Ocho Rios, Jamaica excursions
Spanish for "Eight Rivers" Ocho Rios is a scenic and peaceful port located on the northern end of Jamaica. This Jamaican point of interest provides stunning views of the island's sandy white beaches and lush mountain forests along with tight-knit local communities. If you're ready to enjoy some of the Caribbean's finest food, an incredible reggae music scene, beautiful seaside landscapes and the laid-back comfort of island life, then don't hesitate to take one or many Ocho Rios excursions during your Panama Canal cruise with Princess Cruises. Here are our top 10 picks for experiences you aren’t going to want to miss:
Table of contents
Feel the rush at Dunn's River Falls
Adventure and exploration await at Mystic Mountain
Get up close with dolphins at Dolphin Cove
Set off river tubing at Blue Hole
River raft down the Martha Brae River
Venture into the Green Grotto Caves
Learn to cook at the Flavors of Jamaica cooking class
Relax and unwind at Bamboo Beach Club
Immerse yourself in Jamaica’s history at the Seville Museum
Embark on a White River tubing Eco-Adventure
Feel the rush at Dunn's River Falls
One of Jamaica's most beloved natural treasures, Dunn's River Falls is a stunning 600-foot waterfall located just outside of Ocho Rios. Even more amazing is that the Dunn's River is one of the only rivers that empties directly into the Caribbean Sea, making the waterfall an immensely popular destination for beach-goers visiting Jamaica.
You may also recognize the area around the Jamaican point of interest from the classic James Bond movie, Dr. No. The filmmakers were instantly drawn to the natural beauty of the region when searching for a Caribbean shooting destination. The waters around the falls were used in the movie's infamous scene of Bond girl Ursula Andress walking out of the sea.
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Adventure and exploration await at Mystic Mountain
If you're interested in getting away from the shore to explore inland Jamaica, be sure to stop at Mystic Mountain. This 700-foot peak, located in the tropical forests surrounding Ocho Rios, is a tourist hotspot and features a range of family-friendly attractions and adventures.
One of the most popular activities on Mystic Mountain is Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, a 1,000 meter downhill ride on high-tech bobsleds that recalls the historic Jamaican Olympic bobsled team. During an Ocho Rios excursion, you can also tear through the forest trees by zipline, providing a bird's-eye view of the rainforest canopy while gliding between various treetop platforms. And if you're looking for an effortless way to tour the area, simply hop aboard the Sky Explorer chairlift ride.
Get up close with dolphins at Dolphin Cove
Animal lovers who want a close-up hangout with some of Jamaica's friendliest sea creatures should experience Ocho Rios' Dolphin Encounter. Located on the shores of Dolphin Cove, this incredible opportunity will have you face-to-face with a bevy of cheerful bottlenose dolphins. You'll receive tips on dolphin handling from an aquatic animal expert while also learning about training secrets and other fun facts about these ocean mammals. And if you're looking for a break from the bottlenoses for a second, you can feel free to check out Dolphin Cove's other exciting aquatic attractions and activities.
Set off river tubing at Blue Hole
Nestled in the hills of Ocho Rios, the Blue Hole is a series of natural limestone sinkholes fed by rushing mountain springs. As you float along in your tube, surrounded by emerald rainforest and the distant call of tropical birds, you’ll pass hidden waterfalls, rope swings and deep-blue swimming pools that feel entirely untouched. This isn’t your average lazy river. It’s a guided journey through Jamaica’s lush interior, with moments to stop, swim and even leap from rocks into cool, clear waters. Booking this Blue Hole & River Tubing Adventure excursion through Princess means all the details are handled, so you can simply soak it all in.
River raft down the Martha Brae River
If you're interested in getting away from the shore to explore inland Jamaica, be sure to stop at Mystic Mountain. This 700-foot peak, located in the tropical forests surrounding Ocho Rios, is a tourist hotspot and features a range of family-friendly attractions and adventures.
One of the most popular activities on Mystic Mountain is Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica, a 1,000 meter downhill ride on high-tech bobsleds that recalls the historic Jamaican Olympic bobsled team. During an Ocho Rios excursion, you can also tear through the forest trees by zipline, providing a bird's-eye view of the rainforest canopy while gliding between various treetop platforms. And if you're looking for an effortless way to tour the area, simply hop aboard the Sky Explorer chairlift ride.
Venture into the Green Grotto Caves
Step into a subterranean world filled with mystery and natural wonder. The Green Grotto Caves stretch nearly 1,525 meters and are layered with history — from Taino rituals to pirate hideouts and smugglers’ secrets during colonial times. As you wander through illuminated chambers and narrow passageways, you’ll see striking stalactites, underground lakes and fossilized marine life embedded in the walls. On the Green Grotto Caves & Dunn's Falls excursion, you will also visit the 600-foot-high waterfall! Princess excursions provide expert guides who bring the caves’ fascinating past to life so that you have a safe, enriching experience exploring one of Jamaica’s most captivating natural landmarks.
Learn to cook at the Flavors of Jamaica cooking class
Turn up the heat as you dive into Jamaica’s bold culinary traditions during this immersive Flavors of Jamaica Cooking Class. Guided by local chefs, you’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes like spicy jerk chicken and callaloo. Discover the secret blends of pimento, thyme and scallion that make Jamaican cuisine unforgettable, then enjoy your meal with views of tropical gardens or the distant sea breeze. With transportation and logistics handled through Princess, all you need to do is savor every bite — and maybe take home a few recipes to spice up your own kitchen.
Relax and unwind at Bamboo Beach Club
Want to visit one of the best beaches in the Caribbean? After a scenic 40-minute motorcoach ride, you’ll arrive at Bamboo Beach Club’s VIP area, where padded lounge chairs, swaying palms and turquoise surf set the scene. Settle in for a four-course lunch featuring freshly grilled fish, smoky jerk chicken and flavorful island sides, all served right to your chair or seaside table by attentive hostesses. Sip on house cocktails while soaking in reggae rhythms and the island’s easygoing spirit. Princess guests enjoy this curated experience with every detail handled, including optional shopping on the return trip. It’s pure Jamaican hospitality, made effortless and unforgettable.
Immerse yourself in Jamaica’s history at the Seville Museum
Looking for a historical excursion in Ocho Rios? Uncover the rich, layered past of Jamaica on a half-day journey to St. Ann’s Bay. As your motorcoach rolls through town, spot monuments to national icons like Marcus Garvey and Christopher Columbus, along with a historic courthouse, an ancient fort and the stunning Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. At Seville Heritage Park — a UNESCO-designated landmark — you’ll explore the island’s earliest settlement, tour the Seville Museum and stroll past ruins of a 16th-century Spanish church. Cap the experience with photo ops at Harmony Hall and Shaw Park Hill before browsing for local crafts at Taj Mahal Shopping Center. Princess makes history effortless during this Seville Museum, Scenic Coast Drive & Shopping excursion.
Embark on a White River tubing Eco-Adventure
Let the current carry you into Jamaica’s wild heart on a tubing adventure down the scenic White River. Begin with a motorcoach ride through Ocho Rios’ lush interior to the Spanish Bridge, a charming 17th-century stone arch. After a quick orientation and a refreshing Caribbean drink, hop into your custom inner tube and set off on a three-mile float past old plantations, riverside cottages and dense tropical forest alive with birdsong. While most of the ride is tranquil, a few playful rapids add just the right touch of excitement. Wrap up with a snack or browse the gift shop before returning, all with Princess handling the logistics during the River Tubing Eco-Adventure excursion.
Find your perfect Caribbean escape
Ocho Rios doesn’t ask you to choose between adventure and ease. One moment you're gliding beneath a stone bridge built centuries ago, the next you're savoring jerk chicken as the sea plays backup to a live reggae set.
There are endless things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and Princess makes it all seamless. No stress, no second-guessing — just expertly planned experiences that put you in the heart of Jamaica, not just on the edge of it. You bring the curiosity. We’ll take care of the rest.