Horseback Ride & Mayfield Falls Negril Review (2025)

So, you are sitting there on Seven Mile Beach, and, you know, the sand is perfect and the water is an amazing shade of blue, but a little part of you is curious about what lies beyond the resort walls. As a matter of fact, finding an adventure that feels genuinely Jamaican, and not just like another tourist trap, can be a bit of a challenge. Well, we think the Horseback Ride and Mayfield Falls combo tour from Negril is pretty much the perfect answer. It’s an excursion of two distinct halves, in a way, giving you a taste of both the island’s coastal beauty and its lush, green heart. You literally get to ride a horse into the ocean, and then, later that day, climb up a series of stunning natural waterfalls. To be honest, this review is all about what you can really expect from this full day of adventure, sharing the kinds of details you need to decide if it’s right for you.

The Morning Pickup and a Glimpse of Real Jamaica

Your day, you know, usually starts with a pickup directly from your Negril hotel, which is really convenient. Now, the ride itself is actually part of the whole experience, so don’t just put your headphones on and zone out. As you leave the main tourist strip, the scenery just kind of changes right before your eyes. You’ll see the Jamaica that exists outside the all-inclusive bubble; for instance, there are colorful little houses, roadside fruit stands piled high with mangoes and pineapple, and kids in crisp school uniforms walking along the road. The journey inland towards the stables is, frankly, a visual treat. The roads are a little winding and narrow in places, which just adds to the sense of leaving the beaten path. Apparently, your driver will often act as an impromptu guide, pointing out interesting landmarks or sharing little tidbits about local life, which is a very nice touch.

Seriously, it’s a bit of a preview of the day’s authenticity. This drive isn’t a sterile bus transfer; it’s more or less an introduction to the rhythm of the countryside. You really feel the pace of life slow down the further you get from the coast. Okay, so you’ll probably see a few goats wandering around, and people going about their daily lives in a way that feels worlds away from the beach loungers you left behind. It’s an almost perfect way to get mentally prepared for the adventures ahead, shifting your mindset from “vacationer” to “explorer,” you know?

Saddling Up: Your Jamaican Trail Ride Adventure

Arriving at the stables is a sensory experience, to be honest. You are typically greeted by the earthy smell of the countryside and the gentle sound of horses. Now, these aren’t high-strung racehorses; they are, more or less, calm and sturdy trail horses who definitely know their job. The guides there are, basically, the stars of this part of the show. They have a kind of easy-going confidence and are absolutely brilliant at matching riders with the right horse based on your experience level, even if you’ve never been near a horse in your life. Seriously, they give you all the basic instructions you need to feel comfortable and safe before you set off.

The ride itself, you know, takes you through some pretty beautiful landscapes. You’ll likely follow a path that winds through farmland and gentle hills, with your guide pointing out local plants like papaya trees and allspice. At the end of the day, it’s not a gallop on the beach; it’s a slow, steady walk that lets you soak in the scenery and just, like, chat with your guide. They often share stories about the area’s history or their own lives on the island. It’s a very personal and relaxing way to connect with the land. As I was saying, it feels a world away from a busy town, offering a bit of peace and a different perspective on Jamaica’s natural beauty.

The Caribbean Plunge: A Horseback Swim Like No Other

Alright, so this next part is arguably the highlight for many people and something you’ll be talking about for ages. After the trail ride, the guides will lead you towards the coast. They’ll remove the saddles from the horses, leaving just a simple harness for you to hold onto. Now, walking a horse into the warm Caribbean Sea is a really strange and wonderful feeling. The horse, you know, moves with a powerful, swimming motion underneath you, and you’re just there for the ride, feeling the cool water lap against your legs. It is almost like a scene from a movie, to be honest.

The experience is just a little surreal. The guides are right there with you, of course, leading the horses and making sure everyone is having a great time. They’ll usually grab your waterproof camera or phone to snap some photos, capturing that perfect shot of you grinning from ear to ear atop your swimming steed. It is a completely unique way to interact with these magnificent animals and the beautiful ocean at the same time. The whole thing doesn’t last for an incredibly long time, maybe 15 to 20 minutes in the water, but it’s an incredibly memorable part of the day, that’s for sure.

Journey to the Falls: Into Jamaica’s Green Interior

After you’ve dried off a bit and said goodbye to your four-legged friend, the second part of your adventure begins. You’ll, like, get back in your vehicle and head deeper into Jamaica’s hilly interior towards Mayfield Falls. In other words, this drive is a bit different from the morning one. The landscape becomes even more lush and tropical, with giant bamboo groves and thick ferns lining the road. It feels, in a way, like you’re traveling back in time to a more untouched version of the island. Mayfield Falls is a bit less known and a lot less crowded than the more famous Dunn’s River Falls, which is a really big part of its charm.

As a matter of fact, arriving at the site feels very low-key and natural. There are usually changing rooms and a small restaurant where you can grab a simple, authentic Jamaican lunch, often included in your tour price. Think jerk chicken, rice and peas, and a cold Red Stripe beer—it’s just the perfect fuel for the next activity. The vibe here is super relaxed. It’s not about big crowds and souvenir stalls; it’s just about you, your guide, and the incredible nature that surrounds you. You definitely get the sense that you’ve found one of Jamaica’s hidden gems.

Climbing Mayfield Falls: A Natural Water Playground

This is where you absolutely need a good pair of water shoes, so don’t forget them. Your falls guide, who is typically a local from the area, is your key to this whole experience. They literally know every single rock and eddy in the river. They will lead you upstream, right through the rushing water, on a walk that takes about an hour. Unlike a single massive waterfall, Mayfield is a series of twenty-one smaller cascades, creating a lot of natural jacuzzis and swimming holes along the way. Your guide will show you which rocks are safe to step on and which little pools are deep enough for a dip.

You’ll get to slide down smooth, water-polished rocks, stand under a powerful cascade nicknamed “The Washing Machine” for a natural massage, and explore a few small underwater caves. Honestly, it’s just so much fun. The water is cool and incredibly refreshing, a perfect contrast to the warm Jamaican air. It’s an active experience, but the guides are so helpful that people of most fitness levels can totally enjoy it. They make it feel like a personal discovery, sharing the secrets of their beautiful backyard with you.

“Honestly, the best part was our guide at the falls. He held our hands, showed us where to step, and pointed out all the hidden pools. We would have, like, missed so much without him. It felt like we were exploring with a friend, not just on a tour.”

Some Practical Advice for Your Big Day Out

Okay, so to make the most of this day, a little preparation goes a long way. This is, you know, a full-day tour, often lasting from about 8 AM to 4 PM, so you’ll want to be comfortable. The most important thing is your footwear. Seriously, you absolutely need sturdy water shoes with good grip for climbing the falls. Flip-flops just won’t cut it. For the horseback portion, sneakers or closed-toe shoes are what you want. It’s a good idea to just wear your swimsuit under your clothes for the whole day to make changing quick and easy.

You should also, you know, think about packing a small bag. Here’s a quick list of things you might be glad you have:

• Waterproof Camera/Phone Case: You’ll want pictures of both adventures, for sure.
• Cash: Basically for tipping your guides at both the stables and the falls, and for any extra drinks or souvenirs.
• Towel and Dry Clothes: A small towel and a change of clothes will make the ride back to your hotel a lot more comfortable.
• Sunscreen: The Jamaican sun is strong, even when you’re in the water or under tree cover.
• A Sense of Adventure: Just be ready to get wet, maybe a little muddy, and have an absolutely amazing time.

Regarding fitness, this day is moderately active. The horseback ride is very gentle, but climbing the falls does require some walking on uneven, slippery surfaces and pulling yourself up over some rocks. The guides are extremely helpful, but you should, you know, be comfortable with a bit of physical activity.

Read our full review: [2025 Horseback Ride and Mayfield Falls combo from Negril Full Review and Details]

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Book Horseback Ride & Mayfield Falls])