Orientation

Arriving By Plane

Ocho Rios is served by the tiny Boscobel Aerodrome, but no international flights wing in here. It is mainly for domestic air services. To avoid the land route to Ocho Rios, you can fly into Montego Bay and then take one of the smaller domestic lines flying from Montego Bay to Boscobel. Offering scheduled flights is Air Jamaica. If you're going to Ocho Rios, you will fly into the Donald Sangster Airport in Montego Bay. Some hotels, particularly the larger resorts, will arrange for airport transfers from that point. Be sure to ask when you book.

To avoid crowded buses and minivans, many visitors take taxi from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios for $120 per car (up to four passengers).

It is cheaper to go by van, however. The best shuttles are operated by Tour Wise. You're dropped off at your hotel about 2 hours after leaving the airport at Montego Bay.

Visitor Information

The local office of the Jamaica Tourist Board is at Shop 7 in Ocean Villa Plaza on Main Street.

The Town Layout

Ocho Rios is hardly a place you can explore on foot, except for its inner core. Most of its uncontrolled development lies to the east of the center. The actual town stretches some 4 miles (6 km) between Dunn's River Falls to the west and White River to the east. Connecting these far corners is A3, often called "Main Street." Mercifully, this traffic-clogged road bypasses the congested heart of town; curved like a snake, the Main Street borders Turtle Bay with its beach. In the very center of town stands a handy-as-a-landmark clock tower. Main Street and DeCosta Drive meet at this point.

If you'd like to explore this northern part of Jamaica in more depth, especially by car, purchase the big fold-out map called Ocho Rios and Beyond, sold at all news kiosks in the center of town.

Getting Around

It is not really necessary to rent a car in Ocho Rios. Taxis will make pickups when called to hotels. Taxis are governed by JUTA. In the center of town, they are plentiful in the parking lot adjacent to Ocean Village Plaza. You can also try Maxi Taxi Associates at Pineapple Place.

There is no bus service within Ocho Rios.

Special Events

The Caribbean's most important jazz festival is the weeklong Ocho Rios Jazz Festival, held at various venues during the second week in June. Big names like the Jimmy Smith Trio appear here. Although Jamaica is primarily associated with reggae music, it has also contributed great jazz artists to the world, including Bertie King on saxophone and Jiver Hutchinson on trumpet. For more details and information, contact the Ocho Rios Jazz Festival.