Ocho Rios, whose name comes from the Spanish for “Eight Rivers”, was originally a Taíno settlement before Spanish and later British colonial influence shaped its identity. Nestled along Jamaica’s lush north coast, this once-humble fishing village has transformed into a vibrant coastal town that blends historical depth with modern charm.

At the heart of Ocho Rios lies its dramatic natural scenery. The iconic Dunn’s River Falls cascades over natural limestone terraces, allowing visitors to climb toward the top while surrounded by tropical foliage before splashing into the sea below. For those craving a less crowded adventure, the Irie Blue Hole (or Cool Blue Hole) offers hidden jungle pools, rope swings, and serene waters perfect for exploration.

Adventure thrives here. At Mystic Mountain, you can soar through treetops on zip lines, glide down a rainforest bobsled track inspired by Jamaica’s Olympic athletes, or ride the SkyExplorer chairlift high above the canopy for sweeping coastal views. Marine-life lovers can meet dolphins up close at Dolphin Cove, snorkel with stingrays, or drift peacefully via glass-bottom kayak, all set within a natural cove framed by rainforest.