Dunns River Falls: A Jamaican Gem

One of the most popular tourist locations, Jamaica, is known for Reggae music, lush tropical foliage, and beautiful white beaches. Dunn’s River Falls and Parks lives up to the reputation, even managing to exceed expectations as you explore the beauty of these magnificent waterfalls. Dubbed Las Chorreras, meaning springs or waterfalls by the Spaniards, Dunn’s River Falls travels swiftly down travertine rocks, forming small lagoons along the way, until it eventually flows into the Caribbean Sea.

The adventure offered by Dunn’s River Falls lies in climbing up 600 feet from the base of the falls, guides instruct tourists to form human chains, holding hands as they climb up the slope. There are many scenic spots to stop along the way, affording viewers photographic opportunities, rest areas, and places to cool off in the cascading water. Many of the rocks have been worn smooth by the force of the water, making these large slabs perfect places to wade out and enjoy the flow of the river on your legs.

The plant life surrounding the climb gives another reason to make the trek to the top. Ferns, ginger, lilies, orchids, bamboo, palm trees, crotons and bread fruit trees line the paths and meander off, the tropical sights and smells delighting the senses. Tired from the climb, you will find changing facilities and souvenir shops, where wood carvings, artwork and straw crafts vie for your attention as a way to commemorate the trip.

Once you are done with the climb up the fall, you can trek back to the beach and enjoy the view to the Crystal Reef as well. Beware though, the spiny black urchins attached to the reef are very poisonous, it can be a hazardous touch.

For those not wanting to make the trek, or unable to, due to any health issues, the pool at the base and pristine beach is a less rigorous vantage point to enjoy the scenery. As those climbing up return to the bottom, this lagoon like area is a great place to catch your breath, or perhaps swim in the clear water.

As for refreshments, you get your choice of Jamaican drinks; only the locally made drinks are available here from Red Stripe beer to fruit punch, no Pepsi! The local guides are professional and fun loving. They will take pictures for you if you ask, but its best to take along an easy to use camera, they are not trained photographers. While some guides will wear your out wanting you to join the Reggae dancing after the long climb and trekking, others tend to be too well adapted to the slopes…even to the extent where it can get hard to match their speed on the climb.

The tour is refreshing, but do expect to get soaked to the bone. If you like the scenic views and water, you will definitely enjoy the water fall but it is important to be ready for the tour of the fall otherwise you are going to end up ultra upset because of your shoes or something else. Bring water shoes, a water proof camera (if you are taking one along) and something water proof to put your money in; you don’t want your cash soaked and the guide certainly likes to be paid in a variety of cash known as dry dollars!

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