Ocho Rios: Blue Hole, Dunn's River Falls & Bamboo Beach Lunch

Summary

Blue water plunges, river climbs and reggae by the sea in ocho rios

You’ll jump into Blue Hole’s cool waters with a local guide leading the way, climb hand-in-hand up Dunn’s River Falls (or watch from above), then stretch out at Bamboo Beach Club for lunch and cocktails served right to your chair. Expect laughter, reggae beats, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve brushed off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

Your feet hit the ground in Ocho Rios and suddenly you’re wide awake — the air smells like wet leaves and something sweet I can’t quite name. We started at Blue Hole, which is just as blue as people say but colder than I expected. Our guide, Andre, laughed when I hesitated on the rock ledge (“Jump! You’ll warm up!”). The water smacked my skin and for a second I forgot everything except how alive it felt. There were vines everywhere, slick rocks underfoot, and a couple of kids from Kingston showing off flips I wouldn’t dare try.

Soon we were winding through souvenir stalls (I bought a carved turtle that already lost an eye — still worth it) before heading to Dunn’s River Falls. It’s busy but somehow not overwhelming. Our climbing guide linked us up in a chain — hands on shoulders, everyone slipping and giggling their way up. The falls are louder than you think; you have to shout to hear each other. At one point I just stopped halfway up and let the spray hit my face. Didn’t even care that my shoes were full of pebbles. If you don’t want to climb, there’s an overlook where you can watch everyone get soaked.

Bamboo Beach Club was next, which honestly felt like a reward after all that scrambling around. They handed me a rum punch before I’d even sat down (dangerous move). The sand was hot but soft, reggae drifting from somewhere behind the palms. Hostesses brought out plates of jerk chicken, plantains — all those flavors that linger on your fingers long after lunch is done. Someone tried to teach me dance steps but I mostly just swayed along. Sunburn crept up my arms while we watched the bartender mix cocktails right on the sand. Still think about that lazy feeling under the shade, toes buried deep.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Hole, Dunn's River Falls, Bamboo Beach

• Visit Blue Hole and swim
• Climb mini waterfalls and explore caves
• Shop for souvenirs
• Climb Dunn's River Falls with guide
• Relax at Bamboo Beach Club
• Enjoy tapas lunch and cocktails

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation is included with your booking.

Do I need special shoes for climbing Dunn's River Falls?

Yes, water shoes are required for climbing; you can buy them from your guide or at the falls.

Can children join this tour?

Children under 6 may find climbing difficult but can watch from observation areas.

Are meals and drinks provided at Bamboo Beach Club?

Yes, a tapas lunch plus three alcoholic and three non-alcoholic drinks are included.

How long does it take to get from Ocho Rios to Blue Hole?

The drive is short; exact timing depends on traffic but it’s nearby in Ocho Rios.

Is there entertainment at Bamboo Beach Club?

Yes, there’s light entertainment with music and cocktail demonstrations by staff.

Can I skip climbing Dunn's River Falls?

Yes, you can watch from an observation deck if you prefer not to climb.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Ocho Rios hotels or meeting points, entry fees for Blue Hole and Dunn's River Falls with local guides leading each adventure, certified lifeguards for safety throughout the day, plus access to Bamboo Beach Club where you'll relax in a beach chair while enjoying a four-course tapas lunch and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic house drinks served right to your spot before heading back in comfort.