Location: Ocho Rios
Top Things to do in Ocho Rios
9 Free Things to do in Ocho Rios That You Shouldn't Miss
You're on island time the moment you set foot in Jamaica. Ocho Rios, a port of call for many cruise lines, also boasts some of the most luxe resorts and spas in the Caribbean. And once you've had your stresses melted away in the island sun, you can head out for a night of dancing and reggae music.
Restaurants in Ocho Rios
1. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By 3CatswillTravel - Central Florida, United States
If you are in Ocho Rios and want to go to Church we recommend this highly. Mass is at 1030 on Sundays (there is a Sat afternoon mass but do not know the time) You will be find the parishioners to be friendly and greet you warmly. Service is about 1hr 45 minutes but it is well worth it. If you are staying a resort you can take a taxi or car service and they will drop you off and pick you up. We have been to Our Lady of Fatima several times and it is a wonderful experience.
2. Harmony Hall Jamaica
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 16 reviews
Jamaica's finest artists and craftspeople come to display their work at this art gallery.
3. Fern Gully
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 523 reviews
Scenic drive through a three-mile-long canyon, shaded by trees and ferns.
Reviewed By barkerbenny - Fort Lauderdale, United States
We drove through Fern Gully which was magical, Our knowledgeable Jamaican driver told us that years ago one needed headlights on as it was so dark and completely encompassed by this huge canopy of towering trees. However . Hurricane Gilbert blew the tops off allowing shafts of light to penetrate, The vast roots were so historic that we wanted to stop and explore but the road has few places to pull over, so traffic kept us moving. I want to return and park next time s
4. Turtle River Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By fayeg859 - Brea, United States
We visited it a few days ago. Apparently, the name is always confused. We were told is it called the Enchanted Garden. Whatever the name, do visit. Lots of waterfalls, birds, amazing trees, plants, flowers and son on.
5. Wassi Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 23 reviews
Wassi Art is a treasure chest of unusual pottery that absolutely delights collectors and art lovers alike. Considered unorthodox in ceramic art world, Wassi Art designs are brightly colored, one-of-a-kind, uninhibited and original pieces with broad appeal. Visit the new original Wassi Art shop in Ocho Rios, back with beautiful artistic pieces featuring our favorite artist Homer Brown!
6. Island Village
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 190 reviews
Situated in the heart of Jamaica’s popular tourist destination – Ocho Rios, just minutes away from the Cruise Ship Pier, Island Village offers the perfect mix of retail and entertainment facilities all in one convenient stop. With its picturesque open air setting incorporating natural spring lagoons and beautiful flowering trees, this complex has the remarkable feeling of being almost at “One With Nature”. It manages to recreate the ambiance of a picturesque Caribbean village setting, yet at the same time housing retail and entertainment facilities. Island Village is located on the beach and stays true to its tropical location, vibrant gardens, scenic boardwalk and water features for a relaxed shopping experience. Island Village gives new dimensions to the visitor experience and has completely transformed the landscape of this popular resort community.
7. Taj Mahal Shopping Center
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 376 reviews
Located in the heart of Ocho Rios offering a wide selection of Duty Free Shopping and Jamaican Souvenirs. Home of three authentic Jamaican Restaurants: Mama Marley's, Reggae Ally and Cafe Express. Free Wi Fi available, money exchange and dual currency ATM Machine( US and JA).
Reviewed By N1839GGsherryh
My favorite place to shop when I’m in Ochi Rios Jamaica the Tajmahal is within proximity of the ship pier easily accessible all the shops has friendly and helpful staff professionalism and services are excellent Prices are affordable this is the safest place you can ever hope for come see for yourselves.
8. Market in Ocho Rios
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By OneloveLily
I was staying at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios where I met a very kind lady who was selling accessories at the hotel for an event. She told me that she has also a shop at the craft market a few minutes walk outside of the resort. She explained she also braids hair and would love for us to visit her during our stay in Jamaica. She gave us her phone number and her store number. So, although many people in the reviews said not to go outside of the resort, we ventured to the market the next day and it was one of the best parts of our trip. There we first looked around. The first few shops were not too pushy for they get easier business. After that, each shopkeeper asked us to come into their shop to see their wares. They are, of course, just trying to make a living, and because so few tourists from the resorts and cruise ships come here, they’re eager to invite everyone they see in. They are also happy to bargain, and we got some great souvenirs at several shops. After we were done shopping, we kept wandering and kindly said no to the many shopkeepers still inviting us in. But even after saying no, they were just happy with a handshake and a friendly conversation. At the market, the nice lady we met at the hotel found us and gently invited us to come meet her niece and see her store. We went over, and I got my full hair braided at a very reasonable price, and we remembered to give a generous tip. While I was getting my hair braided we had a fun conversation with the women in the shops near that area; Patsy was the kind lady whose store number is 85, and Pril was her niece who had a shop to the left of Patsy’s. My mom and I had such a fun time, we went again the next day, which was sadly also our last. Patsy and her friends were very friendly and happily told us a lot about Jamaica and taught us some Jamaican Creole. Jamaica is a low-wage, high-cost economy, and even the resort employees don’t get paid well. With so few tourists leaving the resorts and cruise ships, the local merchants and craftsmen struggle to get by. I would really love it if when you go to the Ocho Rios Craft Market that you support the people there, rather than just shopping at hotel gift shops. Why go all the way to Jamaica if you’re not going to experience to the country and meet the people? So many of these reviews are very negative about these merchants who are just trying to get by, but I doubt any of these review writers actually took the time to get to know even one of these shopkeepers. So many of them are very kind and friendly. While I was there, I saw about 3 cruise ships very close to the market, but nobody from the boats came to the market. Instead they go to hotel gift shops and duty free stores with kitschy knick-knacks, none of which is a truly Jamaican experience. In conclusion the people at the craft market are just trying to get by, and have a stable living. Once you get to know them they are really just looking out for themselves, so please be understanding and at least give it some thought and consider going to the Ocho Rios craft market. And when you’re there, just talk to them—you might even make some new friends like we did.
9. Mohans Duty Free
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 192trishr
I don't often treat myself and am sceptical about high dollar purchases, but decided it was time I own a diamond ring. I had no intention of purchasing one abroad however, and ended up in this shop to purchase an inexpensive anklette to be honest. Well, while there, I fell in love with a white and chocolate diamond ring and long story short, I made an impulsive purchase, something again I'm not in the habit of doing. Back home just one week, a tiny white diamond was lost and of course 'what have I done?' set in. What happened from there on was fantastic customer service. I tried calling Mohan's collect and they offered to the operator to call me back, which they did, within 5 minutes. Within a day, I had FedEx paperwork in hand from them to send the ring to a jeweler in New York City (I am Canadian), and on express service, so it was there in two days. Mohan's followed up with emails to both New York and myself and the ring was back on my hand in Canada within 3 weeks - missing diamond replaced and all other diamonds fully inspected for tightening if required. I wear it absolutely every day and all has been fine since. I know the diamond coming out wasn't good - but let's face it, things can happen. It was how Mohan's responded that restored my faith. Calls at their expense, shipping at their expense, constant follow-ups to reassure me and a genuine expression of being sorry and wanting to make things right. I get compliments on the ring ALL the time. It is absolutely beautiful and backed by a great retailer. Thank you Mohan's, I will be back for another piece one day!
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