Planning one day in Ocho Rios from a cruise ship? Discover a Jamaican shore excursion featuring local food, tropical plants, herbs, farms and culture.
Your cruise ship has arrived in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You walk off the ship and have only a few hours before it is time to return.
What should you do?
Instead of trying to see everything, consider using your limited time to experience a few things that make Jamaica special: our food, tropical plants, herbs, countryside and people.
Here is an idea for creating a memorable day in Ocho Rios.
Start Your Morning Away From the Crowds
After leaving the cruise port, head away from the busiest tourist areas and experience another side of Ocho Rios.
Jamaica becomes very different once you move beyond the main shopping and attraction areas.
The scenery becomes greener, the pace slows and you begin to see more of everyday island life.
Explore a Jamaican Farm and Herbal Garden
A visit to a farm or botanical garden gives you an opportunity to see Jamaica through its plants.
At Taste of Jamaica, visitors can learn about tropical plants, Jamaican herbs and traditional crops.
You may recognize familiar plants while discovering others for the first time.
For many visitors, seeing a plant growing naturally is much more interesting than simply reading its name on a package.
Learn About Jamaican Bush Tea
Tea in Jamaica does not always mean traditional black tea.
Many Jamaicans use the expression “bush tea” for teas and infusions prepared from different herbs and plants.
Learning about these traditions provides an interesting look at a part of Jamaican culture that many cruise visitors never encounter.
Now comes one of the best parts of the day: Jamaican food.
Depending on your chosen experience, your meal might introduce you to favorites such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, festival, plantain, callaloo or other traditional foods.
Do not be afraid to try something new.
A trip to Jamaica should taste like Jamaica.
Take Time to Talk
One advantage of choosing a smaller local experience is the opportunity to ask questions.
What is that tree?
How do Jamaicans cook this?
What fruit is in season?
What herbs did Jamaican grandparents traditionally use?
Those conversations can become some of the most memorable parts of your trip.
Leave Enough Time to Return to Your Cruise Ship
When planning any independent Ocho Rios shore excursion, always pay close attention to your ship’s departure time.
Confirm your tour duration and transportation arrangements before booking, and plan enough time to return to the cruise port comfortably.
Cruise passengers should also follow the return-to-ship instructions provided by their cruise line.
Spend Your Day Experiencing Jamaica
You do not have to see the entire island in one day.
Instead, use your Ocho Rios cruise stop to experience something meaningful.
Come see our plants. Learn about our herbs. Taste our food. Discover our traditions. Meet local people.
Then return to your cruise ship with something better than another photograph—a story about the Jamaica you experienced.
Taste of Jamaica welcomes cruise visitors looking for an authentic farm, food and herbal garden experience in the Ocho Rios area.
