4 to 5 hours ashore
Dunn's River Falls
- Taxi about 10 minutes to Dunn's River Falls.
- Climb the falls with a guide; wear water shoes.
- Cool off at Turtle Beach near the pier.
Rather book it? A Dunn's River Falls tour with entry included.
Ocho Rios shore excursions
Home of Dunn's River Falls, with waterfalls, river swimming, and rainforest adventures a short drive from the pier.
Getting ashoreShips dock at the cruise pier in the center of Ocho Rios, close to the town's beaches and markets.
Ocho Rios port day essentials
read this before you book
Which pier you're at
Turtle Bay PierThe main terminal, about half a mile from downtown. Turtle Beach is a few hundred yards away.
Reynolds PierNext door, with few facilities. About a 15-minute walk to downtown.
Dunn's River Falls is less than 3 miles east of the piers.
Taxis
Licensed taxis wait at the piers. Use marked, licensed cabs only and agree on the fare first.
Short rides around town have been about $5. Fares can be paid in US or Jamaican dollars.
Money
Jamaican dollars. US dollars are widely accepted and many prices are shown in both.
Language
English; you will also hear Jamaican Patois.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time. Dunn's River Falls gets crowded when several ships are in, which slows the climb.
Be aware
- Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard in October 2025. Cruise ports reopened that December; if a tour has few recent reviews, check that it's running as described.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in Ocho Rios
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Falls and the rainforest
- Climb Dunn's River Falls in the morning.
- Afternoon at Mystic Mountain for the rainforest bobsled and chairlift.
Rather book it? A falls and rainforest combo tour.
9 hours or more
Blue Hole and river tubing
- Drive inland to swim and jump at the Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls).
- Add a lazy float down the White River.
Rather book it? A Blue Hole tour, or tubing with a falls stop.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare Ocho Rios tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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Ocho Rios tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for Ocho Rios, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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Ocho Rios tours from Shore Excursions Group
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Scout's notes on Ocho Rios
Short port days
Dunn's River Falls, where you climb a terraced waterfall to the sea, is only a short drive from the pier and fits most windows. Go early to beat the crowds from other ships.
Long port days
Combine the falls with river tubing, the Blue Hole swimming spot, or rainforest zip lines and bobsled rides. Full-day trips to Negril or Kingston are possible but far.
Getting back on time
Traffic along the coast road can slow return trips in the afternoon. Leave a comfortable margin on combo tours.
From fellow cruisers
Tips from people who've been, read by us before they go up.
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