In Jamaica, there are a number of water bodies which have an azure natural pool that are referred to as a ‘blue hole’, usually due to an electric-blue hue from water minerals. Some known blue hole Jamaica spots include Westmoreland’s Roaring River head and Blue Hole mineral spring. The most popular Blue Hole in Jamaica is probably White River’s deep pool at the base of a sloped waterfall. White River flows through the parishes of St. Ann and St. Mary, and is also the heart of multiple water attractions and tours. It runs 17 miles, and is 1 of 8 rivers in and around Ocho Rios resort town. A variety of excursions on the river are offered in different areas, like river tubing, calypso rafting, and blue hole jumping. The aquamarine waters widely known as Blue Hole Jamaica are located in lush hills on the north coast, about 15 minutes from the centre of Ocho Rios.

BLUE HOLE

By the way, quick reminder…

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Blue Hole Jamaica

Blue Hole is a series of water-filled limestone sinkholes, complimented by a large waterfall. Limestone makes water clearer, and the brilliant hue makes this Blue Hole one of the most captivating water bodies in Jamaica, in good company of local favourites like Blue Lagoon and Glistening Waters. It flows over a collection of natural pools, mini cascades, and hidden caverns to make beautiful, relaxing days by the river.

Environs at Blue Hole Jamaica call for swimwear, water-friendly shoes, a little insect repellent and some sunscreen! The river can be very deep in some parts and standable in other parts. It’s recommended to follow resident guides and check the water depth with each step. Non-swimmers can still enjoy the water, though swimmers of all levels should be mindful of the water current and uneven riverbed. Rich vegetation surrounds walking trails along the river. A 10- to 20-minute journey through nature reveals its main waterfall. 

Blue Hole Jamaica Tours

This off-the-beaten path gem turned a once-quiet area into a tourist hotspot. The famous Blue Hole has swelled in popularity over the last decade. It can be accessed through a number of attractions in the area, within minutes of each other. The roadway has also improved over the years, and from my experiences these spots are easy to find with the help of Google Maps.

Residents and vendors tend to hang outside Blue Hole attraction entrances, selling items ranging from refreshing coconuts to souvenirs to high-grade herbs. Being tucked in the countryside, this popular spot has amenities that some hidden rivers don’t always have. At the time of this post, the following Blue Hole tours offer:

• Guides (which may or may not be certified)
• Life jackets 
• Bathrooms 
• Changing rooms
• Bar area(s) 
• Small lockers rentals for personal items

Bridge Farm Blue Hole

Bridge Farm Blue Hole’s somewhat-concealed entrance may cause people to bypass this attraction…I know I did! After parking on the roadway by the signage then descending a flight of stairs you’re greeted with delightful gardens surrounding natural pools and streams. 

The main bar overlooks the clear river. It offers a selection of drinks while granting front-row seats to the rope swing jump. The collection of exotic plants and flowers create multiple scenic picnic areas. Swimming areas here offer these activities:

• Rope swing 
• Blue Hole jumping, from a height of ~6 feet
• Jungle Trail, a ~20 minute nature hike to the popular Blue Hole waterfall and other swim spots

There is a bridge on the property which reportedly straddles the border of St. Mary and St. Ann, allowing you to step onto both parishes with each crossing. The bright environs, smaller crowds, and warm hospitality experienced here make Bridge Farm Blue Hole my favourite of the visited Blue Hole Jamaica attractions near Ocho Rios so far!

Cascade Blue Hole

Cascade Blue Hole is named after the Cascade area, and should not be confused with Cascade waterfall in Portland. It has a closer access point to the popular Blue Hole waterfall when compared to Bridge Farm’s property. The main offered activities at Cascade Blue Hole are:

• Blue Hole jumping, from different heights 
• Climbing down the waterfall rockface
• Waterfall curtain shower/massage

Island Gully Falls Blue Hole 

Island Gully Falls is also known as Blue Hole’s Secret Falls. There are over a dozen waterfalls on the premises, but the 20ft sloped cascade is a landmark that pours into the main pool. This is the heart of the various Blue Hole attractions; tour operators may use ‘Island Gully Falls’ and ‘Blue Hole’ interchangeably because of this. The water by the falls is mostly deep with varying currents. The top activities at Island Gully Falls are:

• Cliff jumping, from different spots that go up to 15 feet high
• Climbing down the waterfall rockface

Conclusion

If you’re a water lover looking for a day trip on the north coast, Blue Hole Jamaica will probably be 1 of the top recommended things to do. Beautiful art crafted by nature is exhibited in the areas along the river’s path. Nowadays it should be fairly easy to find a Blue Hole tour, thanks to the hypnotic appeal of the water (and infrastructure developments). Whichever Blue Hole Jamaica tour you choose should be filled to the brim with natural beauty and refreshing dips!

How would you spend your day at Blue Hole???