Great seafood and island living go hand in hand, right? As with most destinations close to the water, Jamaica is known for its seafood, with Fried ‘Escovitch’ Fish, Pepper Shrimps (Swimps) and Boiled Crab being some of the regional favourites that have chefs boasting they have the best recipe!
If you are in the vicinity of Ocho Rios and have a craving for eating seafood on the beach, I highly recommend that you head to the Ocho Rios Fishing Village. Fully renovated in 2018, the seafood is fresh and delicious, as it is carried in daily by the multitude of fisherfolk that are based there.
Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar
One of two large restaurants located in prime position on the 1st floor of the curved amphitheatre building, looking out across Fisherman’s Beach. Whalers offers seating inside the restaurant, with access to a large screen to take in the sports and a huge balcony if you prefer to dine with a breeze overlooking the sea.
You can also request that your food is brought down to the beach, or the large covered seating area directly underneath the restaurant. Whalers also offer take-away food and catering too, if you want to enjoy the food at your own pace and place.
Whalers Seafood Restaurant – The Menu
Situated in a prime spot overlooking Fisherman’s Beach in Ocho Rios, Whalers Seafood offers a full menu with Starters, Soup, Seafood, Jamaican Food, Burgers, Kids Meals, Wraps, Wings and Desserts.
If you are looking for a taste of the sea, Whalers Seafood Restaurant offers seafood that can be cooked in several ways including Brown Stew, Curry, Grilled, Fried, Garlic Butter, Coconut Cream and so on.
- Lobster from JA$3,000 (priced by size)
- Fish from JA$1,500 (priced by size)
- Shrimp JA$1,500
- Conch JA$1,800.
If you prefer to share, or want to try a little of everything, order a ‘Seafood Platter’. Made with a selection of in-season freshly caught proteins, cooked anyway you choose. The price of the platter is dependant on the selection of seafood chosen and the size of the portions; use the individual prices of the seafood as a guide to how much the platter will cost.
Point of Note: The Seafood platter in the image below cost JA$6,000
TIP! Jamaica observes the Annual Lobster breeding season in the waters around it’s coastline, which arrives in late spring and ends in early summer. So do not expect to see fresh Lobster on the menu between, April 1st through June 30th as it is considered to be a ‘closed’ season.
Meat Free Options: There is a Vegetarian Wrap offered and Steamed Vegetables can be cooked to order for non meat eaters and there are plenty of Vegan friendly sides available too.
Sides: Bammy (steamed or fried), Festival, Plantain, Mashed Potato, Rice and Peas, White Rice, Fries, Fried Sweet Potato and Corn on the Cob.
In conclusion
I recommend Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar. It is located in the clean and modern Ocho Rios Fishing Village, which offers world class facilities and a beautiful view.
The food was delicious and as requested, brought to a table downstairs under the amphitheatre. Overall the service was good and the portion sizes were adequate.
There are limited Plant Based options, but you could easily make a meal with a Veggie Wrap (ask for veganised if necessary), or a plate of steamed vegetables with a selection of sides.
It is FREE to enter the Ocho Rios Fishing Village beach which is clean, safe and ideal for sunbathing and swimming. You could easily spend the whole day and/or night here and would want to come again.
The Important Bits about Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar – Ocho Rios Fishing Village
- COST: Entry to Fisherman’s Beach is FREE!
- PARKING: On-site FREE parking
- FOOD: Seafood, Jamaican traditional fayre, Burgers, Wraps, Wings and more!
- PLANT BASED OPTIONS: Vegetarian Wrap, Steamed Vegetables, Sides
- DRINK: Plenty to choose from including cold soft and alcoholic beverages
- SHOPPING: No
- RESTROOMS: Yes, in the complex
- FAMILY FRIENDLY: *Yes, but you may see persons smoking Marijuana on the beach
- WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE: No, the restaurant is located upstairs – however, food can be ordered from Whalers Seafood Restaurant and eaten downstairs
- FITNESS LEVEL REQUIRED: All fitness levels
- EASY TO FIND: Yes
- AMENITIES: Free sunloungers, chairs and tables on beach
- BEACH SAFETY: *NO Lifeguard on duty – Swim at your own risk! Plenty of security personnel though.
- ADDED EXTRAS: Take a tour on Night Vision the Glass Bottom Boat with Captain Mark
- CROWD INDEX: Can get very busy on cruise ship days
- GOOD TO KNOW: There are FREE music parties held on the sand by the amphitheatre most Sunday’s
Opening Hours
| Mon: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tue: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Wed: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Thu: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Fri: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Sat: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
| Sun: | 9:00 am – 11:00 pm |
Whalers Seafood – Contact Details
Telephone Number: 876 290 5817
Website: Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar
Directions to Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar
ADDRESS: Whalers Seafood Restaurant and Sports Bar, Ocho Rios Fishing Village, Sailors Hole, A3 Main Road, Ocho Rios, Saint Ann
WALKING: If you are staying in Ocho Rios town centre you can easily walk to Ocho Rios Fishing Village. Head towards the westerly side of town where Island Village is located (walk to the left if you are facing the sea!). Walk past the entrance to The Cove Theatre (Island Village) and a few minutes later you will see the gated entrance to Ocho Rios Fisherman’s Village. Walk down the driveway towards to large building with seating underneath, Whalers Seafood is located on the 1st floor.
TAXI: From Ocho Rios you will need to get a taxi going in the direction of Saint Ann’s Bay. It won’t cost you any more that JA$150 if you use a route taxi from the Ocho Rios Bus Park, or stand on the side of the road in the direction of the beach and flag down a taxi. Tell the driver you are going to Fisherman’s Beach and they will let you off near the entrance. A Private Taxi will cost considerably more! When you arrive walk down the driveway towards to large building with seating underneath, Whalers Seafood is located on the 1st floor.
DRIVING: If you are approaching Ocho Rios from the West (Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, etc) follow the A3 towards the town. You will pass Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain, then the Reynolds Pier (Cargo and Cruise Ship Pier), a little further down you will see the entrance to the Ocho Rios Fishing Village, adjacent to the turn off for Columbus Heights. Drive on in, there is a car park. Walk down the driveway towards to large building with seating underneath, Whalers Seafood is located on the 1st floor.
If you are approaching Ocho Rios from the east (Oracabessa, Port Antonio etc) follow the A3 towards Ocho Rios and take the bypass (do NOT drive through the town centre), you will pass the Eight Rivers Shopping Plaza and Ocho Rios Jerk Centre. Keep heading out of town, you will pass Island Village Shopping Centre and the entrance to The Cove Theatre, a little further on the right hand side, you will see the entrance to the Ocho Rios Fishing Village, adjacent to the turn off for Columbus Heights. Drive on in, there is a car park. Walk down the driveway towards to large building with seating underneath, Whalers Seafood is located on the 1st floor.
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