Identical to reggae music, Dunn’s River Falls is a singular and world-famous attraction on the island of Jamaica. The 180-foot excessive, 600-foot lengthy landmark stands as a residing testomony to Jamaica’s pure magnificence and attracts thousands and thousands of tourists from world wide annually.
A brisk 1 hour and 30-minute hike will take you on an exhilarating journey to the summit via lush environment, dotted with pure swimming swimming pools.
The autumn’s most defining function, nonetheless, lies at its base. There, the falls empty into the ocean at Little Dunn’s River Seaside, making Dunn’s River Falls one of many few travertine waterfalls in the complete world. Let’s dive in!
Image: The Rondoval Suites of Sandals Dunn’s River positioned on a 6-minute drive from Dunn’s River Falls. The very best half? All drinks are included in your keep!
On this article on the Sandals Weblog:
The history of Dunn’s River Falls
Climbing the Falls: What to expect
Who can climb Dunn’s River Falls?
Other things to do at Dunn’s River Falls
The best time to visit the Falls
How to get to Dunn’s River Falls?
What to pack?
FAQs
The historical past of Dunn’s River Falls
This common attraction is claimed to have been the scene of the legendary historic battle of the “Las Chorreras”. The battle was fought within the yr 1657 between the Spanish and the English for possession of the land. In the course of the battle, the Spanish had been defeated.
When England triumphed over Spain, the title of the realm appeared to have gotten misplaced in translation and was by some means decreased from “Las Chorreras” which means “the waterfalls or springs” to Ocho Rios which means “Eight Rivers”. The irony is that there aren’t eight rivers in Ocho Rios, there are solely 4!
Even when the historical past of this space doesn’t curiosity you a lot, you may as well admire the popular culture significance of Dunn’s River Falls and Ocho Rios on the whole. You’ve certainly seen the great thing about the area within the James Bond movie Dr. No, or seaside scenes from Cocktail with Tom Cruise, and in newer years a fashionista’s paradise in an episode of America’s Subsequent Prime Mannequin.
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls: What to anticipate
Dunn’s River gives two climbs: a moist climb and a dry climb. In case you are not a fan of getting moist, then the dry climb can be finest for you. The moist climb entails strolling throughout the falls and thru the water, so a swimsuit or clothes that can dry rapidly is finest for the climb. The dry climb entails mountain climbing a path alongside the falls. Each trails are equally enjoyable, however solely the moist climb will take you all the best way as much as the summit.
Proceed with warning when approaching the highest of the falls as a result of it may be slippery alongside the rocks. Climbing the falls with out a tour information just isn’t permitted, so be at liberty to ask your information that will help you navigate your method. For the dry climbers, you may make use of the handrails on the sidewalk must you really feel unsteady at any time.
Knowledgeable tip: Purchase and produce your personal water footwear. You’ll positively want them as you make your method up and down the falls. You’ll get them for a similar value as you’d pay to lease them in your trip, besides you’ll have them in your whole trip and past.
If you wish to cool off whereas doing the dry climb, there are a number of entry factors alongside the trail. The refreshingly cool water will wash over you because it cascades down the falls. Although Dunn’s River Falls just isn’t man-made, a few of the terraces incorporate man-made enhancements. A number of small lagoons are interspersed among the many vertical sections of the falls, purely in your indulgence!
Insider tip: Carry a change of garments for post-climb, if you wish to get dry rapidly. Dunn’s River Falls Park offers locker rooms, the place you may retailer your belongings securely. They price as much as $10 USD up entrance, of which $3 USD can be returned to you if you gather your belongings and current the receipts and key.
Admission Charge
When you resolve to make your personal method by taxi to the falls, the admission charges (as of June 2022) are as follows:
• $25 USD Non-resident grownup (or JMD equal)
• $17 USD Non-resident little one (or JMD equal)
• $1000.00 JMD per Resident grownup
• $500.00 JMD per Resident little one
To acquire the resident price, you’ll have to present a legitimate Jamaican driver’s license or ID card.
All tickets embody a tour information. It isn’t attainable to go to the Falls with out one. You may pay with US {dollars} (USD), native Jamaican {dollars} (JMD), or a bank card. Carry somewhat further money to buy a couple of of the souvenirs and snacks which are obtainable on-site.
Who can climb Dunn’s River Falls?
There are no peak restrictions for this climb, however it’s not advisable to convey alongside young children or people who find themselves not robust sufficient to swim on the foot of the falls. Nonetheless, there are many different points of interest close by to maintain the household entertained for the complete day, or simply throughout your climb.
Climbing the falls is probably not appropriate for the next and isn’t advisable:
- Girls who’re pregnant
- Folks with coronary heart situations or hypertension
- Folks with again, knee, or neck issues
- These with vital bodily illnesses or different situations (eg. respiratory points, latest hand/arm surgical procedure)
- These with diabetes or different well being issues that will make them extra weak to damage
- These drunk or medicine
- These below 3 ft tall
Dunn’s River Falls greater than only a waterfall…
When you can think about it, there’s extra to Dunn’s River Falls than simply a powerful mega waterfall that simply so occurs to be one of many largest within the Caribbean. Past taking a dip within the refreshing pure swimming pools, snapping pictures with unbelievable pure backgrounds and simply taking within the serenity of all of it, there’s extra to stay up for on the Dunn’s River Falls Park. Here is what you may count on:
Take pleasure in The Central Gardens: Tropical backyard with a water park for the youngsters
Full with three lush gardens, a waterslide, and a splash pad as its middle, this rustic area boasts 12 wood-overlaid kiosks laden with Dunn’s River Falls Park branded merchandise, a photograph store the place you may gather insta-memories of the falls, ice-cream, pizza, and a bunch of different commodities.
Get some genuine souvenirs on the Craft Market
Get sucked into the aggressive world of craft markets in Ocho Rios. Crafts markets are in abundance in Jamaica, however with Dunn’s River Falls being the largest attraction, it’s secure to say the craft market at Dunn’s River Falls Park has a few of the finest souvenirs.
Loosen up at Dunn’s River Falls Seaside
Positioned on the base of the falls, Dunn’s River Falls Seaside has a spectacular view of the cascading waterfalls. All-day seaside entry is included in your falls journey, so take a run on the seaside, stroll whereas admiring the flora close to the falls (together with tropical flora like bamboo, crotons, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, and quite a lot of palm and breadfruit timber), or just watch the sundown whereas stress-free on the seaside on the foot of the descent.
Take pleasure in native meals on the Falls
For a real Jamaican culinary expertise, head over to the cafeteria the place you might be served jerk rooster, pork, fish, and quite a lot of snacks. For a stunning day trip with family and friends, pack your personal picnic, and cook dinner your favorites on the handy grills scattered across the park.
Image: Apart from the cafeteria on the Dunn’s River Falls Park, there’s plenty of locations the place you may get jerk rooster meals in Jamaica, together with on the Jerk Shack, one of many restaurants at Sandals Dunn’s River.
The very best time to go to Dunn’s River Falls
Dubbed a residing phenomenon, Dunn’s River Falls has turn into a distinguished function on bucket lists everywhere in the world.
For sure, crowds are one thing to be cognizant of, particularly the place cruise ships are involved. Crowds can simply be prevented if you already know one of the best instances to go to. Test the Ocho Rios cruise ship port schedule for the times you might be planning to e-book your tickets or tour. In case you are reserving a tour, your tour operator is one of the best place to show for recommendation on timing your go to.
The Dunn’s River Falls’ day by day working hours are 8:30 AM – 4 PM from Monday to Sunday.
Insider tip: Attempt to keep away from visiting the Dunn’s River Falls on Wednesdays as a result of it’s a busy cruise ship day. Saturdays and Sundays are nice days to go to the falls, however can nonetheless get somewhat busy with locals.
Finest time of day to go to the falls
You may select to go to Dunn’s River Falls both within the morning or within the afternoon throughout your Jamaica trip. For one of the best expertise, we advise visiting the falls both very first thing within the morning or the very last thing within the afternoon. That method you’ll keep away from the noon crowds.
The climb will take you something from 35 minutes to 1 hour and half-hour. So, the earlier you get transferring, the longer you’ll must take all of it in with out interruptions.
Insider tip: Learn our in-depth information on when it is the best time to visit Jamaica. You’ll be taught concerning the temperature and rainfall in numerous Jamaican locations, and get an summary of annual occasions going down in Jamaica.
The water temperature on the Falls is fairly constant year-round. On wet days count on the water to be a bit colder. Equally, on scorching sunny days, the water temperature at Dunn’s River Falls is hotter however nonetheless cool and refreshing.
The place is Dunn’s River Falls and the way do I get there?
Solely a stone’s throw away from Ocho Rios on the northern coast of Jamaica sits the enormous pure staircase. Guests can take a 5-minute drive on land or arrive by water from any one of many Sandals resorts, together with Sandals Ochi (all-inclusive couples-only resort), Beaches Ocho Rios (family-friendly all-inclusive resort) and Sandals Royal Plantation (adults-only luxurious beachfront butler suites).
If the encircling cities have piqued your curiosity, be aware that Dunn’s River Falls can be something from a 1 to 3-hour drive away, relying in your location.
From Falmouth to Ocho Rios: 1 hour, 10 minutes’ drive.
From Kingston to Ocho Rios: 1 hour, quarter-hour’ drive.
From Montego Bay to Ocho Rios: 1 hour, 45 minutes’ drive.
From Port Antonio to Ocho Rios: 2 hours’ drive.
From Negril to Ocho Rios: 3 hours’ drive.
Cruisers docking at Ocho Rios can have loads of time to climb the falls. After a 10-minute drive from the port, your journey can be underway!
When you’re docking on the ports in Montego Bay, Port Antonio, or Falmouth, you’ll nonetheless have the chance to finish the climb. Nonetheless, your commute can be barely longer, so make sure you price range further time into your schedule.
What to pack for Dunn’s River Falls?
Whether or not you’re stopping over in Jamaica on a cruise or staying at your favourite Jamaican all-inclusive resort, there are a couple of gadgets it’s best to pack to make sure you could profit from your Dunn’s River Falls escapade. Here is a few stuff you will not need to go away behind:
- Swimwear
- Water footwear
- Digicam (waterproof if attainable)
- Cash for the doorway charge, meals and water, and a tip in your tour information (not necessary)
- Change of garments
Ceaselessly requested questions on Dunn’s River Falls
How a lot does it price to go to Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica?
In case you are not a Jamaican resident, admittance to Dunn’s River Falls is about $25 USD per particular person, ages 13 and up, whereas admittance for youngsters aged 12 and below is about $17 USD. Jamaican residents pay $1000 JMD per particular person for guests aged 13 years and up (those that are aged 18 and older should current a domestically issued image ID), and $500 JMD if the kid is 12 years previous or youthful.
What can I count on at Dunn’s River Falls?
On a Dunn’s River Falls tour, you may count on to see and climb the gorgeous travertine falls, that are normally nice to swim in. When the climate is scorching, the water is generally hotter. When it rains, the water is colder however nonetheless good to swim in. You too can count on to have a information, and entry to eating places, restrooms, altering rooms, and lockers to retailer your belongings.
Why is Dunn’s River Falls well-known?
Dunn’s River Falls is the historic web site of the Spanish-named “Las Chorreras” battle, which was fought in 1657 between the Spanish and English for possession of Jamaica. “Las Chorreras” aptly interprets to “The Waterfalls” or “The Springs” in English, tying the battle to the falls perpetually.
How removed from Montego Bay to Dunn’s River Falls?
From Montego Bay to Dunn’s River Falls is about 3 miles (4.8 km). From Ocho Rios, it’s 2.7 miles (4.3 km), from Negril, it’s 107.5 miles (173 km), from Falmouth, it’s 43.2 miles (69.5 km), and from Port Antonio, it’s 65 miles (106.2 km).
Are you able to go to Dunn’s River Falls by yourself?
Completely! Nonetheless, it’s far much less handy than in case you merely e-book a tour on the Sandals resort tour desk. By reserving via the resort, you’ll have transportation to and from the Falls organized for you. You may simply book a Dunn’s River Falls tour and other extras earlier than you arrive.
Can I convey my digicam to the waterfall?
Capturing the second is what permits nice reminiscences to dwell on, however we wouldn’t advise you to convey a flowery digicam to benefit from the falls. It can possible get moist or broken. A easy point-and-shoot HD waterproof digicam will help you create stress-free snaps alongside the best way. When you forgot to convey a digicam, it’s not a misplaced alternative. You’ll want to don your finest smile always since you by no means know when a Falls-employed photographer might cross your path. Be warned, although, that they may cost you a small charge for the {photograph} if you would like a replica to take dwelling.
Good to know: There are many tour firms in Jamaica, so it may be troublesome to know which one to decide on. The Dunn’s River Falls Tour by Island Routes features a scenic catamaran cruise!
Dunn’s River Falls… see it for your self in Jamaica!
Who knew waterfalls had been so fascinating and will present hours of leisure on the identical time? Ocho Rios is filled with surprises, and it’s extra than simply luxurious seashores, crystal clear ocean water, and sunny days full of rum punch. Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is certainly not one thing you need to miss in your subsequent journey to Jamaica.
Image: Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica, one of many latest additions to the Sandals Resorts assortment. Let your island trip play out beachside at this all-inclusive resort with all of your trip necessities included!
