Cruise port
Ocho Rios: Port, history, and green spaces
Berths at Turtle Bay and James Bond piers, port history, and Fern Gully and Turtle River Park in the town center.
Cruise port on Jamaica’s north coast
Ocho Rios lies on the north coast of Jamaica, on the Caribbean Sea. The built-up area extends east to southeast of the main pier. The main pier projects into the water at the western edge of the curved bay; Reynolds Pier lies farther west.
Turtle Bay and James Bond piers
The port has three designated berths at two facilities. Turtle Bay Pier includes Berth 1, with 735 feet (about 224 meters) of usable length and a water depth of 34 feet (about 10.4 meters), and Berth 2, with 900 feet (about 274 meters) of usable length and a water depth of 35 feet (about 10.7 meters). James Bond Pier is listed as having 900 feet (about 274 meters) of usable length and a water depth of 45 feet (about 13.7 meters). It is also known as Reynolds Pier.
Port operations and history
The Port Authority of Jamaica is responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of the country’s cruise ports. Ocho Rios began as a small shipping point for logwood and sugar. Fort Ocho Rios was built in the late 17th century and strengthened in 1780, when a French attack was feared. In 1795, an enemy ship appeared off the port but, fearing the guns, turned toward Mammee Bay instead. The rebuilt fort preserves two guns from Ocho Rios and two that once defended Mammee Bay.
Fern Gully lies near Ocho Rios in the northeast of the Parish of St. Ann. The road, about four kilometers long, runs between ferns, with tall trees meeting overhead to form a canopy. Filtered light creates a shady, cool landscape of vegetation along the route.
In the town center is Turtle River Park, which covers about three hectares. The Urban Development Corporation transformed a former bus station into a public green space; the park opened on June 18, 2004. A river and pond system with fish and turtles gave the park its name. Gardens, paths, and benches define the grounds. It is located near Milford Road, Main Street, and DaCosta Drive.
Getting there and regional orientation
Sangster International Airport is near Montego Bay on the western part of the north coast, 102 kilometers from Ocho Rios port.
On shore
Excursions around Ocho Rios
Kayak Safari
The participants will paddle in a two-seater canoe along the coast of Ocho Rios. There will be an opportunity to climb up the waterfalls and to enjoy the fantastic Dunn's River beach. Please note: limited number of places, please book early. Don't forget to bring a towel, sun cream, swimming costume and sports shoes.
Rafting on the Martha Brae river
This excursion takes you along the coast to Rafter's Village. From there it's onto a raft for a 3 km long trip downstream. Please note: limited number of places, please book early.
Golf at Sandals Golf & Country Club
The Sandals Golf & Country Club is about 3 km away from Ocho Rios and is seen as Jamaica's most exclusive place to hang out, offering challenges such as a par 71, 18-hole golf course. The area is of unparalleled beauty, favoured by a light breeze and boasting an elegant plantation clubhouse. The Sandals Golf club is not only intended to inspire but also to challenge -- an experience which no golfer (novice or professional) should miss. Please note: this excursion cannot be booked in advance; those interested should therefore get in touch with the Shore Excursion Desk on board ship.
