Not to be confused with the famous Blue Hole near Ocho Rios, this mineral spring in the hills inland from Negril is a quiet freshwater pool fed by underground springs. The water is clear, cool and a vivid blue-green, and the surrounding bush is full of the herbs and plants that local people use as medicine and tea. This tour takes you there for a swim and, if you choose the option, a guided walk to learn about medicinal plants and their uses. It offers a refreshing contrast to the salt and sand of the beach and is popular with travellers who want something low-key and natural. The pool is small and the setting is rustic, which is part of the appeal, and you may well have it to yourselves for much of your visit.
How it works
The tour collects you from your Negril hotel and drives to the spring, where you have time to swim and relax. The plant walk is optional. Entrance fees and extras may vary, so check the inclusions.
What to expect
The pool is cool, deep in places and surrounded by trees, with a rope swing in some spots. Facilities are basic. On the plant walk a guide shows you leaves, roots and barks and explains how they are used in teas and remedies, with plenty of local stories.
Making the most of it
Bring a swimsuit, towel, water shoes and insect repellent. The water is cold compared with the sea, so be prepared for a brisk plunge. Do not take valuables to the pool, and follow the staff’s advice on depth and safety.
The setting and the story
Mineral springs have long been valued in Jamaica for their cool, clean water, and many local people use plants from the surrounding bush for teas and home remedies. The optional walk is a chance to hear first-hand accounts of what grows nearby, from cerasee and soursop leaf to ginger and lemongrass, and how families use them. Guides vary in how much they talk, so ask questions if you want more detail, and remember that herbal knowledge is shared in a cultural context rather than as medical advice.
Timing
Go early in the day, when the pool is quiet and the light filters through the trees. After heavy rain the water can be cloudier, and the track may be slippery, so ask the operator about conditions on the day.
What to expect
The experience
A guided trip to a spring-fed pool near Negril with time to swim and an optional medicinal plant walk.
Best time
Dry-season mornings, when the water is clearest and the weather is pleasant.
How long
Around three to four hours including transport.
Tips
Wear water shoes, bring a towel and insect repellent, and keep valuables at the hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a quiet, natural swim away from the resorts.
- Families
- The pool is suitable for confident swimmers; supervise children closely.
- Couples
- A secluded spring and a story-filled walk together.
- Pair with
- A beach afternoon or a sunset at Rick’s Café.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is this the same as the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios?+
No, this is a separate mineral spring near Negril, and the two should not be confused.
Is the water cold?+
It is cooler than the sea, so expect a refreshing plunge.
Is the plant walk included?+
It is listed as optional, so confirm the price and what it covers.
Can children swim there?+
Confident swimmers can, but supervise closely because parts of the pool are deep.
Are facilities available?+
Expect basic facilities, so bring what you need.
