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

Horses, waterfalls, and a Caribbean swim day. From Montego Bay, this outing stitches together a forest-to-beach horseback ride and a trip to Blue Hole, with time to cool off and go up toward Secret Falls. I like that it is built around actual time in the water, not just sitting on an animal and taking a photo. I also like the practical round-trip transfers that start you at 8:00 am and get you back to your hotel without the stress of coordinating rides.

One thing to plan around: Blue Hole water conditions can change with rain. If it pours, the river can look dirtier and swimming may not be possible the way you expect, based on one report from a guest.

Key points before you go

• Forest-to-sea horseback riding for about 1 hour, including water time
• Blue Hole admission included, plus time to hike toward Secret Falls
• Hotel pickup and round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Small-ish groups in a bigger world, with a stated maximum of 99 travelers
• Real photo and video moments (plan to budget for photos since they are not included)

From Montego Bay to Ocho Rios: how the day actually flows

This tour is set up like a full, active half-day. You start at 8:00 am in Montego Bay, and the whole thing runs about 6 to 8 hours depending on timing and how long you spend at each stop. The ride itself matters because you are traveling to St. Ann’s Bay and Ocho Rios, so the schedule feels efficient but still gives you time to do the activities, not just pass through.

Transport is private for your party, and you use an air-conditioned vehicle. Even with the maximum group size listed as 99, your experience is still driven by your driver and tour crew moving you from place to place. If you hate waiting in long lines, this format helps.

One more detail that affects your comfort level: this day is not described as easy-walk only. You should have moderate physical fitness, especially if you choose to hike up toward Secret Falls.

The “quick stops” with real island context

Before the main action, you get a couple of short sight-and-drive moments.

First, you stop at an open-air museum that is billed as the only open-air museum on the island, with artifacts from the 1700s. It is not a long museum session, so treat it like a palate cleanser, a moment to look at something historical while you are already out.

Next, you drive through Discovery Bay, tied to Columbus’s early arrival in 1494. It is brief, but it helps the rest of the day feel less like a theme park loop and more like Jamaica with stops that connect to the places you are passing through.

If you get car-sick easily, this part is at least short, and your vehicle is air-conditioned, which helps.

One Hour of horseback riding through the woods, then into the Caribbean

This is the headline experience, and it is the part people get most excited about. You get about 1 hour of horseback riding through woods and trails, then you head toward the Caribbean Sea so you can cool off. Several guides in the reviews are praised for making riders comfortable. People also mention that the route is an actual trail that continues on to the beach area, and then you ride in the water before returning the way you came.

Here’s what that means for you in real terms:

• You are not just sitting on a horse for a scenic photo. You will be riding a path that changes as you move.
• You are likely to get wet, because the ride includes time near and in the sea.
• If you are nervous, the guides seem to take it seriously and slow you down. One guest specifically said the staff made them feel better when they were afraid, and another loved how accommodating the team was.

Guide names that stood out in people’s notes include Duane and Captain Kirk, with praise for being flexible and supportive. That is a clue that this is not a cookie-cutter operation where you feel ignored if you need extra help.

Practical advice:

• Wear something you can get wet without worrying. Swap to dry clothes right afterward if you can.
• If you do not like splashing, mentally prepare for it anyway. This tour leans into water time.
• Bring a little patience. Horses are living animals, and the crew will time things with care for safety.

Blue Hole: swimming, hiking toward Secret Falls, and the lifeguard factor

After the ride, you move to Blue Hole, where the plan is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Admission is included, which is a big value piece because it often costs extra at attractions like this.

At Blue Hole, you will have two ways to spend your time:

1. Cool off or swim in the river area.
2. Hike up through the rain forest toward Secret Falls.

This is also where fear can turn into fun. One featured note encouraged people to plan on jumping in from locations at both stops and said it was worth it even if they were hesitant. Another guest said they were not a swimmer and still had a good experience because the guide and group helped them feel secure.

One detail I really like from the reviews: certified life guards are present at the Blue Hole, and that makes a big difference for comfort. Even if you are a strong swimmer, seeing that safety element lets you relax instead of constantly scanning for risk.

The drawback, again, is weather. One guest reported that when it rains, the water can get dirty and swimming was not possible. The good news is that you still might be able to enjoy the hike and scenery, but your expectations should stay flexible.

What to wear and bring:

• Bring water-friendly shoes. If you do not have them, you may still be okay, but protect your feet because you will be walking and stepping in and around wet areas.
• Pack for wet gear, not dry gear. A small dry bag or even a zip bag for your phone helps.
• If you are prone to sunburn, use sunscreen. You will likely be outside during the hike and in open areas during water time.

Ocho Rios craft market: shopping with time to actually look

After Blue Hole, you head to a craft market in Ocho Rios for about 30 minutes. Admission is free, and this stop is mostly about browsing and picking up small souvenirs.

The short timing is actually good for value. You get enough time to walk, compare, and buy if something catches your eye, without feeling trapped in an all-day shopping push. If you are the kind of person who likes to hunt for handmade items, this is a workable window.

A simple strategy:

• Decide what you want before you arrive, like small crafts or gifts, so you do not waste time debating every booth.
• If you want photos with sellers or tours, remember that photos are not included, so any paid photo or recording packages come out of your pocket.

Food and downtime: where lunch fits (and what to budget)

Lunch is not listed under what is included, but at least one review mentions a stop at Linda’s Cafe and praises the jerk chicken. So if lunch is part of what you want, you should plan to pay for it directly during the day.

I treat this as a budgeting reminder more than a complaint. The main cost drivers are the horse ride and Blue Hole time, and the value comes from the activities and included admission fees. If you want food too, build that into your day.

As for downtime, this is a moving tour. You will get short transitions, and the vehicle rides offer a chance to cool down and rest your legs.

Price and value: what $170 really covers

At $170 per person, you should look at what is included, then decide if it matches what you want from Jamaica.

Included:

• Round-trip transfers from your hotel area
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All fees and taxes
• Blue Hole admission (listed as included)
• Mobile ticket

Not included:

• Tips
• Photos
• Shopping costs

So the real value question is: are you getting enough “payoff activities” in one day? For many people, yes, because you get two major experiences tied together:

• an ocean-beach horseback ride (the only part that feels truly “Jamaica” in the classic adventure sense)
• Blue Hole, with the option to hike toward Secret Falls

Also, the tour is booked fairly ahead of time on average (about 16 days), which usually means it is in demand. If it fits your interests, waiting too long can reduce your options.

My practical take: this is a good price if you want both horseback riding and a water attraction in one schedule. If you only want one of those, you might compare it with separate tours to see if you can lower your total.

Who should book, and who should skip this one

This tour is best if you want action and you are okay getting wet.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• you want a horse ride that actually goes somewhere, not just a short pen loop
• you like swimming or at least cooling off in natural water
• you are comfortable following a group pace
• you want a mix of water time plus a short shopping stop

You should think twice if:

• you are dealing with flu-like symptoms, since it is noted as not recommended
• you have mobility issues that make hiking tough, since Secret Falls includes a hike portion
• you are extremely uncomfortable with rain-affected water conditions, because Blue Hole water can look different after storms

And if you are a non-swimmer, do not panic. The reviews include at least one person who was afraid to get in, and they described feeling supported. Still, life guards are present, but you should follow your comfort level and ask your guide what feels safest.

Should you book Kennedy Tours for horseback riding plus Blue Hole and Secret Falls?

If your idea of a great Jamaica day includes real riding, real water, and a nature hike, I think this is a strong choice. The best part is how tightly it bundles the big experiences, while still giving you a simple market stop at the end.

Book it if:

• you want hotel pickup and smooth timing
• you care about having Blue Hole admission included
• you are open to jumping in or at least getting wet

Skip it or shop around if:

• you want a mostly laid-back day with minimal physical effort
• you need guaranteed swimming, regardless of rain, since water conditions can change

One last tip before you go: plan to bring a small amount of cash for tips and for any paid photo or recording packages. Reviews repeatedly point out that staff offer photos and video, and photos are not included in the tour price.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 8:00 am.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is listed as 6 to 8 hours (approx.).

Do I get pickup and round-trip transportation?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the highlights specify convenient round-trip transfers from your hotel. It also notes private transportation for your party.

Is Blue Hole admission included in the price?

Yes. Blue Hole admission fees are included.

What activities are included besides horseback riding?

You also visit Blue Hole, with time to cool off or hike toward Secret Falls, and you stop at a craft market in Ocho Rios for shopping.

Is the craft market admission included?

Yes, the craft market admission is listed as free.

What should I bring for the water activities?

Plan for water time. You’ll be riding toward the sea and spending time at Blue Hole where you can cool off, and there is also a hike option.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not listed under Included. One guest mentioned Linda’s Cafe, so if you want lunch, budget for it separately.

What is the price and what is not included?

The price is $170 per person. Tips, photos, and shopping costs are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience start time, the amount paid is not refunded.