Dunns River Falls Family Fun | Jamaica

Dunns River | Today’s #Blogtober20 prompt is ‘Wannabe’

 

 

 It was a no brainer for me to write about a place close to my heart. The beautiful island of Jamaica as that is exactly where we wannabe as soon as it’s possible.

 

I am super blessed to have been visiting Jamaica since I was a toddler however, sadly we haven’t been able to visit Jamaica since 2011.

It was just after my eldest daughter Kia’s 8th birthday. So, we really want our youngest two children Cuba and Coco to experience Jamaica and their Caribbean roots.

 

Paradise

 

For us, there is nowhere like Jamaica, as soon as you step off the plane the Caribbean warmth hits you. There is an energy not like it anywhere in the world.

 

 There is one place in particular I want to share with you and that’s the Dunns River Falls.

 

 

Dunns River Falls is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island, for sure.

 

Here, the whole family with children of around 7 yrs of age can enjoy the wonderful experience of climbing the beautifully unique Dunns River Falls, depending on your child’s personal abilities in climbing and confidence around the water.

 

The highly qualified guides who know the falls like the back of their hands and are always there to help. It is super fun even for someone like myself, whose not the biggest water lover nor am I a strong swimmer.

 

Dunns River is located a stone’s throw from Ocho Rios, one of Jamaica’s fastest growing resort centres, Dunn’s River Falls is unique.

 

The falls are 180 feet high and 600 feet long

 

Described as a living and growing phenomenon, the falls continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls.  The fall is the only one in the Caribbean that empties into the sea.

 

 

The only falls to empty into the Caribbean Sea

 

The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. This, combined with its location near to the sea, gives Dunn’s River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world.

 

 

Top Tips When visiting the Dunns River Falls

 

• Waterproof footwear will be required such as aqua socks which you can hire at the falls.

 

• To save money it’s good idea to take your own pair of aqua socks with you which are cheaper to buy in the Uk and pack in your suitcase.

 

• There are lockers available at the top of the falls. They cost $8 US  and are large enough to store a rucksack.

 

• If possible take a waterproof camera such as a go pro or equivalent.  If you don’t have one of those you might want to buy a waterproof case for your phone.  Also, make sure your photo taking device has a strap on it so you can keep a good grip on it.

 

• If you want that extra special shot one of the falls guides will also help you take your all important photos as you climb.

 

• For those in your group whom climbing isn’t their thing, they can enjoy the beautiful beach, explore the stunning plants that surround the falls, which include tropicals like bamboo, croutons, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, and a variety of palm and breadfruit trees.

 

• You can also enjoy something to eat at the falls cafe where you can find jerk chicken, pork and fish and wash it down with a fresh juice or an ice cold Red Stripe while you watch the beautiful sun setting over the Caribbean sea.

 

• If  you prefer you can take a picnic and cook your favourites on grills scattered around the park.

• You will save money booking your own visit to the falls online via the official Dunns River website or Viator rather than booking via your hotel tour desk. Click over the bold text to direct you to the sites.

 

• Try and visit on a day when the cruise ships don’t port to avoid busy queues, which used to be a Wednesday. You can ask what days these are at your hotel reception.

 

• Usually Saturdays & Sundays are the days with the least amount of cruise ships. So, if you enjoy spending more time around local Jamaicans rather than other tourists visit on a weekend.

 

 

 

 

Prices listed on the Dunns River Falls official website are:

 

 

I hope I have inspired you, I know one day we will be back to planning our future family fun adventures in  sun.

 

In the meantime I will keep on writing some inspirational travel posts.

 

As always I would love to hear your thoughts.

 

Lot’s of love,

Dana xx