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

Jamaica packs three good days into one. This full-day outing from Montego Bay combines a horseback ride through the woods and Caribbean Sea, a refreshing visit to Blue Hole and Secret Falls, and a short shopping stop in Ocho Rios.

I especially like the horseback ride into the sea, which gives you a proper trail experience rather than a quick photo stop. I also like the private air-conditioned transportation, since you can leave the driving to someone else during the long trip toward Ocho Rios.

The main point to consider is the weather. Heavy rain can make the Blue Hole water dirty and may stop you from entering the water, so this excursion works best when you are comfortable with a little uncertainty in a natural setting.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride a horse through forest and seawater: The one-hour route begins on wooded trails before reaching the beach and Caribbean Sea.
• Blue Hole admission is included: You can hike through the rainforest, swim, and jump into the river at several points.
• Your driver remains part of the day: Drivers such as Ian, Dwayne, Jason, Donovan, Marlon, and Captain Kirk are praised for friendly service, music, local information, and patience.
• The day begins at 8:00 a.m.: Hotel pickup is offered, but expect a long outing of roughly six to eight hours.
• Ocho Rios shopping is brief: You get about 30 minutes at a craft market, enough for souvenirs but not a serious shopping session.
• Bring money for extras: Tips, photographs, lunch, and purchases are not included in the $170 price.

Why this Montego Bay day trip works

At $170 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is a full package that links three different Jamaican activities and includes transportation, admission fees, taxes, and a driver for your party.

I see the value in the arrangement if you want an active day without arranging separate taxis, entrance tickets, and guides. The private transport is especially useful because the horse farm and Blue Hole are not next door to one another, and the trip also includes Ocho Rios.

The day is best for active couples, families with older children, and friends who want more than a resort beach. You need a moderate level of fitness for the forest paths, uneven ground, horseback riding, and river activities. You do not need to take every jump, but the day is built around getting wet and moving around.

The advertised duration is six to eight hours. That gives you enough time for the three main stops, though the exact rhythm will depend on pickup locations, road conditions, and how much time your group spends at each place. Start early, keep your schedule open, and do not plan a tight evening appointment.

The road from Montego Bay to St. Ann’s Bay

Pickup starts around 8:00 a.m. in an air-conditioned vehicle. The trip takes you east from Montego Bay toward the St. Ann’s Bay and Ocho Rios area, with a few sightseeing moments along the way.

You pass through Discovery Bay, associated with Christopher Columbus’s first landing in Jamaica in 1494. The excursion also includes a view of an open-air museum with artifacts from the 1700s. These stops are short, but they add useful context to what could otherwise feel like a simple transfer between activities.

The drive is part of the experience, so your driver matters. Ian is praised for being friendly, funny, informative, and kind. Dwayne is noted for smooth driving and good music, while Jason is described as patient and attentive, waiting during each activity. Donovan also receives credit for keeping the ride entertaining.

Those details matter more than they may seem. You are spending several hours in the vehicle, and a warm driver can turn road time into part of the day rather than dead time. The operator assigns drivers, so you may not receive a particular person, but the repeated praise for the team is a good sign.

One hour on horseback, from forest trail to Caribbean water

The horseback portion takes place near St. Ann’s Bay and lasts about one hour. You begin on a wooded trail, then continue toward the shore before riding into the Caribbean Sea to cool off.

That progression gives the activity a bit more substance than a short ride around a fenced property. You get a glimpse of Jamaica’s interior, then finish with the unusual sight of horses and riders entering the sea. For many people, the ocean ride will be the day’s most memorable photo.

The guides are described as accommodating and patient. That is important if you have never ridden before, feel nervous around horses, or need a slower pace. One person specifically described a horse named Choppa, though your assigned horse will depend on the stable and the day.

You should expect the riding to be hands-on and outdoors. Wear clothing that can get wet, and avoid bringing anything you cannot safely leave in the vehicle. The supplied information does not specify changing facilities, storage arrangements, or footwear requirements, so ask your operator before departure if those details matter to you.

The hour can pass quickly. If horseback riding is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations realistic: this is a scenic one-hour ride within a larger day, not a long equestrian expedition. Still, riding through the woods and then into seawater gives it a nice sense of occasion.

Blue Hole and Secret Falls: the active heart of the day

After the horse ride, you continue to Blue Hole in the hills near Ocho Rios. The included visit lasts about one hour and 30 minutes, with time to walk through rainforest, cool off in the river, and make jumps at several points.

Blue Hole is the part of the excursion that requires the most willingness to get involved. You may hike along wet paths, enter the river, and jump from designated spots. Certified lifeguards are present, which makes the water activities feel more manageable, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

You do not have to force yourself into every jump. One person who could not swim said the guide and other people in the group helped build confidence. That points to one of the best features of the stop: the guides appear to pay attention to individual comfort rather than treating everyone as if they have the same ability.

Duane is praised for making the Blue Hole experience fun and helping people feel at ease. Other guides are also described as patient and supportive. If you are nervous, tell your guide early. You can enjoy the scenery and river without taking the highest or most challenging jump.

The name Secret Falls suggests a separate waterfall stop, but the supplied schedule presents Blue Hole and Secret Falls as one connected nature visit. Expect a rainforest walk, river pools, and waterfall-style water activity rather than a long independent hike.

Weather can change this stop. After rain, the water may turn brown or cloudy, and entering the river may not be possible. That is the clearest weakness of the tour because the Blue Hole is one of its two main attractions. A bad-weather day may leave you with the hike and the surrounding scenery, but not the cool swim and jumps you expected.

A short stop at the Ocho Rios craft market

The final scheduled stop is a craft market in Ocho Rios, with about 30 minutes for souvenirs and shopping. This is a practical add-on rather than a major cultural visit.

Half an hour is enough to browse, pick up a small gift, or look at Jamaican crafts. It is not enough for a relaxed market exploration, careful price comparisons, and a meal. If shopping is your top priority, you may find this stop too short.

Keep your bargaining and spending expectations sensible. Shopping costs are not included, and the excursion does not promise any particular products or vendors. You may also find that the active portions of the day leave you more interested in a drink and a seat than in a long market visit.

Some groups also stop for lunch at Linda’s Cafe, where jerk chicken receives special praise. Lunch is not included in the stated price, so treat this as an optional possibility rather than a guaranteed part of the schedule. Ask your driver about food plans early in the day, especially if you have children or dietary needs.

The drivers are a major part of the experience

Kennedy Tours uses private transportation for your party, and the driver stays with you during the activity stops. That gives the day a more personal feel than a large coach excursion, even though the booking information lists a maximum of 99 participants.

The reviews of individual drivers are unusually specific. Ian is praised for his humor, local information, calm driving, and kindness. Dwayne is singled out for smooth driving and music, while Jason is credited with waiting at each stop and treating a solo customer with care. Marlon receives praise for clear communication, and Captain Kirk is described as flexible when the group wanted to add lunch or other activities.

You cannot count on a specific driver unless the company confirms it, but these names are useful if you want to ask at booking. A good driver also helps with practical matters, such as timing, directions, local stops, and keeping the group informed.

Tip your driver and activity guides. Tips are not included, and the people leading the horseback ride and Blue Hole portion are an important part of your safety and enjoyment. Photos and videos may also be offered during the day, but those costs are separate.

One practical warning: a flat tire once caused trouble on the return journey. It did not erase the positive experience, but it shows why you should avoid booking a flight, dinner reservation, or other fixed appointment immediately after the tour.

What the $170 price really includes

The $170 cost covers more than the activities alone. You receive round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, Blue Hole admission, horseback riding admission, and taxes and fees.

The private vehicle is the strongest value point. A group arranging separate transportation to St. Ann’s Bay, Blue Hole, and Ocho Rios could spend a fair amount of time and money coordinating drivers and entrance fees. Here, the route is organized for you, and the driver remains available throughout the day.

The price does not include tips, photos, lunch, or shopping. Those extras can add to your final cost, so bring Jamaican cash or another accepted payment method, though the supplied information does not specify which payment types are accepted.

I would consider the price fair if you want all three stops and prefer convenience. I would look elsewhere if you only want a beach horseback ride or only want to visit Blue Hole. Paying for a combined day makes the most sense when you plan to use the full schedule.

Practical preparation for a wet, active day

Wear a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes under comfortable clothing. The horse ride finishes in the sea, and Blue Hole may involve river swimming and jumps, so you should assume that you will get wet.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, water, and a secure way to carry small personal items. Do not bring valuables into the water. The operator does not list towels, meals, or photo packages as included, so plan around that.

A moderate fitness level is required. You will be on horseback, walking through forest areas, dealing with wet ground, and possibly climbing around the river. If you have flu-like symptoms, this activity is not recommended.

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. Pickup is offered, and the confirmation arrives at booking. The excursion is also listed as being near public transportation, though hotel pickup is the simpler choice if it is available for your location.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change: cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, so if that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this Jamaican excursion

Book this tour if you want a busy, active day with several different experiences and do not want to arrange transportation yourself. It is particularly well suited to first-time visitors who want to see more than Montego Bay and enjoy both the coast and the Ocho Rios area.

It also works well for people who like friendly guides and flexible pacing. The drivers have helped groups add lunch and adjust the day, though any extra stop should be agreed on rather than assumed.

Think twice if you dislike wet activities, horseback riding, or uneven forest paths. You should also reconsider if a river visit is essential to your plans during rainy season, since water conditions may prevent swimming and jumping.

Should you book it?

I would book Kennedy’s horseback riding, Blue Hole, and Secret Falls excursion if I wanted a broad taste of Jamaica in one day. The horseback ride into the sea is unusual, Blue Hole provides the main burst of adventure, and private transport removes much of the hassle.

The best choice depends on your priorities. Choose it for variety, personal service, and convenience. Skip it if you prefer a slow beach day, a dedicated horseback tour, or a guaranteed water activity regardless of weather.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately six to eight hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered, with round-trip transfers from your hotel included as a feature of the experience.

Is transportation included?

Yes. An air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation for your party are included.

Are Blue Hole admission fees included?

Yes. Blue Hole admission fees, along with all stated fees and taxes, are included.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts one hour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. Some groups have stopped at Linda’s Cafe, but food is an additional cost.

What happens if I cancel within 24 hours?

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the local start time are not refunded. Changes made within that period are also not accepted.