Dunn's River/Blue Hole if we don't want to climb or jump?

I'm trying to plan our day when we dock in Ochos Rios. I would like to hire a private driver.

Is it worth going to Dunn's River or Blue Hole if we have no desire to climb the falls or jump? I know these are considered "must-dos," but for a number of reasons the climbing/jumping most likely will not work for us. Is it worthwhile to just stop at these places and take a look around? I know there are entrance fees and I have no problems with that.

I also plan on doing Turtle River Falls and Gardens and stopping somewhere for some food.

Any other suggestions for a day with a driver? I don't want to venture too far from Ochos Rios because my husband can sometimes get car sick and I know the roads deeper into the island can get interesting.

Thanks!

I'm trying to plan our day when we dock in Ochos Rios. I would like to hire a private driver.

 

Is it worth going to Dunn's River or Blue Hole if we have no desire to climb the falls or jump? I know these are considered "must-dos," but for a number of reasons the climbing/jumping most likely will not work for us. Is it worthwhile to just stop at these places and take a look around? I know there are entrance fees and I have no problems with that.

 

I also plan on doing Turtle River Falls and Gardens and stopping somewhere for some food.

 

Any other suggestions for a day with a driver? I don't want to venture too far from Ochos Rios because my husband can sometimes get car sick and I know the roads deeper into the island can get interesting.

 

Thanks!

I've been doing a lot of research for our upcoming trip in December. From all I read and scoured through this forum and trip advisor, I understand that Blue Hole has shallow areas for nonswimmers. Not sure if that is the answer you are seeking.

There is a walkway alongside the falls with several viewing platforms ... many come just to watch / looksee

http://www.dunnsriverja.com/things.php

I'm trying to plan our day when we dock in Ochos Rios. I would like to hire a private driver.

 

Is it worth going to Dunn's River or Blue Hole if we have no desire to climb the falls or jump? I know these are considered "must-dos," but for a number of reasons the climbing/jumping most likely will not work for us. Is it worthwhile to just stop at these places and take a look around? I know there are entrance fees and I have no problems with that.

 

I also plan on doing Turtle River Falls and Gardens and stopping somewhere for some food.

 

Any other suggestions for a day with a driver? I don't want to venture too far from Ochos Rios because my husband can sometimes get car sick and I know the roads deeper into the island can get interesting.

 

Thanks!

Back in January 2013 we used Richard Brooks from Excursion Ocho Rios (excursion ocho rios dot net or excursion ocho rios at gmail dot com). He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. I would use him again in a heartbeat!

We did Dunns River Falls as part of our private tour. The kids and I hiked it, while mom took pictures along the stairs next to the falls. We also did some sightseeing, shopping, and eating.

You probably will not have time to do Dunns River Falls, Blue Hole, and Turtle River Falls and Gardens in a single day?

As far as getting something to eat, you must go to Scotchies! It should not be missed! :D (We will be there again in December! :D:D)

I'm trying to plan our day when we dock in Ochos Rios. I would like to hire a private driver.

 

Is it worth going to Dunn's River or Blue Hole if we have no desire to climb the falls or jump? I know these are considered "must-dos," but for a number of reasons the climbing/jumping most likely will not work for us. Is it worthwhile to just stop at these places and take a look around? I know there are entrance fees and I have no problems with that.

 

I also plan on doing Turtle River Falls and Gardens and stopping somewhere for some food.

 

Any other suggestions for a day with a driver? I don't want to venture too far from Ochos Rios because my husband can sometimes get car sick and I know the roads deeper into the island can get interesting.

 

Thanks!

I am heading to Ocho Rios on Nov 6. I am planning to use Courtney Taylor for a private tour to the Blue Hole, tubing, touring and lunch at Scotchies. I do not plan to go to Dunns River Falls because of my DH's knee surgery. He isn't too steady on his feet. I will report back when I return to US Nov 9.

Let me know if you have specific questions and I will try to get answers for you.

Kathleen

How much will be for the private tour pp ?

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I am heading to Ocho Rios on Nov 6. I am planning to use Courtney Taylor for a private tour to the Blue Hole, tubing, touring and lunch at Scotchies. I do not plan to go to Dunns River Falls because of my DH's knee surgery. He isn't too steady on his feet. I will report back when I return to US Nov 9.

 

Let me know if you have specific questions and I will try to get answers for you.

Kathleen

I am interested in a similar tour and would appreciate your opinion and experiences.

Thanks!

I am interested in a similar tour and would appreciate your opinion and experiences.

 

Thanks!

I have posted on several threads, but can't recall which ones!! Happy to re tell our experiences - it brings back great memories.

We left the ship around 8, totally clueless what to expect based on the email from Courtney re pick up. It instructed us to find the dispatcher. As it turned out, the Jamaica authorities has a person at the beginning of the dock directing people to one of 2 exit lines. One side is for organized tours the other for walk offs. Mention to her you are looking for CT. (Courtney Taylor). She sends you in the line with Ship's tours. It is a fairly long walk, perhaps 1/4 mile. If handicapped, there are people with wheelchairs to assist. But they are not ship's personnel, so plan on tipping!!

At the end of the dock, we told another person we were looking for CT and we were directed to a gate and there he was. He was picking up several groups and then loaded us all into his van even though we had different tours. He explained he was taking us to an area where his vans were located. After about a 10 min drive through town and some jokes and stories by CT we arrived at the parking area. He helped move people between vans. We got CT him self. I think it was because we were on a private tour that did not include Dunns River! He said he prefers the Blue Hole. It was a slow ride out of town and we arrived at the BH after riding over some very bumpy dirt roads. There are a lot of guides available to escort you. He says Robert is the one who always takes his tours. Great young man. So caring and understood we were seniors and very slow. All the guides helped us when needed. It was a great location and so glad we thought out of the box and pushed the envelope.

We planned a very full day with the BH, river tubing and Scotchies for lunch. When we finished the BH CT said off to river tubing. At that point I told him we wanted to rethink our itinerary. He suggested the rainforest drive (could have stopped at a place to buy souvenirs) then the overlook. We were very happy with returning to the ship shortly after 12. CT will do anything we wanted since he said we paid the $39pp for the private tour.

As to the BH: it was tough for my DH who has double bionic knees, is 75, and has a bad back. But he was a trooper and was able, with help, to negotiate the steps. Some of them were very steep. And he managed to make one of the jumps into the water!! I did 3 of them as well as the trek to sit under the waterfall. Loved every minute of it. I must say, we were the oldest there and so grateful we were on a private tour. That way we went at our own pace.

Hope this helps. I can't tell you how great CT was from beginning to end. I have done many private tours and his has to be at the too of my all time favorites and best to deal with!!!

Kathleen

How much will be for the private tour pp ?

 

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The private tour was $39pp and worth every penny!! I understand from my email/agreement, Courtney Taylor will wait for other people in your van for 60 mins. With that said, on a shared van, ($29pp) you might find yourself waiting for those who don't disembark when the ship is cleared. I do think Courtney should instruct people to disembark by a specific time and not give such a long wait period.

Great tour company. I would use again in a heartbeat!!

Thx for you reply :), does the tour price includes the lunch? :confused:

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Thx for you reply :), does the tour price includes the lunch? :confused:

 

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No, lunch was on our own. But as I mentioned, we skipped Scotchies. But it was highly recommended on tripadvisor as well as CC boards.

Thank you :)

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We were just there last week and went to the Blue Hole with Errol from Travel Jamaica Tours. I can't begin to say enough good things about Errol and everything he showed us that day! His email is errol@traveljamaicatours.com; just email him and let him know what you want to do. He is very responsive and will get back to you right away. He is very down to earth and honest, and his van is very clean and roomy.

Although my husband and I did jump off the falls, there were people who didn't. It is such a tropical paradise that you will be happy you went even if you just wade in the water. And you will have a guide from the park with you every step of the way. It was a great day and I can't wait to go back. We'll definitely use Errol again when we do!

We were just there last week and went to the Blue Hole with Errol from Travel Jamaica Tours. I can't begin to say enough good things about Errol and everything he showed us that day! His email is errol@traveljamaicatours.com; just email him and let him know what you want to do. He is very responsive and will get back to you right away. He is very down to earth and honest, and his van is very clean and roomy.

 

Although my husband and I did jump off the falls, there were people who didn't. It is such a tropical paradise that you will be happy you went even if you just wade in the water. And you will have a guide from the park with you every step of the way. It was a great day and I can't wait to go back. We'll definitely use Errol again when we do!

Were you on a private tour with him or part of a slightly larger group tour? He is one we are considering for the three of us! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed touring with him.

Were you on a private tour with him or part of a slightly larger group tour? He is one we are considering for the three of us! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed touring with him.

It was just my husband and me, so a private tour. We really did love our day in Jamaica with Errol. He is sensitive to what you want to do and how much time you want to spend in each location, and he has no problem changing things up enroute if you want. There is plenty of room in his van for three, so you would be very comfortable. The entrance fee for the Blue Hole is $15 and that includes a guide while you're there. Ours was Val, but we also spent a lot of time talking to Romaine, who seemed like he would be a great guide also. We tipped Val afterward $10 or so, can't remember for sure, even though he didn't make us feel obligated to do so. He was very nice and a lot of fun, and made us feel safe every step of the way, so he earned it!

Have you emailed anyone yet to get rates, etc? I would email a couple and see what you think, but I can tell you that you won't regret spending the day with Errol, if that's who you choose. Regarding the roads, I sat in the front seat because I also get carsick when I ride in the back. The road to the Blue Hole is windy and hilly (and beautiful), but I didn't have any problem. It was 100% worth the trip!

It was just my husband and me, so a private tour. We really did love our day in Jamaica with Errol. He is sensitive to what you want to do and how much time you want to spend in each location, and he has no problem changing things up enroute if you want. There is plenty of room in his van for three, so you would be very comfortable. The entrance fee for the Blue Hole is $15 and that includes a guide while you're there. Ours was Val, but we also spent a lot of time talking to Romaine, who seemed like he would be a great guide also. We tipped Val afterward $10 or so, can't remember for sure, even though he didn't make us feel obligated to do so. He was very nice and a lot of fun, and made us feel safe every step of the way, so he earned it!

 

Have you emailed anyone yet to get rates, etc? I would email a couple and see what you think, but I can tell you that you won't regret spending the day with Errol, if that's who you choose. Regarding the roads, I sat in the front seat because I also get carsick when I ride in the back. The road to the Blue Hole is windy and hilly (and beautiful), but I didn't have any problem. It was 100% worth the trip!

Thanks for your response...you've definitely helped. I have emailed a few guides/drivers/companies and liked Errol's response the best (he seemed to actually read what I wrote and think about the response as opposed to sending a canned answer). I was just on the fence about a few things, but you've pushed me over it now. :D

Thanks for your response...you've definitely helped. I have emailed a few guides/drivers/companies and liked Errol's response the best (he seemed to actually read what I wrote and think about the response as opposed to sending a canned answer). I was just on the fence about a few things, but you've pushed me over it now. :D

Great! You'll have a wonderful time and Errol will take excellent care of you. Be sure to take water shoes to the Blue Hole, if you have them. If not, you can rent them. The rocks aren't at all slippery, but they worry about our tender feet! If you're not going to climb around you might not need them. But try to walk around with your guide if you can because it is very beautiful. While we were there, there was couple who had walked up aways to see the different waterfalls and pools, but they weren't jumping into the water. And there was another quite elderly gentleman who had walked a little distance, was sitting on a bench and very much enjoying the view. So you can do as much or as little as you want.

When are you going?