Updated in September 2026, this Blue Hole Jamaica guide covers ticket prices, opening hours, parking, accessibility and what to see.
The Blue Hole is a natural swimming attraction in Thatch Hill, St Ann, about 20 minutes from Ocho Rios. Several similarly named ticket sellers operate in the area, so this guide covers Original Blue Hole Jamaica, the site’s official operator on Thatch Hill Road. Non-resident adult admission is $24.50, though other tours and listings quote different rates. This guide was updated in September 2026 to reflect current details from the official operator.
Quick facts about the Blue Hole
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Thatch Hill Road, Thatch Hill, St Ann, Jamaica |
| Opening hours | 8am–5pm daily |
| Adult admission (non-resident) | $24.50 USD |
| Child admission (3–11, non-resident) | $19.50 USD |
| Infant admission (0–2) | Free |
| Parking | On site |
| Typical visit duration | 1.5–2 hours |
Why book Blue Hole Jamaica tickets?
- 🏛️ Eight natural pools: Explore a series of mineral spring pools connected by waterfalls and jump-offs.
- 🎟️ Trained lifeguards on site: Qualified lifeguards and tour assistants escort every visit.
- 🌿 A mineral mud bath cave: Cool off in an underwater cave filled with skin-nourishing mineral mud.
- 📜 Discovered by a local nature lover: Kevon McDonald developed the site after discovering the falls.
- 💰 A resident discount: Jamaican residents pay a reduced local rate on admission.
Opening hours at the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole opens seven days a week, from 8am to 5pm.
Ticket prices for the Blue Hole
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Resident adult | 1,500 JMD |
| Resident child (3–11) | 750 JMD |
| Non-resident adult | 3,750 JMD / $24.50 USD |
| Non-resident child (3–11) | 3,000 JMD / $19.50 USD |
| Child (0–2) | Free |
Admission includes access to the natural pools, waterfalls and mud bath cave, along with the rope swing, rock jump, river trail and nature walk. Tour packages sold through third-party operators often bundle transport and a guide, so their prices differ from the gate rate above. Prices are current as of September 2026 and may change without notice. You can book through Viator to secure your ticket in advance.
How to get to the Blue Hole
By car, the Blue Hole is on Thatch Hill Road, in the hills above Ocho Rios, about 20 to 30 minutes from the town centre. The turn-off can be difficult to find, so many visitors arrive as part of a guided tour with transport included.
Parking at the Blue Hole
Parking is available on site.
How long to spend at the Blue Hole
Most visitors spend one and a half to two hours here, enough time to explore the pools, take a dip in the mud bath and walk the nature trail.
Accessibility at the Blue Hole
The Blue Hole isn’t wheelchair accessible, due to the site’s uneven, natural terrain.
What to see at the Blue Hole
The natural pools. Eight connected mineral spring pools, with four jump-off points for the more adventurous.
The mud bath cave. An underwater cave filled with mineral-rich mud, said to nourish the skin.
Waterfalls. A rope swing, rock jump and waterfall jump give a choice of ways to get wet.
The river trail. A nature walk follows the river through the surrounding forest.
The outdoor eatery and sports bar. Authentic Jamaican cuisine and tropical drinks are served on site.
Practical tips for visiting the Blue Hole
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visit in the dry season | Jamaica’s rainy months, in May, October and November, can make the rocks slick. |
| Bring water shoes | The rocks around the pools and waterfalls can be slippery. |
| Arrive early | The site is popular with tour groups, so mornings tend to be quieter. |
| Bring a small amount of cash | For tips, snacks and anything not included in admission. |
| Book tickets in advance | Advance booking is recommended, especially in peak season, and you can book through Viator. |
Frequently asked questions about the Blue Hole
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this the same as the Blue Lagoon? | No, the Blue Lagoon is a separate attraction in Port Antonio, on the other side of the island. |
| Is the Blue Hole wheelchair accessible? | No, the natural terrain makes it unsuitable for wheelchairs. |
| Do I need to book a tour, or can I visit independently? | Both are possible, though many visitors book a guided tour since the site can be hard to find on your own. |
| What’s included in the admission fee? | The natural pools, waterfalls, mud bath cave, rope swing and nature trail. |
| Should I book in advance? | Yes, particularly in peak season. You can book in advance through Viator. |
Things to do near the Blue Hole
Dunn’s River Falls is a famous terraced waterfall a short drive away, one of Jamaica’s best-known attractions.
The White River runs nearby, popular for lazy-river tubing trips through the rainforest.
Mystic Mountain offers a chairlift, bobsled ride and zipline above the forest canopy, a short drive from the Blue Hole.
Ocho Rios town has shops, markets and beaches, about 20 to 30 minutes away.
Konoko Falls is a smaller, less crowded waterfall and botanical garden, also a short drive from the Blue Hole.
Alternative attractions to the Blue Hole
The Blue Lagoon, in Port Antonio, is a deep, brilliantly coloured natural lagoon on the opposite side of the island, about two and a half hours away.
YS Falls, in St Elizabeth, offers a series of cascading waterfalls with rope swings and a canopy tour, about two hours away.
Reach Falls, in Portland, is a quieter alternative with natural pools and guided river walks, about two hours away.
Mayfield Falls, in Westmoreland, is known for its gentle terraced pools, suited to families, about two and a half hours away.
Somerset Falls, also in Portland, combines a boat ride with a walk to a hidden waterfall, about two hours away.
More Jamaica travel
Other Jamaica travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Rum-tasting at the Appleton Estate in Jamaica.
- How to visit YS Falls in Jamaica.
- Rose Hall Great House visitor guide: What to expect at the old plantation house near Montego Bay.
- What to expect at the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
- Plan your visit to Konoko Falls, Ocho Rios: Guide with hours, prices and waterfall climb tips.
