Planning a trip to Beaches Ocho Rios
Make sure to check our other guides related to Beaches Ocho Rios:
Beaches Ocho Rios Overview
Ever wanted to visit a very cozy, cute and compact beach resort? A place where everything is close by, allowing you to move easily from restaurant to restaurant before visiting a waterpark with your kids and grabbing a piña colada while they enjoy the water slides?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, let’s just say that Beaches Ocho Rios might be the perfect destination for you. It is the smallest - and most affordable - Beaches property in Jamaica, making it an excellent option for those wanting to try a resort for the first time and see if they love that lifestyle. This is a resort with 7 restaurants, several swimming pools, a water park perfect for kids, a Kid’s Club and a private beach as well. Oh yeah, it’s also a great choice for those that love golf and might be the next Tiger Woods. More on that later ;)
Almost everything is included in your vacation to Beaches Ocho Rios, from airport transfers to entrance to the Pirates Island Waterpark, meals, drinks, shows and plenty more. Tips are also included, and the only exception is if you decide to visit the local spa or decide to play golf. There are also several paid experiences for those seeking something different, such as a romantic candlelight dinner or bike adventures through the forest and waterfalls. Alternatively, you may want to visit the Dolphin Lagoon and observe those beautiful animals up close.
Always keep in mind one thing: Beaches Resorts, especially Ocho Rios, are designed with families in mind. You'll see a lot of kids enjoying the waterpark and playing on the beach, which is conveniently close to most hotel rooms. If you prefer a resort aimed at adults only, be sure to check out the sister brand, Sandals Resorts.
How to get to Beaches Ocho Rios?
Flying to Beaches Ocho Rios
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Guests of Beaches Ocho Rios also have the option to arrive at Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) or Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
Jamaica is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Jamaica takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 6 hours.
Most guests visiting Beaches Ocho Rios report arriving at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes about 2 hours. This can feel long, especially after spending hours on a plane. However, the journey to the resort is beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities for great photos.
Club MoBay
Did you know that Montego Bay airport offers a service similar to Disney's Lightning Lane? Yeah, sounds crazy, but let me explain.
For about $35 per passenger, you can access a faster line that eases the immigration process. Many people complain that the immigration queues at Montego Bay are long, and this is a quick solution to avoid the wait. You can also buy a bundle for $85 that includes this expedited service as well as access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, allowing you to relax a little and kick off your vacation in Jamaica.
For more information about this service, make sure to visit the Montego Bay website or contact us.
Transportation Options to Beaches Ocho Rios
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Beaches kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Beaches Ocho Rios?
Beaches Ocho Rios is located almost 60 miles away from MBJ. That means that you are going to take around 2 hours from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a concierge suite, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Beaches Ocho Rios is located at Old Main Rd, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Staying at Beaches Ocho Rios
For more information about room options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Room Options at Beaches Ocho Rios”.
Beaches Ocho Rios has three different Villages with different room levels. They are:
- Caribbean Village
- Greek Village
- French Village
Rooms are separated into two distinct levels: luxury and concierge. Luxury is actually the budget option, while concierge tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. There are no butler suites available at Beaches Ocho Rios.
Caribbean Luxury rooms start at $160 per night, per guest, while a French Village Honeymoon costs around $233 per night, per guest. A French Village Concierge room starts at $200, while a Caribbean Oceanview Penthouse Concierge Suite costs $313. Most rooms give a nice view to the ocean, even if just partially. Every room is also pretty close to everything that the resort has to offer, since Beaches Ocho Rios is so compact.
Of course, many variables come into play when making a reservation, such as how many months in advance you book your room, the specific day and month of your visit, holidays, the number of guests in a single room and more. We're here to help you with the details and how to get the best deals.
Dining at Beaches Ocho Rios
For more information about dining options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Dining Options at Beaches Ocho Rios”.
Beaches Ocho Rios features seven distinct restaurants offering a range of cuisines from French to Italian, BBQ and seafood. While the food is okay, don't anticipate five-star dining experiences. This is to be expected, after all. Also, not all restaurants are open at the same time. They typically operate at specific hours, ensuring there's always an option available for a quick bite.
Remember, the food is included in the price of your package. You can move around restaurants without paying a dime. You also are encouraged not to tip waiters, so you can spend the entire week just eating, eating and eating. Do we recommend it? Prooobably not, but, hey, having options is always good. Portion sizes are also fairly small, but you can order as much as you want.
Here is a sneak peek with a list of the restaurants available at Beaches Ocho Rios, along with the types of food they offer:
- La Parisienne (french, requires a fancy outfit)
- Bayside (international)
- Neptunes (seafood)
- Bar B Q Park (BBQ and snacks)
- Josephine's Creperie (crepes and coffee)
- Bella Napoli Pizzeria (pizza)
- The Venetian (italian)
Activities at Beaches Ocho Rios
For more information about activities, be sure to visit our guide titled “Activities at Beaches Ocho Rios”.
There is a lot of stuff to do at Beaches Ocho Rios, from classic snorkeling to scuba diving for certified divers, kayaking, playing golf and even a glass bottom boat ride for you and your little ones. Here is a list of what you can find, all for the absolute low price of… free!
- Pirates Island Waterpark
- Kids Camp
- Sesame Street parades & shows
- Xbox Lounge
- Trench Town with a lot of arcade games for kids
- Lawn Chess
- Golf (need to pay for your club, cart, caddy)
- Kayaks
- Scuba Diving
- Kids Scuba Program
- Windsurfing
- Hydrobikes
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports (tennis and basketball)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
For more details about free & paid activities, make sure to check out our dedicated guide.
Also, keep an eye out for specific events and festivals happening within the resort during your stay! Look for signs in front of the lobby or ask a staff member about parties tailored for you and your whole family that take place at night.
Golf
One of the main reasons guests decide to stay at Beaches Ocho Rios is to relax and play golf. According to their official website, “complimentary green fees and round-trip transfers are included for everyone at our very own Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, awarded four-stars by Golf Digest”. The golf courses are located only 30 minutes away from the main resort.
All guests at Beaches Resorts in Jamaica receive complimentary green fees, but you'll need to pay for golf club rentals, a caddy, and a golf cart. Check out our guide on activities at Beaches Ocho Rios for more information about golfing in Ocho Rios.
Beaches Ocho Rios Weather Guide
Good news, friends. Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. While there are both dry and rainy seasons, as expected, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by bright sunshine when you visit this gorgeous beach resort.
The best weather is during December to March, with sunny days and very low chances of rain.
January has the lowest chances of rain in the year, while October has the highest chances of rain in Ocho Rios.
July is the hottest month of the year, with daily highs of 90°F and lows of 80°F. February is the coolest month, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F. As you can see, it's never scorching hot nor too cold.
Best Times to visit Beaches Ocho Rios
February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. Those are also some of the most expensive months.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season in Ocho Rios. During this time, prices tend to be higher than usual, and the resort is typically more crowded. December is particularly busy, not only due to the holidays but also because many people seek to escape winter and enjoy the cozy weather in Jamaica.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Beaches Ocho Rios, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 60% capacity. If you're seeking peace and quiet, along with the possibility of special deals, planning a visit during this time frame is advisable. However, it's important to note that these months also coincide with the highest chance of rain.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with February-April.
Reviews of Beaches Ocho Rios
The Good Stuff
Price: Beaches Ocho Rios is the most affordable Beaches Resort out there, with prices usually starting at $160 per guest, per night. That's significantly less than Beaches Turks & Caicos, where prices start at $419 per guest, per night. Beaches Ocho Rios could be an excellent option for your first-ever beach resort experience, allowing you to test the waters of the all-inclusive policy and enjoy everything the staff has to offer.
Small and compact: One amusing feature of Beaches Ocho Rios is that everything seems stacked on top of one another, rather than spread out, reminiscent of the coastal cities of Greece you've probably seen online. This compact layout makes it easy to navigate and contributes to the resort's cohesive look and feel. There are a lot of stairs (and elevators) everywhere, so take this into consideration concerning accessibility issues.
Golf: I'm no Tiger Woods. In fact, my knowledge of golf mostly comes from playing Mario Golf on my Nintendo 64. But what I do know is that Beaches Ocho Rios is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Just thirty minutes away from the resort, you'll find golf courses with complimentary transportation provided. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there are courses available for all skill levels.
Great water: Jamaica isn't known for large beaches like those at Beaches Turks & Caicos. Instead, you'll find mostly small coves that resemble private beaches. At Beaches Ocho Rios, you'll enjoy a beach just like this one, reserved exclusively for resort guests.
I don’t think that there is anything particularly interesting about the beach - it’s rather small and doesn’t look special - but the water is amazing. It’s crystal clear and very calm, making it look like you are in a swimming pool. In fact, most guests online actually prefer the water in Beaches Ocho Rios over Beaches Negril. Another fun fact: Ocho Rios is known for its shallow water, ranging from 10 to 30 feet, and your diving instructor might even ask you to "bring a shovel" if you want to explore deeper.
(Very) Kid-Friendly: Sandals Resorts is mostly aimed at adults and lovebirds, but Beaches Resorts is for entire families, from toddlers to teenagers. It’s easy to see how a beach resort could be fun for kids. Beaches Ocho Rios offers special hotel rooms with connected bunk rooms for your kids, and it also features everything from Sesame Street characters to a huge waterpark and a Kids Camp to make them feel like true explorers. There are also a lot of guests that come to this resort with their families and kids, so it’s easy to make new friends! Unlike the traditional Sandals Resort, you are going to see a lot of kids walking around.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Beaches Ocho Rios is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package. Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Beaches.
The Bad Stuff
A Bit dated: the main problem with Beaches Ocho Rios is that the resort feels a bit dated and some restaurants, pools and rooms are in need of renovation. Just by looking around you can definitely see that this resort isn’t as beautiful or as modern as something like Beaches Turks & Caicos. They do need to introduce a few updates to keep it up with the times. Most of the time, walking around may give the impression of strolling through a 3.5 star hotel.
The local beach could be better: the beach at Ocho Rios isn’t the greatest around. It’s pretty small, the sand area is short and it reminds guests of a private cove set between two piers. In theory, only resort guests are allowed access to this beach, and you can even rent a cabana for added relaxation. However, some guests have reported online that vendors occasionally approach the border of the private property, attempting to sell goods or ask for money. The water, however, is crystal clear, blue and excellent.
Packing list for Beaches Ocho Rios
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as easy as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least one nice outfit for a romantic night, a formal event or if you want to visit the La Parisienne restaurant.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: good for everyone in the family. It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and across water parks, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
A nice outfit: Bring at least one nice outfit, such as trousers and a dress shirt with dress shoes or an elegant dress. Some adult-only restaurants and special events during your vacation may require formal attire. This is also a good excuse to dress nicely and enjoy the nightclub.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment and your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Sand toys: Many resorts don't provide toys for kids to play with at the beach, so be sure to pack your child's favorites. They can have a blast building Cinderella's Castle against some of the world's most stunning backdrops.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Beaches Ocho Rios?
You should already have an idea if this Beach Resort is for you. You will have a great time in Beaches Ocho Rios if:
- You don’t want to spend a lot
- You have never been to a Beach Resort before and want to know if you like them
- You want a place that is small and cozy with everything near you
- You don’t mind if the beach is a little meh, but the water is great
- You want to have fun with your kids and family
- You like playing golf
One of the most important things to remember is that Beaches Resorts are aimed at families. We recommend going to Beaches Ocho Rios only if you want to have fun with your little ones. If you are planning an adults-only trip or a romantic getaway, you will have a better time at the sister brand, Sandals Resorts.
Book your dream vacation at Beaches Ocho Rios!
Now that you know a lot about Beaches Ocho Rios… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Beaches Ocho Rios? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need.
