Ocho Rios sits on Jamaica's north coast along the Caribbean Sea, where warm water year-round and visibility that regularly reaches thirty metres make it one of the more accessible diving areas on the island. The site mix covers a wide range of terrain: shallow beginner reefs like Alex Reef and Riu Lagoon, the wreck and caverns of the Kathryn, a notable drop-off at Devil's Reef, and the deeper Golden Eye wall that descends to around forty-six metres. Nurse sharks, green morays, stingrays, and a variety of parrotfish and damselfish are regularly encountered. Both boat and shore entry options exist, and the skill range across the eight sites suits beginners through intermediate divers.
Monthly water temperature across Ocho Rios's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, sitting in the high twenties in winter and climbing to thirty degrees through late summer and autumn. Calm seas and the best visibility tend to coincide with the dry season from December through April, making that period the most reliable for diving. Shore entry is possible at some sites, though most require a short boat ride.
5 operators
Port Royal, Jamaica
Port Royal, Jamaica
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Islington, Jamaica
Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica
Water temperature around Ocho Rios ranges from about 27°C in February to 30°C in August, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 27–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Ocho Rios year-round.
Fin maps 8 sites in Ocho Rios (8 scuba diving sites and 1 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
5 more sites to explore
