The ‘Cool Blue Gap’ – a pure attraction in Ocho Rios Jamaica with water so blue, it virtually appears surreal. Removed from an extraordinary swimming pool, the Ocho Rios Blue Gap was formed by nature. Only a glimpse of this pure surprise full with a fascinating waterfall confirms that the Caribbean is certainly paradise. The sheer magnificence of all of it could even compel you to leap off the sting… proper into the turquoise waters… straight into the form of rejuvenation you by no means actually anticipated to seek out.
However its actual, and this hidden gem of Jamaica is yours to savor. Alongside fans of nature and peace, this spot attracts cliff divers and thrill-seekers of all types. The truth that there’s one other waterfall, extra pure swimming pools and even a rope swing a brief hike away provides to the attract. And in Jamaica, you possibly can stroll proper into this liberating expertise.
Right here’s why you’ll completely love the Ocho Rios Blue Gap in Jamaica, and what you possibly can count on:
Desk of Contents
The Geological Marvel
Past the Vacationer Path
Journey Seeker’s Paradise
Issues to Do on the Blue Gap
What to Pack
Different locations to go to in Ocho Rios
Methods to Get to the Blue Gap
Superb locations to remain close to the Blue Gap
Learnings Recap
The Geological Marvel
Photograph credit score: Nzuri Pictures/Shutterstock.com
There’s no getting round it, the Ocho Rios Blue Gap is one of the vital fascinating points of interest on the planet. When one arrives right here, it’s solely pure to surprise concerning the processes that led to its creation and what makes it stand out from different pure points of interest in Jamaica.
A part of the White River Valley system, the Blue Gap was shaped over huge stretches of time. It got here to be due to limestone erosion and the works of underground river networks. Trying slightly deeper into it, the Blue Gap has a number of key geological options, together with karst formations like resolution pipes, caves, and underground drainage programs.
Earlier than visiting the Blue Gap, it helps to spend a while attending to know extra concerning the different pure points of interest in Jamaica to plan a well-rounded journey.
Good to know: Water ranges within the Blue Gap can differ by as much as 2 meters between the dry and moist seasons. Moreover, water readability and coloration depth change seasonally attributable to fluctuations in rainfall and daylight.
Past the Vacationer Path
Very like lots of the Caribbean’s pure points of interest, there’s extra to the Blue Gap than meets the attention. An exploration right here contains extra than simply sightseeing however studying concerning the cultural and ecological significance of this pure surprise.
We’ll begin with the ecological facet of issues. The Blue Gap is residence to over 50 completely different species of vegetation and animals. Many of those aren’t discovered wherever else on this island. Sure plant species on this space solely bloom throughout particular months. Then there’s the cultural side that features native legends and folklore. Right here’s what it’s essential to know:
River Mumma
Each island has central figures that both convey pleasure when mentioned, or spook individuals utterly. For Jamaica, certainly one of these figures is River Mumma. Conversations about this legendary character typically come up relating not simply to the Blue Gap, however to many different our bodies of water in Jamaica.
River Mumma is described as a mermaid-like being residing within the depths of rivers and lagoons. Because the legend goes, all of the fish within the river are her kids. Her sole responsibility is maintaining them secure. She is claimed to spring up out of nowhere on moonlit nights, dutifully sprucing up her hair with a golden comb. Now, we’re not precisely positive when or how this legend took place, however the serene portrayal of this character involves an abrupt halt in most tales when this mermaid-like creature is frightened. Then, she both drags the intruder underwater, or causes the river to dry up.
The Golden Desk
If that isn’t mind-boggling sufficient for you, then you definitely may wish to look into the legend of the Golden Desk. This connects to the River Mumma lore as properly. This Golden Desk is claimed to be a legendary treasure left behind by Spanish explorers. Luring curious explorers nearer, the treasure rises to the floor on sunny days. And who is aware of what occurs in the event that they’re silly sufficient to go! In any case, one second you might be reaching for gold, and the subsequent, you may end up in a sport of underwater hide-and-seek with River Mumma—who undoubtedly doesn’t play truthful!
Fortunately, these are simply legends… (however are they?) Because it has typically been mentioned, it’s at all times sensible to preserve one eye on the treasure and the opposite on the water—simply in case!
Good to know: Trying deeper into it, the Golden Desk is claimed to represent wealth. It has change into part of native lore surrounding our bodies of water just like the Blue Lagoon.
Mysterious Phenomena
Apart from the generally actually on the market native legends, there have been sure occasions on the Blue Gap which have sparked renewed curiosity in its mystic. Not too way back, a viral video caught the eye of the general public. Throughout the video, there was uncommon sand-colored water effervescent within the lagoon. Naturally, this introduced up speak about River Mumma once more. And everyone knows how that story goes…
Cultural Significance
Relating to native legends just like the nonetheless present ones in Jamaica, these mirror a broader cultural perception system amongst Jamaicans that intertwines spirituality with nature. For many individuals, these tales aren’t simply leisure, however they’re cautionary tales about respecting nature and its unseen forces. On the coronary heart of it, there’s a deep-seated respect for the pure world that continues to encourage and information.
Issues to do on the Blue Gap in Ocho Rios
Photograph credit score: Mehdi Kasumov/Shutterstock.com
Swinging from vines, absorbing the views, leaping into the accommodating waters, climbing the rock face, and letting go of your worries. All of those might be part of your Ocho Rios Blue Gap journey. Right here’s what you will get into whereas there:
Leap in, step in, cliff soar, or use the rope swing
Cowl photograph credit score: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com
Okay… we’ve established that the Blue Gap is a kind of locations the place you possibly can let your interior baby out. Discover and benefit from your time in Jamaica by taking full benefit of the rope swings and summoning the braveness cliff soar into the pure pool beneath. One factor about this expertise, it really does require a leap of religion!
In the event you’ve by no means gone cliff leaping in Jamaica, you may want slightly encouragement. For some individuals, simply seeing others do it’s inspiring sufficient. The water within the Blue Gap is evident, cool and wealthy in minerals. There are a couple of pure swimming pools at this attraction, with the primary pool being the deepest. That, at the least, is reassuring whenever you’re throwing warning to the wind and placing full belief right into a rope swing! As you get proper into the motion, don’t neglect to concentrate to the directions from the tour guides who’re normally available.
Professional Tip: In the event you’re excited by cliff Jumping in Jamaica, right here’s what it’s essential to know earlier than gearing up for that large soar!
Hike to the Secret Falls
Cowl photograph credit score: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com
Not solely are you able to expertise the famously rejuvenating waters of the Blue Gap throughout a go to, however you’ll even have the choice to hike to the close by Secret Falls. Professional climbing abilities aren’t required because it’s solely a couple of 10-minute hike alongside the river to get to Secret Falls often known as Island Gully Falls. You possibly can stay up for a brief, scenic hike, and when you get there, pure swimming swimming pools, extra cliff leaping alternatives, rope swings, and a much less crowded ambiance as in comparison with different well-known points of interest in Jamaica.
What to anticipate whenever you arrive
Entrance charges
Guests are required to pay an entrance payment of $25 USD to entry the Blue Gap in Jamaica. Youngsters beneath 12 pay half worth for entry ($15 USD). Many tour costs embody the price of entry to the Blue Gap, however you need to confirm this along with your resort or tour operator earlier than reserving.
Lockers, loos, and different facilities
When you arrive to the Blue Gap, you possibly can retailer your clothes, sneakers, and private objects in one of many lockers on the property for safekeeping. With free palms and no worries, you’ll have the ability to climb, swim, dive and discover to your coronary heart’s content material. Locker leases price round $2 USD. Bogs and altering rooms are additionally accessible on-site.
Meals & drinks
One of many closest eating places to the Ocho Rios Blue Gap is Linda’s Jerk & Seafood Restaurant. Many guests have lunch there after visiting the Blue Gap or the close by Dunn’s River Falls. You possibly can normally discover individuals promoting coconuts and the native Pink Stripe Beer within the space across the Blue Gap.
Methods to put together in your go to to the Blue Gap
Cowl photograph credit score: Nazar Skladanyi/Shutterstock.com
Reserving a tour
Earlier than reserving a tour to the Blue Gap in Jamaica, crucial factor to think about is your transportation to and from the positioning. The Blue Gap is notoriously tough to get to by automotive, so the very best resolution is to ebook a tour that features secure and comfy transfers to and out of your resort.
The very best excursions available on the market are normally supplied by personal tour corporations in Jamaica and embody transportation in addition to a guided tour. These corporations typically supply a half-day, or perhaps a full-day, Blue Gap excursions with pick-up and drop-off included.
Whereas in Jamaica, contemplate combining a go to to the Blue Gap with one other close by attraction, like river tubing at White River. Island Routes’ River Tubing & Blue Hole Experience makes it doable to just do that!
Good to know: The Blue Gap is a well-liked attraction in Jamaica, but it surely’s not sometimes crowded. Fairly often, guests discover that their group is the one one there, particularly with visits booked within the early morning hours.
Issues to pack earlier than your go to to the Blue Gap
Cowl photograph credit score: Maridav/Shutterstock.com
Consolation issues when heading to areas just like the Ocho Rios Blue Gap. Put on light-weight clothes and contemplate bringing swimwear and water sneakers alongside. In the event you don’t have water sneakers, they’re accessible for buy on-site.
And talking of consolation, preserve some bug spray available! You’ll want this for many nature-based excursions, however notably the Blue Gap because it’s nestled within the mountains. Those that can’t swim or aren’t snug within the water could discover that life jackets come in useful, particularly for the deeper swimming swimming pools on this space. Life jackets are additionally accessible on-site. Different objects that you just’ll wish to pack for this tour embody towels, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
Professional tip: Pack mild for journeys to the islands. In the event you’re undecided what to convey, right here’s what to pack for a vacation in Jamaica (the ultimate list!)
Methods to get to the Blue Gap in Ocho Rios?
The Blue Gap is situated within the hills of Ocho Rios, on Jamaica’s north coast, in an space generally known as St. Ann Parish. This off-the-beaten-path attraction is a couple of 30-minute drive from the city middle. To get to the Blue Gap, you’ll must make your means by a tough and uneven path as there isn’t a paved street resulting in its location. The truth is, the trail is so rugged that the majority taxis received’t even take you there and threat damaging their vehicles.
Most guests to the Blue Gap in Jamaica go as a part of a tour. Apart from this, there’s a particular shuttle service you possibly can take to get there from areas together with Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, Tower Isle, and the airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. It prices about $20 USD per individual for pickup from Ocho Rios and Tower Isle with a minimal of 4 individuals.
From Montego Bay, pickup prices round $50 USD per individual with a minimal of 4 individuals, however decide up immediately from the Montego Bay Airport is $100 USD, and from the Kingston Airport is $200 USD.
Negril shuttle costs can be found by contacting the shuttle service immediately.
For the best and most cost-effective entry to the Blue Gap in Jamaica, it’s a good suggestion to remain at an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios. With this feature, you possibly can plan by the resort to get to the Blue Gap.
Superb locations to remain close to the Blue Gap
Image: The all-inclusive Sandals Ochi feels prefer it was made for love! This property is so huge and plush that, regardless of the place you end up, you’ll at all times really feel as if there’s loads of area for simply the 2 of you.
To prepare in your Blue Gap expedition in Jamaica, make discovering lodging your first step. Contemplate staying at an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios as lots of the stand-out points of interest in Jamaica are on this space. Resorts like Sandals Royal Plantation or Sandals Ochi might be simply the precise alternative in your dream journey. And with a Sandals Resort getaway, all of your trip necessities, from themed eating, leisure, land and water sports activities and extra, are included!
Out of your Sandals all-inclusive resort, workers can present help with tour bookings to the Blue Gap or another native sizzling spots. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, the information and different data they’ll share is properly value it. Ask notably about pricing, so you realize what to anticipate.
Apart from reserving excursions and securing your all-inclusive vacation package, the subsequent factor you’ll wish to do forward of your Blue Gap tour is to get enthusiastic about it!
Different locations to go to round Ocho Rios
Image: River rafting down the Martha Brae.
The Blue Gap is just one of many exciting things to do in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. You may also go to Dunn’s River Falls, go river tubing or rafting, discover the famed Mystic Mountain, and a lot extra! Listed below are a few of our favorites points of interest in Jamaica:
Dunn’s River Falls
Cowl photograph credit score: gmeland/Shutterstock.com
You possibly can’t presumably go to Ocho Rios with out seeing Dunn’s River Falls first hand! This world-famous landmark is a community of cascading waterfalls that tower over 180 toes excessive and stretch 600 toes. Contemplate it a naturally shaped stairway to heaven. There are many actions you possibly can strive throughout a go to, together with the moist and dry climbs. For the moist climb, be a part of palms with others and climb by the cascades as a part of a human chain. The dry climb alternatively takes you alongside the perimeters of the falls the place you possibly can nonetheless expertise some stellar views. Afraid of heights? No drawback! You possibly can get pleasure from an invigorating dip within the surrounding lagoons stuffed with water from a contemporary mountain spring. You received’t consider how spectacular this nationwide treasure is till you see it for your self!
White River tubing and rafting
River tubing and rafting are a should whereas in Jamaica. In any case, not each island gives this unimaginable exercise, and most of the people merely fall in love with it. River tubing and bamboo rafting in Jamaica are generally carried out on the White River. That is sometimes a relaxed and stress-free expertise whether or not you select a tube or bamboo raft. The placement the place this exercise kicks off is only a 5-minute drive from Ocho Rios. The tour itself takes round one hour. Some tour corporations supply combination tours (full day) that embody river tubing or rafting and a go to to the Blue Gap. And to that we are saying, a combo properly value contemplating whereas in Jamaica!
Professional tip: Forward of reserving your journey, it is a good suggestion to find out about the best time of the year to visit Jamaica is. Realizing this may make it easier to plan a trip that you just will not quickly neglect!
Mystic Mountain
Cowl photograph credit score: Sevenstock Studio/Shutterstock.com
Mystic Mountain is a Jamaican landmark you’ll in all probability hear about lengthy earlier than you really see it. This attraction is about 5 minutes from Ocho Rios by automotive and it’s primarily a rainforest park. When you make the preliminary trek up Mystic Mountain, you’ll discover a lot of completely different journey excursions accessible for all ages.
Begin with the Sky Explorer chairlift, which is a spectacular strategy to get to the highest of the mountain. You’ll get pleasure from breathtaking views of the Ocho Rios space alongside the best way. Then, strive Mystic Mountain’s signature attraction, a bobsledding journey that permits you to zoom by the rainforest utilizing high-tech sleds. Ziplining by the dense forest cover from one platform to a different is one other exhilarating strategy to see the world. Light-weight clothes, sunscreen, binoculars, a digicam, sun shades, and comfy footwear are a couple of of the necessities you need to convey alongside for this journey.
Konoko Falls
Cowl photograph credit score: Mehdi Kasumov/Shutterstock.com
Konoko Falls is a must-visit cease whereas in Jamaica. Positioned about 5 minutes from central Ocho Rios, this charming waterfall and botanical backyard appeal to guests who simply wish to absorb the wonder and peace of Jamaica. To get to Konoko Falls, you possibly can ebook a tour by one of many native corporations. Entrance charges are $20 USD for adults and $10 USD for youngsters aged 3-12. Youngsters beneath 3 are free.
At Konoko Falls, there are two bars on-site that serve beer, soda, juice, and meals. Lockers can be found as properly ($5 USD), the place you possibly can retailer your belongings as you discover. To benefit from your day at Konoko Falls, convey a towel, swimwear, sunblock, and water sneakers.
Runaway Bay
Cowl photograph credit score: Ryan Richter/Shutterstock.com
Runaway Bay is a well-liked resort city that many individuals contemplate to be one of the vital lovely components of Jamaica. The city is situated about half-hour from Ocho Rios by automotive and there are lots of personal seashores within the space. Guests eager to discover a public seashore received’t be dissatisfied as there are lots of, together with Cardiff Corridor, which has a bar, loos, and showers. Many guests love snorkeling at Cardiff Corridor as there’s at all times one thing fascinating to see.
Apart from this seashore, there are many different scuba diving spots in Runaway Bay the place divers typically catch sightings of Parrotfish, Angelfish, Creole Wrasse, French Grunt, and different numerous fish species. In the event you select to dive right here, you possibly can both keep across the offshore coral reefs or head out into the open water.
Love scuba diving? Licensed friends of any all-inclusive Sandals Resort in Jamaica can scuba dive without cost (max. two tanks a day) throughout their keep – this contains skilled tools and steerage from the dive workforce!
Learnings Recap
• The Ocho Rios Blue Gap is a geological marvel shaped by tectonic exercise and limestone erosion
• The realm boasts wealthy biodiversity and cultural significance past its vacationer enchantment
• Accountable tourism practices are essential for preserving this pure surprise for future generations
• Sandals Resorts gives beachfront lodging close to the Blue Gap, supporting sustainable tourism efforts
Take the Plunge at Jamaica’s Exhilarating Blue Gap!
There are various wonderful things to do in Jamaica and going to the Blue Gap is certainly certainly one of them. Guests typically describe this expertise as secure, thrilling, and breathtaking.
The Blue Gap sure is cool and charming Blue Gap. From the second you step by the vine-covered cavern to the sting of its crystalline waters, you’ll be hooked. Really feel the frenzy as you leap into the various pure swimming swimming pools within the space—whether or not by rope swing or pure adrenaline is as much as you! Take a brief nature hike to the Secret Falls, surrounded by lush tropical flowers and towering timber. And, in fact, seize each second with photographs which might be as gorgeous as they’ll be memorable!
Insider tip: Whereas in Jamaica, keep at a conveniently situated all-inclusive resort like Sandals Ochi or Sandals Royal Plantation to be simply minutes away from the journey. With all you want included, you may discover the warmest Caribbean welcome ready only for you!
Image: The beachfront Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica.
