Ocho Rios: Blue Hole Swim & Rope Swing Tour with Pickup

Summary

Jump into crystal pools at Blue Hole Ocho Rios with a local guide

You’ll feel Jamaica’s wild side on this Blue Hole day trip from Ocho Rios—jumping into bright pools, swinging out over water Tarzan-style, hiking upstream with your local guide, and maybe even laughing at yourself along the way. Includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port plus time for exploring or shopping if you want it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air changed as we left Ocho Rios—thicker, greener, almost humming with that wet earth smell you get after rain, even though it hadn’t rained yet. Our driver, Andre, pointed out little things along the way—like the way locals wave from their porches in Exchange or how every hillside seems to have its own shade of green. It’s about half an hour to the Blue Hole but honestly, I barely noticed the time because Andre kept tossing in bits of history and jokes (some good, some... well). The van was cool inside but you could still hear reggae floating in from somewhere outside when we stopped at a light.

I didn’t really know what to expect from the Blue Hole tour. You always see those turquoise photos online, but standing there—the water looked almost unreal. Cold too. Our local guide met us right away (I think his name was Marlon?), and he grinned like he’d seen a thousand nervous tourists before. We did this short hike upstream together—ten minutes maybe, but I slipped once on a rock and he just laughed and offered his hand. There’s something about Jamaicans—they don’t make you feel silly for being new at things. Anyway, then came the jumps. I hesitated at first; my heart was pounding so loud I barely heard Marlon counting down for me. But then I just did it—straight into that blue pool. Still remember how sharp and clean it felt on my skin.

After that, everything got easier—the rope swing felt less scary (though I screamed anyway), and someone tried to teach me how to say “irie” properly but I probably butchered it. There’s a cave you can duck into if you want, echoey and cool inside with water dripping from somewhere above—it smells like moss and river stones in there. We had time to just float around too; nobody rushed us or made us move on before we were ready. On the way back our driver offered an optional stop at some shops—I didn’t buy anything but loved watching how everyone chats here like they’ve known each other forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Hole visit and local culture tour

• Pickup from hotel or cruise port
• Drive 30 minutes to Blue Hole
• Enjoy scenic tour and local history
• Hike 10 minutes upstream with guide
• Swim and dive in crystal clear pools
• Explore hidden cave at biggest pool
• Use rope swing at final pool
• Optional stop at local shops

Top questions

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

The drive is about 30 minutes each way from central Ocho Rios.

Is hotel pickup included in this Blue Hole tour?

Yes, pickup is included for hotels within 3 miles of Ocho Rios or the cruise port.

What do you do at Blue Hole Jamaica?

You’ll hike upstream with a guide, swim in blue pools, jump or dive in, try a rope swing, and explore a cave if you want.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; infants can use prams or strollers.

Are there any physical restrictions for this tour?

It’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries but otherwise suitable for all fitness levels.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is there an option to shop during the tour?

An optional stop at local shops is available after visiting Blue Hole.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle (within 3 miles of Ocho Rios), all guidance at Blue Hole—including hiking upstream and swimming—and an optional stop at nearby shops before returning home.