Ocho Rios Bay Beach Turtle Beach
A popular white-sand beach with palm trees, offering watersports and picnic spots, ideal for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Ocho Rios Bay Beach Turtle Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular white-sand beach with palm trees, offering watersports and picnic spots, ideal for families.
"Crystal blue waters with a clean white sandy beach, a popular spot for everyone."
💰 Pay for Entry & Chairs
An entrance fee is required, which often includes chair rental. Budget accordingly for your visit.
💳 Bring Cash for Activities
Many watersports and vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
Immerse yourself in the warm, crystal blue waters perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Palm-Shaded Relaxation
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
Unwind on the soft white sand beneath the shade of swaying palm trees.
Watersports Adventures
Ocho Rios Bay Beach
Experience thrilling activities like glass boat tours and water tubing for an adrenaline rush.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Entry Fees & Value
Peak Times & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I am going Jamaica (Ochos Rios/ Montego bay) in august, Any tips ?
💰 Pay for Entry & Chairs
An entrance fee is required, which often includes chair rental. Budget accordingly for your visit.
💳 Bring Cash for Activities
Many watersports and vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
Your favorite Ocho Rios experience?
Best things to do in the Runaway Bay/Ocho Rios area?
🚶 Walk from Cruise Terminal
It's a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise terminal, but be prepared for vendors.
🍽️ Food Options Nearby
You can leave the beach to grab food from nearby fast-food chains or local cookshops.
Ocho Rios
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Pay for Entry & Chairs
An entrance fee is required, which often includes chair rental. Budget accordingly for your visit.
💳 Bring Cash for Activities
Many watersports and vendors operate on a cash-only basis.
🚶 Walk from Cruise Terminal
It's a 10-15 minute walk from the cruise terminal, but be prepared for vendors.
🍽️ Food Options Nearby
You can leave the beach to grab food from nearby fast-food chains or local cookshops.
🧼 Changing Rooms & Showers
Facilities are available, though can be a bit mucky. Showers are on the beach and near changing rooms.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ocho Rios Bay Beach is celebrated for its beautiful white sands and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular spot for families and beachgoers. While many enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and available watersports, some visitors express dissatisfaction with the mandatory entrance fee, particularly if they only intend to take photos. The beach can get crowded, but generally offers enough space for everyone to enjoy their day.
"Very popular beach for everyone. You have to pay to go on to this beach as well as your chairs. It’s a crime that you should have to pay to go on a beach in Jamaica! We had a lovely afternoon there, but the fact that we had to pay just didn’t sit well with me."
D D
"Crystal Blue waters with a clean white sandy beach.
Went here for a church trip with some friends on a very busy Saturday, as there were numerous trip buses in the parking lot. There was a bit of a wait to get in, but we eventually got our armbands and got ourselves settled. Even though the venue had a lot of people, there was still enough room to spread out and find an open spot in the water for yourself.
My group rented a cabana for the day for about JMD$5200 (USD$32) so that we were able to have a comfy spot to rest our heads and bags; the attendant cleaned it up for us before use, but took ages to give us our receipt, so there was a bit of a mix-up at one point, but that was quickly settled.
There were loads of activities to do as there were persons advertising various water adventures you could take part in, like taking photos on a glass boat or water tubing for the adrenaline junkies ☺️ If you wish to take part in these activities, ensure you have extra cash on hand, as they don't take cards to my knowledge.
Food is easily accessible once you have on your armband, as you can go off property to purchase food such as KFC, Burger King etc or from any of the local cookshops.
The changing rooms as expected were a bit mucky as it's where everyone changed, so it had a slight smell of pee and wet sand on the floor. Just try and balance on your shoes to ensure that doesn't catch your good clothes. There are showers available on both the beach and near the changing rooms. I did not check the bathroom facilities as I used the one over at KFC.
It's a fun day and a relaxing day to be had by all, especially if you're there with good friends."
Zany Artsy (ZanWa)
"Walked here from cruise terminal (had to walk past SO many people trying to sell you stuff/taxi/excursions). But once past the large group, you walk a little through town to get to the beach. Probably took us 10-15 min. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for pretty cheap ($5-10/chair and $5-10/umbrella or something like that plus have to pay $10 entrance fee).
Water was warm and beautiful!"
Laura Rose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk from the cruise terminal to Ocho Rios Bay Beach, which takes about 10-15 minutes. Be aware that you'll pass many vendors along the way.
Yes, parking is available at the beach, and it can accommodate trip buses, indicating ample space.
Taxis are readily available in Ocho Rios and can take you to the beach. Negotiate your fare beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access Ocho Rios Bay Beach. This fee often includes the use of beach chairs.
While specific hours aren't always published, the beach is generally accessible during daylight hours, especially when cruise ships are in port.
Visitors have reported being asked to pay an entrance fee even if they only intend to take pictures and not use services.
Typically, the entrance fee for Ocho Rios Bay Beach includes the rental of beach chairs.
Yes, umbrellas are usually available for rent at the beach, often for a separate fee or as part of a package.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Popular watersports include glass boat tours and water tubing. Other vendors may offer additional activities.
Yes, changing rooms and showers are available on-site, though they can be a bit basic.
Yes, it's described as a popular beach for families, with calm waters and shaded areas.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for beaches to have restrictions on outside food. However, you can easily purchase food from nearby establishments.
The beach can get very busy, especially on Saturdays and when cruise ships are in port. However, visitors note there's usually enough space to find a spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can leave the beach to access nearby fast-food restaurants like KFC and Burger King, or explore local cookshops for authentic Jamaican cuisine.
It's advisable to have cash on hand, as many vendors and activity providers at the beach may not accept credit cards.
While there might be snack bars or small eateries on the beach, the review suggests easy access to off-property dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the crystal blue waters, white sandy shores, and the iconic palm trees. The glass boat tours also offer unique photo ops.
Some visitors have reported being charged an entrance fee even if their sole intention was to take photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a cabana for a dedicated family space where you can keep your belongings secure and have a comfortable spot to rest. The availability of nearby food options, including fast food and local eateries, makes it easy to cater to picky eaters. Just remember to bring cash for any activities or snacks you might want to purchase.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking from the cruise terminal can save on taxi fares, though be prepared for vendors. If you're not planning on participating in paid watersports, you can enjoy the beautiful beach and swimming without additional significant expenses. Bringing your own snacks and water can also help cut down on costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ocho Rios Bay Beach: Your First Visit
When planning your visit, consider that the beach can get quite crowded, especially on Saturdays and when cruise ships dock in Ocho Rios. Despite the crowds, many visitors find there's still ample space to enjoy the water and find a comfortable spot. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, aiming for a weekday morning is your best bet.
For those looking for a bit more excitement, various watersports are available, including glass boat tours and water tubing. Remember to bring cash for these activities, as many vendors may not accept cards. Basic facilities like changing rooms and showers are available, though they might not be luxurious.
Maximizing Your Beach Day: Tips from Travelers
For a more comfortable experience, consider renting a cabana if you're in a group, as it provides a dedicated resting spot. The cost for a cabana was around JMD$5200 (USD$32) for a day, which can be a good investment for a group looking for comfort and convenience.
When it comes to dining, you have flexibility. You can venture off the beach to grab familiar fast food like KFC or Burger King, or explore local cookshops for authentic Jamaican cuisine. This allows you to tailor your culinary experience to your preferences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit