9 Best Beaches in & Around Ocho Rios to Visit

Ocho Rios offers a gorgeous coastline and a variety of beaches that have something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a lively beachfront with activities and entertainment or more secluded spots to recharge your batteries, the beaches in and around Ocho Rios provide the perfect setting for your tropical getaway.

If you don’t feel like driving the hour to Montego Bay, all of these beaches are within a 30 minute drive of Villa Paradiso. Here are our top picks for the best beaches in Ocho Rios!

Ocho Rios Bay Beach (aka Turtle Beach)

• Best For: Families & Water Sports
• Address: Turtle Beach Rd, Ocho Rios
• Distance from Ocho Rios: Within town

Ocho Rios Bay Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is the main beach in Ocho Rios. Its long expanse of white sand and calm, clear waters make it the perfect spot for snorkeling and sunbathing.

The beach has amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and beach chairs. Visitors can enjoy different water activities like jet skiing and paddleboarding, rent a kayak or play a game of beach volleyball.

It’s close to a number of local restaurants and shops, making this beach perfect for a full day of fun in the sun! The waters are calm and shallow here, perfectly kid-friendly.

There is a small entrance fee of approximately $3 USD – but it’s well worth it!

Bamboo Beach (formerly Reggae Beach)

• Best For: Music & Culture
• Address: A1 HIghway, Near the the town of Rio Bueno
• Distance from Ocho Rios: 10 minute drive

Reggae Beach, now renamed Bamboo Beach, is a truly unique experience. If you want to experience the most that Jamaica has to offer, you’ve got to put this one on your bucket list. In addition to the gorgeous views over the Caribbean and the three beachfront bars, this is where you can catch some memorable performances by costumed dancers, steel drummers, and Reggae bands.

Surprisingly, it’s not as crowded or loud as you might expect! But you can be sure it will be busy for the Friday after-work party, with live music and entertainment till the wee hours of the morning.

James Bond Beach

• Best For: 007 Enthusiasts
• Address: Oracabessa Bay
• Distance from Ocho Rios: 20-25 minute drive

Named after its appearance in the James Bond film Dr. No, James Bond Beach is a small peninsula with a combination of rocky and sandy shorelines. It’s one of the more popular beaches in Ocho Rios due to its Hollywood cameo and was formerly frequented by Ian Fleming himself.

If you’re coming to spend time at the beach itself, you’ll find a changing area, restrooms, and the famous Moonraker bar that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. It’s a giant sports bar where it’s common to see bare feet and wet swimsuits.

Mahogany Beach

• Best For: Peace & Quiet
• Address: Mahogany Beach Rd, Ocho Rios
• Distance from Ocho Rios: Within town

Mahogany Beach is a lesser-known beach in Ocho Rios that overlooks Malard’s Bay. It’s the perfect spot for couples or solo travelers to relax in a serene atmosphere. Getting here can be pretty tricky, though – the Caribbean Condominiums sign marks the turn-off.

The Spicy Octopus Seafood and Jerk restaurant next door is highly rated, serving up a bounty of traditional Jamaican food. You’ve got to try the Jerk Chicken Salad or the Peppered Shrimp – yum!

Dunn’s River Falls Beach

• Best For: Adventure
• Address: Ocho Rios
• Distance from Ocho Rios: 5 minutes drive

Technically this is a family-friendly beach within a park – but it still counts! The small beach in The world famous Dunn’s River Falls Park is great for those of us who are restless and don’t want to lay on a beach chair all day – though that’s also an option here!

The main draw of this beach is Dunn’s River Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country. Adrenaline junkies can climb up the falls or go ziplining, making it a wonderful stopover on a family vacation. A visit here is absolutely one of the top things to do in Ocho Rios.

You must have a ticket to the park to access this beach. Tickets for adults are aournd $25 USD at the time of publication.

Laughing Waters Beach

• Best For: Nature
• Address: Laughing Waters, St. Ann Parish
• Distance from Ocho Rios: 10 minutes drive

Further up the coast from Dunn’s River Falls Beach, Laughing Waters Beach is a picturesque beach known for its appearance in Dr. No as well as its cascading freshwater streams that flow right into the sea!

With naturally formed ‘steps,’ the sight and sound of the Roaring River spilling into the Caribbean Sea, and the palm-covered cliff face as a backdrop, you can’t get much more tranquil than this. It’s an idyllic spot to soak in the natural beauty or get lost in a good book. Don’t forget some sturdy sandals if you want to explore the rocky terrain.

Island Village Beach

• Best For: Shopping & Amenities
• Address: Turtle River Rd, Ocho Rios
• Distance from Ocho Rios: Within town

For an interesting experience, visit Island Village Beach, part of the Island Village complex, which includes a number of different options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. While the beach itself is quite small, it’s a charming spot perfect for a quick beach day.

The waters are calm, clear, and shallow, perfect for a family-friendly spot for swimming and wading. Plus, there’s a splash pad for the kids. In terms of entertainment, you’ll find a cinema, organized tours, a cigar lounge, and a wide variety of shops ranging from kitschy souvenirs to high end jewelry.

Puerto Seco Beach

• Best For: Families
• Address: Discovery Bay
• Distance from Ocho Rios: 30 minutes drive

Puerto Seco is a spectacular beach near Ocho Rios that offers more than enough activities to keep up the fun. This well-developed area is home to a pristine beach, a water park and inflatable water slides, two restaurants (one fine dining, one casual), two bars with expert mixologists, a swimming pool, scuba-diving, and more.

Puerto Seco Beach is a must-visit during your Jamaican getaway. There are modern amenities, including changing facilities, showers, and more. The entrance is $60 USD at the time of publication for a single visit for non-Jamaican residents and includes free Wi-Fi, an Entree of your choice, a pitcher of ice cold Red Stripe (or soda), a locker, beach umbrella, and lounge chair.

Fisherman’s Beach

• Best For: Culture & Food
• Address: Ocho Rios
• Distance from Ocho Rios: Within town

Fisherman’s Beach is a local favorite and is growing popular among tourists. Best known for its authentic Jamaican vibe and welcoming atmosphere, it is a great place to see the small fishing boats and catch a glimpse into the daily life of local fishermen.

See their day to day life and then enjoy a fresh catch, cooked up Jamaican style, in one of the seaside eateries. It’s right next to Margaritaville, but do yourself a favor and opt for one of the more authentic options – even if they aren’t as aesthetically pleasing!

Come Explore the Best Beaches in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios and its surrounding areas are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches in Jamaica. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, there are plenty to choose from!

Staying at our luxurious vacation rental home not only provides you with a comfortable and spacious place to unwind but also offers the convenience of being close to these stunning beaches. With our all-inclusive services, including a private chef, ocean view, and private beach, you can enjoy a truly memorable vacation. Leave the logistics to us and experience the best that Ocho Rios has to offer!

Book your stay at Villa Paradiso today!