Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios does not have eight rivers, as its name suggests. Ocho Rios actually got its name from a corruption of the Spanish ‘chorreras’ or waterfalls, which speaks of the stretch of coastline east of the town, where a series of streams cascade out of the limestone. This is why Jamaicans say that Ocho Rios is ‘where Eden meets the ocean’.

The town is a hub of activity, with an intensity that makes it seem in constant motion. Bargain seekers should head straight for the crafts market. Gourmets can delight in the culinary joys of elegant restaurants and local cafés. Adventure seekers should not miss the excitement of climbing the refreshing waters of Dunn’s River Falls, swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Cove or a horse-riding trip at Chukka Caribbean Adventures. Nature lovers can find vistas of floral splendour at the Coyaba and Shaw Park Gardens or drive through a forest of ferns aptly named Fern Gully. No matter what you choose to do, a day in Ocho Rios will be a day to remember.

Port details

Airports: Sangster International Airport is 102 km from port. Other services available at Boscobel Domestic Airport.

Anchorage: Off outer buoy.

Approach: Easy access via open water. The bay is used as the turning basin (width 2,000 ft).

Bunkers: Can be arranged with prior notice.

Facilities: Anchorage, pilotage, water, provisions, bunkers by arrangement.

Medical aid: St Ann’s Bay Hospital is 37 km from the port.

Pilot: Pick-up one mile (NE or NW) of sea buoy at entrance to Ocho Rios Bay.

Pilotage: Agents alert Pilotage Department on ship’s ETA and ETD at least 12 hours before required time. Pilot boards and guides ship in and out of channel. Pilotage charges are calculated according to grt.

Position: 18°25’N, 77°8’W.

Provisions: Available locally.

Tenders: Tender service is not available, but ship’s tender may be used to land passengers at Berth No 2 as well as at James Bond Pier.

Towage: Not available.

Water: Adequate supplies available.

Weather: Winds N, NE, ENE, E, ESE 87 per cent; NNW, NW, WNW four per cent. Wind speed 11 to 16 knots 40 per cent; over 21 knots 2.5 per cent. Windiest months November to March. Strongest winds from NNE, NE, ENE reaching maximum from east.