Enjoy Beautiful Outdoor Adventures At One Of Jamaica's National Treasures

If you're looking for a relaxing vacation spot, the Caribbean has no shortage of beautiful places for you to explore. You can meet marine life in Anguilla or relax on the sand in the Bahamas, but what if you'd prefer a more exciting outdoor adventure? If you've already hiked through the gorgeous Nature Island Dominica and are itching for more waterfalls, then book a trip to the Dunn's River Falls, 15 minutes from downtown Ochos Rios, Jamaica. This striking, multi-tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest flora and park amenities, making it a great option for both outdoor enthusiasts and new adventurers, and it's an easy day trip from Kingston.

Dunn's River Falls itself is an impressive 180 feet tall and over 600 feet long, but what really draws in visitors is its unique shape. The waterfall is terraced, meaning it resembles a large staircase with divots where water pools to create mini-lagoons. This staircase shape is why one of the most popular activities at the falls is climbing them. Keep in mind you will be climbing the falls themselves, so be careful not to slip! 

Tour guides will show you the best way up, but flowing water makes rock slick. Water shoes or climbing sandals are recommended for best traction. Depending on how fit you are, how used you are to climbing falls, and how long you spend enjoying the pools and views, expect it to take 40 minutes to an hour to summit it from the popular natural pools below (the first level or terrace is the hardest, the second level is the most scenic). There is also a trail along the waterfall you can take instead of climbing the rocks. Nearby, local craft vendors on the way out the falls make for convenient souvenir shopping.

Climbing the falls, enjoying the water, and admiring the view are all fantastic experiences, but if you're the type of person who prefers doing something different every day of a trip, don't worry. The surrounding park has other activities for you to enjoy as well. For the adventurous, ziplines offer a bird's eye view of the falls and forest. There are 7 different ziplines at varying heights (some that break through the canopy dramatically over the falls), as well as four suspended bridges. The falls flow directly into the ocean, and the beach at its mouth is great for relaxing, and often not as crowded as the falls themselves.

History buffs will be excited to learn that Dunn's River Falls isn't just beautiful — it's also historically significant! The falls and surrounding area was the site of a battle during the 1657 war between the Spanish and the British. The British were the victors in the Battle of Las Chorreras, and they were privately owned until 1972, when the government of Jamaica acquired it. If you prefer more recent history, the beach below the falls was also part of the 1962 Bond movie "Dr. No." The park and its surrounding area also have relatively low light pollution, making it a good area for seeing the best night skies, especially if you're traveling from a much brighter city.

Tickets to enter the park are typically only $25 for visiting adults (cheaper for locals), but prices may vary, especially if you're booking through a third party travel agency or tour group. Dunn's River Falls is a popular stop for cruises and tours, so if you only want to visit the falls for a short time, booking through one of these groups may allow you to see more of what the Caribbean has to offer. When it comes to booking your accommodations and transportation, planning your trip for the off season is typically more affordable. 

For the Dunn's River Falls, off season is typically in late spring through early fall. However, in addition to lower prices, you'll also be in for rainier weather and potentially even hurricanes. Peak hurricane season is typically in the fall, but summer and fall are both rainy seasons in Jamaica. Winter through early spring will have better weather, but you'll deal with larger crowds and potentially higher hotel prices. There are many hotels and resorts near the Dunn's River Falls, but keep in mind that some places may be fully booked during the peak season. If you have specific dates in mind for your trip, it's a good idea to book in advance to ensure you get the rooms you want.