Guides · Saint Ann
The Blue Hole,
Ocho Rios
The Blue Hole is a chain of small waterfalls and deep limestone pools in the hills inland from Ocho Rios, about half an hour from town. It is far rougher and less organised than Dunn’s River Falls — rope swings, jumps from height into deep water, and no handrails — which is exactly why many visitors prefer it.
How it differs from Dunn’s River
Dunn’s River is a managed attraction with a car park, a gift shop and thousands of cruise passengers. The Blue Hole is a set of pools in the bush with local guides who take you between them. There are no queues and very little infrastructure. It is more fun and less safe, in roughly equal measure, and it does not suit everyone.
What the jumps are actually like
Guides will encourage you to jump from ledges of varying height into the pools, and to swing in on ropes. Nobody makes you, and there are lower entries at every pool. The water is deep where they tell you to jump. If you are a nervous swimmer, say so at the start and the guide will route you around the harder parts rather than talking you into them.
Practical things
Wear a swimsuit and shoes you can swim in. Leave anything you care about in the car or a locker, because you will be in the water throughout and there is nowhere dry to put a phone. Guides work largely for tips, so budget for that separately from the entry.
Go with us
See it
properly
Pickup from your villa, a guide who grew up here, and no queueing at the gate.