Diving in Ocho Rios

Explore 26 dive sites in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Ocho Rios

The warmest water temperatures in Ocho Rios occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)

Marine Life in Ocho Rios

Home to 367 recorded species including 309 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sea urchins, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Dive Site Difficulty in Ocho Rios

Ocho Rios has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Ocho Rios

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Ocho Rios

  • Ocho Rios Marine Park Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Montego Bay Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Bogue Islands Lagoon - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negril Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Discovery Bay Fish - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Palisadoes- Port Royal Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portland Bight Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Palisadoes- Port Royal - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Galleon Harbour - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Oracabessa Fish - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Three Bay Area - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category VI)
  • Galleon - Black River - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bluefields Bay - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Orange Bay - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Peak Bay - Forest Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Salt Harbour (revised) - Fish Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Fairy Hill - Port Antonio, Portland, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Black River Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bogue Lagoon Creek, St. James, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cabarita Point, St. Catherine, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Glistening Waters, Trelawny, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • Negril Environmental Protection Area - Environmental Protection (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ocho Rios Protected Area - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • The Amity Hall, St. Catherine, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • The Long Island, Clarendon, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Harbour-Peake Bay, Clarendon, Game Sanctuary - Game Sanctuary (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Ocho Rios - Nearest Airports

  • Tinson Pen Airport (KTP), Tinson Pen - 12 km away, approx 29 min travel time
  • Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), Kingston - 16 km away, approx 32 min travel time
  • Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay - 132 km away, approx 159 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for scuba diving in Ocho Rios?
Divers in Ocho Rios can expect consistently warm water conditions, with temperatures around 27.36°C during the peak months. This makes for comfortable diving along the north coast reefs. While specific visibility details are not provided, the warm Caribbean waters generally offer pleasant diving experiences.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Ocho Rios dive region?
While specific marine life details for Ocho Rios are not provided in our current data, divers in the Caribbean typically encounter a vibrant array of reef fish, corals, and larger pelagics. For more general information on marine species, you can explore our wildlife database.
What are considered the best dive sites in the Ocho Rios area for different experience levels?
For beginner divers, the Kathryn Wreck is an excellent starting point. Intermediate divers have a wide selection of sites, including the Devil's Reef and numerous wreck dives like the OZAMA, HMS TEXAS, and CAYMAN 2200.
Is Ocho Rios a good dive destination for beginner scuba divers, or is it more suited for advanced divers?
Ocho Rios offers options for both beginner and intermediate divers. While there is at least one dedicated beginner wreck dive, the Kathryn Wreck, the vast majority of its 26 dive sites are rated for intermediate experience levels. This makes it particularly well-suited for divers looking to expand their skills beyond basic certification.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Ocho Rios, considering seasonal weather and water conditions?
Based on water temperature data, the best time to go scuba diving in Ocho Rios is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently reaches a comfortable 27.36°C. These months offer ideal conditions for exploring the region's dive sites. For more general advice on when to dive, visit our When to Dive section.
How do divers typically get to the various dive sites from Ocho Rios?
The provided data does not specify how divers typically get to the various dive sites from Ocho Rios. However, with 2 dive centres in the area, it is common for local operators to arrange boat trips to the sites. Divers should inquire with their chosen dive centre for transportation details.
Are there any notable wreck dives or unique underwater formations to explore in Ocho Rios?
Ocho Rios is particularly renowned for its extensive collection of wreck dives, with 22 out of its 26 listed sites being wrecks. Notable examples include the OZAMA, HMS TEXAS, and CAYMAN 2200. Additionally, divers can explore unique underwater formations at Kathryn and Caverns.
How does the rainy season in Ocho Rios affect diving conditions and underwater visibility?
The provided data does not contain specific information regarding how the rainy season in Ocho Rios affects diving conditions or underwater visibility. Divers should consult local dive centres for up-to-date seasonal forecasts and their impact on diving. It's always best to check current conditions before planning your dives.