Blue Hole and Bamboo River Rafting in Ocho Rios

Cliff jumps, rope swings and a peaceful float down the Rio Nuevo

Jump, swim and hike at Blue Hole's natural pools in Ocho Rios, then drift downstream on a bamboo raft piloted by a local captain who shares stories about the river and Jamaican life. The activity spans roughly three to four hours with a 25-30 minute drive through the village of Exchange. All water activities at the pool are optional, and a beach stop ends the day. Entry to both sites, round-trip transport and a guide are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Blue Hole and Bamboo River Rafting

• Drive 25-30 minutes to Blue Hole
• Enjoy cliff jumps, swimming, hiking, rope swing
• Relax on Bamboo River Rafting
• Listen to raft captain's stories
• Stop briefly at a beach

The experience

The day starts with a drive through Exchange, a village where you see how Jamaicans live outside the resort zones. You arrive at Blue Hole, a series of natural pools fed by a waterfall, where the water is clear enough to see the bottom. The cliff jumps range from low to high. You pick which ones suit you. A platform lets you dive or jump without climbing, a Tarzan rope swing launches you out over the water, and hiking trails connect the pools so you can move between them on foot. If you'd rather watch and photograph, that works too. The pools are deep enough that swimmers and jumpers are safe, and the setting is worth the camera work alone.

After Blue Hole, your raft captain poles a handcrafted bamboo raft downriver on the Rio Nuevo. The current is gentle. You sit and drift while the captain steers and points out the landscape: lush rainforest on both banks, the way the river shapes the land, details of local history and island life. The raft is stable and the pace is slow, so this part feels like rest after the activity at the pool. A beach stop near the end gives you one more chance to swim before the return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Blue Hole entry.
• bamboo raft admission on the Rio Nuevo.
• round-trip hotel transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live English-speaking guide and raft captain.
• a beach stop near the end of the day.

Options for this experience

3 options

Blue Hole OnlyGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00This option covers only the Blue Hole excursion and leaves out Bamboo Rafting. Pickup is included.

Rafting on the Bamboo River, no other activities includedGuide in English · 12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00This option is for Bamboo River Rafting only and does not cover the Blue Hole excursion. Pickup is included.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Blue Hole and Bamboo River RaftingGuide in English · 10 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 13:00Pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Coopa Tours

Is this one for you?Book the combined option if you want both the active water play at Blue Hole and the slower-paced river float. Choose Blue Hole only if you prefer to spend your time jumping and swimming without the raft, or Bamboo River Rafting alone if you'd rather skip the cliff jumps and focus on drifting through the rainforest with a local captain.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly can I do at Blue Hole?

Blue Hole has cliff jumps of different heights, a platform for diving, a Tarzan rope swing, swimming in the pools, and hiking trails between them. Every activity is optional. You choose what appeals to you, and watching or taking photos is just as valid.

Is the bamboo raft ride active or relaxing?

The bamboo raft is relaxing. Your captain poles the raft downstream on a gentle current while you sit and take in the rainforest, river and stories about Jamaican culture and history. It's a rest after the jumping and swimming at Blue Hole.

How much of the three to four hours is driving versus time at the attractions?

The drive to Blue Hole takes 25 to 30 minutes each way. The rest of the time covers activities at Blue Hole and the bamboo raft float, with a beach stop before return.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to do this?

The pools at Blue Hole are suitable for all fitness levels, and all water activities are optional. You can wade, float or watch without jumping. The bamboo raft requires no swimming at all.

What's included in the price?

Entry to both Blue Hole and the bamboo raft, round-trip transport from your hotel, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who explains the sites and river along the way are all included.