Blue Hole and Rio Nuevo Rafting: Jamaica Adventure
Turquoise pools, waterfalls and a bamboo raft drift through the rainforest
Combine two of Jamaica's natural landmarks in one afternoon: swim, cliff-jump and swing at Blue Hole's limestone pools and cascading waterfalls, then drift on a handcrafted bamboo raft down the calm Rio Nuevo under the rainforest canopy. A local guide leads both parts, with pickup included and rum punch on the raft.
Step-by-step itinerary
Blue Hole and Rio Nuevo rafting
- Visit Blue Hole for swimming and cliff jumping
- Drive through Ocho Rios and explore local culture
- Enjoy bamboo rafting on Rio Nuevo River
- Opt for traditional massage on the raft
What’s included
- Rum punch and bottled water.
- air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
- entry to Blue Hole and Rio Nuevo.
- a local guide in English for both sites.
Times
- Every day 08:30 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Tracytoursjamaica
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
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The experience
You start at Blue Hole, where a series of natural limestone pools fed by waterfalls sits deep in the rainforest. The water is turquoise and cold. You can swim in the pools, cliff-jump from the rocks, swing on a rope into the water, or sit on the bank and watch. The guide stays with the group and explains what you're looking at: the geology, the local name for the place, how the waterfalls carved the pools over time. After an hour or so at Blue Hole, you drive through Ocho Rios to see how the town works, then head to the Rio Nuevo.
The Rio Nuevo is a river, and you travel it on a handcrafted bamboo raft. The water is calm and slow-moving. The raft glides under the rainforest canopy, and the guide poles it along, pointing out the trees and the wildlife if there is any. The whole experience is quiet and unhurried. Rum punch and bottled water come on board. If you want a traditional massage while you're on the raft, you can arrange that with the guide. It costs extra, but the price is negotiable. The trip takes three to four hours total, including the drive between sites and the time at Blue Hole.
Pickup is included from your hotel, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. There's a stop for shopping and lunch, though you pay for food yourself. Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. The water at Blue Hole is cold and you will get wet.
Is this one for you?The trip involves water entry at Blue Hole and sitting on a bamboo raft, so you need to be comfortable swimming or wading and able to move in and out of the water. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. If you're looking for a mix of activity and relaxation in one afternoon, the two-site format lets you choose how much or how little you do at each stop.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What can you actually do at Blue Hole?
Blue Hole has turquoise pools, cascading waterfalls and limestone cliffs. You can swim in the pools, cliff-jump from the rocks, swing on a rope into the water, or simply sit and relax in the rainforest setting.
Is the Rio Nuevo raft ride difficult or physically demanding?
The Rio Nuevo raft ride is calm and peaceful. You sit on the handcrafted bamboo raft while the guide poles it along under the rainforest canopy. No paddling or physical effort is required from you.
What's included in the price and what costs extra?
Pickup, the vehicle, rum punch, bottled water and entry to both sites are included. Lunch and shopping stops are on the itinerary, but you pay for any food you buy. A traditional massage on the raft is available for an additional cost you can discuss with the guide.
How long is the whole experience?
The trip takes three to four hours total, including time at Blue Hole, the scenic drive through Ocho Rios and the raft journey on Rio Nuevo.
Is this suitable if I've never done water activities before?
Yes. At Blue Hole, you choose your own level: swim, cliff-jump, swing or relax. On the Rio Nuevo, you sit on the raft while the guide handles the poling. No experience or special skills are needed. The guide is with you throughout and speaks English.
Blue Hole and Rio Nuevo Rafting: Jamaica Adventure
3h–4h · EN
from US$ 94.99 per person
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.