• Menu
  • Menu

Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Take a bite into history with a visit to this famous area in Ocho Rios. Dunn’s River Falls sees thousands of tourists yearly who seek a fun-filled adventure.

This tourist attraction was once close to the scene of a historic battle between the Spanish and the English. Back in 1657, the Spanish attempted to reclaim the island by attacking the British but were defeated.

Thankfully, no wars are going on right now and instead there is a beautiful waterfall bordered by rich, lush vegetation, all under the Caribbean sun.

The falls which flows non-stop to the sea is one of its kind in the world. There are not many places I can think of where a waterfall deposits itself right into the sea. This in itself is an impressive marvel to admire.

Attraction Rating Guide

Family Friendly:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Price Friendly:5 out of 5 stars (5.0 / 5)
Kids Friendly:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Staff Friendly:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Activity Friendly:3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
Wheel Chair Accessible:1 out of 5 stars (1.0 / 5)

Climbing the Falls

If you’re looking for a fun adventure, then grab at the opportunity to climb the falls. A roughly one to one-and-a-half hour climb will see you meticulously navigating around natural rocks as you move further and further up the steep incline.

The sound of the water beating against the rocks, the pleasant smell of fresh river water and the beautiful canopy of trees will let you imagine you’re in some exotic paradise.

Tourists hold hands as they navigate the falls with the aid of a guide.

Not brave enough to take on the falls challenge alone? There are tour guides which happily guide groups of people to the top. There are hand rails of course that perfectly line the route to the top.

Of course, some people like the idea of challenging themselves and I encourage you to do so. It can be quite fun trying to find a route of your own (especially if you have a companion).

Note: Just be careful! It can be quite slippery in some areas. Also, consider that the water will be pushing against your legs as you do your climb. One unsecured step and you can end up falling. It’s best to ensure that you’re in relatively good physical shape if you want to traverse the falls on your own. If  at any point you’re too tired or scared to continue there are several points where you can exit. [/mks_pullquote]

Something for Everyone Including Kids

Let’s face it, climbing the waterfalls is not for everyone. While some kids happily take on the challenge, others find it a little bit too scary and intimidating to give it a shot.

It’s for this reason why there’s now a designated kids area for them to enjoy. It’s called Central Gardens and you’ll find it relatively close to the entrance of the attraction.

Equipped with water slides and water sprinklers, you can be sure they’ll have an amazing time.

Capture the Moment at Dunn’s River Falls

Be sure to take your cameras to snap the memorable moment as this is one place you’ll surely want to remember. There’s also professional photographers around which can help you record your happiness on film.

They will charge you a small fee, so probably best you come equipped with your own.

What to Bring to Dunn’s River Falls

Water Shoes for Men and Women

Without a doubt, water shoes come highly recommended. I definitely suggest you set the flip-flops aside, they won’t stand the force of the water. Plus as you climb those rocks it won’t do as great a job at “gripping” onto the surfaces.

Women will find the RKYA Women’s Hydro Sports Water Shoe is perfect for situations like this. It is made of sticky rubber which makes it great for traction on wet surfaces such as rocks. With a rubber sole and drainage ports built into it, you’re sure to have a steady and stress-free climb.

Get the Best Price

Men! I haven’t left you out of this, I did a bit of research on the best shoes and came across the Dreamcity Men’s Water Shoe. It is also built with a rubber sole as well as a breathable mesh to help your feet “breathe.”  You’ll be happy to know it also has impressive traction, so you’ll be pretty much secure on your climb.

Get the Best Price

High-Quality Camera (Waterproof)

You’ll definitely be looking to grab a few pictures here so I definitely recommend you come with a nice camera. While professional equipment may give you better photos, I strongly recommend against it.

At least if it’s not waterproof.

Keep in mind that there will be water splashing all around you, the rocks can also be slightly slippery so keep that in mind as well.

Here are 2 professional waterproof options you may want to consider:

Apeman Action Camera

This high-quality HD camera is completely waterproof and made for sports and activity. Considering that you’ll be moving up and down you need something durable and I think this fits the bill pretty well.

 

Get the Best Price

Fujiflim FinePix XP90

The Fujiflim FinePix XP90 is no joke. Though it’s a bit more pricey that the previous recommendation, this comes with 16.4 MP which makes it ideal for capturing beautiful details.  It is shockproof and can withstand depths of up to 50M. Definitely, one to consider.

Get the Best Price

This may be a bit obvious but you’ll need to bring a swimsuit. You’re here on a unique adventure so I don’t expect you’ll just be chilling in the sun (unless you really want to of course).

Well, that pretty much sums it up for this attraction. Be sure to drop me a comment below if you have any questions, I would love to hear from you!

[kkstarratings]
Michael Rainford

Hi, I'm Michael Rainford! Born and raised in Jamaica, I began Jamaica Hotel Review in 2017 to share my local insights on our best hotels, resorts, eateries, and attractions. Every article is a page from my island journey. Seeking an authentic Jamaican touch? Come explore with me and craft your unforgettable island story. 🌴

View stories

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *