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

Horseback riding meets river jumps. Kennedy Tours combines a one-hour ride through forest and seawater with the cool pools of Blue Hole and Secret Falls, then adds shopping in Ocho Rios. I like the private round-trip transport and the chance to ride directly into the Caribbean Sea, two features that make this more than a simple sightseeing drive.

I also like the friendly, flexible service. Drivers such as Ian, Jason, Dwayne, Donovan, Marlon, and Marcus receive repeated praise for making the long drive pleasant and waiting during each activity. The main drawback is the day’s length: with six to eight hours on the road and a moderate fitness requirement, this is not a gentle half-day outing.

Key points before you book

• Ride a horse through the woods and into the sea: The one-hour route includes a forest trail and time in the Caribbean water.
• Jump or swim at Blue Hole: The 90-minute stop includes rainforest walking, river swimming, and optional jumps from several spots.
• Use private transportation: Pickup is offered from your hotel, with transport intended for your party.
• Expect a full day: The drive from Montego Bay to the Ocho Rios area adds substantial time beyond the three main stops.
• Bring money for extras: Tips, photographs, food, and shopping are not included in the $170 price.
• Plan around the weather: Heavy rain can muddy the Blue Hole and may stop water activities.

What the $170 price gets you

At $170 per person, this is not Jamaica’s cheapest excursion. But the price covers several pieces that can be costly or awkward to arrange separately: hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, horseback riding, Blue Hole admission, and the return trip.

The private vehicle is a real advantage. You are not simply dropped off and left to solve the day on your own. Your driver waits while you ride, visit the river, and shop, then takes you back to your hotel. That makes the package more useful for families and small groups who value a single point of contact.

The price does not cover tips, photos, shopping, or food. Lunch at Linda’s Cafe appears to be a popular optional stop, and the jerk chicken receives special praise, but you should budget separately for it. A few riders also mention paying for photographs and videos taken during the horseback portion. Ask about those costs before posing if you want to keep spending under control.

The booking pattern is another clue about demand. The tour is commonly reserved around 16 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your Jamaica dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time.

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

The first part of the day is road time. That may sound dull, but the driver can make a big difference here. Ian is praised for his humor, kindness, and information about Jamaica. Jason is described as particularly patient, picking up at the resort and waiting at every activity. Dwayne receives similar praise for smooth driving and good music.

The route includes a stop or viewing point connected with the island’s only open-air museum, where artifacts from the 1700s are shown. The schedule also takes you through Discovery Bay, identified with Christopher Columbus’s first landing in Jamaica in 1494. These are brief cultural and historical touches, not full museum visits, so keep your expectations in check.

Because the drive is long, an entertaining driver matters. You may spend more time in the vehicle than in the water. The air-conditioning is welcome, especially after the humid ride and river walk, and private transport lets your group set a more relaxed rhythm than a large coach tour.

There have been occasional transport problems. One group experienced a flat tire on the way back to the resort. It did not erase the good day, but it is a reminder that road conditions and delays can happen. Leave some flexibility in your evening plans rather than scheduling a tight dinner reservation after the excursion.

One hour on horseback in St. Ann’s Bay

The horseback ride is the first major activity, and it has a clear appeal: you do not stay in a fenced riding ring. The route passes through the woods and continues toward the beach before taking the horses into the Caribbean Sea.

That water portion is the memorable part. You ride in the sea to cool off, an unusual experience for people who have only ridden on dry trails. Several riders describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime moment, while others emphasize that the route feels like a real trail through the woods rather than a short photo opportunity.

The horses have names, too. One rider remembers a horse called Choppa, a small detail that helps show the personal nature of the outing. The riding guides are described as patient and accommodating, which matters if you have little experience or feel nervous in the saddle.

You should still take the fitness warning seriously. The activity lasts about an hour, and you need to manage a trail ride followed by time in the sea. If you have flu-like symptoms, the operator says not to take part. The provided information does not give a minimum age, weight limit, or detailed accessibility guidance, so ask Kennedy Tours directly if those details affect your booking.

Photos and videos may be offered during the ride. They are not included in the tour price, and tips are also separate. If you want pictures of the sea ride, this can be worthwhile, but settle the arrangement clearly so there is no surprise at the end.

Blue Hole and Secret Falls for 90 minutes

After the horses, you head into the hills near Ocho Rios for Blue Hole. The visit includes a rainforest walk and time in the river, with Secret Falls as part of the experience. Admission is included, so you do not need to pay a second entry fee at the site.

This is the tour’s most active stop. You may cool off in the water, hike along the river, and jump from designated points. The advice from the operator is direct: prepare to jump from the available locations if you want the full experience. Still, do not feel pressured. The excursion also suits people who prefer to swim, watch, or use the easier water access.

One especially useful detail is the presence of certified lifeguards at Blue Hole. That can make the jumps feel less intimidating, particularly if you are not a strong swimmer. One person who could not swim said the guide and other people in the group helped build confidence. That does not make the activity risk-free, but it does offer some reassurance.

The guide’s attitude affects this stop. Duane is singled out for helping people feel comfortable, while Captain Kirk is praised for taking care of the practical details and adjusting the outing to suit the group. Kennedy Tours uses different drivers and guides, so you cannot count on a particular person unless the company confirms your request.

Weather can change the experience. After rain, the Blue Hole water may turn dirty, and one group could not enter the water at all. This is the clearest risk in the itinerary. The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, but they do not promise a refund simply because weather affects one part of the day. Ask the operator how weather-related changes are handled before you go.

Wear clothing that can get wet and shoes suitable for a slippery rainforest path. The supplied details do not specify whether changing rooms or lockers are available, so pack only what you need and confirm those arrangements in advance.

A short stop at the Ocho Rios craft market

The final scheduled stop is a 30-minute visit to a craft market in Ocho Rios. This is enough time to browse souvenirs, look at local crafts, and pick up a small reminder of Jamaica, but it is not a long shopping session.

I like the placement of this stop. After the physical activities, you can slow down and shop before the drive home. Still, the 30-minute limit means you should know what you want. Take a quick look, compare prices, and do not let bargaining or a large purchase delay your group.

Shopping costs are not included. The market is best treated as an optional add-on rather than the main reason to book the tour. If you prefer nature and activity to retail stops, the brief visit should not feel like too much lost time.

Food, tips, and the human side of the day

Lunch is not listed as included, but drivers may suggest a local stop. Linda’s Cafe is repeatedly praised for its food, especially jerk chicken. One useful piece of advice is to consider buying lunch for your driver as a kind gesture if he or she eats with your group. That is not a required fee, but it can be a thoughtful way to recognize the person who spends the day driving and waiting.

Tips are also separate. You may want to tip the horseback guides, Blue Hole guide, and driver individually, depending on the service you receive. The driver often remains with you through the whole day, while the activity guides handle the parts involving horses, trails, and water.

The strongest part of the service is the personal attention. Drivers are described as responsive, patient, funny, and flexible. That can be especially helpful if someone in your group is nervous about jumping, cannot swim confidently, or wants to add lunch to the plan.

The tour is not completely free of rough edges. A flat tire caused a delay for one group, and the Blue Hole can be affected by rain. Those points do not cancel out the positive experience, but they are good reasons to keep your schedule open and ask clear questions before departure.

Who should book this Jamaica excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want several classic Jamaica activities in one day and prefer not to arrange separate taxis or admissions. It suits active couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a private vehicle and some flexibility.

It is also a good pick if you are curious about horseback riding but do not want an entire day devoted to it. The one-hour ride gives you forest trails, beach access, and sea riding, while Blue Hole adds the swimming and jumping.

You may want another type of outing if you dislike wet activities, are uncomfortable around horses, or need a slow and highly predictable schedule. The day involves a long drive, a trail ride, river access, and possible jumps. People with limited mobility should contact Kennedy Tours before booking because the tour requires moderate physical fitness and the available accessibility details are limited.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the combination is what attracts you: horseback riding in the sea, Blue Hole swimming, Secret Falls, and private transport in one package. The $170 cost is reasonable when you value hotel pickup, included admissions, and a driver who stays with your group throughout the day.

I would be more cautious if your Jamaica visit falls during a rainy spell or if you need a guaranteed water experience. Blue Hole conditions can change quickly. For most active visitors, though, this is a well-packed day with genuine variety, strong driver service, and two memorable water-based activities.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately six to eight hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and transportation from your hotel are offered.

Are Blue Hole admission fees included?

Yes. Blue Hole admission fees are included, along with all fees and taxes listed for the experience.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts about one hour and includes forest riding and time in the Caribbean Sea.

What happens at Blue Hole and Secret Falls?

You can walk through the rainforest, swim or cool off in the river, and jump from available locations. The Blue Hole portion lasts about 90 minutes.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, and the experience may also be canceled if its minimum number of participants is not met.