Dunn’s River Falls

What YOU should know before visiting the most iconic destination in Ocho Rios.

Jamaica is a beautiful Caribbean island nation with a rich culture and history, stunning beaches, and warm and friendly people. It’s also a great destination for nature lovers and adventurers because of its diverse range of ecosystems that include rainforests, mountains, and coral reefs. No visit to Jamaica would be complete without visiting one of the many amazing waterfalls of this lush Caribbean island. There’s no shortage of waterfalls in Jamaica, but one of the most spectacular, and certainly the most famous of them all, is Dunn’s River Falls.

Standing an impressive 180 feet high and 600 feet long, this limestone rock formation is a living phenomenon as it constantly renews itself through sediment deposits by cave-fed, thermal spring waters. Its crystal clear waters cascade down in a series of steps and pools, bringing big smiles to the thousands of visitors that scale the face of the waterfall each year.

A Little History about Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls occupies a special place in Jamaica’s history, starting with being a witness to the 1657 Las Chorreras military action. Prior to this battle (also known as the Battle of Ocho Rios), the island had been under Spanish rule for over 150 years before being invaded by the British in 1655. As the English conquerors settled in, Cristóbal Arnaldo Isasi, the island’s former Spanish governor, fled into the hills along with other colonists. Two years later, after witnessing the ravages of disease on the island and instability within the English government’s ranks, Isasi saw an opportunity to try and repossess the land. He came out of hiding with strategically coordinated reinforcements in an attempt to evict the English occupiers, but failed. After suffering defeat nearby Dunn’s River Falls, Isasi and his men retreated, then were captured and repatriated back to Cuba.

If Dunn’s River Falls look familiar to you, it could be because you have seen it on the big (or small) screen before. The falls appeared in such films and television fare as James Bond’s Dr. No (1962), Tom Cruise’s film Cocktail (1988), and more recently, in America’s Next Top Model reality show (Cycle 19).

You will also see Dunn’s River Falls on the island’s currency; the beloved waters appear on the Jamaican $100 bill.

The Climb Itself: What to Expect

There are actually two ways to experience the falls: Via the Wet Climb or the Dry Climb.

Upon arrival at Dunn’s River Falls you will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a rental locker and decide how you want to approach the falls; from there you will make your way down a set of stairs to the base of the waterfall and start your chosen method of climbing.

The Wet Climb is exactly how it sounds — you will get wet by walking up the actual face of the waterfall! Under the direction of local guides, you will start a slow climb up the terraces; your guides will show you the best places to step, ensuring that you get up the waterfall safely — and have fun while doing it! Water shoes or similar lightweight shoes with good traction are essential here, as the rocks can get very slippery and the gushing water will weigh down sneakers or hiking shoes. During your climb some of the steps will be shallow, while others can be up to 2 feet steep. The cold, rushing water and rocky, uneven terrain can make navigation a little tricky, resulting in the tradition of the human daisy chain — where you, your friends, and newfound friends hold hands to help support and steady each other as you make your way up the waterfall’s terraces.

Water levels on the climb can range from ankle-deep on the rocks to waist-deep in the many pools (or lagoons) you can stop at and take a dip in along the way. Stairs next to the waterfall are available to you should you want to exit from the Wet Climb at any point. Total time to climb the waterfall can range between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the agility and endurance of the climbers in the group, as well as the amount of time spent stopping for photos or to relax in the pools. This exhilarating climb ranks high on the list of once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

With the Dry Climb, you will follow alongside the waterfall climbers via the stairs alongside the waterfall. You will have the option to leave the stairs and enter into one of the waterfall’s pools at any point should you wish to do so. Please be aware that the Dry Climb does not go all the way up to the summit point and you will join your friends in another area.

Climbing Tips and Essentials

Climbing the falls is not too difficult, but climbers should be in good shape and health — especially for the Wet Climb. Pregnant women, persons with neck, back, knee, or hip issues, blood pressure or heart issues are advised to not participate. Persons with respiratory issues or who have had recent arm or shoulder surgery should also sit out or opt for the Dry Climb instead if they feel they can do so.

While there are no specific age restrictions for kids, it is recommended that kids be at least 3 feet in height. Children should be reasonably fit, able to listen to and follow directions, and not easily scared.

Be sure to wear a swimsuit or quick-dry clothing and bring a change of clothes to switch into after the climb. Bring along an inexpensive waterproof, point-and-shoot camera for photos (or a dry bag for your phone), and don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellant. It is also wise to have some money on hand for any tips, snacks or souvenirs after the climb.

There will be photos of your climb available for purchase if you don’t have a camera on you, or don’t want the hassle and worry of carrying one.

Wheelchair access is limited, however there is an observation deck available for those guests to view the waterfall.

There is an entrance fee to the park (which includes the falls) that may or may not be included in your excursion package. It is customary to tip the local guides who help you up the waterfall; as independent operators, they survey the falls each day to determine the best paths, making sure you have the safest and most memorable experience possible. The park and falls are available rain or shine.