Kennedy’s Horseback riding, Blue Hole and Secret Falls from Montego Bay

The best part of this Montego Bay day trip is the change of scene: you ride a horse from the forest into the Caribbean Sea, then trade the salt water for cool river pools at Blue Hole and Secret Falls. Horseback riding in the sea is the unusual centerpiece, while the falls add a more active, splashy hour.

I like the private transportation and the fact that admission to Blue Hole is included. Drivers such as Ian, Dwayne, Jason, and Captain Kirk have earned praise for smooth driving, good conversation, and patience. The main drawback is the long, full day. Rain can also turn the Blue Hole water cloudy, and the jumping activities are not for everyone.

Key points to know

• Ride from woodland trails into the sea: The horseback portion lasts about one hour and includes both forest riding and time in the Caribbean water.
• Blue Hole is the active stop: Expect a rainforest walk, river swimming, and optional jumps at several points.
• Your driver stays with your party: Private transport gives you more control than a large shared coach.
• Ocho Rios shopping is brief: The craft market stop lasts about 30 minutes, so it is a quick browse rather than a full shopping session.
• Rain can change the plan: Heavy weather may make the Blue Hole water dirty enough to stop swimming.
• Budget about six to eight hours: Hotel pickup begins at 8:00 a.m., with time on the road between Montego Bay and St. Ann’s Bay.

From Montego Bay to St. Ann’s Bay

This is a road-based Jamaican excursion, not a compact resort activity. You leave Montego Bay in the morning, ride east toward St. Ann’s Bay, spend time at the water attractions, and return after a short stop in Ocho Rios.

The drive gives the day some local context. You pass through Discovery Bay, identified with Christopher Columbus’s 1494 arrival, and you can view Jamaica’s only open-air museum, with artifacts from the 1700s. These are brief roadside or sightseeing elements, not full guided museum visits, so keep your expectations modest.

Your air-conditioned vehicle matters here. The day involves several hours of transport, and the climate can be hot. Private transportation for your party also makes the trip feel less rigid. Drivers have received especially strong praise for being friendly and accommodating, with Ian, Dwayne, Jason, Donovan, Marlon, and Captain Kirk all singled out for good service.

The stated start time is 8:00 a.m. The full experience runs roughly six to eight hours, though the exact return time depends on traffic, pickup location, and how the day unfolds. If you want a quiet beach day, this is too much road and activity. If you want several Jamaican experiences in one outing, the distance earns its place.

Riding horses through the woods and into the sea

The first major activity takes place in St. Ann’s Bay. You spend about one hour on horseback, beginning on wooded trails before reaching the beach and entering the Caribbean Sea.

That sequence gives the ride more variety than a simple beach loop. You get the feel of a trail ride first, then the memorable change from dry ground to shallow seawater. The ocean portion is the moment most likely to stay with you, especially if you have never ridden a horse in the sea.

The pace and riding conditions can vary by group. You should expect an organized trail experience rather than a fast horseback excursion. Guides have been described as patient and accommodating, which is useful if you are new to riding or uneasy about entering the water.

Wear clothes that can get wet. A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and secure footwear are sensible choices. The supplied details do not specify locker or changing arrangements, so avoid bringing valuables that you cannot keep safely with you. Photos and video are not included in the price, and extra charges may apply if you want those keepsakes.

The ride suits people who want a first taste of horseback riding without giving up a full day to it. At one hour, it is long enough to feel like a real activity but short enough to leave energy for Blue Hole. You should still have a moderate level of physical fitness, as the day includes mounting a horse, trail movement, walking, and water activity.

Blue Hole and Secret Falls, with jumps and river pools

After horseback riding, the tour heads into the hills near Ocho Rios for about 90 minutes at Blue Hole. Here, the setting changes from open coast to forest and freshwater.

You walk through rainforest areas toward river pools and Secret Falls. The usual appeal is physical rather than passive: cool water, short hikes, and the chance to jump into the river from several points. The jumping is optional in practical terms, even if the activity is a major part of the fun. You can choose your comfort level, and one particularly useful point from the experience is that people who cannot swim have still felt supported by guides and fellow participants.

Certified lifeguards at Blue Hole have helped make the water activities feel more manageable. Still, you should be honest about your swimming ability and tell the guide if you are nervous. The tour description calls for moderate physical fitness, and the ground can be wet and uneven.

The stop is not only about leaping into water. You can also hike through the forest and cool off in the river. That gives you a way to enjoy the setting without taking every jump. Guides such as Dwayne and Marcus have been praised for patience and for helping people feel comfortable.

Weather is the biggest variable. Rain can muddy the Blue Hole water, and swimming may be stopped in those conditions. One account also involved waiting for a refund after the water activity could not proceed, so ask the operator directly about the refund process if weather cancels part of the day. This is a nature-based stop, not a guaranteed pool experience.

Bring a swimsuit and towel, and plan for wet clothes after the stop. You may also want a dry change of clothing for the ride back. Lunch is not listed as included, though some groups have stopped at Linda’s Cafe. Jerk chicken there received specific praise, but you should treat the meal as an optional extra, not part of the $170 price.

A quick craft market stop in Ocho Rios

The final planned stop is a craft market in Ocho Rios, with about 30 minutes for souvenirs and browsing. This is a short visit, so you will need to decide quickly what interests you.

You might find this a useful chance to look for a small Jamaican craft or gift after the more physical activities. It also gives you a short break before the return drive. If shopping is your main goal, however, half an hour will feel limited.

Shopping costs are not included. The same applies to tips and photos. Carry your spending money separately from your activity gear, and remember that the day’s fixed price covers transport, taxes, and admission fees, not personal purchases.

What the $170 price really covers

At $170 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Jamaica. Its value comes from combining three distinct activities and including the practical pieces that can add up quickly: hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, Blue Hole admission, horseback riding admission, and taxes and fees.

The private vehicle is a major part of the calculation. A driver who stays with your party can make the day easier, especially when you are moving between Montego Bay, St. Ann’s Bay, Blue Hole, and Ocho Rios. Several drivers have been praised for waiting during activities, keeping the ride pleasant, and adjusting the day when possible.

The price makes the most sense if you want all three main elements: horseback riding, freshwater swimming, and shopping. If you plan to skip the jumps, skip shopping, or avoid getting wet, you may feel that you are paying for activities you will not use.

Tips are not included. You should budget for the driver and activity guides, particularly if they provide help, photos, or extra attention. The operators have specifically encouraged generous tipping for guides and drivers. Photos and videos also cost extra, and shopping and lunch are separate expenses.

Guides and the human side of the day

The guide can shape this experience as much as the scenery. Ian has been praised for friendly conversation, smooth driving, and local information. Dwayne has been singled out for making the Blue Hole portion comfortable and fun. Jason has been described as kind and attentive, waiting through each activity.

Captain Kirk has been especially flexible, helping arrange extra activities and lunch. Donovan has also been praised for entertaining company during the longer drives. These names are not a guarantee of assignment, since the driver depends on availability, but they show the sort of personal service Kennedy Tours aims to provide.

At the horseback stop, guides have been described as accommodating and helpful. At Blue Hole, patient instruction matters if you are afraid of jumping or are not a strong swimmer. You should tell the guide your limits before entering the water rather than trying to keep up with the boldest person in the group.

The service record is very strong overall, with a 4.9 rating from 21 ratings and a 95 percent recommendation rate. There have still been practical problems, including a flat tire on one return trip. That kind of breakdown is uncommon but worth remembering on a long road day. A backup plan matters when your hotel is several hours of activity away.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour if you want a full Jamaican activity day and prefer one booking to arranging separate transport and admissions. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who like alternating between guided activity and free time.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors who want more than a resort excursion. You see wooded trails, the coast, river pools, a historic route through Discovery Bay, and an Ocho Rios market in one day.

You should think twice if you dislike long drives, cannot manage a moderate level of physical activity, or want a slow day with no fixed schedule. The Blue Hole section can be wet and uneven, and the sea horseback ride requires comfort with water and animals. People with flu-like symptoms are not advised to take the activity.

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 99 people, though transportation is advertised as private for your party. Confirm the exact vehicle and pickup arrangement when booking if group size matters to you. Pickup is offered, and the start time is 8:00 a.m.

Booking, cancellations, and useful preparation

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is available with a mobile ticket. Free cancellation applies when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel inside that window, or make changes inside 24 hours, and you should expect no refund.

The experience also requires a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels because that minimum is not met, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Pack light, but bring the essentials:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Dry clothes for the return trip
• Sunscreen
• Secure footwear for walking and riding
• Money for tips, photos, lunch, and shopping

I would also keep your phone protected from water and avoid carrying valuables into the river. The supplied details do not state how belongings are stored, so ask before the wet activities begin.

Should you book Kennedy’s horseback riding and Blue Hole tour?

Book it if you want a busy, varied day with horseback riding in the sea as the main talking point and Blue Hole as the active follow-up. The included admission and private transport help justify the $170 price, while strong driver feedback adds confidence to a long day on Jamaican roads.

Skip it if you want guaranteed swimming, a short transfer, or a calm beach outing. Rain can close the Blue Hole water activities, the market stop is brief, and the schedule packs a lot into six to eight hours.

For the right person, this is a lively introduction to several sides of Jamaica: coast, forest, river, food, shopping, and warm personal service. Pack for water, leave room in the budget for tips, and tell the guides exactly how adventurous you want the day to be.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience takes approximately six to eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered, with round-trip transportation from your hotel.

Is transportation private?

Private transportation is included for your party, according to the tour details.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts about one hour.

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The ride takes place in St. Ann’s Bay, through wooded areas and then into the Caribbean Sea.

Is admission to Blue Hole included?

Yes, Blue Hole admission fees and all listed fees and taxes are included.

Do I have to jump into the water at Blue Hole?

The activity includes river swimming and jumping, but the provided information does not state that every jump is mandatory. You should discuss your comfort level with the guide.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not listed as included. Linda’s Cafe has been used as an optional stop, but you should plan to pay separately.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.