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Blue hole · Ocho Rios

Blue Hole (Island Gully Falls), Ocho Rios: a local's guide

By Michael RainfordBorn and raised in JamaicaPrices & hours checked Sources
Small waterfall into a turquoise pool with flags hung above at Blue Hole
On this page
  1. My local take
  2. How to get there
  3. What to expect
  4. Local tips
  5. Before you go
  6. FAQ
  7. Sources

My local take

In Jamaica, “blue hole” is what we call any deep, clear swimming spot on a river, so there are blue holes all over the island. The one tour drivers in Ocho Rios mean is up in the hills south-east of town, where a river drops through a string of pools that really are that blue. The attraction there is Island Gully Falls, which says it is licensed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) and featured by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Locals will also tell you that more than one group works the same river, and you may be waved toward other entrances on the way in. My take: go to Island Gully Falls, the licensed site, so you have trained guides, life jackets and toilets. Compared with Dunn’s River Falls, this is less of a climb and more about swimming, rope swings and jumping into deep water, with smaller crowds. It suits confident swimmers and teenagers best. If someone in your group can’t swim, Konoko Falls is the gentler choice.

For the classic climb, see Dunn’s River Falls, and for a shorter climb with gardens, Konoko Falls. For hotels and the rest of the area, see our Ocho Rios guide.

How to get there

Island Gully Falls gives its address as Thatch Hill Road, Lodge, St Ann, and puts it about 8 km (5 miles), or roughly 20 minutes, from Ocho Rios town. The last stretch is on narrow country roads into the hills, so most visitors come with a driver who knows the way. From resorts east of town, such as Couples Sans Souci, the turn-off is on your side of town.

From Montego Bay the operator gives about 111 km (69 miles), a little over two hours by road. From Kingston it’s about 98 km (61 miles), roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. From Negril it’s too far for a comfortable day trip.

Without a car: There's no simple public transport to the site. Book a licensed taxi or tour from Ocho Rios, or arrange a driver who will wait for you, since taxis are scarce up in the hills.

What to expect

The site is a series of river pools and small waterfalls with rope swings, cliff jumps, natural rock terraces to climb and forest trails between photo stops. Guides take you through it, and the operator says each guide is a trained lifeguard.

Facilities listed by the operator include showers, changing rooms and restrooms, rentable lockers, a gift shop, snack and drink bars by the water, and photo packages, which cost extra. Life jackets are free to use on the property.

You can buy e-tickets on the official site, and the operator says entry, snacks, souvenirs and photos can be paid in cash or by card.

Local tips

  • Bring water shoes. They’re required, and buying a pair at the gate adds to the cost.

  • Pack a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and bug spray. It’s a wet, green, river spot.

  • Check the depth with your guide before every jump, and only jump where they tell you to.

  • Agree with your driver before you leave town that you’re going to Island Gully Falls. If they suggest a different “Blue Hole” entrance on the way, it’s fine to say no.

  • Plan around Saturdays. The operator lists opening hours for Sunday to Friday only.

Before you go

  • This is deep, moving water. It’s not the place for weak swimmers, even with a life jacket. If you’re pregnant or have a back or neck injury, skip the jumps and rope swings.
  • Wet rock, slippery steps and trails mean it isn’t suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

Questions people ask

How much does the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios cost?

On October 8, 2026, Island Gully Falls listed entry at US$25 for non-resident adults and US$15 for children 10 and under. Residents pay J$1,500 for adults and J$1,000 for children. Transport, lockers, water shoes and photos are extra.

Is Island Gully Falls the same as the Blue Hole?

Yes. Island Gully Falls calls itself the Blue Hole, and it’s the site most Ocho Rios tours mean. Other groups offer access to the same river, but Island Gully Falls is the one that says it is TPDCo-licensed and featured by the Jamaica Tourist Board.

How far is the Blue Hole from Ocho Rios?

The operator puts it about 8 km (5 miles), roughly a 20-minute drive, from Ocho Rios town. From Montego Bay it’s a little over two hours by road.

Do you need to be able to swim at the Blue Hole?

It helps a lot. The pools are deep and the main activities are swimming, rope swings and jumping. Life jackets are free to use on site, and the guides are trained lifeguards, but weak swimmers will get less out of it than at Konoko Falls or Dunn’s River.

Is the Blue Hole open on Saturdays?

The operator lists opening hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Sunday to Friday, so don’t plan a Saturday visit without checking with them first.

Sources & updates

Update log

  • — Rewritten as a researched guide; facts re-checked.
  • — Link refresh: Swapped Moon Palace Jamaica link for Couples Sans Souci (also east of town).
  • — Removed repeated advice
  • — Trimmed hurricane references to where they change the advice

Spotted something out of date? Tell me and I’ll check it.

Where to stay nearby

Where to stay in Ocho Rios