Ocho Rios Craft Market - Image 1
1 / 10

Ocho Rios Craft Market

3.3
·21 reviews·Middlesex, Jamaica

A bustling marketplace in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offering a vibrant selection of handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ocho Rios Craft Market - Image 1

Ocho Rios Craft Market

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling marketplace in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offering a vibrant selection of handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, and local crafts.

3.3
(21 reviews)

"Find authentic treasures and unique mementos at this lively Jamaican craft market."

Vertical photo
TIP

Negotiate Prices Politely

Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than their initial offer and be respectful. :moneybag:

Ignore Aggressive Vendors

If vendors ask your name or are too pushy, politely decline and move on. :noentrysign:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handcrafted Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry

Various stalls, notably 'Bassey'

Find authentic Tiger Eye, Lava Stones, hematite, and onyx bracelets, earrings, and more to remember your trip.

Woodwork and Souvenirs

Woodwork and Souvenirs

Throughout the market

Discover a wide array of beautifully handcrafted wooden items and unique souvenirs that capture the spirit of Jamaica.

Authentic Jamaican Beads

Authentic Jamaican Beads

Various stalls

Adorn yourself with colorful and unique beads, perfect for creating personalized mementos of your island getaway.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Vendor Interactions

Be prepared for persistent vendors, especially near popular attractions. While some are friendly, others can be aggressive with pricing. Politely decline if uninterested and focus on vendors in designated shopping areas for a calmer experience. Reddit

Smart Souvenir Shopping

Prices can be significantly inflated for tourists. Don't be afraid to negotiate, but also be aware that prices may differ for locals. Look for authentic items and consider supporting specific artisans like 'Bassey' for unique jewelry. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More vendors may be present
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is Ocho Rios safe?

Negotiate Prices Politely

Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than their initial offer and be respectful. Reddit :moneybag:

Ignore Aggressive Vendors

If vendors ask your name or are too pushy, politely decline and move on. Reddit :noentrysign:

Look for 'Bassey'

Seek out 'Bassey' for authentic gemstone jewelry like Tiger Eye and onyx. Reddit

Check Prices Nearby

Compare prices with shops closer to the port to ensure you're getting a fair deal. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Negotiate Prices Politely

Vendors expect bargaining. Start lower than their initial offer and be respectful. Reddit :moneybag:

Ignore Aggressive Vendors

If vendors ask your name or are too pushy, politely decline and move on. Reddit :noentrysign:

Look for 'Bassey'

Seek out 'Bassey' for authentic gemstone jewelry like Tiger Eye and onyx. Reddit

Check Prices Nearby

Compare prices with shops closer to the port to ensure you're getting a fair deal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.3
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Ocho Rios Craft Market a lively place for souvenirs, with many praising the variety of handcrafted jewelry and woodwork. However, some shoppers note that vendor persistence and high initial prices can be off-putting, suggesting careful negotiation and comparison shopping are key.

"It is a 'must visit' every time I have the great pleasure of being in this warm yet lively city.
Get all your beads, bracelets, earrings and the like from 'Bassey', located in the market. Authentic Tiger Eye, Lava Stones, hematite, onyx, you name it.
All you need to remind you of 'sweet sweet Jamaica'. Plus loads of lovely handcrafted woodwork and souvenirs.
Please support this great place and the lovely hard-working traders who make this place the pleasure it is."

Thoughts Aloud

"Thank you Clifton for the advise. Lovely man! Everyone was very friendly!"

Sass enach

"All sellers request high price and disturbing so much"

Ahmet Diskot

What People Like

Authentic gemstone jewelry
Handcrafted woodwork
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Pushy vendors
High initial prices
Aggressive sales tactics

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Ocho Rios Craft Market is often accessible by taxi or as part of organized tours. If arriving by cruise ship, it's a short taxi ride from the port. TikTok

Yes, the craft market is located near Dunn's River Falls, so many visitors combine visits to both attractions. TikTok

Taxis are readily available. Agree on the fare before starting your journey. Some hotels may also offer shuttle services. Reddit

While it's possible, it's a bit of a walk. Taking a taxi is generally recommended for convenience and to save time. TikTok

Always confirm your destination with the taxi driver and ensure they are licensed. Negotiate fares beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Ocho Rios Craft Market itself is typically free. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase. TikTok

The market generally operates during daylight hours, often aligning with cruise ship schedules. It's best to visit during the day. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter the Ocho Rios Craft Market. TikTok

While there's no formal booking for the market, some tour operators may include it in their packages. Instagram

It can get very busy when cruise ships are in port, leading to more aggressive vendors. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You'll find a wide variety of items including wood carvings, jewelry, paintings, textiles, bags, and other handcrafted goods. TikTok

Prices vary greatly. Vendors often start with high prices for tourists. Be prepared to negotiate. Reddit

Look for vendors like 'Bassey' who are known for authentic gemstone jewelry. Inspect items carefully. Reddit

Handcrafted wooden items, colorful beaded jewelry, and unique textiles make great gifts that represent Jamaica. Instagram

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted, though Jamaican dollars are the local currency. Prices may be quoted in USD. TikTok

🎫 🤝 Vendor Interactions

Yes, vendors can be very persistent, especially near popular tourist spots. It's important to be firm but polite. Reddit

If a vendor is too aggressive, simply say 'no thank you' and walk away. They often move on to the next potential customer. TikTok

Haggling is expected and part of the shopping culture. Start with a lower offer than you're willing to pay. Reddit

Some vendors use names to personalize their sales pitch. It's best to ignore this and continue browsing if you're not interested. Reddit

Yes, within the market, there are often more organized sections that can offer a slightly less intense shopping experience. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Ocho Rios Craft Market offers opportunities for affordable souvenirs, but requires savvy shopping. Be prepared to negotiate prices aggressively, as initial quotes are often inflated. Reddit It's advisable to have a clear idea of what you're willing to spend and to compare prices across multiple stalls before making a purchase. Reddit Carrying smaller US dollar bills can also be helpful for transactions. Remember that while entry is free, the cost of goods can add up quickly if you're not mindful of your budget.

Cruise Ship Passengers

If you're arriving on a cruise, the Ocho Rios Craft Market is a popular stop. Taxis are readily available from the port, and it's a relatively short ride. TikTok Be aware that the market can be particularly crowded and vendors may be more persistent when ships are docked. Reddit It's a good idea to prioritize your shopping and be firm with vendors if you have limited time. Consider visiting earlier in the day before the peak crowds arrive. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Vendor Dynamics

The Ocho Rios Craft Market is a vibrant hub for souvenirs, but it's essential to be prepared for the vendor interactions. Many visitors report that vendors can be quite persistent, especially when cruise ships are in port. TikTokReddit It's common for them to approach you, ask your name, and try to engage you in conversation to make a sale. While many are friendly and hardworking, their sales tactics can sometimes feel overwhelming. A key strategy is to be firm but polite; a simple 'no thank you' is usually sufficient to move on. Reddit

Community Tip: Some travelers suggest that once you move into more designated shopping areas within the market, the vendor interactions can become more manageable. Reddit Remember that haggling is a part of the experience, and starting with a significantly lower offer than the initial asking price is standard practice. Reddit Be aware that prices can be inflated for tourists, so comparing prices between stalls or with shops closer to the port might be beneficial. Reddit

Finding Authentic Treasures

When searching for unique souvenirs at the Ocho Rios Craft Market, keep an eye out for specific artisans and types of goods. One vendor, 'Bassey,' is frequently mentioned for his authentic gemstone jewelry, including items made from Tiger Eye, Lava Stones, hematite, and onyx. Reddit These pieces are often cited as great reminders of 'sweet sweet Jamaica.' Beyond jewelry, the market offers a wide array of handcrafted woodwork, from intricate carvings to decorative items, as well as colorful textiles and bags.

Traveler Advice: When purchasing jewelry, take a moment to inspect the craftsmanship and materials. While many vendors offer genuine items, it's always wise to be discerning. Instagram The market is a great place to find items that reflect Jamaican culture and artistry, making them perfect gifts or personal keepsakes. Don't hesitate to explore different stalls to find the perfect piece that speaks to you.

You may also like

1 of 2