Car Rentals
Most travelers rent vehicles in Montego Bay or Kingston, but there are some car rental agencies in Ocho Rios. The two below are both local outfits.
CAR RENTAL AGENCIES
Bargain Rent-A-Car 876-974-5298 (Pineapple Place)
Island Car Rentals 876-974-2666 (Carib Arcade, Main St.)
Taxis
Taxis are the most popular method of transportation for travelers. You can find one at any hotel, the airports and in most shopping areas. If you need to call for a taxi, contact the official carrier: Jamaica Union of Travelers Association or JUTA (876-974-2292 in Ocho Rios).
Taxi rates vary, but the charge is by car, not by the number of passengers. If you accept a driver’s offer of his services as a tour guide, be sure to agree on a price before the vehicle is put into gear. Fares average about US $5-7 for 10 miles.
Bus Service
Slow, crowded buses (often minibuses) will stop anywhere along the route to pick up passengers. To catch one, stand by the side of the road with your arm outstretched; pat down with your hand when you see an oncoming bus. Bus fare is about US $1 for 30-40 miles.
Guided Tours
BLUE MOUNTAIN BICYCLE TOURS LTD.
Main Street, Ocho Rios
876-974-7075 or 974-7492, fax 876-974-0635
These downhill tours have been featured in many magazines and include brunch, lunch, refreshments and all bike equipment. The tours cover 18 downhill miles through the Blue Mountains and the tropical rain forest.
QUEEN MCBEAM OF JAMAICA
Ionie McBeam, St. Mary
876-975-5279
E-mail: ionie@ocho-rios.com
Local resident and Ocho Rios native Ionie McBeam leads customized tours of the island. Tours are prepared to the customer’s wishes, everything from Ochi shopping tours, visits to Dunn’s River Falls and excursions to the Blue Mountains.
SAFARI TOURS
Mammee Bay
876-972-2639 or 919-7900 (phone and fax)
E-mail: Safari@toj.com
www.jamaica-irie.com-safari
One of Jamaica’s most respected companies, this operator has a variety of tours ranging in price from $69 to $86. A jeep safari with stops at the Lime Juice Factory and rum distillery, includes a picnic lunch on the beach and then goes through the Blue Mountains to visit a coffee farmer and tour Worlds End, home of Sangsters liqueur factory. Bicycle tours to Dunn’s River Falls, horseback riding, river tubing and shopping round out the offerings.
TOURWISE
104 Main Street
876-9974-2344 or 974-2323
This company offers guided tours of Jamaica’s top attractions, including Dunn’s River Falls, Black River Safari, Cockpit Country, Kingston, Mayfield Falls, the Blue Lagoon and more. Tours are available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and Dutch. Rafting trips are offered.
