Climbing Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls: Tips For Visiting This Epic Attraction
Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most popular and unique tourist attractions, and after visiting this month, it is easy to see why. Not only are the falls incredibly beautiful, but visitors to the site have the opportunity to brave the rushing water and climb up 600 feet of falls!
And yes, you read that correctly, you can actually climb a waterfall.
If you love adventures, trying something new, and once in a lifetime experiences, then you will want to put Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls on your bucket list and travel itinerary.
Getting There
Dunn’s River Falls is located in the popular resort location of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, so if you aren’t staying in Ocho Rios you may have some distance to travel to get there.
From a Resort: If you are staying in a resort, you will most likely be able to book an excursion to the falls, just check with your concierge. Many of these day trips will combine other activities such as river tubing or a beach stop for a longer experience. I highly recommend combining your visit to the falls with a trip to the Blue Hole (approximately 30 minutes away).
If you choose to book a day trip, be aware that you may have to visit several hotels before arriving at the falls-it took my family almost 3 hours to get there from Montego Bay!
By taxi: Another option is to hire a drive or private taxi. You’ll want to get a quote for the trip before you go to see if an excursion would cost more or less, as gas is rather expensive in Jamaica.
Driving: Finally, if you are renting a car, you can simply drive there. However, after watching the crazy driving that goes on in Jamaica I’m not sure I would recommend renting! They also drive on the left side of the road, so Americans beware!
Cost
If you can arrive at the park on your own, the entrance fee is only $20 dollars, but if you are going with a tour the rates can vary quite a bit ($40-$140).
What To Bring:
Swimsuit and Towel: Ladies, I recommend bringing a sturdy swimsuit. You’ll be climbing, getting “massaged” by rushing water, and pretty active the whole time. You don’t have to wear a one piece, but something with straps that will stay on is a must.
Water shoes: Water shoes are required for climbing the falls. They certainly aren’t cute but are a must. Flip flops aren’t acceptable, and I wouldn’t recommend strap on water shoes as pebbles can easily find their way in.
Waterproof Camera: If you want to get any photos while you are climbing the falls then a waterproof camera is a must-you’ll be getting very wet and it is impossible to keep a camera dry.
If you don’t have a waterproof camera not to worry, the guides at the falls take and sell photographs you can purchase afterward. I will warn you, when I went we just got a CD with the photos on it in video form, and the quality wasn’t great.
Money: While you can climb the falls on your own, most people choose to climb with the guides as parts of the journey are steep and the water can get a little rough. You’ll want cash to tip the guides and/or purchase the photographs.
Climbing the Falls
If you are imagining waterfalls hidden away somewhere in the jungle, you’ll want to think again as Dunn’s River falls is actually quite commercialized! My parents visited 24 years ago and noticed a huge difference since the lat time they were there.
After arriving and parking at the entrance to Dunn’s River Falls, you’ll be able to purchase a ticket or enter the park with your tour group. You’ll then head to the main area where you can choose to go with a group or try to do the falls on your own.
There are lockers in this area if you need to store anything.
If you are going with a group, a guide will explain a bit about their “method” for climbing the falls.
Essentially, everyone holds hands and helps each other stay together and over the trickier parts of the ascent. While this whole holding hands with strangers the whole time I was climbing kind of annoyed me (I’m pretty independent and am in decent shape), I will admit that during parts of the trip I was glad to have some extra support!
You’ll start the journey at the bottom of the falls, a beautiful place where the water cascades off the rocks and onto a gorgeous beach. It really is quite a unique sight.
As you climb up, you’ll encounter many different types of terrain, from steep areas with gushing water to static ponds and tranquil waters. The whole journey is beautiful, and you’ll be surrounded by stunning blue water and gorgeous lush vegetation.
Overall thoughts:
Since there are 600 feet of falls to climb, you will definitely have time to take the experience in. It’s pretty amazing that such a cool and unique place exists naturally!
While I wish the site was a little less touristy and would have loved a less commercialized approach to visiting, it is awesome to see that so many people have been able to experience Dunn’s River Falls. Though I am typically a guide myself type of person, its great to know that there are guides to ensure that everyone has a safe and fun time.
If you are planning a visit to Jamaica, then I would definitely put Dunn’s River Falls on your itinerary-it really is an experience you’ll never forget!
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Have you visited Jamaica or Dunn’s River Falls? Tell me about your experience in the comments!
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Hi Catalina, Thats looks like a fun adventure up the Dunns waterfalls, probably not for me as I don’t like getting wet, lol. It does look fantastic for taking photos though.
Hello! I can promise that you do get very wet, but it is a fun experience and the water isn’t cold! There are some pretty great photo opportunities. I wish I could have brought my camera with as I climbed the falls but it would have gotten soaked!