Blue Hole: Day Trips and Tours from Falmouth, Jamaica

To the east of the popular port city of Falmouth, Blue Hole is one of Jamaica’s most breath-taking natural attractions. The Blue Hole consists of a series of pools, carved out of the surrounding limestone and filled with mineral-rich blue waters.

A day trip to the Blue Hole from Falmouth is perfect for those who want to enjoy Jamaica’s natural beauty and experience a unique water activity.

You will find below everything you need to know before embarking on a Blue Hole tour, one of the most mesmerizing destinations for day trips from Falmouth.

How to get to the Blue Hole from Falmouth?

The Blue Hole is in Saint Ann Parish, on the north coast of Jamaica.

From Falmouth to the Blue Hole by car

Travel from Falmouth, along the A1 for 70 kilometers to the port town of Ocho Rios before heading off the beaten track for a further 20km to the Blue Hole. This road trip takes about 90 minutes in each direction.

From Falmouth to the Blue Hood by bus/public transport

A bus connects Falmouth and Ocho Rios, but you have to connect with a taxi or shuttle service to reach the Blue Hole. Though this can be a tempting option, many taxi services prefer not to drive this route due to the rocky nature of the road. To avoid inconvenience, book a tour by coach or take a shuttle instead.

Guided tour to the Blue Hole from Falmouth

An organized day tour is the best way to explore the Blue Hole. With pickups from most hotels or the cruise ship terminal, tours include a local guide and last 5 to 8 hours. You can join a small group guided tour or book a private tour instead.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Blue Hole cost?

A US$20 entrance fee is charged to access the Blue Hole and surrounding area. If you have booked a tour, this fee will probably be included in your package, but you should check this with your tour operator. Children pay half price for their entrance to the Blue Hole (US$10).

You can rent a locker on site for US$2. The lockers are ideal for storing valuables and a set of dry clothes and shoes. Bathrooms and changing-rooms are also available on site.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Blue Hole from Falmouth?

Coach or small group day tours from Falmouth to the Blue Hole begin with a morning collection from your hotel or cruise liner terminal. Tour options include half-day and full-day excursions. Some tours offer a combination of attractions.

Travelling from Falmouth, you pass through the hills of the White River Valley with a scenic drive through the rainforest to where the natural pools and waterfalls of the Blue Hole are located.

On arrival at the Blue Hole, your guide will point out the features of this pristine space before giving you the opportunity to swim in the mineral-rich blue waters. After viewing the Blue Hole, your guide may accompany you on a 10-minute hike to the Secret Falls for another exciting water activity.

Depending on the tour you book, other activities including tubing, hiking, a beach stop, kayaking, horseback riding and even shopping may be included on your itinerary.

After your visit to the Blue Hole, you will stop for lunch. There are several popular eateries in the area and your tour operator will tell you whether lunch is included or if you will have to pay for this on the day.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Blue Hole?

Guided coach or small-group-day-tours are the best and easiest way to visit Blue Hole from Falmouth. Alternatively, you can book a private excursion or catch a bus between Falmouth and Ocho Rios and then a scheduled shuttle to the area.

Small group guided tours to the Blue Hole from Falmouth

Small group guided day tours from Falmouth to the Blue Hole accommodate from 14 to 25 participants.

You are collected from your hotel or cruise terminal and tour the area in an airconditioned minivan. A knowledgeable local guide will join you for the duration of your tour.

Private tour to the Blue Hole from Falmouth

A private day trip with a guide is perfect if you want some quiet time while exploring the area without the inconvenience of self-driving. Bear in mind that while you will have exclusive use of your vehicle but the sites and attractions are open to bigger groups.

Private day tours to the Blue Hole usually require at least two confirmed guests in order to operate and, vehicle dependent, can accommodate up to six persons per tour.

Tours from Falmouth to the Blue Hole plus Dunn’s River Falls, Martha Brae River, Rio Bueno River rapids or Ocho Rios

You can choose to combine your excursion to the Blue Hole with some or all of the many other natural attractions in the area such as Dunn’s River Falls, Martha Brae River or the Rio Bueno River rapids. On longer tours, shopping in the port city of Ocho Rios might also be on your itinerary.

How much does a tour to the Blue Hole from Falmouth cost?

A bus ticket from Falmouth to Ocho Rios followed by a shuttle to Blue Hole will cost approximately US$50 each way. This price covers transportation only.

Small group guided day tours by airconditioned minivan from Falmouth to the Blue Hole start at US$100 per person. This rate includes collection from your hotel or the cruise terminal, entrance fees and bottled water. Lunch and tips are not included.

Private full day tours to the Blue Hole include a hotel or cruise ship terminal pickup and cost from US$140 per person excluding meals, drinks, and entrance fees.

If your tour combines the Blue Hole with other destinations, you can expect to pay between US$230 and US$400 per person for a full day tour.

What will you see and do on a Blue Hole day trip from Falmouth?

Tours from Falmouth to the Blue Hole focus on the natural tropical beauty of the area. Once in the vicinity of the Blue Hole, there are several places of interest that may be included in your tour:

The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a series of rockpools and waterfalls carved out of the surrounding limestone. The waters are strikingly blue. You can get into the Blue Hole in several ways: you can rock jump, rope-swing or ease your way over the rocks and into the water. Follow your guides advice about where to jump and how to jump safely.

The Secret Falls

Situated a 10-minute scenic hike from the Blue Hole, the Secret Falls has a 6 meter high waterfall, natural swimming pools, rope swings and safe areas for cliff jumping. The tall forest canopy ensures you stay cool on your hike.

Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls are 55 meters high and known for its terraced steps. Park guides are on hand to assist you as you climb to the top where you will find vendors selling crafts and souvenirs.

Martha Brae River

The Martha Brae River is a tranquil stretch of water nearly 5 kilometers long. A rafting trip down this river is a wonderful way to view the lush Jamaican wilderness.

Rio Bueno rapids

If you are up for some adventure, you can join a tour to the Rio Bueno rapids. Here you can choose to tube, raft, kayak, or river board through the river rapids before relaxing on the white sands of Bengal Bay.

When is the Blue Hole open over the year?

The Blue Hole is open year round. The trails can be slippery on rainy days and extra care should be taken at those times.

What are the opening times?

The Blue Hole is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day.

When is the best time to visit the Blue Hole?

The best time to visit Blue Hole is from November to mid-December, just before the peak tourist season. Between mid-December to April the weather is optimal for a beach holiday.

Are there any tours to Blue Hole from other cities in Jamaica?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Jamaica:

• Day trips to Blue Hole from Montego Bay
• Day tours to Blue Hole from Negril
• Blue Hole day trips from Runaway Bay
• Blue Hole day tours from Ocho Rios

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Wear lightweight clothing and a swimsuit
• Bring or rent a life vest if you are not a strong swimmer.
• Water shoes will protect your feet from sharp rocks.
• Bring a small amount of cash to pay for a locker.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel.
• Pack insect repellent.