If you love the water, you’ll find a lot of things to do in Jamaica. You may have heard that you have to see “the blue hole in Jamaica.” It’s true! But the question is, which one? Because there are two places people call the “Jamaica Blue Hole,” and they are both well worth your time. So grab your flippers and your sunscreen, and let’s check them out.
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The Blue Hole Jamaica #1: Blue Hole Mineral Springs
The first blue hole Jamaica has to offer is a mineral spring. The Blue Hole Mineral Springs is located in the community of Little Bay, about half an hour from Negril, on the west coast of the island.
Original Image: CC SA 3.0 by burmesedays, via Wikimedia Commons – red numbers added to indicate the location of the attraction.
A mineral spring is a naturally occurring spring that produces water containing minerals, such as salts, sulfur, and various gasses. These substances dissolve in the spring water as it travels underground. For thousands of years, people have flocked to mineral springs around the world to “take the waters,” and enjoy the springs’ therapeutic properties. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed bathing in spring water to ease different conditions. And there are records of people pursuing hydrotherapy in ancient Greece, China, Rome, Japan, and other places as well. Today, there are popular mineral springs resorts in Latin America, the United States, Europe…and Jamaica, too!
The Blue Hole Mineral Spring is a place to have fun, as well as to relax. Adventurous travelers can jump from a height of 22 feet into the cold spring pool underground. It’s perfectly safe. The pool itself is 40 feet by 50 feet, and 35 feet deep. If you’re not up for the jump, you can use a ladder to descend into the cavern. And if you’d rather have your fun on the surface, you can take a dip in the nearby swimming pool that is fed with the same mineral water.
In addition, there are cabanas, where you can enjoy the sun and a book. Also, you can play beach volleyball on the nearby courts. Food and drink are available onsite, and on Sundays, the owner hosts an all-day party. You should definitely check it out!
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Where? When? How Much?
The Blue Hole Mineral Spring opens at 9:00 a.m., seven days a week. The pool and mineral spring remain open until dark. When night falls, the bar opens to serve guests into the wee hours — until the last guest leaves.
Admission is $10 per person. Round-trip transportation to the springs is $60 per person. You can also book a tour.
Check out one traveler’s adventure in the video below.
Where to Stay Nearby
The town of Negril has a well-developed tourist industry, which means there are many places to stay, large and small. From individually owned guesthouses and AirBnB accommodations to all-inclusive spa resorts. Here are a few of our favorites.
Negril Treehouse Resort
This unique, low-key resort is a half hour walk to Kool Runnings Water Park and only 4 km from the Negril City Center. Amenities include breakfast, pools, a private beach, a gym, and sports activities. They also offer live music. The rooms are all ensuite, with a kitchenette. Visit their website for rates and more information.
The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel
If you want an adults-only luxury spa experience, this may be the place for you. The Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel offers 18 handcrafted stone cottages with tropical gardens, men’s and women’s spa retreats, golf, and more. There are sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs. Guests will also enjoy fine dining and personal concierge services. This is a terrific escape for couples. Visit their website for rates and more information.
The Blue Hole Jamaica #2: Irie Blue Hole Falls
The second blue hole Jamaica has for you is the Irie Blue Hole Falls and swimming hole. Also called the Island Gully Falls, the Irie Blue Hole is a 25-minute drive from Ocho Rios Port, on the northern coast of the island.
Original Image: CC SA 3.0 by burmesedays, via Wikimedia Commons – red numbers added to indicate the location of the attraction.
Many consider “Blue Hole” to be a natural wonder. It’s a deep cavern, hidden away in a rainforest in the hills. Waterfalls pour into the hole from the sides. Rocks, studded with vegetation, surround the water, and vines hang down from above.
Image: Public Domain, by Ishamari Drennan-Colón, via Flickr.
There is plenty of deep water for adventurous divers. Swimmers will enjoy paddling in the various lagoons, where the water is stunningly clear. Thrill seekers will love the giant rope swing, the cliff jump, and the opportunity to explore nearby caves. In addition, you can book a tour that includes not only transportation to and from the falls, but also white river tubing, zip lines, and more.
Even better, this is not an official Jamaican Tourist Board attraction, so there are no vendors to bother visitors and no long lines. It’s a very family-friendly attraction, and you could easily spend all day there.
Getting There
In order to get to Irie Blue Hole Falls, you’ll need to book round-trip transport from Ocho Rios. Fortunately, there is a well-developed tours industry in the area. Cool Blue Tours is one company that offers a variety of transportation and tour options. You can also check out this roundup of different tour packages.
It is possible to rent a car and drive yourself to the falls. However, you would do well to hire a local guide or even a driver. This not only supports local businesses but will ensure that you have the information you will need to reach the falls safely. In addition, a guide will know the different routes down the falls and how to find the deep water spots. They can also provide entertaining companionship for solo and small group travelers.
Because of the rocky terrain, you should wear water shoes. Also, swimsuits are mandatory. You can read about one family’s Irie Blue Hole Falls adventure at Tips for Family Trips.
Important Information
The Blue Hole Falls is open year round. Winter, the dry season, is also the peak season. Summer is the wet season. The falls are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every day except Saturday. You can check out their website for the most current information.
Admission is $15 per adult and $10 per child under 12 years of age.
Where to Stay Nearby
Image: CC SA 3.0, by Patricia Edwards, via Wikimedia Commons.
Ocho Rios is an extremely popular tourist destination, and you’ll have your choice of options. From small, locally owned villas to guest houses to large hotels and all-inclusive resorts. Here are a few of our favorites.
Akwaaba at Silver Sands
Akwaaba is the Ghanaian word for Welcome, and you will certainly feel welcome here. You can rent this gorgeous villa as either a three bedroom or four bedroom property. All bedrooms are ensuite and air-conditioned. In addition, one of the bedrooms has a whirlpool tub.
Club Hotel Riu
If you’re looking for a larger, hotel type accommodation, Club Hotel Riu might fit the bill. This all-inclusive hotel has all the amenities, including pools, jacuzzi, cable, gyms, saunas, a spa, and restaurants. If that’s not enough, Club Hotel Riu is located on a beachfront and surrounded by woods and waterfalls.
Other Options
Make sure to check out the Jamaican Tourist Board website for other accommodation options. In addition, there are dozens of Airbnb options available in the area.
Conclusions
There are so many things to do in Jamaica. From hiking to picnicking to mineral springs. From high cliff jumps to paddling in rainforest lagoons. And lucky you, there is not only one Jamaica blue hole, but two. And they’re both terrific for adults and families alike. Which one would you like to visit? Scratch that. Which one do you want to visit first?
Featured Image: CC BY 2.0, by Nigel Burgher, via Flickr.
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