Things to do in Ocho Rios
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Pineapple Place
For craft stalls, Ocho Rios Craft Park and Dunn’s River Craft Park both have dozens, as do Pineapple Place, to the east of town, and Coconut Grove Shopping Village, which is opposite Beaches Royal Plantation Golf Resort & Spa. Fern Gully, to the south of Ocho Rios, is lined with stalls where artists sell their paintings and carvings at prices marginally lower than you’ll find elsewhere.
reviewed
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Coyaba Museum
Coyaba is an Arawak word for ‘heaven’ or ‘paradise.’ The Coyaba Museum traces Jamaica’s heritage from early Arawak days to independence. There’s a gift store, vegetarian restaurant, waterfall and art gallery. Coyaba is just shy of 2km west of St John’s Church (on the A3), not far from Shaw Park Gardens; follow the signs. Admission includes a 30-minute guided tour.
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Hooves
There are several options for horseback riding tours. Prospect Plantation offers guided tours (US$58) through a gorgeous working plantation. Hooves offers guided horseback tours in three categories: beach, mountain and rain-forest trails. Reservations are required. The ‘rain-forest honeymoon ride, ’ for experienced riders, is the most expensive (recent matrimony not required).
reviewed
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Wassi Art
Family-owned Wassi Art employs over fifty artists to make its colorful, richly decorated terra-cotta pottery. It is named for the ‘wassi’ wasp, or potter wasp, which makes a mud pot for each of her eggs and stuffs it with a caterpillar for food for her hatchlings. Free tours are offered, detailing the entire process including painting and firing. A store sells work (US$5 to US$5000). The owners will ship.
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Shaw Park Gardens
The Shaw Park Gardens is a tropical fantasia of ferns and bromeliads, palms and exotic shrubs, spread out over 11 hectares centered on an 18th-century great house. Trails and wooden steps lead past waterfalls that tumble in terraces down the hillside. A viewing platform offers a bird’s-eye vantage over Ocho Rios. There’s a bar and restaurant. The gardens are signed from opposite the public library on the A3.
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Sandals Golf & Country Club
Tee up at Sandals Golf & Country Club, in the hills, 6km southeast of town and signed off the A3. One of the most scenic in Jamaica, this is a 6035m, par-71 course with a driving range, putting green, and clubhouse. Caddies (9/18 holes US$12/17) are mandatory, and cart rental (9/18 holes US$25/40) is recommended. Club rental (US$25 to US$45) and lessons (per hour US$40) are also offered.
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Evita’s
This charmer sits high above Ochi in a romantically decorated 1860s house. It is an airy setting with exquisite views. The Italian-Jamaican menu includes jerk spaghetti and the trademark ‘Lasagna Rastafari.’ Recommended are the smoked marlin carpaccio and wickedly good herb-crusted lamb chops. If you’re lucky the gregarious proprietor Eva will stop by your table and give your shoulder a squeeze.
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Coconuts
Whether you stop in for a ‘ménage à trios’ plate (coconut shrimp, conch and chicken samosas), have a jerk chicken quesadilla or dig into a steak, the terrace at Coconuts invariably keeps you here longer than you intended. And why not? The view of the bay is stellar, and the drink specials ease you into the evening, when Coconuts becomes a lively bar.
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Little Pub
The touristy venue Little Pub is an old favorite, replete with sports TV and the occasional eclectic floor show to amuse you while you sit at the bar. A resident band plays here six nights per week. The live-entertainment schedule changes night by night, and includes an Afro-Caribbean musical, karaoke, and a weekly cabaret on Friday.
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Ocho Rios Dolphin Swim
Varies (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
This is a great Ocho Rios intermediate package where you swim in the deep for half an hour with one dolphin after an introduction and briefing from resident…Not LP reviewed
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Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours
The most popular horseback adventure Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours offers a three-hour horseback tour that passes through several old sugar plantations and ends up on a private beach. The tour culminates with a bareback ride into the sea. Chukka Caribbean also operates a number of other recommended tours.
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Passage to India
On the rooftop of a duty-free shopping center, Passage to India offers respite from the crowds below in addition to very good northern Indian fare. The naan is crisp, the curries sharp, and the menu divided into extensive chicken, mutton, seafood and vegetarian sections. Tandoori options are also on offer.
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Blue Runnings
On the periphery of Island Village is this pleasant place with a shady, peaceful patio. Jamaican fare such as jerk pork or chicken, steamed fish and a wholesome vegetarian platter (US$6) is served by day; in the evening the darkened, candlelit tables make for a romantic place to imbibe the local poison.
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Jamaican Canopy Tour from Ocho Rios
2 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
Fly like a bird through the trees and jungle canopy on this zipline adventure in Jamaica! Safely in your harness, you'll soar through a series of horizontal…Not LP reviewed
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Ocho Rios Dolphin Encounter Program
Varies (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
In this 20-minute program, children and adults alike, will enjoy the company of their new dolphin friends in Ocho Rios. Learn about dolphins in the educational…Not LP reviewed
from USD$86.99 -
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Centre Spot
This unassuming hole-in-the-wall place whips up local favorites such as curried goat; specials include the ever-popular cow head (no explanation supplied). For breakfast, if you’re hungry consider the porridge – a cup of the cornmeal or peanut variety really sticks to your ribs.
reviewed
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Heritage Beach Horse Ride
2 hours 30 minutes (Departs Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay, Jamaica)
by Viator
Ride through the waves on horseback! Discover the rich history of Jamaica as you ride on through the countryside. Stop at the beach, where you'll have time to…Not LP reviewed
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Enchanted Gardens
The 8-hectare Enchanted Gardens are an Edenlike setting featuring a lush landscaped park with 14 waterfalls, huge pools, a fruit orchard and separate fern, spice, cactus and lily gardens. It also has a walk-in aviary. Guided tours are offered.
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Bob Marley Jeep Safari from Ocho Rios
5 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
Come visit the birth place of the 'King of Reggae'! Nine Mile is both the birth place and final resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley. Listen to the…Not LP reviewed
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World of Fish
Popular with locals, this casual and economical eatery serves fresh seafood, including lobster and shrimp. In keeping with the Jamaican capacity for making juice from just about anything that grows, sweet nectars of June plum, ginger and soursop are served.
reviewed
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Martha Brae River Rafting and Dunn’s River Falls Tour from Ocho Rios
5 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
Discover two magnificent rivers in one day with a rafting adventure down the Martha Brae River and a tour of Dunn’s River Falls. Learn about the beautiful…Not LP reviewed
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Ocho Rios Zion Bus Tour
5 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
A must for every reggae enthusiast! Take a ride on the 'Zion Bus' with your fellow reggae fans while your dreadlocked driver and guide tells tales of the life…Not LP reviewed
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Amnesia
A classic Jamaican dancehall, this remains the happening scene. Theme nights include an oldies jam on Sunday, ladies night on Thursday and an after-work party on Friday. This is all leading up to Saturday’s dress-to-impress all-night dance marathon.
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Almond Tree Restaurant
Providing a splendid perch for a sunset dinner, this clifftop spot features a dining pavilion stairstepping down the cliffside. Candlelit dinners are served alfresco. The menu ranges from seafood and continental fare to steadfast Jamaican dishes.
reviewed
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Kingston Day Trip from Ocho Rios with Bob Marley Museum
9 hours (Departs Ocho Rios, Jamaica)
by Viator
Discover Jamaica's capital, Kingston, on a day trip from Ocho Rios. You'll enjoy an informative guided tour of the city and visit the famous Bob Marley Museum,…Not LP reviewed
from USD$64.99