Not only are the Blue Mountains in Jamaica incredibly beautiful, green, and fertile, but they are also the home of the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee.
When I traveled around Jamaica for over a month, I always bought Blue Mountain Coffee at local supermarkets, and I absolutely loved my tour of the Blue Mountains (despite the heavy afternoon showers that made us stuck for a short while).
As the mountains are located in the middle of the island, you can do Blue Mountain coffee tours Jamaica from both shores on a day trip; there are also camping grounds up here if you want to stay a while and maybe do a bit of hiking—more about that at the end of the article.
Blue Mountain Coffee Tours Jamaica
Quick Coffee Tour Guide
📍 Here are the 3 featured top-rated Blue Mountains coffee tours from Kingston and Ocho Rios, respectively, (and one hiking-and-coffee tour) if you are in a hurry:
Blue Mountain Tour Jamaica
As Jamaica is a small island, you can actually reach the Blue Mountains from almost anywhere on a day trip (unless maybe from Negril).
From all sides, you need to navigate the impossibly narrow and winding roads (the locals honk the horn before every turn to alert other drivers that they are coming) to be able to visit the green hills of the Blue Mountains.
But don’t worry, the experienced drivers will keep you completely safe!
Below, you find 3 top-rated Blue Mountain Coffee Tours that depart from different Jamaica destinations (and one bonus hiking-and-coffee-tour), starting with this one from the capital, vibrant Kingston Town.
1. 4-6 Hour Blue Mountain Coffee Tours From Kingston
If you are staying in Kingston for (parts of) your Jamaica holiday, the Blue Mountains Coffee and Sightseeing Tour is a really good option.
Here are the most important things you need to know about this tour upfront:
- This is a 4-6 hour guided tour
- You will be picked up at your hotel in Kingston
- There will be stops for Jamaican treats and a delicious lunch
- Naturally, there will be coffee tasting
- A stop at Holywell Waterfall
- And lastly, a visit to the Devon House in Kingston
The Blue Mountains in Jamaica will introduce you to the slightly cooler side of Jamaica on this scenic 4-6-hour tour. You will see exotic birds and plants in addition to the main attraction of the day: coffee!
You will get first-hand experience exploring a coffee farm, learn everything about how the Blue Mountain coffee was and is produced, and, of course, savor some of it towards the end of the tour.
An extra beautiful experience is a stop at the not-too-big but picturesque Holywell Park Waterfall high above Kingston Town (not for swimming, though, just for admiring).
The tour itinerary also includes a visit to the beautiful Devon House mansion built in 1881 by George Stiebel, Jamaica’s first Black millionaire. Enter to leisurely step back into 19th-century Jamaica in an incredibly well-kept mansion with exquisite details that show the splendor of centuries ago.
I loved wandering the tranquil garden here among the beautiful blend of Caribbean and Georgian architecture and the old and old-fashioned “servants’ quarters” in the back that are now filled with shops and a cascade of colorful flowers.
Inside, the mansion is even furnished with an amazingly well-curated collection of antique pieces and reproductions from Jamaica, England, and France!
2. 2-3 Hours Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Tours From Ocho Rios or Kingston
If you feel like doing a shorter tour, this 2-3 hours five-star tour departs from both Kingston and Ocho Rios.
Here are the most important things you need to know about this tour upfront:
- Duration 2-3 hours
- Pick-up from your hotel in Kingston or Ocho Rios
- Coffee, tea, bottled water, and refreshments are included
- Wifi and air-conditioning in the car
- Stops in Irish Town, Newcastle, and the Blue Mountain National Park
The day’s first stop, Irish Town, is known for its picturesque views of the mountains, lush vegetation, and rich history.
You can explore the town’s colonial architecture, visit famous landmarks like the Holy Trinity Church and the Craighton Estate Coffee Farm, and taste some of the best coffee in Jamaica.
This town also hosts an annual Irish Festival, complete with traditional Irish music, dance, food, and all.
The second stop, Newcastle, is a small town rich in history and surrounded by the characteristic lush greenery.
Taste Jamaica’s world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee at the coffee plantations here and hiking trails from Newcastle lead to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Lastly, you arrive at the Blue Mountains National Park which is home to the highest peaks in Jamaica reaching over 7,000 feet (2130 meters).
Blue Mountain coffee is considered some of the best in the world, and part of the reason is its ideal high-altitude conditions, rich soil, and careful cultivation practices.
The region is also home to several charming villages, including Mavis Bank, Hagley Gap, and Whitfield Hall, and is super popular for its cool, misty climate, perfect for coffee, hiking, and simply enjoying the stunning nature.
3. 6-8 Hours Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Tour From Montego Bay or Ocho Rios
The Exotic Blue Mountain Coffee Tour starts from Ocho Rios or Montego Bay on the northern shores of Jamaica, a full day-tour that lasts for 6-8 hours.
Here are the most important things you need to know about this tour upfront:
- Pick up at your hotel in Ocho Rios or Montego Bay
- Complementary water bottle
- Snacks
- Entrance to the Craighton Estates is included
On this tour, you will first travel to Kingston, where you will visit Spanish Town’s Emancipation Square. The Spanish established the first capital city in Jamaica in 1534.
You will also stop at the venerable Devon House and then optionally visit the Bob Marley Museum (entrance fee not included).
Finally, you will head for the Craighton Estate Great House for a one-hour tour with a walk around the active coffee farm and the historic house. You will learn about the history of coffee production in Jamaica and end it all with an authentic Blue Mountain coffee-tasting session.
Before heading back to your hotel, you can also choose a stop at the scenic Strawberry Hills, which has one of the most spectacular views of the Blue Mountains to offer!
4. 8 Hours Mountain Hike & Coffee Tour From Runaway Bay
On this tour from Runaway Bay, a small town situated on the northern shores of Jamaica between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, you will trek deep into the tropical rainforest and see a wide variety of native plants, birds, and butterflies, as well as coffee.
This combination hiking and coffee tour is not yet rated, but I included it because I think it’s worth checking out for any hiking coffee lovers out there.
Here are the most important things you need to know about this tour upfront:
- Pick up at your hotel in Runaway Bay
- Airconditioned vehicle
- Complementary water bottle
- Catherine’s Peak in the Blue Mountains
- Stop at the Craighton Estate Great House
Then, you will hike the lush green forests of the mountain safely with a guide without getting lost. This activity-packed hike is ideal for nature lovers who do not want to venture off on their own and first-time travelers to the area.
Afterward, you will stop at the Craighton Estate Great House, where you can learn how the famous Blue Mountain coffee is grown and harvested.
You will also make a stop at Catherine’s Peak in the Blue Mountains, making this tour a great choice for hikers, nature lovers, and coffee lovers!
Hiking In The Blue Mountains On Your Own
Although not a vast or incredibly large area, the Blue Mountains are definitely a wilderness that avid hikers will love exploring.
I just did a short hike on my Blue Mountain tour by myself, and truth be told, if I had done a bit better research beforehand, I probably would have liked to stay up here longer – going with a guide and bringing a tent for a night or two.
For experienced hikers, following the well-marked trails on your own for a day hike or even a multi-day hike on your own in the hilly scenery will be no problem (just remember that there are always heavy afternoon showers up here for about 30-60 minutes).
If you are not used to navigating unknown wilderness on your own, you might be happier and feel safer in these mountains on an organized hiking tour with a seasoned guide who knows the area like the back of his hand!
The Blue Mountain “Mountain People”
I found out that the mountain people in Jamaica consider themselves exactly that: the “mountain people,” as opposed to the city or village people on either side of the green hills.
They are also very proud of surviving and thriving high above Kingston and the beautiful villages of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, and they are proud of their history as a high-quality coffee-producing area delivering excellent coffee to all corners of the world.
The Blue Mountain Guided Nature Tour is a guided hike of about 5-7 hours with a number of five-star reviews, that will keep you safe and show you the best and must stunning areas and view points on lush green peaks.
Map Of Jamaica
Wrap-Up Blue Mountain Coffee Tours In Jamaica
At this point, I hope any coffee-lovers out there have been inspired to visit the Blue Mountains, either on a guided tour or by yourself!
This was a truly amazing area of Jamaica to visit, so quiet, lush green, and tranquil, quite different from many of the other destinations Jamaica has to offer.
Ocho Rios is probably the area most similar to the Blue Mountains that I visited, where you also find a lot of incredible nature to explore, but a lot more regulated than in the “real wilderness.”
So, happy travel planning, and have an amazing trip!
