little shopping must be included in your trip if you are to commemorate your trip to Jamaica. Luckily, the Turtle Bay port is not far from all the best spots to shop for the perfect souvenir, whether it is for you or loved ones waiting back at home.
The Taj Mahal Shopping centre and Island Village Mall are not far away and they are filled with shops selling typical Jamaican products, coffee, clothing, handmade jewellery and craft items. It is also a good time to make some duty-free purchases such as a new watch or that pair of diamond earrings you have been wanting.
But even if your ship docks at the James Bond pier, it is just a little further west. You won’t be far away from the fun.
Food
One of the best introductions to Jamaican culture is through our cuisine. At the restaurants in Ocho Rios, you will also get to experience the Jamaican hospitality that is so often spoken of. Finding a restaurant that does authentic Jamaican meals will not be difficult. Here are some restaurants you can try:
Sometimes, you might be able to book some of these excursions beforehand through your cruise line. You can find out if this is an option for you as it might lessen the stress of doing it for yourself.
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References & Sources For Ocho Rios Cruise Excursions
- Limited, D.B.| P. (no date) 5 lovely Jamaican beaches that are still free, Prips Jamaica. Available at: https://pripsjamaica.com/blogs/5-lovely-jamaican-beaches-are-still-free (Accessed: January 8, 2023).
- Morrow, K. (2022) 34 exciting things to do in & near Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Here Comes The Sun - The Official Beaches Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Here Comes The Sun - The Official Beaches Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Available at: https://www.beaches.com/blog/things-to-do-in-ocho-rios-jamaica/ (Accessed: January 8, 2023).
Ocho Rios Cruise Excursions | Written: January 8, 2022
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