Ocho Rios

Language

The official language in Ochos Rios is English some also speak Jamaican Patois which is the English-African Creole dialect.

Currency

The Currency used in Ochos Rios is the Jamaican dollar.

Best travel time

Ochos Rios has a tropical climate therefore it is constantly warm and sunny with little rainfall.

Visa requirements

Traveling into Ochos Rios one needs a valid passport, a visa is not required.

Vaccinations

Other than the standard vaccinations there is no need for any other vaccinations.

Traditions and Culture

It is believed that Christopher Columbus was the first to set foot in Ochos Rios, therefore due to this historical event travelers can visit “Columbus Park”. Ochos Rios has Spanish colonial buildings as a result of the inhabitation of the Spanish at one point in history. Ochos Rios was also once a fishing village but is today a strong touristic area. One of the things which makes Ochos Rios so famous are the “Dunn’s River Falls”.

Religion

The dominant religion in Ochos Rios is Christianity.

By bus

Travelling in and around Ochos Rios one can take minibuses which rotate in and around the city. Other than the minibuses, it is possible to rent a bicycle or even walk to most sights worth seeing.

By plane

When travelling into Ochos Rios it is best to fly into “Montego Bay” to the airport which receives international flights, as the Ochos Rios airport is mainly used for domestic flights. From Montego Bay it is possible to fly to Ochos Rios. At the airport in Ochos Rios it is also possible to rent a car at the airport “Dhana Car Rental ltd.”

By taxi

Route taxis are found everywhere within Ochos Rios, it is also possible to share these with other people which makes the journey cheaper. It is also possible to order taxis from the hotel, however these tend to be more expensive.

Experience and enjoy

Events / Lifestyle Ochos Rios has many events which take place throughout the year, these also give an insight to the relaxed and friendly lifestyle the locals lead. Amongst these some are: - “Chukka Cove-Appleton Polo tournament” during February - Annual Red Stripe International tournament occurring during April, - Jamaica Carnival occurring during April - “Ochos Rios Jazz festival” which is one of the most known jazz festivals in Jamaica occurring during June. - Jamaica Spice food festival occurring during September - Harmony Hall Art& Craft Fair occurring during November.

Sights

Ochos Rios has a very interesting history and culture therefore there are various different things to visit and see. Amongst these some are the “Dunn’s River Falls” where it is possible to climb the waterfalls, "Shaw Park Botanical Gardens”, “Coyaba River Garden and Museum”, the “James Bond beach” where they filmed one of the James Bond movies and much more.

Food

In Ochos Rios the local food consists of the traditional Jamaican food. This includes “Jerk Cooking” which is a combination of cooked pork / chicken /seafood with hot spice mixture, “Red Stripe” (beer), “Saltfish and ackee”, “bammy” which is a bread from Cassava, “patties” and many other local dishes.