Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Dunn’s River Falls is unique, and just like Reggae, the 180 foot high and 600 foot long landmark is world famous. It stands as a living testament to Jamaica’s natural beauty and is the most popular of all the Jamaican falls, attracting millions of the world’s visitors each year.

A brisk 1 hour and 30 minute hike will take you on an exhilarating adventure through lush surroundings, with pools you can swim in dotting the way to the summit.

At the base of the waterfall, you will find both its defining feature, and what makes it so unique. The falls empty into the sea at Little Dunn’s River Beach, making Dunn’s River Falls one of the few travertine waterfalls in the entire world!

The history of Dunn’s River Falls

This tourist attraction is said to be the scene of the legendary historic battle of the “Las Chorreras”. A battle fought in the year 1657 between the Spanish and the English for ownership of the land. The Spanish were defeated.

In England’s triumph over Spain, the name of the island seemed to be lost in translation and was somehow reduced to the Spanish name Ocho Rios meaning “Eight Rivers”, changing it from “Las Chorreras”. The irony is that there aren’t eight rivers in Ocho Rios, there are only four.

If this history lesson doesn’t ring any bells, you would’ve surely seen the beauty of the region in the James Bond film Dr. No, or beach scenes from Cocktail with Tom Cruise, and in more recent years a fashionista’s paradise in an episode of America’s Next Top Model.

Climbing the Dunn’s River Falls: What to expect

Dunns River Park offers two climbs; a wet climb and a dry climb. If you are not a fan of getting wet, then the dry climb would be best suited for you. The wet climb entails walking within the falls, and through the water, so a swimsuit or anything that will dry quickly are suitable for the climb. The dry climb involves a walking trail alongside the falls. Both trails are equally as fun, but only the wet climb will take you to the summit.