Catamaran trips from Ocho Rios, Jamaica

When to go to Ocho Rios

Jamaica is warm all year. According to the Meteorological Service, the driest period is December to March, the wet season runs from April to October with a first peak in May and the main one in October, and the official hurricane season is June to November. Cold fronts between mid-October and mid-April can bring cooler spells, especially at night. Jamaica sits in the main region where Atlantic tropical cyclones form, and Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October 2025, with significant damage in the western parishes, so check the forecast and your travel insurance if you travel in the hurricane season. Weather and sea conditions can affect any trip, and nobody can promise them.

• Drier months

  December to April

  The driest months of the year, with the lowest rainfall from December to March: the best chance of sunny days for the water, with occasional cooler nights when a cold front passes.

  €€€Usually the busiest time for visitors and the highest prices: book ahead.

• Warm, with showers

  May to August

  Warm and humid, with showers; May is the first rainfall peak. The hurricane season has started, so keep an eye on the forecast.

  €€Usually between the high and low seasons; check when you book.

• Wettest months

  September to November

  October is usually the wettest month, and the hurricane season runs to the end of November. Expect heavier rain and follow the advice of the operator and the official forecasts.

  €Usually fewer visitors and more moderate prices; check when you book.

Our pick: December to April for the best chance of dry weather on the water, booking ahead. Outside those months the trips still run in warm weather, with showers, but keep an eye on the forecast.

How to get to Ocho Rios

Most visitors land at Montego Bay’s airport, about 100 km to the west, or arrive by cruise ship at the Ocho Rios pier. We start in Ocho Rios itself.

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  By plane

  Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay is about 97 km west of Ocho Rios; Ian Fleming International Airport is at Boscobel, east of town, so check which airlines fly there. All arrivals by air or cruise ship, children included, must complete the online C5 declaration (enterjamaica.gov.jm); check the entry rules for your nationality on visitjamaica.com.

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  By road

  From Sangster Airport the North Coast Highway takes about 1 h 45 min, according to Wikipedia; from Kingston, the North–South highway (opened in 2016, with tolls) takes roughly an hour to an hour and a quarter. The UK government advises using Jamaica Tourist Board approved taxis (blue sticker) and notes that roads are often poorly lit at night.

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  By cruise ship

  Ocho Rios is a cruise port. If you arrive by ship, our shore excursion is picked up at the cruise pier, in the tour pick-up area just outside the terminal, timed with the ship’s arrival. Keep an eye on your ship’s all-aboard time.

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  To the boat

  The catamarans leave from Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios. The shared day and sunset trips include hotel pick-up in Ocho Rios, and the private catamaran meets at the beach 30 minutes before departure. A map of the area is below.