Welcome to the Ocho Rios – Jamaica cruise port guide. The town of Ocho Rios is nowadays a developed tourist destination and the biggest cruise port on the island of Jamaica. Ocho Rios is situated on the north side of Jamaica in a lovely bay with high rise hotels. It is a rather small town with just 11.000 inhabitants. There are some shopping opportunities as well as some local restaurants. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings when walking in town and keep your valuable items on the ship. There are also some great beaches right within reach of the cruise ship. The surrounding area of Ocho Rios is absolutely amazing. You can tour this mountainous green island by shore excursions or taxi tour. Visit the Fern Gully, climb the famous Dunn’s river Falls or go rafting on the Martha Brae! This adventurous island has always something exciting to do. Find out what to do in the Ocho Rios cruise port guide underneath.
Cruise Port Guide Ocho Rios – Jamaica: docked
Cruise ships dock at the port Ocho Rios. There are two cruise docks available in Ocho Rios: Turtle Bay cruise pier and James Bond cruise pier.
Turtle bay cruise pier
Most ships dock at the Turtle Bay cruise dock. This pier was specifically build to welcome cruise ships at Ocho Rios. The dock is located in front of the town. At the end of the dock you will find a small tourist information, taxi stand, Margaritaville and a shopping road leading to town. The cruise dock is approximately a 5 minute walk or 900 meter/yard walk to the city centre.
James Bond cruise pier
Your second docking option would be the James Bond cruise pier although its official name is the Reynolds cruise pier. It was nicknamed James Bond pier because it served as the background for the film version of Dr. No. The Reynolds cruise pier is used when more than one ship is in town at the same day. It is a commercial industrial pier. The city centre is approximately a 15 minute walk along a busy road.
Taxis in Ocho Rios
Taxis are safe and readily available at both cruise docks. Most taxis are not metered. Although taxi prices are on display and should be fixed, you still have to negotiate a price before stepping into the taxi. Taxi prices are typically: From cruise terminal to downtown Ocho Rios 8 USD From cruise terminal to Dunn’s River Park 20 USD From cruise terminal to Coyaba River Garden and Museum 20 USD From cruise terminal to Shaw Park beach 20 USD From cruise terminal to San Souci 40 USD From cruise terminal to Falmouth 90 USD Taxis are a great and popular way to get around the island if you don’t want to go on a ship organised shore excursion.
Jamaican dollars
We do not encourage you to change into Jamaican dollars when visiting Ocho Rios by cruise ships. American dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.
Beaches near Ocho Rios cruise port
Your closest beach will be turtle beach. This is the beach directly to the left hand side when you walk of the pier. The beach offers nice sand, good facilities and has lots of hotels at the waterfront. And for the people that really want comfort at their doorstep: There is also a Margaritaville at the end of the Turtle bay cruise pier.
Souvenirs and shopping
There are some nice locally produced souvenirs that you can pick up like rum, batik cottons, and wood carving. The Taj Mahal centre and the craft market come recommended.
