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Whether you call it the Ocho Rios Blue Hole or the Cool Blue Hole, one thing remains the same—this spot is one of Jamaica’s most breathtaking attractions. So much so that many travelers put it at the top of their to-do list when planning a Jamaican getaway.

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So, what exactly is the Cool Blue Hole? This hidden gem consists of a series of natural limestone pools—essentially water-filled sinkholes set in a secluded area surrounded by waterfalls. Its name comes from the brilliant blue color of the water, so inviting that you’ll want to jump in the moment you arrive.

At the Cool Blue Hole, you can swim, hike, cliff dive, and even swing into the water on a rope—Tarzan style! But before we dive in, let’s explore all the ways you can make your visit to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole a truly magical experience!

Picture: You’re well on your way to an unforgettable visit to the ‘Cool Blue Hole’ in Jamaica, but first, some all-inclusive views from the family-friendly Beaches Ocho Rios!

Things to do at the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios

Take the Plunge—Your Way

There’s more than one way to dive into the adventure at the Ocho Rios Blue Hole, making the experience even more exciting. If you’re feeling bold, take a thrilling jump from about six feet above into the 20-foot-deep blue waters. For an extra adrenaline rush, grab the rope swing and soar over the water before letting go. Not a fan of heights? No worries—you can climb down the rocks and ease your way in at your own pace.

Image credit: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com

Jumping into the Blue Hole is pure excitement, and if you time it right, you might even get the perfect mid-air photo! The blue hole itself is pretty deep, so you’ll be safe using the rope swings, or jumping in from one of the surrounding cliffs. Before jumping in be sure to get instructions from the tour guides on where and how to jump safely. With safety at the forefront, you can enjoy all the thrilling ways to dive into this natural wonder.

Enjoy the cool blue waters

Ahh… the refreshing blue waters of the Cool Blue Hole. Falling in love with this attraction is as easy as a first glance! The enticement of this attraction has everything to do with how rejuvenating it feels to take a dip here, and how every care just seems to fade away. The water is fascinating enough to look at with its stunning turquoise hue and getting into it is even more exhilarating!

Image credit: Photo Spirit/Shutterstock.com

You’ll be doing your skin a favor as you soak in the nourishing, mineral-rich water of the
Ocho Rios Blue Hole. Swim and splash around as much as you’d like and even explore the little cave that’s partly hidden by the water pouring over the rocks. Once you get in, you’ll be able to climb onto one of the surrounding rocks to relax and take in the amazing views!

Hike to Secret Falls

Secret Falls is not too far away from the Ocho Rios Blue Hole. If you visit the blue hole, it can be a cool hiking experience to walk the 10 minutes along the river to get to Secret Falls. This is quite a scenic hike and once you get there, you’ll find a 20-ft waterfall, a few natural swimming pools, rope swings, and spaces to cliff jump if you’re looking for some excitement. The best part about the hike to Secret Falls is that it is quite shady as the trees make for an excellent natural canopy!

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Expert tip: No matter which of the Jamaica resorts you choose to stay in, there’s lots of interesting things to do in Jamaica with kids. Aside from the Ocho Rios Blue Hole, some of the attractions children will love on this island include Dunn’s River Falls, Konoko Falls, Mystic Mountain, and going to Jamaica water parks like the Pirates Island Water Park at Beaches Resorts.

https://www.beaches.com/resorts/turks-caicos/activities/waterpark/

What to expect when you get to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole

Entrance Fees

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of $20 USD per adult to access the Cool Blue Hole in Jamaica. With most tours, your entrance fee will be included in the cost of your package. If you’re not sure, confirm this detail with the tour operator before booking. Children pay half the price to access the Ocho Rios Blue Hole ($10 USD).

Food and drink

Nothing builds anticipation like the thought of delicious food after an incredible adventure! After your Cool Blue Hole tour, one of the popular spots you might visit is Linda’s Jerk & Seafood Restaurant. Many tours stop here for lunch or dinner, but some include meals from other restaurants or cafés in the area. If you’re curious about what’s included, be sure to check with your tour operator during booking.

Along the way to Secret Falls or near the Cool Blue Hole, you may also come across local vendors selling fresh coconuts or Jamaica’s famous Red Stripe Beer—a refreshing way to cap off your adventure!

Lockers, bathrooms, and other amenities

If you want somewhere safe to store your belongings while at the Cool Blue Hole, lockers are available on-site for $2 USD each. These are great for keeping clothing, shoes, and personal items safe while you explore. There are also bathrooms and changing rooms on-site that are useful for changing into swimwear or back into dry clothes when you’re done splashing around.

Getting to the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios

The Blue Hole is on the north coast of Jamaica in Saint Ann Parish. This attraction in the hills of Ocho Rios appeals to anyone hoping for a nature-oriented experience that includes hiking and swimming in natural pools. Located about 30 minutes from the town center, the Ocho Rios Blue Hole is somewhat off the beaten path. While it might be tempting to drive there yourself, joining a tour group is often the easier option. It’s worth keeping in mind that finding a taxi to get to this attraction can be challenging, as drivers tend to avoid the rough road that leads to the Blue Hole to protect their vehicles. Booking a tour can save you the inconvenience.

Booking a tour to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole

There are plenty of tour options for the Ocho Rios Blue Hole, including half-day and full-day excursions. Most tours offer pick-up and drop-off from your resort, making it easy to head out on your adventure and return hassle-free. Most of these include pick-up and drop-off, so you won’t have any issues getting to the attraction and back to your resort.

For the Cool Blue Hole, you can choose between a one-stop tour or a combination tour that lets you explore two attractions in one day—like the River Tubing and Blue Hole Experience Ocho Rios offered by Island Routes. Tours of this nature typically include a guided experience making it possible to gain local insights along the way. There are a few different combination tours to choose from—it all depends on what you’re looking for.

Expert tip: For the most convenient and cost-effective access to the Cool Blue Hole, stay at one of the Ocho Rios resorts and book your tour directly through the tour desk on the property.

Shuttle bus

If you prefer to arrange transportation separately, you can take a shuttle service to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole from Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, Tower Isle, or the airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. Shuttle services typically cost around $20 USD per person, especially for pickups from Ocho Rios or Tower Isle, with a minimum of four passengers required.

Expert tip: Planning a family vacation with older kids? Here are the best all-inclusive resorts for families with teenagers!

What to pack for your trip to the Ocho Rios Blue Hole

Swimwear and a towel

The highlight of the Cool Blue Hole is taking a dip in its dazzling turquoise waters—so swimwear is a must! A towel will also come in handy if you want to dry off quickly before heading on a hike or changing into fresh clothes. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider bringing a life jacket to help you float safely while still enjoying the experience. Don’t have one? No worries—life jackets are available for rent on-site.

A change of clothes

Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for a visit to the Cool Blue Hole, helping you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. Bringing along a dry change of clothes is also a great idea—whether for heading back to your resort or freshening up after a short hike to Secret Falls. Even if you don’t swim, having an extra outfit can be useful after exploring the area.

Water shoes

Water shoes are helpful when visiting waterfalls, some beaches, and other locations in Jamaica like the Cool Blue Hole. These can protect your feet from rocks and keep you comfortable in the water. If you don’t have your own water shoes, you can purchase a pair on-site once you get to the blue hole.

A small amount of cash

Bringing a little cash on hand can be useful at the Cool Blue Hole for things like** locker rentals, snacks, drinks or tips. Most tour packages cover the essentials, so you won’t need much—just enough for small extras.

Bug spray

Spending time in nature means bugs are inevitable. Ward off bug bites by bringing some insect repellant along with you, especially if you plan on spending a lot of time out in nature, hiking (perhaps to Secret Falls while visiting the Blue Hole?) or going on tours.

Sunscreen

With Jamaica’s year-round sunshine, sunscreen is a must-have. This is especially important during the hotter months, as sunburn can quickly put a damper on your vacation. For this adventure, waterproof sunscreen is ideal—just be sure to reapply throughout the day for maximum protection.

A camera

There will be no short supply of photo opportunities at the Ocho Rios Blue Hole whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just want some IG-worthy snaps. A waterproof camera (or a waterproof phone case) is highly recommended so you can take some amazing shots without worrying about water damage.

Good to know: You’re likely to leave the Ocho Rios Blue Hole raving about its beauty and serenity. There are other things to enjoy on this island as well like scuba diving in Jamaica.

Where can families stay near the Cool Blue Hole?

Picture: A spacious room with ocean views at the all-inclusive Beaches Ocho Rios. View rooms and suites.

The best places to stay in Jamaica are indeed the all-inclusive resorts where you can get that touch of luxury and adventure that make island vacations awesome. If this is what you’re looking for as part of your Jamaica vacation, then Beaches Ocho Rios will be a sure thrill. Beaches Resorts are ideal for families who love the water — there’s even a water park within this resort with exciting waterslides, a lazy river, and more!

There are also toddler water slides, a playground for kids, and lots of other kid-friendly inclusions like a Kids Camp and unlimited fun with land and water sports. Staying at Beaches Resorts in Jamaica will put you near some of the best attractions on the island including the Cool Blue Hole.

Expert tip: Want to enjoy the Ocho Rios Blue Hole while in Jamaica? If you’ll be staying at Beaches Ocho Rios, book this tour or any other Ocho Rios excursion you’re interested in through your resort. Don’t hesitate to ask resort staff for tips on the best Ocho Rios hot spots. They’re always happy to help!

Enjoy the Ocho Rios Blue Hole while in Jamaica!

Vacations are all about living in the present and creating new, fun memories. The Ocho Rios Blue Hole in Jamaica is a great place to do just that. Visiting this attraction can be one of your vacation highlights on this island whether you’ll be traveling as a group, couple, or on a family trip that includes children, particularly kids old enough to enjoy the blue hole.

Image credit: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com

Now that you know what to expect, all that’s left to do is plan your trip. Here are some Jamaica travel tips (dos and don’ts) and details on the best time to go to Jamaica to get you started!

Picture: Spend as much time in and around the water as you’d like with a Jamaica vacation at the all-inclusive Beaches Ocho Rios!