The ‘Cool Blue Hole’ – a natural attraction in Ocho Rios Jamaica with water so blue, it almost seems surreal. Far from an ordinary swimming pool, the Ocho Rios Blue Hole was shaped by nature. It is most striking on bright, sunny days, and the magnificence of it all might just compel you to jump off the edge… right into the turquoise waters… straight into pure island rejuvenation.
Alongside enthusiasts of nature and peace, this natural attraction in Jamaica attracts cliff jumpers and thrill-seekers of all kinds. The fact that there’s another waterfall, more natural pools and even a rope swing a short hike away adds to the allure. And in Jamaica, you can walk right into this liberating experience.
Here’s why you’ll absolutely love the Ocho Rios Blue Hole in Jamaica, and what you can expect:
Table of Contents
The Geological Marvel
Beyond the Tourist Trail
Adventure Seeker’s Paradise
Things to Do at the Blue Hole
What to Pack
Other places to visit in Ocho Rios
How to Get to the Blue Hole
Amazing places to stay near the Blue Hole
Learnings Recap
The Geological Marvel
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There’s no getting around it, the Ocho Rios Blue Hole is one of the most fascinating attractions in the world. When one arrives here, it’s only natural to wonder about the processes that led to its creation and what makes it stand out from other natural attractions in Jamaica.
Part of the White River Valley system, the Blue Hole was formed over vast stretches of time. It came to be because of limestone erosion and the works of underground river networks. Looking a little deeper into it, the Blue Hole has several key geological features, including karst formations like solution pipes, caves, and underground drainage systems.
Before visiting the Blue Hole, it helps to spend some time getting to know more about the other natural attractions in Jamaica to plan a well-rounded trip.
Good to know: Water levels in the Blue Hole can vary by up to 2 meters between the dry and wet seasons. Additionally, water clarity and color intensity change seasonally due to fluctuations in rainfall and sunlight.
Beyond the Tourist Trail
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Much like many of the Caribbean’s natural attractions, there is more to the Blue Hole than meets the eye. An exploration here includes more than just sightseeing but learning about the cultural and ecological significance of this natural wonder.
We’ll start with the ecological side of things. The Blue Hole is home to over 50 different species of plants and animals. Many of these aren’t found anywhere else on this island. Certain plant species in this area only bloom during specific months. Then there’s the cultural aspect that includes local legends and folklore. Here’s what you need to know:
River Mumma
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Every island has central figures that either bring excitement when discussed, or spook people completely. For Jamaica, one of these figures is River Mumma. Conversations about this mythical character often come up relating not just to the Blue Hole, but to many other bodies of water in Jamaica.
River Mumma is described as a mermaid-like being residing in the depths of rivers and lagoons. As the legend goes, all the fish in the river are her children. Her sole duty is keeping them safe. She is said to spring up out of nowhere on moonlit nights, dutifully sprucing up her hair with a golden comb. Now, we’re not exactly sure when or how this legend came about, but the serene portrayal of this character comes to an abrupt halt in most stories when this mermaid-like creature is frightened. Then, she either drags the intruder underwater, or causes the river to dry up.
The Golden Table
If that isn’t mind-boggling enough for you, then you might want to look into the legend of the Golden Table. This connects to the River Mumma lore as well. This Golden Table is said to be a legendary treasure left behind by Spanish explorers. Luring curious explorers closer, the treasure rises to the surface on sunny days. And who knows what happens if they’re foolish enough to go! After all, one moment you could be reaching for gold, and the next, you might find yourself in a game of underwater hide-and-seek with River Mumma—who definitely doesn’t play fair!
Thankfully, these are just legends… (but are they?) As it has often been said, it’s always wise to keep one eye on the treasure and the other on the water—just in case!
Good to know: Looking deeper into it, the Golden Table is said to symbolize wealth. It has become a part of local lore surrounding bodies of water like the Blue Lagoon.
Mysterious Phenomena
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Aside from the sometimes really out there local legends, there have been certain events at the Blue Hole that have sparked renewed interest in its mystique. Not too long ago, a viral video caught the attention of the public. Within the video, there was unusual sand-colored water bubbling in the lagoon. Naturally, this brought up talk about River Mumma all over again. And we all know how that story goes…
Cultural Significance
When it comes to local legends like the still existing ones in Jamaica, these reflect a broader cultural belief system among Jamaicans that intertwines spirituality with nature. For many people, these stories aren’t just entertainment, but they’re cautionary tales about respecting nature and its unseen forces. At the heart of it, there is a deep-seated respect for the natural world that continues to inspire and guide.
Things to do at the Blue Hole
Swinging from vines, soaking up the views, jumping into the accommodating waters, climbing the rock face, and letting go of your worries. All of these can be a part of your Ocho Rios Blue Hole adventure. Here’s what you can get into while there:
Jump in, step in, cliff jump, or use the rope swing
Cover photo credit: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com
Okay… we’ve established that the Blue Hole is one of those places where you can let your inner child out. Explore and make the most of your time in Jamaica by taking full advantage of the rope swings and summoning the courage cliff jump into the natural pool below. One thing about this experience, it truly does require a leap of faith!
If you’ve never gone cliff jumping in Jamaica, you might need a little encouragement. For some people, just seeing others do it is inspiring enough. The water in the Blue Hole is clear, cool and rich in minerals. There are a few natural pools at this attraction, with the main pool being the deepest. That, at least, is reassuring when you’re throwing caution to the wind and putting full trust into a rope swing! As you get right into the action, don’t forget to pay attention to the instructions from the tour guides who’re usually on hand.
Expert Tip: If you’re interested in cliff Jumping in Jamaica, here’s what you need to know before gearing up for that big jump!
Hike to the Secret Falls
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Not only can you experience the famously rejuvenating waters of the Blue Hole during a visit, but you’ll also have the option to hike to the nearby Secret Falls. Expert hiking skills aren’t required as it’s only about a 10-minute hike along the river to get to Secret Falls also known as Island Gully Falls. You can look forward to a short, scenic hike, and once you get there, natural swimming pools, more cliff jumping opportunities, rope swings, and a less crowded atmosphere as compared to other well known attractions in Jamaica.
What to expect when you arrive
Entrance fees
Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $25 USD to access the Blue Hole in Jamaica. Children under 12 pay half price for entry ($15 USD). Many tour prices include the cost of entry to the Blue Hole, but you should verify this with your resort or tour operator before booking.
Lockers, bathrooms, and other amenities
Once you arrive to the Blue Hole, you can store your clothing, shoes, and personal items in one of the lockers on the property for safekeeping. With free hands and no worries, you’ll be able to climb, swim, dive and explore to your heart’s content. Locker rentals cost around $2 USD. Bathrooms and changing rooms are also available on-site.
Food & drinks
One of the closest restaurants to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole is Linda’s Jerk & Seafood Restaurant. Many visitors have lunch there after visiting the Blue Hole or the nearby Dunn’s River Falls. You can usually find people selling coconuts and the local Red Stripe Beer in the area around the Blue Hole.
How to prepare for your visit to the Blue Hole
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Booking a tour
Before booking a tour to the Blue Hole in Jamaica, the most important thing to consider is your transportation to and from the site. The Blue Hole is notoriously difficult to get to by car, so the best solution is to book a tour that includes safe and comfortable transfers to and from your resort.
The best tours on the market are usually offered by private tour companies in Jamaica and include transportation as well as a guided tour. These companies often offer a half-day, or even a full-day, Blue Hole excursions with pick-up and drop-off included.
While in Jamaica, consider combining a visit to the Blue Hole with another nearby attraction, like river tubing at White River. Island Routes’ River Tubing & Blue Hole Experience makes it possible to do just that!
Good to know: The Blue Hole is a popular attraction in Jamaica, but it’s not typically crowded. Very often, visitors find that their group is the only one there, especially with visits booked in the early morning hours.
Things to pack before your visit to the Blue Hole
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Comfort matters when heading to locations like the Ocho Rios Blue Hole. Wear lightweight clothing and consider bringing swimwear and water shoes along. If you don’t have water shoes, they’re available for purchase on-site.
And speaking of comfort, keep some bug spray on hand! You’ll need this for most nature-based excursions, but particularly the Blue Hole as it’s nestled in the mountains. Those who can’t swim or aren’t comfortable in the water may find that life jackets come in handy, especially for the deeper swimming pools in this area. Life jackets are also available on-site. Other items that you’ll want to pack for this tour include towels, sunscreen and a change of clothing.
Expert tip: Pack light for trips to the islands. If you’re not sure what to bring, here’s what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica (the ultimate list!)
How to get to the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios?
The Blue Hole is located in the hills of Ocho Rios, on Jamaica’s north coast, in an area known as St. Ann Parish. This off-the-beaten-path attraction is about a 30-minute drive from the town center. To get to the Blue Hole, you’ll have to make your way through a rough and uneven path as there isn’t a paved road leading to its location. In fact, the path is so rugged that most taxis won’t even take you there and risk damaging their cars.
Most visitors to the Blue Hole in Jamaica go as part of a tour. Aside from this, there’s a special shuttle service you can take to get there from areas including Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, Tower Isle, and the airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. It costs about $20 USD per person for pickup from Ocho Rios and Tower Isle with a minimum of 4 people.
From Montego Bay, pickup costs around $50 USD per person with a minimum of 4 people, but pick up directly from the Montego Bay Airport is $100 USD, and from the Kingston Airport is $200 USD.
Negril shuttle prices are available by contacting the shuttle service directly.
For the easiest and most cost-effective access to the Blue Hole in Jamaica, it’s a good idea to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios. With this option, you can plan through the resort to get to the Blue Hole.
Amazing places to stay near the Blue Hole
Picture: The all-inclusive Sandals Ochi feels like it was made for romance! This property is so vast and lush that, no matter where you find yourself, you’ll always feel as if there’s plenty of space for just the two of you.
To get ready for your Blue Hole expedition in Jamaica, make finding accommodation your first step. Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios as many of the stand-out attractions in Jamaica are in this area. Resorts like Sandals Royal Plantation or Sandals Ochi can be just the right choice for your dream trip. And with a Sandals Resort getaway, all your vacation essentials, from themed dining, entertainment, land and water sports and more, are included!
From your Sandals all-inclusive resort, staff can provide assistance with tour bookings to the Blue Hole or any other local hot spots. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the tips and other information they can share is well worth it. Ask particularly about pricing, so you know what to expect.
Besides booking tours and securing your all-inclusive vacation package, the next thing you’ll want to do ahead of your Blue Hole excursion is to get excited about it!
Other places to visit around Ocho Rios
Picture: River rafting down the Martha Brae.
The Blue Hole is only one of the exciting things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You can also visit Dunn’s River Falls, go river tubing or rafting, explore the famed Mystic Mountain, and so much more! Here are some of our favorites attractions in Jamaica:
Dunn’s River Falls
Visiting Dunn’s River Falls is a must with any trip to Jamaica. This world-famous landmark is a network of cascading waterfalls that tower over 180 feet high and stretch 600 feet. Consider it a naturally formed stairway to heaven. There are many activities you can try during a visit, including the wet and dry climbs.
For the wet climb, join hands with others and climb through the cascades as part of a human chain. The dry climb on the other hand takes you along the sides of the falls where you can still experience some stellar views. Afraid of heights? No problem! You can enjoy an invigorating dip in the surrounding lagoons filled with water from a fresh mountain spring. You won’t believe how spectacular this national treasure is until you see it for yourself!
White River tubing and rafting
River tubing and rafting are a must while in Jamaica. After all, not every island offers this incredible activity, and most people simply fall in love with it. River tubing and bamboo rafting in Jamaica are commonly done on the White River. This is typically a calm and relaxing experience whether you choose a tube or bamboo raft. The location where this activity kicks off is just a 5-minute drive from Ocho Rios. The tour itself takes around one hour. Some tour companies offer combination tours (full day) that include river tubing or rafting and a visit to the Blue Hole. And to that we say, a combo well worth considering while in Jamaica!
Expert tip: Ahead of booking your trip, it’s a good idea to learn about the best time of the year to visit Jamaica is. Knowing this will help you plan a vacation that you won’t soon forget!
Konoko Falls
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Konoko Falls is a must-visit stop while in Jamaica. Located about 5 minutes from central Ocho Rios, this charming waterfall and botanical garden attract visitors who just want to soak up the beauty and peace of Jamaica. To get to Konoko Falls, you can book a tour through one of the local companies. Entrance fees are $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for children aged 3-12. Children under 3 are free.
At Konoko Falls, there are two bars on-site that serve beer, soda, juice, and food. Lockers are available as well ($5 USD), where you can store your belongings as you explore. To make the most of your day at Konoko Falls, bring a towel, swimwear, sunblock, and water shoes.
Runaway Bay
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Runaway Bay is a popular resort town that many people consider to be one of the most beautiful parts of Jamaica. The town is located about 30 minutes from Ocho Rios by car and there are many private beaches in the area. Visitors wanting to find a public beach won’t be disappointed as there are many, including Cardiff Hall, which has a bar, bathrooms, and showers. Many visitors love snorkeling at Cardiff Hall as there’s always something interesting to see.
Aside from this beach, there are lots of other scuba diving spots in Runaway Bay where divers often catch sightings of Parrotfish, Angelfish, Creole Wrasse, French Grunt, and other diverse fish species. If you choose to dive here, you can either stay around the offshore coral reefs or head out into the open water.
Love scuba diving? Certified guests of any all-inclusive Sandals Resort in Jamaica can scuba dive for free (max. two tanks a day) during their stay – this includes professional equipment and guidance from the dive team!
Learnings Recap
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• The Ocho Rios Blue Hole is a geological marvel formed by tectonic activity and limestone erosion
• The area boasts rich biodiversity and cultural significance beyond its tourist appeal
• Responsible tourism practices are crucial for preserving this natural wonder for future generations
• Sandals Resorts offers beachfront accommodations near the Blue Hole, supporting sustainable tourism efforts
Take the Plunge at Jamaica’s Exhilarating Blue Hole!
There are many wonderful things to do in Jamaica and going to the Blue Hole is definitely one of them. Visitors often describe this experience as safe, thrilling, and breathtaking.
The Blue Hole certain is cool and captivating Blue Hole. From the moment you step through the vine-covered cavern to the edge of its crystalline waters, you’ll be hooked. Feel the rush as you leap into the many natural swimming pools in the area—whether by rope swing or pure adrenaline is up to you! Take a short nature hike to the Secret Falls, surrounded by lush tropical flowers and towering trees. And, of course, capture every moment with photos that are as stunning as they’ll be memorable!
Insider tip: While in Jamaica, stay at a conveniently located all-inclusive resort like Sandals Ochi or Sandals Royal Plantation to be just minutes away from the adventure. With all you need included, you’ll find the warmest Caribbean welcome waiting just for you!
Picture: The beachfront Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica.
