If you are going to Jamaica, especially the Ocho Rios area, visiting the Blue Hole is one of the best excursions you can do.
On our trip to Jamaica, we stayed at Sandals Ochi and make the 30 minute trip to the Blue Hole and had a great time.
Not only is the incredibly vivid turquoise water stunning to behold, this is also a fun place to visit in Jamaica. You can get in the gorgeous water at the natural swimming pools, explore caves, splash in waterfalls, and swing on ropes.
What is Blue Hole Jamaica?
Not to be confused with the Blue Hole Mineral Spring in Negril, Blue Hole is an area of the White River near Ocho Rios where the bright blue water collects in a huge natural swimming pool that is fed by a waterfall and lined with cliffs (from which adventurous visitors jump in!).
The waters are full of minerals, making a swim or soak in the Blue Hole very restorative. In addition to visiting the main pool, you can also soak in mud baths, swim in the river, and splash in other naturally formed pools. There are ropes to swing from, waterfalls to hang out in, and caves to explore.
Your tour guide will take you through the area and show you the safest spots to swim (and jump in, if you want).
Life jackets are available for those who want them, and there are locker facilities and changing rooms onsite.
How much does it cost to go to the Blue Hole in Jamaica?
Blue Hole has an entrance fee of $20 for adults and $10 for children, if you’re going on your own. Prices of a Blue Hole Jamaica excursion will vary depending on the tour operator you choose and what is included in your tour.
Sonce transportation will be included and likely other activities it will cost more. For us, our excursion included transportation from our resorts, a guided tour of the blue hole and river tubing. For all of that, it cost around $120 per person.
Also take some small bills to provide a tip.
You can see that tour here on Viator.
How do you get to Blue Hole Jamaica?
The Blue Hole is located about a 30-minute drive from Ocho Rios, in the hills above it. Since Blue Hole is in Jamaica’s interior, you’ll need to drive there or take a tour. The Blue Hole can be difficult to get to. If driving, get good directions from a local and be prepared for a trip over bumpy, unpaved roads.
Most resorts in Jamaica partner with tour operators to offer a Blue Hole excursion. If you book one of those, make sure transportation is provided in addition to your tour.
There is also a shuttle service from the main towns in Jamaica, including Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril. The price varies depending on where you get the shuttle.
How deep is the water at Blue Hole Jamaica?
The water at the main Blue Hole pool ranges between 8 and 20 feet deep.
What To Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive at The Blue Hole, your guide will get you a life jacket and lead you to the water.
From there you will be able to jump into the blue hole, as many times as you like.
After enjoying the plunge for a while, you will be guided towards the next attraction, a rope swing which once again you can enjoy a few times.
After enjoying the falls, you will be guided back to your driver to continue on your tour.
For us, we were at the falls for around 45 minutes.
Tips for visiting Blue Hole Jamaica
Go early in the day, as it often rains in the afternoon, which can change the water color to brown due to mud. The Blue Hole is also less crowded in the morning.
Bring cash so you can tip your guide and get refreshments.
Bring water shoes and wear comfortable, lightweight clothes that can get wet!
Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and towels. There are changing rooms available onsite, but you can just sit on a towel on your ride back or to your next attraction.
Bring your adventurous spirit, but be sure to listen to your tour guide and don’t take unnecessary chances.
Now that you’ve read all about Blue Hole Jamaica, what do you think? Will you visit there on your next Jamaican vacation? Have you been there? Let us know in the comments!
Ashley has always loved to explore new places and indulges her passion for travel whenever she can. She has been to 12 countries and 32 states so far.
Ashley has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, specializing in the areas of travel, marketing, personal development, and the pursuit of happiness.
Favorite destinations include Sorrento and Capri, Italy; Haarlem, Netherlands; Paris; Sydney and K’gari, Australia; Rotorua and Waiheke Island, New Zealand; the American West; Palm Beach; the Florida Keys; and her hometown of New Orleans. Ashley has a goal of visiting every state plus many more international destinations.