Is Ocho Rios expensive to visit?
Ocho Rios is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Ocho Rios has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $37 (J$5,867) per day, mid-range travelers spend $86 (J$13,717) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $177 (J$28,171) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ocho Rios.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, Ocho Rios is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in the Caribbean Islands for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Ocho Rios.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ocho Rios Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Ocho Rios?
The average Ocho Rios trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ocho Rios travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ocho Rios cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Ocho Rios, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Ocho Rios on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $37 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Luckily, Ocho Rios has plenty of hostels, including Ami Yard. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Ocho Rios. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $86 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $177 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Private Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding in Jamaica - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $217, but during peak season, they can average $405. Prices range from $105 to $953, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Ocho Rios for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102 (J$16,229). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $51 (J$8,114) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Ocho Rios
Unfortunately, Ocho Rios does not provide a solid public transit network.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $7.37 (J$1,175) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ocho Rios. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ocho Rios is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$7.37
J$1,175
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Airport Transfer from MBJ to Ocho Rios for $30 details
- Private Airport Transfer from Montego Bay Airport to Ocho Rios for $130 details
- Luxury & Grand Bahia Principe Roundtrip Transfer from MBJ Airport for $94 details
How much does it cost to go to Ocho Rios? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Ocho Rios will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Ocho Rios
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Ocho Rios can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ocho Rios is $28 (J$4,422) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$28
J$4,422
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ocho Rios is around $28 (J$4422) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $60. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Ocho Rios are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Jamaican jerk chicken is a traditional cuisine that is all over the country. It is basically in the way that they marinade the meat or vegetables that makes is so delicious. There is also amazing steamed fish at Fisherman's Beach Restaurant. Sunday evenings are a lively time to visit this restaurant! Surprisingly Ocho Rios has some great Indian and Italian food as well. Visit Passage to India and Toscanini's.
If you're visiting the Caribbean, you will probably be drawn to visit a bar called Margaritaville. This place is a themed bar with a water slide. Although drinks are more expensive here, it is worth at least checking out. It becomes a great beach party and club at nightfall.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Ocho Rios. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios for $128 details
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Runaway Bay for $138 details
- Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup for $130 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ocho Rios
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ocho Rios typically cost an average of $15 (J$2,375) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
J$2,375
The Shaw Park Botanical Gardens are beautiful to see while visiting Ocho Rios. The gardens span over 25 acres of land and have over 600 species of flowers throughout. There is a beautiful waterfall in the gardens that is framed by beautiful flowers and cascades over jagged rocks into a clear pool.
Visit the Coyaba River Garden and Museum in Ocho Rios for a look at the history of Jamaica. It offers a glimpse into Jamaican culture and how the nation came to adopt the motto of "Out of Many, One People". The gardens are just as amazing, spanning over 3 acres with lush landscapes and colorful flowers.
James Bond Beach is located about 10 miles from Ocho Rios and scenes from the film Dr. No were filmed here. The beach is surrounded by crystal clear water and cliffs of the St. Mary Mountains. There are often concerts held at this beach, and sometimes you may even spot a celebrity at the Moonraker bar.
As mentioned above, you can swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove! It is about $130 to swim with one, but the experience itself is priceless. Dunn's River Falls are in this area as well. You can climb, photograph, swim and enjoy the private beach at these falls.
And don't miss the Blue Hole, one of the most popular attractions in the area. this natural swimming hole with crystal blue water in the jungle is not only a scenic spot, but offers an enjoyable activity for all ages.
Calypso Rafting Company offers an exhilarating activity where you can tube down a river on inter tubes or bamboo rafts. Rainforest Adventures Mystic Mountain is an amusement park near Ocho Rios. It is one of the main attractions for the cruise ship travelers, so it is smart to figure out which days they won't be there to avoid over crowding. The park has a zipline, chairlift, waterslides, pools, restaurants, and even an observation tower with beautiful views.
For all of these great activites, you'll need to stay somewhere nearby. Here's a guide guide with more things to do and where to stay in Jamaica.
A nice way to explore destinations in Ocho Rios is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Blue Hole Tour From Ocho Rios for $65 details
- Dunn's River Falls and Blue Hole Combo Tour From Ocho Rios & Runaway Bay for $95 details
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay for $118 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Ocho Rios. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
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Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate
J$1,692
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Admission to Coyaba Gardens
J$846
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Tour of Prospect Plantation
J$2,792
Ocho Rios
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.