Welcome to Dunn s River Falls, Jamaica’s most famous water attraction, renowned for being a unique blend of fun, relaxation and memories to be treasured for a long time.
To the eager visitor, the attraction promises a truly authentic Jamaican experience filled with exhilarating climbs, refreshing pools and some of the most beautiful scenery to be found.
Nestled in an entirely natural but historic setting, the falls climb to over 600 meters, and provide an unending flow of water fragranced with delightful Jamaican food and people ending in a gentle cascade into the Caribbean Sea.
The attraction is one of the sites owned by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC), the government-mandated organization which oversees national urban and rural development in specially designated areas.
The entity is currently operated through the Saint Ann Development Company an associated entity of the UDC. Since 1976, the Corporation has worked assiduously to realize improved infrastructure, services and attractions at Dunn’s River Falls.
Through this initiative, both local and foreign visitors benefit from an enhanced improvement in facilities with comfortable picnic spots, changing areas and more scenic points along the falls.
These prove ideal vantage points for taking photographs and admiring the beautiful local landscape. Dunn’s River Falls is indeed one of Jamaica’s finest national treasures. The attraction also has increasingly garnered international award with the copping of the World Travel Awards 2010 title for Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Excursion after consistently exceeding the expectations of its visitors. The UDC feels that it is imperative that such development is not only maintained but expanded to enhance the tourism product as well as to reflect the pride of the Jamaican spirit.
- Dunn’s River Falls and Park is a series of waterfalls that send crystal clear water flowing and emerging over layers of stone steps.
- The falls is known as Jamaica’s most renowned attraction and drops 600 feet over their course. You can in fact climb all the way through the cascading water.
- There are always guides available to help visitors in climbing up the steps as they tend to be slippery, while sharing stories and other information about the falls.
- Those individuals who would prefer not to go up the steps of the falls can view what is going on from the terrace or deck.
- You can also climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. If you are not brave enough to take on the challenge of falls climbing you can always watch the actions of the more daring individuals from the vantage point of the deck or the terrace.
Dunn’s River Falls has a very fascinating history. It is said to be the location of the legendary battle of “Las Chorreras”. This battle was fought in the year, 1657 and took place near Dunn’s River Falls. It was between the English and the Spanish Expeditionary Force from Cuba. The battle was in fact for ownership of the island. The outcome of the battle was in favour of The English who won. Also under the leadership of the British, Charles Pryce was the first owner of “Las Chorreras”. It some time after became a part of the 276 acres Belmont property. The Belmont property was attained by the Government in the year, 1972 to make way for potential expansion of leisurely activities and park amenities.
Dunn’s River Falls is an astounding flowing falls that extends across more than 183 metres or 600 feet. The falls is frequently featured in tourist advertisements that endorse Jamaica. These ads make Dunn’s River Falls one of the most well liked travel destinations on the island. Another remarkable point is that the Dunn’s River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea. The most popular activity is climbing up the falls and then hanging out in one of the several lagoons or pools along the way.
Dunn’s River Falls was also featured in the James Bond Movie “Dr. No”. Ian Fleming, who is the author of the James Bond movies, fell in love with Jamaica while visiting the island for a naval meeting and spent several winters there at his property. The movie included the well-known scene of Ursula Andress walking out on Jamaica’s famous Dunn’s River beach. The waterfalls are located near to the town of Ocho Rios.
The climbing of Dunn’s River Falls has been done by the locals as well as so many tourists for so long that it is quite easy to believe that the waterfall was made for climbing. However, in truth and in fact, Dunn’s River Falls is totally natural and all of the structures, crevices, and natural pools of water were made by the actual flow of the water’s current.
Over the years going to Dunn’s River Falls has become an important Jamaican tourist activity. Of course no stay in the region of Ocho Rios, Jamaica is fulfilled without a stop over by Dunn’s River Falls. Even though it may sound like just another of the numerous rivers and waterfalls that line up the small island of Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls is unlike anywhere you will ever experience.
The world famous Dunn’s River Falls is one of the many attractions that are found nearby Ocho Rios. It is however without any doubt the best known of all the attractions available in Jamaica. Over the decades Dunn’s River Falls has offered millions of tourists and locals an immediate bond to nature and has intrigued and mesmerized families for many generations.
Do enjoy the falls!