Last week we were on the MSC Seashore with a stop in Ocho Rios. I always look for a local tour and found Mark’s Tours either here or on trip advisor. Anyhow, I found him on FB and contacted him via FB messenger at first and he asked me to email him. Mark picks you up at the port and takes you wherever you want to go. We initially wanted to go to Dunn’s River Falls, and I said we wanted to see a little of the area, try some local food and get souvenirs.
He suggested a few places to check out and to let him know. One of the places he suggested was the Blue Hole and after watching videos he sent, we were sold. Mark took us (air conditioned minibus) and another family to the Blue Hole and set us up with guides. The other family elected to be dropped off at the beach after the Blue Hole, so then Mark took us to a restaurant that served jerk chicken (excellent!) and to a shopping center for cheesy souvenirs and Jamaican rum. He even brought some fresh mangoes from his tree for us. He’s very personable and accommodating and we would definitely use Mark again for a tour or recommend him to anyone going to Ocho Rios.

The Blue Hole was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced! The kids (ages 11, 11, 13) had a blast jumping off the high jump, and dropping from the swings into the water. There’s lots of climbing involved and some swimming. It’s really so gorgeous. They have life jackets available and even if you’re a decent swimmer, I’d probably take one just because the currents can be pretty swift and it’s deep in a lot of places. I didn’t take one and I wished I had because by the end I was pretty tired- it would have been nice to float to the side vs having to work for it. Everyone needs water shoes for sure and I’d definitely bring a waterproof phone case. Our guide took photos and video with my phone and got some of the most amazing shots, all while directing us where to go, making sure we stayed safe, and had a great time.

For just transportation with Marks Tours, it was $25 per adult and $20 per child. The Blue Hole was an additional $20/pp and we also tipped our guides at the Blue Hole and Mark bc they were amazing.

Yes, Mark's Tours is still in business. We were one of the first after Jamaica reopened in March. We chose not to go to the Blue Hole (not sure if it was open to tourists yet), but I can vouch for Mark and assure that he will give you an excellent tour, tailored to your desires. He is very knowledgeable about the island. It was a sad story on March 28, Covid had put most of the tour operators out of business, and the rest (includng Mark) were just barely making it.

Mark is the best! We have used his services several times. I have kept in touch with him over the years. I would highly recommend his tours.

We spent a wonderful day in Jamaica with Mark’s wife showing us around the island and several hours at the Blue Hole. She gave us lots of information on the island and answered all the questions our family had.

At the Blue Hole, she hooked us up with a great guy that was a our personal guide through all the jumps at the Blue Hole.

We felt safe on the island and wouldn’t hesitate to book again with Mark’s Tours!