Things to do in Ocho Rios

Kingston and Blue Mountains tour with Bob Marley Museum

The striking contrasts of urban and rural Jamaica are in the spotlight on this tour. Exploring Kingston and the Blue Mountains offers a great introduction to the island's character. Among the gems on this excursion are visits to a coffee plantation, Emancipation Park and the iconic Bob Marley Museum. As one of our seasoned guides puts it, "The blend of city vibrancy and tranquil countryside truly encapsulates the heart of Jamaica." The adventure begins with a venture into the misty Blue Mountains. Savour an authentic Jamaican lunch, before setting off on a tour of the Rainforest Alliance-certified Craighton Estate. Let your senses be tantalised by the aroma of Blue Mountain coffee – widely recognised as one of the world's finest. Our guide shares, “The taste of freshly brewed coffee from the plantation is an experience like no other.” Next, we plunge into the pulsating rhythm of Kingston. Explore historic sites in the capital's uptown such as Emancipation Park – home to the powerful Redemption Song and Bob Marley statues. At the Bob Marley Museum, you'll be able to learn all about reggae history, viewing mementos including his gold and platinum discs as well as his personal outfits and instruments. This tour promises an unforgettable insight into the soul of Jamaica.

Appleton Rum tasting, YS Falls and Pelican Bar tour

A tantalising blend of rum, waterfalls and floating bars awaits on this action-packed trip. Showcasing the island's cultural heritage and natural beauty, this excursion has 100% Jamaica stamped all over it. As one of our expert local guides, Floyd says, ‘Experiencing Jamaica through rum tasting, wild swimming at a waterfall and an iconic bar gives you a great perspective on the many attractions of Jamaica. It's like stepping into a living postcard.' Begin your day with a fascinating tour of the Appleton Estate rum factory, renowned for producing some of the finest rums in Jamaica. Floyd enthuses, ‘Discover the distillation process, juice your own sugar cane and savour the honey-coloured rum – it's a truly immersive experience.' Next, you'll be whisked away to the cascading waters of the YS Falls where you can cool off in the refreshing waterfall pools. After lunch, it's time to hop on a boat and glide out to the Pelican Bar. With luck, you might spot dolphins en route. The Pelican Bar is a ramshackle hut on stilts which has to be seen to be believed. Standing on glittering waters, it's probably the coolest bar in the world. Be sure to carve your name into the wood as a memento of your visit. After a swim in the natural pools surrounding the bar, round off your day by raising a glass to Jamaica's intoxicating charm.

Kingston and Blue Mountains private tour with Bob Marley Museum

This exclusive private tour of Kingston and the Blue Mountains highlights the contrasts between urban and rural Jamaica. Among the star attractions are visits to a coffee plantation, Emancipation Park and the Bob Marley Museum. First, we'll head into the Blue Mountains. Stop for an authentic Jamaican lunch and then tour the Craighton Estate – certified by the Rainforest Alliance – and taste its coffee. Then, it's on to laid-back yet noisy Kingston. Tour historic sites in the capital's uptown like Emancipation Park – here you'll see the Redemption Song and the Bob Marley statues. At the Bob Marley Museum, you'll see mementoes such as his gold and platinum discs as well as his outfits and instruments.

Spirit of the Maroons cultural tour with lunch in Jamaica

Your journey through Jamaica's north will unveil the culture and history of the island. You'll visit the Charles Town Maroon Museum to learn about the Maroons' struggle for freedom, enjoy a tasty lunch at Strawberry Fields Together, and stroll through Sun Valley farming estate to sample fresh fruits and vegetables. Jada, one of our expert local guides, says 'The Jamaican Maroons have a proud and fascinating heritage. They are descendants of enslaved West Africans who escaped from plantations and created communities known as Maroon Towns. These communities preserved their African roots - the Maroon culture is known for vibrant music, dance, storytelling, herbal medicine, and cuisine.'Our first stop is the Charles Town Basic School, a small school at the heart of the Charles Town Maroon community. Then we'll visit the Charles Town Maroon Museum - home to a wealth of artifacts, including traditional clothing, weaponry, and musical instruments. You'll learn about the Maroons' long struggle for freedom and their important role in Jamaica's history. Next, we'll enjoy a tasty lunch at Strawberry Fields Together, overlooking the coast where you can savour Jamaica's famously flavoursome cuisine. Our final stop will be at the Sun Valley estate, a farm that showcases the best of Jamaica's produce. Take a stroll through gardens bursting with tropical flowers and sample the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow there. You'll also learn about traditional farming practices that have sustained Jamaican communities for generations.

Coffee farm hike through Jamaica’s Blue Mountains with brunch

As you hike through the misty Blue Mountains of Jamaica, take a moment to breathe in the scent of jasmine from the white-flowered coffee trees that mingle with palms, ferns and orchids in this part of the rainforest. Following the trails, you'll hear all about the traditions and techniques of coffee growing in this region – and why its beans are some of the most sought-after – and expensive – in the world. Marcus, a local guide, explains “the Blue Mountains are special, not just for their beauty, but for what they give the farming community. The high altitude, the cool climate and the rich soil are a dream for coffee growers.” The trail will take you on a leisurely trek up the mountain, past small family-owned coffee farms. Here, you'll learn more about how farmers have been harvesting ripe coffee cherries by hand, to create the mild, fruity and sweet flavour of Blue Mountain coffee, since the 18th-century. And the scenery here is pretty historic, too, like something out of Jurassic Park – think thick green rainforest dotted with waterfalls, valleys and misty mountain peaks. You'll want to keep your phone handy for pics.After a little over two miles of walking, you'll be rewarded with a cooling dip in the Blue Mountains Whirlpool. Marcus adds “don't worry – it's a deep rocky pool with a waterfall flowing into it – not a swirling vortex! It's locally known as the Fountain of Youth, so come swim off a few years.” Round off the tour by making a lasting impact on the local greenery. You'll plant a tree as part of a programme to support reforestation and sustainable farming in this part of Jamaica.

Appleton Rum, YS Falls and Pelican Bar private tour

For an experience that's 100% Jamaica, look no further than this exclusive private excursion. A tour and tasting of the Appleton Estate rum factory gets the day off to a great start, followed by a refreshing dip in the famous YS Falls and a boat ride over to the one and only Pelican Bar.

Dunn's River Falls & Nine Mile Tour

Two Jamaican legends are the magnets in this irresistible excursion. You'll visit the highland hamlet that gave the world Bob Marley to explore his birthplace and mausoleum, and discover one of the most exotic natural attractions in the country – Dunn's River Falls.

Dunn’s River Falls Tour

If you've seen Cocktail, you'll remember Tom Cruise and his leading lady enjoying a moment at Dunn's River Falls. And on this half-day tour you'll get to scale one of Jamaica's top natural attractions where you'll leave both astounded and slightly soaked – but it's well worth the journey.

Evening Cruise on the Luminous Lagoon

Luminous Lagoon is aptly named by locals of Falmouth, Jamaica. Discover why on this evening boat cruise. Like a scene from hit-movie Avatar, the waters around you glow an electric shade of neon blue – a wondrous natural event. A chance to swim here, followed by a traditional Jamaican limbo show, makes this a bucket-list must.

Seven Mile Beach and Rick's Café

Spend the day relaxing on a pristine beach on this full-day outing to Negril. You'll have a whole seven-mile-long band of golden sand to pick the perfect spot on, where you can sunbathe, swim, try water sports, or simply get stuck into your book. Then, you'll head to Rick's Café, the first restaurant of its kind on the West End Cliffs. Here, you'll have an unbeatable view of the Caribbean sunset – and you might even see some fearless cliff divers plunging into the sea, as well.

Bamboo Rafting on Martha Brae River

Rafting down the Martha Brae River you'll be transported into a tropical paradise filled with mango trees, mangroves and palms. On this half day excursion, you'll be guided downriver in a bamboo raft to soak up this exotic landscape, just a short journey away from Montego Bay.

Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Tour

As one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica packs a punch in the natural beauty stakes. On this trip, you'll get to visit two of her knockout spots in just one day. Make a Tarzan-like rope swing splash into the exotic Blue Hole springs before making the trek up Dunn's River Falls – the nation's number one natural attraction.