Very much on the beaten track, Ocho Rios has grown up around the tourist industry and these days its principal sources of income are the cruise ships whose massive bulk overshadows the harbor most days of the week. Built around a wide bay with a sweeping arc of hotel-lined beach, Ocho Rios is well-geared to meet the limited time constraints of cruise passengers, with several attractions that can easily be seen in half a day. Buses and minibuses arrive and depart at the terminal on Main Street and route taxis cover all the main local roads.

The chief attraction is Island Village, at the far west end of Main Street. It is a slick collection of shops, restaurants, and bars with a private beach and the Reggae Xplosion , the only museum in Jamaica dedicated to the island’s best-known export. The exhibits take visitors from the early days of ska and rocksteady via roots reggae, Bob Marley, and right up to dancehall. The museum also includes a nightclub where guides will demonstrate the latest moves.

Other than UDC Beach , the main attractions overlook the town at Murphy Hill, where the restful Shaw Park Botanical Gardens  sit some 550 ft (167 m) above sea level. The gardens have beautiful views of the town, and are home to rare plants and trees, as well as a pretty waterfall. Just down the road is Coyaba River Garden , offering equally striking views. It is more compact, with paths threading past pools and streams. It also has a small museum dedicated to local history. The garden has a waterfall in which visitors can take a quick splash.