Snorkel· Ocho Rios· Other Caribbean
Ocho Rios Reefs: Conservation Zone A (Carib Trenches & Ocho Rios Reef)
18° 25.0′ N · 77° 5.9′ W · approximate
The fringing reef just east of the cruise-ship bay, protected since 1966 and the busiest snorkel ground in the park. Watersports operators bring up to 300 swimmers a day. NEPA's 2011 surveys found the highest fish biomass in the park at Carib Trenches and Ocho Rios Reef and proposed both as no-take sanctuaries.
Practical
Coordinate approximate, placed inside NEPA's published Conservation Zone A boundary (seaward line about 18 25.1N between 77 06.7W and 77 04.3W). Reef crest close inshore, with a shallow seagrass lagoon behind it and a narrow coral band sloping to deep water outside. 2009-2011 surveys put live coral cover at only about 3-12%, dominated by macroalgae: this is fish-watching more than pristine coral. Rules: no motor boats inside Zone A under the 1966 order, so row or paddle the dinghy in or swim from shore, or go with a licensed operator. No anchoring, no fishing, no fish feeding. Keep clear of the ship channel at the bay entrance. Other named sites operators use: Ocho Rios Wall, Dolphin Reef, Barracuda Reef, Double Reef and Coral Gardens (NEPA 2014 socio-economic survey, no positions published).
Best for
Easy reef snorkelling from the Ocho Rios anchorage
Season
Calm trades; poor visibility after heavy rain
Nearby
- Ocho Rios Marine Park Protected Area (Rules & Zones)0.1 NM away
- Ocho Rios Dive Sites (Devil's Reef, Dickie's Reef, Ochi Wall & Katherine Wreck)0.3 NM away
- Ocho Rios Marina Basin & Fuel (no yacht marina)0.8 NM away
- Ocho Rios Anchorage & Port of Entry0.9 NM away
- Dunn's River & Mammee Bay Reefs (Ocho Rios Marine Park Zone B)2.2 NM away
- Dunn's River Falls2.3 NM away
- St. Ann's Bay Anchorage (Lee Reef)6 NM away
- St. Ann's Bay Hospital6.5 NM away