Location: Ocho Rios, Saint Ann parish Map
Total height: 600 ft (180 m)
Dunn's River Falls is situated West of Ocho Rios in the Saint Ann
parish in Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls consist of small terraces with
many cascades and waterfalls in between with a total height of 180
feet (55 m) and a length of 600 feet (180 m). Most of tourists
usually by the Caribbean Sea, but some venture up the Dunn's River
to see the whole cascade. It will take about 1 to 1.5 hours to climb
in one direction depending on how full the river is. As soon as you
leave the coast line you quickly find yourself alone surrounded by
jungles. Lack of noisy crowds in this paradise make this part of
Dunn's River Falls particularly magnificent. Local guides offer
their help to accompany hikers, but it their help is somewhat
unnecessary. Unless of course you want someone to snap a picture of
you. It is hard to get lost there anyway. If you don't venture
thought the numerous cascade there are access points that allows you
to see other portions of the cascades without getting your feet wet.
Keep in mind that lush vegetation around Dunn River is
beautiful, but it might cause certain unpleasant allergies. So if
you have a sensitive skin I would suggest taking antihistamines with
you. It will reduce allergic reactions with multiple unpleasant
symptoms. Additionally if you want to hike up the stream it would
wise to take comfortable shoes that don't slide. Many boulders are
covered in slimy algae that makes the climbing complicated and
dangerous at times.
Dunn's River Falls empty directly
into the sea so it is no surprise that many videos and movies were
shot at the location including James Bond film of Dr. No (1962) and
Cocktail (1988) with Tom Cruise. Additionally it holds a special
place in the history of Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls was a site of a
legendary battle between expeditionary forces of England under
leadership of Charles Pryce and Spanish troops from Cuba that was
fought in 1657. It became known as the battle of "Las Chorreras" and
concluded with a decisive British victory. The ownership of the
island was solved in a favor of the British Empire.