Activities at Beaches Ocho Rios

One of the coolest things in a beach resort is that you not only have access to an (almost) infinite amount of food, but there are countless activities that are available for you for free as well.

We are not only talking about the classic (and still fun) things like playing beach soccer or snorkeling, but did you know you can even go scuba diving as the resort offers you a free O2 tank? You can even try a scuba diving course for free so you are ready to explore the depths of Jamaica.

What’s Included at Beaches Ocho Rios

Here is a list of specific activities only available at Beach Ocho Rios:

Pirates Island Waterpark

The Waterpark is a great place to take your kids for fun and to relax a little bit. Here, you'll find everything that makes a waterpark great, from multiple slides to water cannons. You should visit at least once if you're staying at the resort with your little ones. Ocho Rios’ waterpark is the second-largest among the three Beaches Resorts, spanning an impressive 27,000 square feet. There are multiple slides for guests of all ages. It's amusing that some of them aren't very high, yet they feel incredibly fast.

A Private Beach

I actually don’t know the name of the beach located in Beaches Ocho Rios. In fact, I don’t even know if it has one! Let’s call it… “private beach”. There, truly an original name that defines what this beach means.

The beach at Ocho Rios is a small cove reserved for resort guests only, which makes it feel quieter and more peaceful than usual. It’s not the most beautiful beach in the world, and it’s definitely not very large or wide, but it gets the job done. One nice thing that we can definitely say about it is that the waters are incredibly transparent, calm, and beautiful, probably even more so than at other places in Jamaica.

Kids Camp

This is the perfect spot to let your kids have some fun on their own for a while. The Kids Camp offers activities tailored for children ranging from a few months old to 17-year-old teenagers. They are divided into specific age groups, with programs designed to suit the varying needs and interests of each group. Remember, your kids should bring essentials like sunscreen and extra sets of clothes to the Camp, as those are not provided by the resort.

Xbox Lounge

Love games? Then your kids will probably enjoy this place. It's a great spot to unwind after a long day at the pool and simply play some games while making new friends. Most of the Xboxes at the lounge have games aimed at kids, such as Minecraft, and there are also trial versions of various games available for you to pass the time. Additionally, staff members are on hand, ready to play if you need a co-op partner to finish a quest or embark on a new adventure.

Trench Town

Trench Town is similar to the Xbox Lounge, but instead of digital games, you have access to games like a foosball table, air hockey, and those cool basketball minigames where you need to throw dozens of balls in a matter of seconds. This area is exclusively available for kids and teens, providing them with a great opportunity to meet new friends while parents enjoy some leisure time elsewhere.

Sesame Street Characters

Have you ever wanted to take pictures next to Elmo and the Cookie Monster? Beaches and Sesame Street characters walk hand to hand. You can expect daily shows featuring a lot of characters that your kids might love. This is mostly aimed at toddlers, sure, but it might also be a good break from a full day of swimming pools and beaches.

Here is a full list of what’s available for free at Beaches Ocho Rios:

• Pirates Island Waterpark
• Kids Camp
• Sesame Street shows
• Golf
• Xbox Lounge
• Trench Town with a lot of arcade games for kids
• Heated Pools
• Kayaks
• Scuba Diving
• Kids Scuba Program
• Windsurfing
• Hydrobikes
• Snorkeling
• Hobie Cats
• Paddle Boarding
• Land Sports (basketball and tennis)
• 24-hour Fitness Center

Beaches Ocho Rios offers special scuba diving opportunities for certified divers. If you're not certified, don't worry; they provide an introductory resort program for first-time divers, covering everything you need to know for your first dive in those beautiful waters. If you've always wanted to experience scuba diving but never had the time to get certified, Beaches can qualify you to dive at the resort in just a few hours for $140.

There are also a variety of paid activities and tours available at Beaches Ocho Rios. These include unique scuba diving sites, ATV adventures, and private dinners. Beaches Resorts categorizes these paid activities as "add-ons." 

Dunn's River Falls & Park

Dunn's River Falls & Park is known as one of the treasures of Jamaica. It is a beautiful place located about 10 minutes away from Beaches Ocho Rios, featuring stunning vistas, waterfalls, zip lines, a small waterpark, and Dunn’s River Beach. It is considered a great place to walk around and enjoy nature. The star of the show is the small dome-shaped cataracts, but there's much more to see.

There are many optional activities inside Beaches Ocho Rios that take you to Dunn's River Falls, but you can also grab a taxi and go there on your own. General admission costs about $25, and the park is open from 8:30 am to 4 pm.

Golf

Golf is included in your stay at Beaches Ocho Rios, with complimentary transportation to the course, just 30 minutes away. The view is stunning, with mountains and the ocean in the distance. Beaches Resorts offer an 18-hole, resort-style course with three sets of tees. The course has a rating/difficulty of 70.90 and slope numbers of 120, 125, and 128.

While you can play the courses for free, there are mandatory charges. A club rental costs $75. Additionally, a cart rental for two people is $50, and the caddy service costs $25 per player (caddies are not Beaches Resorts employees, so they accept tips).

These two services are required for most holes, so golf isn't as "free" as you might have imagined. Beaches Ocho Rios also says that “proper attire” is also required, so make sure to Google Jack Nicklaus, look at how he is dressed and get ready to score some birdies.

Private golf lessons are also available at the following rates:

• 30 minutes: $100
• 60 minutes: $180
• 90 minutes: $260

There is a free Junior Golf Program for your kids that is quite cool. The program at Beaches Ocho Rios takes place every Tuesday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, and you don’t need to rent clubs or any other equipment for this service.

Heated Pools & Jacuzzis in Beaches Ocho Rios

You can find 7 pools and jacuzzis in the entire resort, all of them heated during the Winter seasons to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Nobody wants to travel in December only to swim in a frigid pool, right? Most of the large pools also feature swim-up bars, allowing you to enjoy a Piña Colada while still basking in the sun and getting a tan.

Most of the pools are located inside the Pirate Island Waterpark. Let’s take a look at the pools offered in Beaches Ocho Rios.

Pirate Island Waterpark Pools: There are multiple pools inside the waterpark, some of which feature swim-up bars designed for kids, where they can order smoothies while enjoying the slides. There are also very shallow pools that are perfect for toddlers. Additionally, there is a whirlpool for adults to relax while keeping their children in sight.

Main Pool: the name says it all. This is the main pool at Beaches Ocho Rios, located between the Greek and Caribbean Villages. It’s a large swimming pool with a partial view of the ocean and a swim-up bar, perfect for adults. There is also a Whirlpool close by.

French Village Pool: a quieter and more peaceful pool with a great view of the ocean and the beach. It’s smaller than the main pool but quite cozy. A great option for families who want to relax and enjoy a beautiful vista.

Paid Activities at Beaches Ocho Rios

The Caribbean Adventure tours

Prices: From $135 all the way to $600

There is a lot of stuff to do and see in Jamaica. From a Catamaran adventure to an ATV trip, the options are almost endless. Let’s check some of them. Prices are for a single adult:

Dolphin Royal Swim and Beach Break Ocho Rios: Swim with the dolphins. Fun and it’s a classic, for $255.

Dolphin Highlight and Dunn's River Falls Tour: watch the dolphins as they jump around and say hi to you. Priced at $165

Dunn's River Catamaran Cruise: a catamaran cruise with drinks, food and cocktails. Priced at $150.

Blue Mountain Biking, Hiking and Waterfall Tour from Ocho Rios: do you like hiking, beautiful views and waterfalls? This one's for you then, at $210

Lover's Rock Catamaran Cruise Ocho Rios: a romantic catamaran trip that lets you witness the sunset. Priced at $110.

Jamaica Sky Explorer, Bobsled & Raggamuffin Experience: a good mix of thrills of adventure for the entire family, complete with a bobsled race, all for $200.

ATV Off-Road Adventure and Secret River Tour: ATVs are fun. You can ride a buggy through the mud and imagine you are in a rally for $200.

Platinum Blue Mountain Bicycle Experience From Ocho Rios: at $340, this is the most expensive activity currently offered. It involves traveling to the top of one of Jamaica's tallest mountains and then descending on a bike. Participants can enjoy breathtaking vistas, visit waterfalls, and receive a complimentary special meal. Ps: I'm nearing my 40s and still can't ride a bike, so I guess I can save $340 :(

Beaches Ocho Rios offers over 60 optional activities, including land and sea tours. Whether you enjoy rafting, kayaking, trekking, or swimming with dolphins, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Red Lane Spa

Prices: From $50 all the way to $500

Looking to relax, get a massage, or simply feel like you're in paradise? This is the place for you. The spa offers a wide array of treatments, from various types of massages to comprehensive spa packages that can take hours. Prices vary significantly, with massages ranging from $90 to $500 and manicures/pedicures costing between $60 and $120. Keep in mind that tips are allowed and expected for spa services.

Private Candlelight Dinner

Price: $199

Want to have the time of your life with your significant other? This is the premier option for a romantic dinner with the love of your life. For $199, you can enjoy a four-course meal under the stars in some of the most beautiful locations on the island, chosen by you. You have the option to select a bottle of premium wine for your meal, although complimentary wine is also available during this intimate experience.

Sesame Street VIP Packages

Price: From $50 all the way to $250

This package is for the younglings out there, featuring everything from Character Breakfasts to a… yoga… session with Elmo? Yeah, you read that right. A meet & greet session for the entire family costs $50, while a family package for a character breakfast is $55. You can even celebrate your birthday with Elmo, the Cookie Monster, and their friends, with prices starting at $250.

Private Childcare

Price: under request

At Beaches Ocho Rios, guests have the option to hire a private nanny. Beaches Resorts offers nannies specializing in infant care for ages 0-24 months old, as well as childcare specialists for kids aged 2-17. These specialists are certified by the International Nanny Association and hold an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Nannies can be hired for as little as two hours or for longer periods, with each nanny able to supervise up to three children at a time. Beaches Resorts also has a Special Needs Program to make sure that everyone can have the best time during their vacation.

Nightlife at Beaches Ocho Rios

Remember, friend, you are in a Beach Resort aimed mostly at families, so don’t expect to find an English Pub open until 5am with people still drinking on the streets. Can you still have a lot of fun here at night? Of course! There is a lot of night entertainment, aimed mostly at kids and teens, from Club Liquid to shows featuring Elmo and your favorite characters from Sesame Street.

If you want to check out what the resort has to offer each night, make sure to look for a sign near the entrance or ask the main desk about the weekly activities offered at night. They have everything from talent shows to beach parties and much more, it all depends on the season and the exact days that you are visiting.

Here is an example of what you could find there, posted online by a Beaches Ocho Rios staff member:

• Sunday - White Night
• Monday - Jamaica Day
• Tuesday - Encore (Talent Show)
• Wednesday - Carnival Street Party
• Thursday - Reggae Fest
• Friday - Caribbean Beach Party
• Saturday - Family Fiesta

You also have access to:

Club Liquid

Welcome to the main Nightclub in Beaches Ocho Rios. Funny enough, the nightclub is reserved for kids only from 10pm to 11pm, and then it opens its doors to adults only from 11pm to 1am. This is a bar, lounge and a dance floor with technicolor lights and visual effects on the walls which make it look like you are underwater.

Sesame Street Live Parade

This is a great choice for the little ones. It's time to say hi to Elmo and the rest of the beloved “monsters”. Check the exact day of the parade, as it's a fun event with floats, music, and characters dancing right in front of you. If you're a fan of Sesame Street, look out for shows happening throughout the resort as well.

…and more...

Beach parties, themed live shows, talent shows... It's hard to predict when they will happen, so, like we said, it's a good idea to ask a staff member about the shows taking place during your stay.

Getting Married at Beaches Ocho Rios

Yes, you’ve read that right. You can actually get married at a Beach Resort, and that’s not only something that happens in the movies, or with a Kardashian. You can select the atmosphere and overall vibe for your wedding, with packages varying significantly depending on whether you want a ceremony just for the lovebirds or an event involving up to 140 guests.

Keep in mind that prices vary greatly and do not include accommodation. Prices start at $1,400 for a ceremony with just the couple and can go up to $14,000 for a ceremony with up to 140 guests.

Packages include free food, drinks, bouquets, and other essentials you would expect at a beautiful wedding. A photographer is also present, but the number of photos taken depends on your package. Your dedicated wedding planner at Beaches Resorts can provide more details.

Beaches also offers what they call "Test Drive Your Wedding". No, it’s not about putting you and your significant other in a closed room for a week to see if you are going to behave. This activity lets you explore wedding venues, decor, try all the cake you can and see if you like the setting for your future wedding. Prices vary, and start at $275 per night, per guest, at Beaches Ocho Rios.

Want a quick sneak peak of the venues you can choose from at Beaches Ocho Rios? Okay!

Beachfront Wedding

This is probably what comes to mind when we think about a wedding at a beach resort: the chance to get married right there on the beach! In this idyllic setting, chairs are placed on the sand, and the couple gets married with the wind gently blowing against their faces.

Over-the-Water Gazebo

This wedding venue is a charming gazebo overlooking the Caribbean Sea, exclusive to Beaches Ocho Rios. It’s an excellent choice if you want something beautiful, unique, and classy. Keep in mind that the gazebo can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests, and there is an additional cost of $450 for this option.

Renewing your vows at Beaches Ocho Rios

Wait, there’s more. You can also renew your vows with a package that Beaches Resorts calls the “Retie the Knot Package.” This experience is similar to the wedding package but on a smaller scale. You still get free food and drinks, and can invite the same number of guests as the wedding packages. Prices start at $400, with accommodation not included.

There are photographers on site who offer snapshots - photographs taken with minimal editing, similar to what we capture with our own cameras, and you do have to pay for them. However, at least one photo print is included in your package. Your wedding planner will be able to provide more details.