Dunn’s River Falls Climb from Ocho Rios
Jamaica’s most famous waterfall: a living staircase of limestone terraces that tumbles onto a Caribbean beach just outside Ocho Rios, climbed in a human chain behind a guide.
Jamaica
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is the adventure capital of Jamaica’s north coast, a resort town where waterfalls, rivers and rainforest sit within half an hour of the sea.
The headline sight is Dunn’s River Falls, a staircase of limestone terraces climbed hand in hand behind a guide, but the area offers far more: the turquoise pools and rope swings of the Blue Hole, the Rainforest Bobsled at Mystic Mountain, gentle bamboo rafting and river tubing, the cool green tunnel of Fern Gully and the caves at Runaway Bay. Culture lives close by too, from Bob Marley’s birthplace at Nine Mile to the jerk pits that smoke pork and chicken over pimento wood. Longer day trips reach Kingston, Port Antonio, the Blue Mountains and a historic rum estate. This guide lists twenty things to do, nine places to stay from a historic boutique inn to family and adults-only all-inclusives, and six guides to planning, eating and getting around.
Don't miss
Dunn’s River Falls Climb from Ocho Rios
Jamaica’s most famous waterfall: a living staircase of limestone terraces that tumbles onto a Caribbean beach just outside Ocho Rios, climbed in a human chain behind a guide.
Blue Hole Ocho Rios (Island Gully Falls)
A jungle river of turquoise pools, rope swings and cliff jumps in the hills above Ocho Rios, also known as Island Gully Falls or Secret Falls.
Mystic Mountain Bobsled and Sky Explorer from Ocho Rios
A rainforest adventure park above Ocho Rios with a canopy chairlift, the Rainforest Bobsled, zip lines and a giant swing, with views over the town and the sea.
Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios
A guided visit to the hill village where Bob Marley was born and is buried, with his childhood home, the mausoleum and a Rastafari-led walk through his story.
Things to do in Ocho Rios
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Blue Hole Ocho Rios (Island Gully Falls)
A jungle river of turquoise pools, rope swings and cliff jumps in the hills above Ocho Rios, also known as Island Gully Falls or Secret Falls.
Mystic Mountain Bobsled and Sky Explorer from Ocho Rios
A rainforest adventure park above Ocho Rios with a canopy chairlift, the Rainforest Bobsled, zip lines and a giant swing, with views over the town and the sea.
Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios
A guided visit to the hill village where Bob Marley was born and is buried, with his childhood home, the mausoleum and a Rastafari-led walk through his story.
Konoko Falls and Tropical Garden Tour
A gentler alternative to the big waterfalls: river pools, tropical gardens and small animal exhibits at a park just outside Ocho Rios.
Fern Gully and Konoko Falls Eco-Tour
A green tunnel of tree ferns arching over an old road in the hills above Ocho Rios, combined on this eco-tour with Konoko Falls.
Green Grotto Caves Excursion from Ocho Rios
A guided walk through a limestone cave system near Runaway Bay, with stalactites, an underground lake and centuries of history as a hideout.
Bamboo River Rafting Experience from Ocho Rios
A slow, peaceful float down a tropical river on a long bamboo raft steered by a local captain, one of Jamaica’s classic experiences.
Calypso River Tubing Adventure from Ocho Rios
Float down a jungle river on an inner tube, drifting through gentle rapids and shady stretches with a guide on hand.
ATV Adventure in the Hills above Ocho Rios
Ride a quad bike through back-country trails, farmland and muddy tracks in the hills above Ocho Rios, with a guide leading the way.
Horseback Ride and Swim from Ocho Rios
Ride a horse along a trail and into the Caribbean for a swim, a signature north coast experience for all levels.
Dunn’s River Falls Catamaran Cruise from Ocho Rios
Sail the Ocho Rios coast on a catamaran with snorkelling and music, then climb Dunn’s River Falls, a sea and waterfall double.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$Jamaica Inn
Main Street, east of town
A small, old-fashioned luxury inn on a private white-sand cove, where Ian Fleming, Noël Coward and Marilyn Monroe once stayed.
Check rates →Couples Sans Souci
Boscobel coast, east of Ocho Rios
An all-inclusive resort for couples on the coast east of Ocho Rios, known for its clifftop setting, natural mineral spring pools and a relaxed, romantic mood.
Check rates →Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
Ocho Rios coast
A large couples-only all-inclusive on the Ocho Rios coast with a long list of restaurants, pools and water sports and a polished, social atmosphere.
Check rates →Beaches Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios coast
A big family all-inclusive on the Ocho Rios coast, with a water park, kids’ clubs and a mix of restaurants and pools.
Check rates →Moon Palace Jamaica
Ocho Rios coast
A large all-inclusive resort on the Ocho Rios coast with a water park, several pools, many restaurants and a spa, suitable for families and couples.
Check rates →
$$$Hotel Riu Ocho Rios
Mammee Bay, west of Ocho Rios
A beachfront all-inclusive resort west of Ocho Rios, popular with families and couples looking for good value and a lively atmosphere.
Check rates →Rooms on the Beach Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
A mid-range seafront hotel close to the town centre and the Ocho Rios Bay Beach, handy for restaurants, shops and the cruise port.
Check rates →Sandcastles Beach Resort
Ocho Rios
A beachside resort of apartments and suites in Ocho Rios, good for families and groups who want kitchens and extra space.
Check rates →Ocean Palms Resort
Ocho Rios
A budget-friendly resort-style stay in Ocho Rios for travellers who want a pool, a simple room and easy access to attractions.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Dunn’s River Falls Climb from Ocho RiosStay
Rooms on the Beach Ocho RiosOcho Rios Bay Beach
Do
Blue Hole Ocho Rios (Island Gully Falls)Stay
Sandals Ochi Beach ResortOcho Rios coast
Do
Mystic Mountain Bobsled and Sky Explorer from Ocho RiosStay
Couples Sans SouciBoscobel coast, east of Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios guides
First Time in Ocho Rios: What to Do, When to Go and How to Get Around
A practical primer for a first visit to Ocho Rios: the sights worth booking, how to get around, how many days you need, when to go and what to bring.
Ocho Rios in Three Days: A Practical Itinerary
A realistic three-day plan for Ocho Rios, combining waterfalls, rivers, culture and food, with ideas for swapping days around and for rainy weather.
Where to Stay in Ocho Rios: Resorts, Boutique Inns and Budget Bases
How to choose where to stay in Ocho Rios, from all-inclusive resorts and adults-only retreats to a boutique inn and simple central hotels.
Eating and Drinking in Ocho Rios: Jerk, Patties and Local Favourites
A food guide to Ocho Rios: jerk cooked over pimento wood, ackee and saltfish, patties, sweet treats, drinks and tips for eating well.
Waterfalls and Rivers Around Ocho Rios: Which to Choose
How to choose among the waterfalls, pools and rivers around Ocho Rios: Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Hole, Konoko, rafting and tubing.
Day Trips from Ocho Rios and How to Spend a Cruise Day
Ideas for day trips from Ocho Rios, from Nine Mile and Kingston to Port Antonio and the Blue Mountains, plus a plan for a single day in port.
