5 Questions Most First Time Tourists Ask about Ocho Rios

Most tourists visiting Ocho Rios for the first time will typically have some questions to ask. For instance, before booking their flight, they would like to know: What to pack? What to wear? Is it safe to drink the water? How to get around? Are there nice beaches?
5 Questions Most First Time Tourists Ask About Ocho Rios
Table of Contents

Read on for the essential guide that answers all the questions you may have about visiting Ocho Rios for the first time.

1. What Should I Pack for Ocho Rios?

Here is a list of what to pack for Ocho Rios:

  • Clothing Items
  • Water Shoes – For visiting Dunn’s River Falls and horse riding on the beach or through the forest
  • Swimwear & Cover-ups – If you plan to spend a lot of time by the pool, by the beach or engaged in water-related excursions
  • Wide Brim Hat/ Sunglasses – To protect you from the harsh Caribbean sun
  • Rain coat – For unexpected showers which are common in Jamaica
  • Toiletries
  • Beach Bag – A clutch to hold your essential items
  • Sunscreen – To protect your skin from sunburn
  • Aloe Vera Gel – In case you need it for sunburn relief
  • Insect Repellent – For those planning on taking many excursions outdoors
  • Waterproof Camera
  • Waterproof Bag – To protect your belongings during excursions
  • US Dollars – Many vendors in tourist areas prefer US dollars to Jamaican dollars. Also bring small bills which will make tipping in Jamaica easier.

2. What Do People Wear in Ocho Rios?

Here is a list of some of the things that people wear in Ocho Rios:

  • T-shirts or camisoles, shorts and sarongs – Daytime essentials for those who plan to spend most of their time on the beach or by the pool
  • Sunscreen – Wear plenty
  • Wide Brim Hat/ Sunglasses – To protect you from the harsh Caribbean sun
  • Long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long sundresses – To protect you from sunburn by day and Jamaican mosquitoes by night
  • Swimwear & Cover-ups – To wear at the beach or pool
  • Raincoat – For unexpected rain showers
  • Water Shoes – For visiting Dunn’s River Falls and horse riding on the beach or through the forest
  • Insect Repellent – If you will be outdoors a lot, especially in the evenings

3. Can You Drink the Water in Ocho Rios?

Yes, you can drink the water in Ocho Rios. The water is Ocho Rios is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap, especially in the resort areas where it is filtered and purified using modern technology. In fact, some visitors state that the tap water in Ocho Rios actually tastes better than bottled water! Ocho Rios tap water is also safe to use for cooking, bathing and brushing teeth.

Tap water in Jamaica is generally of a higher quality than you will find in many developed countries, as it is sourced directly from fresh water rivers and streams across the island. In fact, Jamaica has won the award for the country with the best drinking water in the Caribbean region multiple times.

That said, if you plan to venture far outside the resort, it is best to bring your own water. This is because the potability of water supplies in the smaller towns and villages of Jamaica are directly dependent on recent conditions in the area.

For instance, during a drought, water will be brought in on trucks from who knows where. And when the water does come back, it will be dirty for days, and therefore unsafe to drink. In such cases, it is best to bring your own tap water or buy bottled water.

4. How Do You Get Around Ocho Rios?

The most common mode of transportation used by travelers to get around Ocho Rios is taxi.

Here are some safety tips for getting around Ocho Rios in a taxi:

  • Avoid unmarked taxis. Only use taxis ordered from hotels and authorized by the Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA).
  • Never share a taxi with strangers.
  • Because taxis in Ocho Rios are not metered, be sure to agree with your driver on the fare in advance.
  • Don’t be afraid to negotiate the fare.

5. Does Ocho Rios Have Nice Beaches?

Yes, Ocho Rios boasts a lovely coastline with miles of beautiful Jamaican beaches and clear, blue waters, where you can spend the day relaxing in the sun with the Caribbean Sea at your feet.

Here are the 5 best beaches in Ocho Rios.

Ocho Rios Bay Beach

The best thing about Ocho Rios Bay Beach is that if you’re coming into Jamaica on a cruise ship, you will not have to travel far to get to the beach, as it will be the closest one to you.

The beach boasts silky soft white sands and calm, clear waters that allow you to see schools of small fish swimming around from the shore. The shallow waters are perfect for children and inexperienced swimmers.

Bamboo Beach Club

Bamboo Beach Club is a beautiful private beach with soft sands that feel good on your feet. The waters here are blue, calm, crystal-clear, cool and refreshing.

There is a restaurant where you can have drinks and food, as well as a small craft market with polite vendors. There’s a DJ playing reggae music, as well as entertainment for kids.

James Bond Beach

Located in Oracabessa town, James Bond Beach is famous for being the former home of “James Bond” author, Ian Fleming. It is said that this was his secret hideaway at which he wrote fourteen of his “007” thrillers.

The little cove beach is relatively small with calm waters and a rustic vibe. There’s a bar that makes great cocktails, and good food made to order.

Pleasure Cove

Pleasure Cove is a beautiful beach with fairly shallow and calm waters perfect for children and inexperienced swimmers. It is usually free of crowds, which makes you feel as if you have the entire beach all to yourself.

The bar and restaurant offers free Wi-Fi, and the fish is freshly-caught and well-seasoned.

Beach at Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Jamaica. However, most people are so thrilled to climb the beautiful cascading waterfall that they ignore the beach that rests at the bottom.

The beach at Dunn’s River Falls is nice with a great view. It is great for snorkeling as it boasts interesting and colorful underwater formations.

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