Tourist InformationGuide was updated: September 14, 2024

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Jamaica are either March and April, or November through December, when temperatures are just as comfortable but visitor numbers significantly lower. Summer has come to be known as "hurricane season," and temperatures can get uncomfortably hot in July and August, which means a trip is best planed outside of the summer months.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Passport / Visa

Nationals of most countries do not require a visa to enter Jamaica if their planned time of stay does not exceed 3 months (6 months in many cases). This applies to citizens of the USA, all of the EU, Mexico, Japan, Israel, and countries of the Commonwealth. If you do require a visa, it can, in most cases, be obtained upon arrival, but do consult an official source in advance. To receive a visa, you will most likely need to produce proof of onward travel (tickets) and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ)

Ocho Rios is served by Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ), located in Boscobel around 9 miles east of Ocho Rios. Several taxi and car rental services are available at the location, and can be arranged prior to or upon arrival.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Cruise Port (Turtle Bay Pier)

Turtle Bay Pier is the primary pier for cruise ship docking in Ocho Rios. It has a number of amenities including an information kiosk, coffee house and WiFi access. The Terminal is connected to Ocho Rios downtown via 300-feet long Turtle Beach Road, which is well within walking distance.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Reynold's Pier

Reynold's Pier (often referred to as James Bond Pier) is Ocho Rios' second ferry terminal, located to the west of the city and is within a 10-minute walking distance from downtown. Usually a range of taxis are available, along with a number of vendors and tour guide operators.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Taxi

Official taxis in Jamaica run with red plates. With the exception of some carriers at the cruise terminals, these taxis often do not have fixed rates, which means these should be negotiated and firmly agreed upon prior to departure. You can find taxis near most hotels, shopping centres, and the airport. Two recommended taxi companies in Ocho Rios are Mr Jones Taxi (+1 876 349 3189), and Triple S Tours and Taxi Services (+1 876 854 7012).

Tourist InformationRead more →

Public Transport

The most reliable option for long-distance travel are the Knutsford Express Buses, which operate on a fixed schedule with daily departures to destinations across Jamaica such as Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, and more. Tickets may be booked in advance, and should be validated prior to boarding. Mini buses and route taxis are also available, but are less reliable as they only run when a certain number of passengers have signed up for a ride. With many locals opting for this form of transport, it certainly provides a more authentic travel experience.

Tourist InformationRead more →

Pharmacy

There are a number of pharmacies along Main Street to the east of Turtle Bay including Hue's Professional Pharmacy and the Great House Pharmacy, with opening hours from around 9am to 7pm or 8pm. Our recommendation is Fontana Pharmacy, located to the south of the pharmacies mentioned above:

Tourist InformationRead more →

Electricity

In Jamaica, the local current is 110 V, 50 Hz. Most electric outlets are type "A" (flat two-pin plugs), but some are type "B" (these sockets also work for type "A" plugs).

Tourist InformationRead more →

Post

Ocho Rios Post Office is located a few metres from the intersection of Main Street and Newlin Street, and is open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

Tourist InformationRead more →