Blue hole waterfalls + horseback riding from Montego bay

Review · BLUE HOLE & SECRET FALLS TOURS

Blue hole waterfalls + horseback riding from Montego bay

★ 5.0 · 5 reviews From $170 Operated by SSJ Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

Two kinds of water fun in one morning. I love the horseback ride through shallow water to a beach route, and I also love the Blue Hole waterfall time with rope swings and cliff jumping. The one thing to keep in mind is that the tour needs good weather, so plans can shift if conditions are rough.

This is a 5 to 6 hour private outing starting at 8:30 am from the Montego Bay area, and it’s built for people who want real Jamaica time—active, outdoors, and not stuck behind a bus window. The price is $170 per person, and it includes all fees and taxes, plus Blue Hole admission.

One extra detail I really appreciate: you’re not left to figure things out on your own. On the horseback portion, guides stay with you and share local stories while you ride, and you’ll likely have friendly support from guides such as Jay and Nate (depending on your group).

Key highlights worth knowing

Blue hole waterfalls + horseback riding from Montego bay - Key highlights worth knowing

  • Horseback riding that actually goes toward the water: You ride out on a trail, then head toward the beach area and ride around in the water.
  • Blue Hole fun with rope swings and cliff jumping: Your Blue Hole stop is focused on active water time (about 45 minutes).
  • Private tour means just your group: Less waiting, more attention, and a calmer pace than big group trips.
  • All fees and taxes included in the price: You’re not hit with extra gate fees on the day.
  • Good-weather dependent: If Jamaica is having a rainy spell, the schedule can change or you may get a refund.

Getting From Montego Bay: Pickup and a Calm 8:30 Start

Blue hole waterfalls + horseback riding from Montego bay - Getting From Montego Bay: Pickup and a Calm 8:30 Start
This tour is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am, which is a smart start if you want to get the active stuff done while the day is still fresh. Pickup is offered, so you’re not spending vacation time hunting transport or coordinating rides. You’ll also get a mobile ticket, which makes the day feel simpler.

Because it’s a private tour/activity, your timing is usually more flexible than a large shared group. That matters here, since the experience includes water activities and the provider notes it requires good weather. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you should expect alternate arrangements or a full refund.

Ocho Rios Horseback Riding: Beach Trails and Water-Adjacent Fun

Blue hole waterfalls + horseback riding from Montego bay - Ocho Rios Horseback Riding: Beach Trails and Water-Adjacent Fun
Your first stop is in Ocho Rios, where the main event is a horseback ride on a trail that leads toward the beach. The schedule is about 1 hour, and the itinerary specifies a route where you ride around the area and ride around in the water before heading back to the stables.

This part is great if you want Jamaica in a hands-on way. It’s not just seeing horses from a distance—you’re actually on them, moving through a local setting, and you get a feel for the coastline and village scenery along the route.

A practical consideration: water + horses means you should treat this as a swim-adjacent activity even if you don’t plan to get fully soaked. Wear something you can handle when wet, and bring a way to keep your phone from taking a saltwater bath.

One more reassuring detail from past guests: during the ride, guides make a point of staying with you and offering support, plus sharing local facts as you move along. If you’re a first-timer, that kind of attention is exactly what you want.

Blue Hole Waterfalls: Rope Swings, Cliff Jumping, and Tight Timing

Next you head to the Blue Hole, the part most people remember. Your Blue Hole stop is listed at about 45 minutes, and that time is set aside for the included activities: rope swings and cliff jumping in the waterfall water.

This is the kind of stop where the clock really matters. Forty-five minutes can feel both perfect and short, depending on your comfort level. If you want multiple goes on the rope swings or want time to build confidence before any jumping, you may wish the stop were longer—but the quick, concentrated format keeps the energy high and the day moving.

What’s valuable here is that Blue Hole isn’t framed as a passive sightseeing stop. It’s an action stop, and that’s why it works so well in a 5 to 6 hour total tour window from Montego Bay.

If you’re not confident about the water activities, you can still enjoy the scenery and energy around the falls, but you should be honest with yourself about what you’ll actually attempt. The listing notes that most travelers can participate, but it doesn’t promise every participant can do every single action comfortably.

What You’re Paying For: $170 Value With Fees Included

At $170 per person, you’re paying for a full morning/early afternoon that combines transportation (pickup offered), two different activity areas (Ocho Rios horseback + Blue Hole), and included site costs.

Here’s the value breakdown that matters:

  • All fees and taxes are included in the price.
  • Blue Hole admission is included in the Stop 2 portion.
  • For the horseback stop (Stop 1), the itinerary shows an admission ticket free listing, which suggests you won’t need an extra purchase just to take part in that segment.

What you’ll still need to plan for:

  • Lunch isn’t included
  • Breakfast isn’t included

So, the real “cost” isn’t just the $170. It’s also what you eat before and after, plus the small gear choices that make water days easier (like water shoes). If you skip lunch planning, you’ll feel it later in the day.

One more timing note: the tour’s duration is 5 to 6 hours. For many people, that’s a sweet spot—long enough to feel like you got out of Montego Bay in a meaningful way, but not so long that you’re exhausted before dinner.

Guide Support That Makes the Difference (Jay, Nate, and On-Trip Help)

I especially like tours where safety and confidence are part of the package, not an afterthought. Past guests have highlighted that during the horseback riding, you aren’t left to do your own thing—you get someone with you the whole time while riding, plus guidance to help you enjoy it without stress.

The guides named in reviews—Jay and Nate—also came up as friendly, patient, and professional. That matters because the experience includes water and motion. If something feels uncertain, good guidance turns it from “just survive this” into “actually have fun.”

On the horseback side, guests also noted that the guides share historical facts about the area while you ride. That turns the ride from pure recreation into a more meaningful experience. You’re learning while you’re moving.

What to Bring and How to Plan Your Day

Since the itinerary includes water activities (both horseback riding in water and Blue Hole jumping), plan your packing like this:

  • Swimsuit and a change of clothes for later
  • A towel (or at least something you can dry with)
  • Water-friendly shoes or protection for your feet
  • Sunscreen (if you use it)

For food, remember the listing says breakfast and lunch aren’t included. With an 8:30 am start, you’ll want breakfast handled before pickup, and you’ll want a lunch plan for after the Blue Hole portion (or a snack you can grab during downtime if that’s available on the day).

Also, because the provider says the experience requires good weather, keep expectations realistic. If rain is heavy, don’t be shocked if your day gets rescheduled. That’s not a bait-and-switch; it’s part of how water activities work.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This tour is a great match if you want Jamaica that’s active and not overly structured. You get:

  • A horseback experience that includes a beach-area route and water time
  • A Blue Hole experience built around rope swings and cliff jumping
  • A private-group feel with pickup and included fees

It also fits couples and small groups who want a memorable day that’s different from typical all-day bus tours. One nice thing about private tours is that the day usually feels less hectic, and you’re more likely to get the attention you need.

You might reconsider if:

  • You’re uncomfortable with the idea of cliff jumping or rope swings
  • You don’t do well with getting wet (both segments involve water)
  • Your schedule can’t handle possible weather-based changes

The good news is that the tour notes that most travelers can participate, which suggests the team is used to handling a range of comfort levels. Still, only you know what you’ll enjoy doing once you’re in the water.

Should You Book Blue Hole Waterfalls + Horses from Montego Bay?

If you want one of the most fun, hands-on combinations in the Ocho Rios area—horses in the water and Blue Hole action—this is a solid choice. The price is not cheap, but it’s not just “transport and vibes” either: you get included fees and taxes, plus Blue Hole admission, and the itinerary is built around real activities rather than long waits.

I’d book it if you’re the type who likes to do the activity, not just watch it. And if you’re the type who wants a friendly guide presence—like the support described by guests who rode with guides such as Jay and Nate—this tour has the right ingredients.

If you’re primarily looking for lounging, sightseeing-only photos, or zero-water activities, you may feel out of place. But if you want to make Jamaica feel physical and memorable, this one is worth your consideration.

FAQ

What’s the tour duration?

It’s listed as approximately 5 to 6 hours.

Where does the tour happen?

The tour is based around Montego Bay, Jamaica, with stops in Ocho Rios.

What time does it start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes all fees and taxes. Blue Hole admission is included for Stop 2, and Stop 1 shows an admission ticket as free.

What isn’t included?

Lunch and breakfast aren’t included.

Will I get a ticket on my phone?

Yes. The tour offers a mobile ticket.

What’s the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers.