Discover the best Ocho Rios shore excursions for cruise ship passengers, including Jamaican food, farms, herbal gardens, waterfalls and authentic local experiences.
If your cruise ship is stopping in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, you have an excellent opportunity to experience much more than the cruise port. Ocho Rios is surrounded by waterfalls, tropical gardens, Jamaican communities, farms and wonderful local food.
With only a few hours on land, choosing the right Ocho Rios shore excursion is important. Here are some experiences to consider for your cruise day.
For travelers who want to see a different side of Jamaica, a local farm and food experience can be a wonderful choice.
At Taste of Jamaica, visitors can step away from the busy tourist areas and experience Jamaican plants, herbs, fruits, food and culture in a natural setting.
Instead of simply seeing Jamaica through a bus window, you can learn about plants growing on the island, discover traditional Jamaican herbs and enjoy the flavors that are part of everyday Jamaican life.
It is especially enjoyable for travelers interested in food, gardening, nature and local culture.
Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s best-known attractions and a popular choice for cruise passengers visiting Ocho Rios.
The beautiful cascading waterfall gives adventurous visitors the opportunity to climb the falls while enjoying Jamaica’s tropical scenery.
Because it is such a famous attraction, it can become busy when several cruise ships are in port.
Jamaica has a long tradition of using plants to prepare herbal teas and traditional bush teas.
A visit to a Jamaican herbal garden gives cruise visitors an opportunity to see some of these plants growing instead of simply seeing dried herbs in a package.
At Taste of Jamaica, visitors can discover a variety of tropical and traditional plants while learning how Jamaicans have used plants as part of everyday life.
- Taste Authentic Jamaican Food
A visit to Jamaica would not be complete without trying Jamaican food.
Depending on the experience you choose, you may encounter favorites such as jerk chicken, rice and peas, festival, plantain, callaloo and other traditional dishes.
Food tells the story of Jamaica’s history and culture, making a food experience an excellent addition to a shore excursion.
- Get Away From the Crowds
Some of the best memories in Jamaica happen away from large tourist attractions.
A smaller farm, garden or culinary experience allows visitors to slow down, talk with local people and learn something about everyday Jamaican life.
Make Your Cruise Stop Memorable
Your few hours in Ocho Rios can become one of the highlights of your Caribbean cruise.
If you enjoy authentic food, tropical plants, Jamaican herbs, nature and local culture, consider adding a Taste of Jamaica farm, food and garden experience to your day ashore.
Come hungry, curious and ready to discover Jamaica beyond the cruise port.







