Ocho Rios Lookout Milford Road
Swim with dolphins, snorkel with stingrays, and feed sharks at this vibrant marine attraction in Ocho Rios.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Ocho Rios Lookout Milford Road
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swim with dolphins, snorkel with stingrays, and feed sharks at this vibrant marine attraction in Ocho Rios.
"The dolphin experience is absolutely top tier, an incredible interaction for all ages."
📸 Photo Package Costs
Photo packages are pricey ($230+). Consider if the 'all or nothing' approach fits your budget. Ask about per-photo options.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Tiles can be very slippery! Opt for shoes with good traction to avoid falls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swim with Dolphins
Dolphin Cove
An unforgettable, up-close encounter with intelligent dolphins. A truly magical experience for all ages.
Snorkel with Stingrays & Sharks
Dolphin Cove
Get acquainted with marine life in a controlled environment. Feed sharks and snorkel alongside graceful stingrays.
Bird Aviary & Mini Zoo
Dolphin Cove
Explore a vibrant bird aviary and a small zoo featuring local wildlife. A delightful addition to the aquatic adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Dolphin Encounters in Advance
Beware of Slippery Surfaces
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Your favorite Ocho Rios experience?
📸 Photo Package Costs
Photo packages are pricey ($230+). Consider if the 'all or nothing' approach fits your budget. Ask about per-photo options.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Tiles can be very slippery! Opt for shoes with good traction to avoid falls.
Best way to do the dolphins near Negril?
how about Dolphin Cove Swim in FALMOUTH, JAMAICA?
💰 Lockers & Extras
Be aware of extra costs for lockers ($10) and drinks. Pack essentials or budget accordingly.
🦈 Trainer Ronaldo & Pasteur
If you book a dolphin encounter, ask for trainers Ronaldo and Dolphin Pasteur for an amazing experience!
Dolphin Cove Ocho Rios Price
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Package Costs
Photo packages are pricey ($230+). Consider if the 'all or nothing' approach fits your budget. Ask about per-photo options.
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Tiles can be very slippery! Opt for shoes with good traction to avoid falls.
💰 Lockers & Extras
Be aware of extra costs for lockers ($10) and drinks. Pack essentials or budget accordingly.
🦈 Trainer Ronaldo & Pasteur
If you book a dolphin encounter, ask for trainers Ronaldo and Dolphin Pasteur for an amazing experience!
🏖️ Small Beach Area
The beach is small and may not be the cleanest, but offers kayaking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unforgettable dolphin encounters and the chance to interact with marine life like stingrays and sharks. The scenic property and engaging animal exhibits are also highlights. However, many point out significant issues with slippery surfaces, high costs for extras like photos, and inconsistent staff attitudes, which detract from an otherwise enjoyable experience.
"The dolphin experience was unforgettable...definitely would go back. Love that they had other activities on the property...my only concern was the slippery tiles. The tiles in the restaurant was slippery, the ones leading to the lobby area, to the bathroom. Everyone kept slipping. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. But overall my family enjoyed the experience."
sibrina johnson
"This was my second visit to Dolphin Cove, and I can see they've made a lot of improvements since my first visit many years ago. The place is very scenic, and the dolphin experience is absolutely top tier. It was a bit scary walking on the platform and getting into the water, but overall, it was an incredible interaction.
That said, the staff experience left much to be desired. Almost all of the workers were not pleasant. There was an undertone in their attitude and a bit of roughness in how they spoke to guests. One staff member even told the man in front of me that she would laugh if he fell, and she repeatedly told people to turn back if they were afraid instead of reassuring them that they would be okay and that their life jackets would help. The platform in the water was also very slippery, which made it even more nerve-wracking.
Despite that, I’m really glad my nieces pushed through their fear and went into the water. The pool area is lovely and provides a nice space for children to relax and play under supervision. They also have a restaurant and an ice cream parlor, though I didn't visit them.
In the bird aviary, the men working there seemed uninterested and disengaged. I hate to think their attitude was due to us being locals, as I know many don’t tip, though I did. The lobby area was crowded and poorly managed, and again, the staff at registration were not welcoming.
The beach area is very small, but the waterslide was lovely and fun.
Despite the poor attitude from many of the staff, I would return for the experience itself and the beautiful surroundings."
Shantel McKoy
"The overall experience with the dolphins was great and the trainers were awesome. The setup of the entire premises was great I think It needs a little more polish. You have to park on the roadside but the shoulder on that side of the road was very wide so you are well off the road. The staff were all very nice and friendly. We had a good time at the mini zoo before the dolphin experience. There was a small beach where you could do kayaking, but the beach was very small and wasn't clean and I think given the facilities they had the beach could be made into a better experience. There seemed to be multiple restaurants and bars but they didn't all seem to be open when we were there.
The water slide was not working at the time when were there.
The pool seemed like it could have been cleaner and it looked like only 1 pump on the pool was working. The children seemed to love the pool though.
The rates for the photos was high and I think the all or nothing approach to the photos needs to be looked at. They could possibly come up with a per photo pricing and allow you to choose the best 1 or 2 if you can't afford all the photos for everyone similar to what they do at mystic mountain.
The food was a little on the expensive side and the burger and fries was very ordinary for the price. The did have a lunch special though for JMD $1300 which was actually very good and it was a decent portion size."
Kirk O Ashley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocho Rios Lookout Milford Road, also known as Dolphin Cove, is located on the main road in Ocho Rios. Taxis are readily available from hotels and cruise ports. If driving, parking is available on the roadside shoulder, which is quite wide.
Yes, local buses and route taxis frequently travel along the main road in Ocho Rios, making it accessible via public transport. Confirm the route with your driver to ensure it passes Dolphin Cove.
The most convenient way is by pre-booked taxi or shuttle service, which takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can also take a public bus from the Montego Bay transportation center, but this will involve transfers and take longer.
Yes, Dolphin Cove is close to other popular Ocho Rios attractions like Dunn's River Falls and Mystic Mountain, making it easy to combine visits for a full day of exploration.
Parking is available on the roadside shoulder adjacent to the property. The shoulder is described as wide, providing a safe space to park your vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees vary depending on the package and activities chosen. Dolphin encounters are a significant cost, with additional charges for photos and extras. It's recommended to check their official website for current pricing and package deals.
It is highly recommended to book your dolphin encounters and other popular activities in advance, especially during peak season, as they can sell out. Online booking often secures your spot and may offer discounts.
General admission typically grants access to the property, including the bird aviary, mini zoo, and beach area. Specific animal encounters like swimming with dolphins, stingrays, or feeding sharks usually require separate, higher-priced tickets or packages.
Yes, Dolphin Cove offers various packages, from basic entry to comprehensive dolphin interaction programs, stingray encounters, and shark feeding. Review these options to choose what best suits your interests and budget.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dolphin Cove website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. Some attractions within the park might have different hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the main dolphin encounters, you can snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks, visit a bird aviary, explore a mini zoo, enjoy a waterslide (if operational), and relax on the small beach area.
Unfortunately, the waterslide has been reported as not working on occasion. It's advisable to inquire about its operational status upon arrival if it's a priority for your visit.
The beach area is described as small and not always the cleanest, though it offers opportunities for kayaking.
Yes, lockers are available for rent for a fee, typically around $10. This is useful for securing your belongings while you participate in water activities.
Children generally love the dolphin encounters and the pool area, which provides a safe space for play under supervision. The mini zoo and aviary are also engaging for younger visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants and bars on-site, though not all may be open at all times. Food can be a bit expensive, but lunch specials are available and offer good value.
Reviews on food quality are mixed. Some found burgers and fries ordinary for the price, while others noted decent lunch specials. It's generally considered on the expensive side.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted at attractions like Dolphin Cove. It's best to check their specific policy, but plan to purchase food and beverages on-site.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's recommended to inquire directly with the restaurant staff upon arrival about available vegetarian or vegan choices.
Expect prices to be on the higher side, typical for tourist attractions. A burger and fries might be around JMD $1300 or more, though lunch specials can offer better value.
📸 📸 Photography
No, phones and cameras are generally not allowed in the water during the dolphin encounters for safety and to encourage the purchase of professional photo packages.
The professional photo packages are quite expensive, with one review mentioning $230 for a family of four. They often operate on an 'all or nothing' basis, meaning you buy the whole package or none.
Photographers are present for the main dolphin encounters. It's less clear if they cover other activities like stingray snorkeling.
Yes, even after purchasing the photo package, photographers may still ask for a tip, which some visitors found disappointing.
Some visitors suggest that the park could offer per-photo pricing or smaller packages, similar to other attractions, allowing guests to choose just a few favorite shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the dolphins, the bird aviary and mini zoo provide additional entertainment. While the beach is small, kayaking can be a fun activity. Be prepared for the extra costs associated with photos and be mindful of the slippery surfaces throughout the park. Consider booking a package that includes multiple activities to keep the kids engaged throughout the day.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for lunch specials which offer better value than à la carte options. Be aware of extra fees for lockers and photos, and decide if these are essential for your budget. Bringing your own snacks and water might be restricted, so factor in food costs. Consider visiting during off-peak times for potentially lower rates or special offers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the professional shots are good, the 'all or nothing' pricing model and additional tipping requests can be a deterrent. Research the package options thoroughly and decide if the investment is worthwhile for you. Alternatively, focus on capturing candid moments in areas where personal photography is permitted, like the bird aviary or general grounds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dolphin Encounter Experience
However, the experience can be intimidating for some due to the water and the platform. Reviews mention that some staff might not be as reassuring as others, sometimes telling fearful guests to turn back instead of offering encouragement. The slippery platforms in the water also add to the nervousness. Despite these challenges, many visitors, especially children, push through their fears and find the interaction incredibly rewarding.
It's important to note that personal cameras and phones are not allowed during the encounter, pushing visitors towards purchasing expensive professional photo packages. This is a significant additional cost to consider when budgeting for your visit.
Navigating the Property and Safety Concerns
Beyond the slippery surfaces, the overall 'polish' of the premises has been noted as needing improvement. While some areas are scenic, others, like the beach, are described as small and not particularly clean. The music volume has also been mentioned as unnecessarily loud in areas meant for relaxation or family enjoyment.
Despite these drawbacks, the property does offer amenities like a pool area suitable for children and a small beach with kayaking. The roadside parking is also noted as being safe due to a wide shoulder. The key is to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions, especially concerning the slippery conditions.
Staff Attitude and Customer Service
Some guests felt that staff attitudes were less welcoming, with one instance of a staff member joking about someone falling. This lack of reassurance can exacerbate the nervousness of participants, especially during water activities. There's a concern that this attitude might be more prevalent towards locals, though tipping is mentioned as a factor.
Despite the negative feedback on staff demeanor, many visitors still express a willingness to return for the 'experience itself' and the 'beautiful surroundings.' This suggests that the core attractions are strong enough to potentially outweigh the customer service issues for some, but it remains a point of friction for others.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit