Explore Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios is a resort port town located in St Ann Parish on the North Coast of the island of Jamaica which lies in the Caribbean Sea. This is a paradise-like location with a multitude of activities to be done and historical sites to see, including diving and historical wrecks underwater. There are a mix of dive centres and dive resorts here to cater to a wide range of divers but who will all take divers to the best dive sites of the region. Some of the highlights which really attract divers to this region are the SS Kathryn Wreck which is a minesweeper sunk in the 1991 and a collection of different reefs such as Devils Reef and Coral Garden Reef. The overall diving experience here involves a lot of colours, a lot of marine life, warm, clear waters and thrilling underwater sights.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Ocho Rios
1. The Mountains
Located between 36 to 18 meters, The Mountains offer an easy to advanced dive with striking sea mounts covered in vibrant corals and sea sponges. Scuba divers can enjoy the beauty of the colorful fish swarming the area. No special features such as wrecks are present, but the natural formations are breathtaking.
2. SS Katheryn Wreck
Known for its impressive artificial reef, the SS Katheryn Wreck is an advanced scuba diving site. Once a Canadian minesweeper, this site is now adorned with a vast array of corals and marine life. Perfect for wreck diving enthusiasts, it has been transformed into a marine haven over the decades.
3. Devil's Reef
Devil's Reef provides an advanced scuba diving experience with a sloping reef that descends from 19 to 40 meters. Home to numerous marine species within its cracks and crevices, this site offers an exciting adventure for skilled divers. It features no specific wrecks but its natural diversity is a highlight.
4. Cayman Trench Wall
An advanced scuba and freediving destination, the Cayman Trench Wall is famous for its dramatic drop-offs and coral formations. Divers often encounter sea turtles and a variety of reef fish. This site is part of a marine park, emphasizing its ecological importance.
5. Sunken City
This site offers an easy to advanced scuba diving experience where divers explore underwater ruins. Known for its unique structures and historical allure, it's less about marine life and more about adventure and discovery, with both scuba and freediving options available.
The best Months to dive in Ocho Rios
It is possible to dive here all year round, but between June and September the conditions are at their best. October to May there is more chance of rain but it will very rarely impact diving. Due to the air temperatures being warm throughout the year, the water temperatures are between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The visibility is great overall with an average of 25 metres with reaching over 35 metres in the peak diving season.