Montego Bay: Blue Hole, Secret Falls & Dunn’s River Falls Day Trip

Summary

Jump into turquoise pools climb waterfalls and laugh with locals

You’ll plunge into Blue Hole’s turquoise pools near Ocho Rios, scramble up Secret Falls with help from your local guide, and join a human chain climbing Dunn’s River Falls—all with hotel pickup from Montego Bay included. Expect muddy trails, cold splashes, spicy jerk chicken for lunch, and stories from locals along the way.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the way the air felt—thick and sweet, like it had been soaking in mangoes all morning. We’d barely left Montego Bay before our driver, Devon, started telling stories about Runaway Bay and why people still argue about its name. The van windows were open just enough to let in the sea breeze but not the dust. When we reached Blue Hole up in Ocho Rios, the water looked unreal—like someone had dropped blue dye into it as a prank. Our guide, Andre, grinned when he saw me hesitate at the edge. “Just jump,” he said. So I did. Cold shock, then laughter—my own echoing off the rocks. I think that’s what woke me up for real.

The short hike to Secret Falls was muddy and full of roots that tried to trip you if you weren’t paying attention (I nearly went down once). The falls themselves were quieter than I expected; just us and this curtain of water falling over rocks slick as soap. Andre showed us how to wedge our feet so we wouldn’t slip—he made it look easy. There was this moment where the sun came through the leaves and everything glowed green-blue for a second. Someone behind me shouted something in patois I didn’t catch but everyone laughed anyway.

Dunn’s River Falls was next—a different kind of wild. More people here, holding hands in a chain while guides like Tasha kept everyone moving up the 600-foot climb from beach to top. Water pounded my shoulders at one spot they call “the massage parlour”—honestly, it did feel good after all that clambering around earlier. There were little pools along the way where kids splashed each other and parents tried not to lose their footing (I may have joined both groups at some point). It wasn’t quiet or peaceful but there was something fun about strangers cheering each other on up slippery stones.

Lunch was jerk chicken from a roadside spot Devon swore by—smoky, spicy, messy enough that I needed extra napkins. We stopped at Columbus Park for photos; old cannons pointed out over Discovery Bay where Columbus landed ages ago (I’m still not sure how much of Devon’s history lesson was true but he told it well). On the way back past Rose Hall Great House he slowed down so we could snap pictures—said Annie Palmer still haunts it but wouldn’t come out for tourists. By then my hair was full of river water and my legs were tired in that good way you get from real adventures.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls

• Drive along north coast to Blue Hole
• Swim and jump in Blue Hole pool
• Hike to Secret Falls
• Enjoy cascading waters at Secret Falls
• Travel to Dunn's River Falls
• Climb Dunn's River Falls with guide
• Stop at pools for photos and rest
• Experience water massage at falls
• Finish climb and relax at beach

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Montego Bay to Blue Hole & Dunn's River Falls take?

The tour lasts most of the day including travel time between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios plus stops at each site.

Is hotel pickup included in this Montego Bay day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off from Montego Bay hotels are included.

Do I need to bring anything special for swimming at Blue Hole or climbing Dunn's River Falls?

Bring swimwear, towels, water shoes (recommended), cash for lunch or snacks, and ideally a waterproof camera.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

The tour includes a stop at a popular local jerk chicken eatery; lunch is at your own expense.

Are guides provided during the climbs?

Yes, experienced local guides lead you at Blue Hole/Secret Falls and during the Dunn's River Falls climb.

Can small children join this tour?

Yes; infants/small children can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How difficult is climbing Dunn's River Falls?

The climb is moderately challenging but there are exit points along the way if you want to stop early.

Are entry fees included for all attractions?

Yes; admission tickets are included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Montego Bay hotels, skip-the-line entry tickets for Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls with local guides leading each adventure. You’ll also pause for photos at Columbus Park Museum and enjoy lunch at a favorite jerk chicken spot (at your own expense) before heading back tired but happy.