Jamaica's air and sea borders are open to most foreign travelers. Effective March 4, 2021, all travelers to Jamaica, 12 years of age and over, regardless of nationality, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test result to check in for a flight to Jamaica.
Unvaccinated travelers who are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid nonessential travel to Jamaica. If you must travel and have concerns, talk to your doctor. Travelers should follow recommendations or requirements in Jamaica, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.
Share: Since Ocho Rios is a cruise port, you can often find tourists flocking to Ocho Rios Bay Beach to dip their toes into the calm Jamaican water. The clear, blue water and shallow areas for swimming make it a nice beach to visit. It is small, but a few eateries and shops are nearby.
Jamaica has officially reopened its borders to ALL international tourists on June 15th. Even though Jamaica is open for tourism, there are some entry requirements you need to know about before you go. Please note: The entry requirements for Jamaica have been updated since August 15.
The Best Beach Resorts in the World
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia.
- Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
- Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand.
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, French Polynesia.
- Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, Raiatea, French Polynesia.
It is safe enough to leave the resort in Jamaica as it is just about anywhere. The chances of being robbed, killed, kidnapped or taken advantage of is prevalent anywhere else as much as Jamaica.
Where to Go in Jamaica: 5 Destinations You Can't Miss
- Negril. Arguably one of Jamaica's most beautiful (and laid-back) beach destinations, Negril is popular among honeymooning couples.
- Montego Bay. Affectionately known as MoBay, Montego Bay is a good point of entry to Jamaica.
- Kingston.
- Port Antonio.
- Ocho Rios.
Ocho Rios, affectionately called 'Ochi', is probably best known for its use in Dr No, the very first James Bond film, released in 1962. 4. For a taste of traditional, spicy, smoked jerk meats, you can't miss out on the Ocho Rios Jerk Center - known to occasionally turn herbivores into carnivores.
Ian Fleming International Airport
Beaches Ocho Rios does not have a lazy river; however there is a lot of fun to be had in any of the five freshwater pools and two whirlpools on property.
The least expensive Sandals resort is Sandals Ochi in terms of the entry level room. However, you can usually get a less expensive oceanview room at Sandals South Coast.
As of 2018 Sandals has huge overwater bungalows at two of their resorts in Jamaica and one in St. Lucia. Room rates start at over US$2,000 per night at all of them, but that includes everything in their highest packages along with 24/7 dedicated butler service.
While small, Ocho Rios can be a hot bed for crime. Most violent crimes are isolated to locals, affecting only a small number of visitors. Don't venture outside of the city, especially at night. Criminals will try to lure you off the main streets and neighborhoods to take your money or to get you to buy drugs.
A vacation to Ocho Rios for one week usually costs around J$66,368 for one person. So, a trip to Ocho Rios for two people costs around J$132,736 for one week. A trip for two weeks for two people costs J$265,473 in Ocho Rios.
Other than drugs, crime is relatively low in Ocho Rios. It is virtually unheard of for tourists to be bothered by any sort of violent crime. That violent crime which occasionally does occur in Jamaica is usually in the ghetto areas of the island and not in the tourist areas so Ocho Rios travelers are safe.
The main difference between the two cities is Montego Bay is far more city-like in its character, while Ocho Rios feels more organic and untouched, providing a tranquil option for travelers who want to explore nature.
- Avoid exploring the island by cab.
- Don't take rides with strangers in the city.
- Don't eat non-local seafood.
- Don't lose sight of your belongings.
- Don't underestimate the roadside jerk shacks.
- Avoid wandering away from your group.
- Don't be a stickler for time.
- Don't backpack alone through Jamaica.
Are the sharks in Jamaican waters? Caribbean reef sharks, tiger sharks, hammerheads, and bull sharks have been reported. Perhaps, the most common sharks in Jamaica are nurse sharks, which are docile creatures that tend to live towards the bottom of the seafloor.
Sandals Ochi offers couples 519 suites, 16 restaurants and 11 bars. Beaches Ocho Rios features 223 suites, 7 restaurants and 7 bars. Guests of Sandals Ochi can make use of all amenities and restaurants at Beaches Ocho Rios. It takes a 15-minute taxi ride to get from 'Ochi' to Beaches Ocho Rios.
Tropical Paradise: The 23 Best Beaches In Jamaica
- Seven Mile Beach. Negril area.
- Sandals Montego Bay Beach. Montego Bay area.
- Bloody Bay. Negril area.
- Treasure Beach. South Coast area.
- Frenchman's Cove. Port Antonio area.
- Bamboo Beaches/Reggae Beach. Ocho Rios area.
- Winnifred Beach. Port Antonio area.
- Dunn's River Falls Beach.
15 Top-Rated Family Resorts in Jamaica
- The Trident Hotel. Photo Source: The Trident Hotel.
- Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Photo Source: Round Hill Hotel and Villas.
- Beaches Negril Resort & Spa.
- Marblue Villa Suites.
- Half Moon.
- Silent Waters Villa.
- Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa.
- Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa.
Beaches is an expensive resort, but it's a great value for our family, so we've gone for three years in a row. Only you can decide if Beaches (or any all-inclusive resort) is worth it for your family.
