Review · SECRET FALLS TOURS

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay

★ 5.0 · 9 reviews From $240 Operated by Esteen Transfer, Tours & Photography Ja · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

This Jamaican day out packs three very different experiences into one private trip: horseback riding, a Blue Hole and Secret Falls visit, and bamboo rafting on the White River. You move from inland trails to cool freshwater pools, then settle onto a handmade raft with your own group.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the private format, since your guide handles the driving and timing instead of making you piece together three separate outings. I also like the range of the day: the horseback ride is active, the falls bring the biggest burst of excitement, and the raft gives you a calmer hour on the river.

The main caution is that weather can change the day. Heavy rain affected one reported visit to Blue Hole, while the bamboo rafting stop also came with unwanted attention from local vendors. Bring patience, a towel, and water shoes if you have them.

Key points to know before booking

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Key points to know before booking

  • Three Jamaican activities in one day: Ride for about an hour, spend two hours at Blue Hole and Secret Falls, and raft the White River for another hour.
  • Private transportation is included: An air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, and drop-off take care of the long day’s logistics.
  • The Blue Hole stop is the most physical: Expect a hike up the falls and optional rope jumping, with a way to take part even if you do not want to jump.
  • Reggie is one guide praised by name: Guide assignments can vary, but Reggie received especially warm feedback for the horseback portion.
  • Lunch and breakfast cost extra: Fees, taxes, transport, and admission are included, but food, water shoes, and a waterproof phone case are not.
  • Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, so keep your plans flexible.

Why this Montego Bay triple play works

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Why this Montego Bay triple play works

The strength of this tour is variety. Many Jamaican excursions focus on one major attraction, but this one gives you a full day of changing pace without asking you to arrange separate taxis, activity bookings, and return transport.

You start with a land-based ride, move to freshwater pools and falls, then finish on a river. That makes the day feel full without repeating the same kind of activity for eight hours.

The private setup matters more than it may at first appear. You are not joining a large bus group for every stop, and your guide can help with the timing between activities. The tour is still a busy day, but it should feel less rigid than a standard group excursion.

The price is $240 per person. That is not a budget outing, especially because breakfast and lunch are not included. Still, the price covers private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, taxes and fees, and admission to the included activities.

I would judge the value by how much you want convenience. If you would otherwise pay separately for transport from Montego Bay, horseback riding, Blue Hole admission, and rafting, the bundled price may make sense. If you only want one activity, this is probably more than you need.

More Horseback Rides in Montego Bay

The one-hour horseback ride near St. Ann’s Bay

The first activity takes you into the backcountry around St. Ann’s Bay for about an hour on horseback. A guide helps you mount, then leads the ride along the area’s less developed roads and trails.

This is not presented as an advanced riding lesson or a long equestrian trek. It is a short introduction suited to an active visitor who wants to sit in the saddle and see a quieter side of the area.

The horseback portion received the strongest praise in the available feedback. Reggie was singled out for doing a fantastic job, which suggests that the quality of the guide can shape this stop. You should not assume Reggie will lead every departure, but the name is useful to know when you speak with the operator.

Expect some practical effort here. You need enough balance and mobility to mount a horse and ride for an hour, and the tour requires a moderate physical fitness level overall. Wear clothing you can move in, and do not bring anything you cannot keep secure while riding.

I like the way this opening activity sets the tone. You are not rushed straight into the water, and you get a land-based look at St. Ann’s Bay before the more energetic falls stop.

Blue Hole and Secret Falls for two active hours

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Blue Hole and Secret Falls for two active hours

The Blue Hole and Secret Falls stop lasts about two hours and is the most adventure-focused part of the day. A certified guide leads you through the falls area, where the activities include a hike upward and optional rope jumping.

The rope jump is not compulsory. If you cannot or do not want to jump, you are not left out of the visit. That flexibility is important for mixed groups, since one person may want the thrill while another prefers to walk, watch, or enjoy the water at a gentler pace.

The hike means this stop is not simply a roadside photo break. You should expect uneven ground and enough exertion to make the moderate-fitness requirement worth taking seriously. The supplied information does not give exact trail conditions, swimming depth, or water temperature, so ask your guide on the day if those details matter to you.

Weather can affect this portion sharply. One reported outing had heavy rain that prevented the full Blue Hole experience. The operator requires good weather and offers a different date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation, but rain during the day can still alter what you get to do.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures. It is not included, and the tour also does not provide water shoes. Water shoes are a smart extra for a wet falls area, though the operator lists them as an item you must supply yourself.

For many people, this will be the day’s centerpiece. The waterfalls add movement and excitement, while the option to skip the rope jump keeps the stop from becoming an all-or-nothing challenge.

A slower hour on the White River

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - A slower hour on the White River

After the falls, the tour heads to the White River for a one-hour bamboo rafting trip. Your guide takes you downstream on a handmade bamboo raft, with the emphasis on a relaxed and comfortable ride rather than speed.

This is a useful change of pace. After horseback riding and a hike around the falls, you can sit back, look along the river, and let the guide manage the raft. The stop gives the day a calmer finish and adds a different view of Jamaica’s interior.

The rafting experience can vary with conditions around the river. One piece of feedback described the ride itself as disappointing because too many local sellers approached at once. That is worth knowing before you book. The presence of vendors can affect how peaceful the stop feels, even when the rafting itself is pleasant.

You can reduce some frustration by deciding in advance how you want to handle sales pitches. Keep valuables secured, bring only what you need, and ask your guide for help if the attention becomes too much. The supplied details do not promise a vendor-free river experience.

The White River stop is still a good match for anyone who wants a quieter activity in the middle of an active day. Just do not book this tour expecting every minute to feel secluded or silent.

Passing through Ocho Rios on the north coast

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Passing through Ocho Rios on the north coast

The route takes you through Ocho Rios on the way to the rafting stop. The town began as a small fishing village and is now one of Jamaica’s main tourism centers.

You may not have a dedicated sightseeing stop there, so think of Ocho Rios as part of the journey rather than a fourth included activity. The drive gives you a glimpse of a major north coast resort town and helps connect the day’s separate locations.

This detail matters when you set expectations. If you want a full Ocho Rios city tour, this excursion is not designed for that. If you enjoy seeing the changing character of Jamaica from an air-conditioned vehicle between activities, the route adds useful context without extending the itinerary with another formal stop.

Private transport makes the long day easier

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Private transport makes the long day easier

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. That is one of the clearest practical benefits of booking this as a single experience from Montego Bay.

An eight-hour day with three stops can become tiring when you are also responsible for directions, parking, meeting times, and finding a ride back. Here, your guide handles the main logistics, leaving you to focus on the activities.

The private format also means only your group participates. You can go at your own pace within the day, which is especially helpful if one person needs extra time mounting a horse or another prefers to skip the rope jump.

Private does not mean the entire day is unstructured. The stops have approximate time blocks, and the driving between them is part of the outing. You should still expect a full day rather than three quick activities close together.

The tour offers mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided when you book. Keep the confirmation accessible on your phone, especially if your hotel pickup details need checking.

What the $240 price includes, and what it leaves out

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - What the $240 price includes, and what it leaves out

At $240 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced day trip. The cost covers all fees and taxes, private transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, and admission for the included activities.

It does not cover breakfast or lunch. Since the tour lasts about eight hours, plan your food before departure or ask the provider what options are available during the day. Do not assume meals are part of the package.

You also need to supply water shoes and a waterproof phone case if you want them. Tips for the guides are welcome but not required as part of the listed price.

I see the value mainly in the private transport and the three-stop design. You are paying for a ready-made day with pickup, activity coordination, and return service, not just admission to Blue Hole or a single horseback ride.

The price makes the most sense for a group that wants all three activities. If your group has no interest in horses, rafting, or rope jumping, you may get better value from a shorter single-activity outing.

Who will enjoy this day most

Horseback Ride, Bamboo Rafting and Bluehole/Secret Falls Tour from Montego Bay - Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this tour to an active group that wants several Jamaican experiences in one booking. Families with older children, couples, and friends can all fit the format, provided everyone can manage a moderate level of physical activity.

It is also a strong choice if you value private travel. You do not have to coordinate separate rides from Montego Bay, and your group can move through the day together.

You should think twice if you dislike wet activities, uneven walking, horseback riding, or a long day on the road. The falls portion includes a hike, and the tour depends on good weather for the best experience.

The activity suits mixed comfort levels better than you might expect because the rope jump is optional. Still, nobody should book it assuming the falls stop is entirely passive.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear clothes that can get wet and shoes suited to walking around a falls area. Water shoes are not included, so pack your own if you have them.

Bring a waterproof phone case rather than relying on a regular phone cover. Keep extra belongings to a minimum, especially during the horseback and water portions.

Pack food or make a meal plan before you leave. Neither breakfast nor lunch is included, and the day is long enough that hunger can take the shine off the later stops.

Allow for weather changes. The operator can reschedule or refund a departure canceled for poor weather, but conditions may also affect individual activities during a running tour.

Finally, keep your expectations balanced. The horseback ride and the private guide service may be the strongest parts for you, while the falls depend on rain and water conditions, and the rafting area may include vendor activity.

Should you book this private Jamaica tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, active day from Montego Bay and like the idea of combining a one-hour horseback ride, Blue Hole and Secret Falls, and White River rafting. The private vehicle, hotel pickup, and flexible group format add real value at $240, especially when several people are sharing the same plan.

Skip it if you want a quiet, single-focus outing, guaranteed sunshine, or meals included. The best booking choice is to bring water shoes, plan for food, accept that weather can change the falls visit, and treat the rope jump as an optional extra rather than the reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about eight hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is offered from Montego Bay, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What activities are included?

The tour includes a horseback ride near St. Ann’s Bay, a Blue Hole and Secret Falls visit, and bamboo rafting on the White River.

How long is the horseback ride?

The horseback ride lasts about one hour.

How long is the Blue Hole and Secret Falls visit?

The Blue Hole and Secret Falls portion lasts about two hours.

Is rope jumping required?

No. Rope jumping is optional, and you can still take part if you do not jump.

Are meals included?

No. Breakfast and lunch are not included in the price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.

More like this

Secret Falls Tours, compared.

The full Secret Falls Tours list →
Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls Combo Day-Trip
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 973 reviews· from $125

Blue Hole, Secret Falls, and Dunn’s River Falls Combo Day-Trip

Read our review →
Chuck Norris Secret Falls and Dunn’s River Falls
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 188 reviews· from $185

Chuck Norris Secret Falls and Dunn’s River Falls

Read our review →
[PRIVATE] Blue Hole & Secret Falls Tour with Entrance Fees
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 75 reviews· from $167

[PRIVATE] Blue Hole & Secret Falls Tour with Entrance Fees

Read our review →
Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole Secret Falls and Shopping
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 56 reviews· from $76

Private Tour From Ocho Rios To Blue Hole Secret Falls and Shopping

Read our review →
Blue Hole Secret Falls Excursions Best Water Falls in Jamaica
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 48 reviews· from $140

Blue Hole Secret Falls Excursions Best Water Falls in Jamaica

Read our review →
[PRIVATE] Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole & Secret Falls w/Entrance
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 41 reviews· from $215

[PRIVATE] Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole & Secret Falls w/Entrance

Read our review →
Explore Montego Bay Jamaica to Blue Hole/Secret Falls River Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 37 reviews· from $150

Explore Montego Bay Jamaica to Blue Hole/Secret Falls River Tour

Read our review →
Blue Hole & Secret Falls Day-Trip with Shopping from Grand Palladium
★★★★★★★★★★4.0· 34 reviews· from $125

Blue Hole & Secret Falls Day-Trip with Shopping from Grand Palladium

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore Jamaica

Pick a waterfall, a beach or a night out.