Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

We are an island, packed with many hidden treasures, treasures that can only please when it meets the eyes. Jamaica is home to our White Sandy beaches, golden sunshine and its many natural resources and breath taking attractions. We are home to the famous Blue Mountains where we grow and process out internationally acclaimed Blue Mountain Coffee. To show our beauty, we have one of the largest natural water falls in the Caribbean named Dunns River Falls.

Dunns River falls, a beautiful and ostentations river conveniently located in the beautiful parish of St. Ann near the resort city of Ocho Rios, this beautiful gift spans over 1000 feet in height. This falls consist of giant stairs like structures (with minor man-made improvement for safety purposes) what facilitates an expedition. Along these gigantic stairs are several small lagoons of different shapes and water temperatures for you to experience.

This waterfall is one of our many natural phenomenon that are naturally being rebuilt from constant deposits of Calcium Carbonate precipitate more commonly known as Travertine and Sodium from river water. Along with this impressive falls, there are limestone caves that have thermal spring activities going on in them and this has given the dome-shape cataract like structure of the waterfall. With these characteristics coupled with the fact that this waterfall deposits directly into the sea are traits which make Dunns River falls the one and only of its kind in the Caribbean.

History of Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River in itself has a pretty interesting history surrounding it. Ocho Rios was formally named “Xayamaca” which translate to “Land of rivers and springs” by the native Arawak people. It was later changed by the Spanish when they discovered Jamaica to “Las Chorreras”, where the waterfalls or springs made the area on of the most beautiful spots on the island.

In 1657, the English fought the Spaniards for “Las Chorreras”, defeated and claim ownership of “Las Chorreras” and Charles Pryce first claimed ownership under hte British Rule. The famous war of “Las Chorreras” was said to have happened at the falls where many lives were lost.

During the British reign, they renamed “Las Chorreras” to “Ocho Rios”, which means “Eight Rivers”. The truth of the matter is that, there are only four rivers in the area. They are The Cave River, Turtle River, Roaring River and Dunn’s River. These rivers are known to it pure and unending flow, clarity, swift descent, and punctuated by their rapid cascades and waterfalls that pours directly into the Caribbean Sea.

In 1972, the government of Jamaica acquired this property and developed it into a recreational park facility and was entrusted to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) for the people of Jamaica to enjoy. The park was them extended to the world so that tourists can enjoy the beauty of Jamaica. After Dunn’s River was entrusted to the UDC, the management of the waterfalls recreational ground was entrusted to be managed by the St. Ann Development Company (SADCo).  UDC and SADCo together aimed to create the premier national attraction that we come to know today. From this development, the construction of new roads to the top of the mountain, modern facilities not limited to gaming and relaxation, increased parking amongst other beautiful amenities.

Things one can do at Dunn’s River Falls

Watching the Sunset

We are private to seeing the beautiful sunrise in the mornings, the luxury of having the sun at noon zenith and the beauty of sunset in the west. Sun lovers from almost any point on the beach watch the sunset engulf by the aquamarine waters of the beautify Caribbean Sea. This setting is perfect to lay to rest the excitement on today and make way for the new dawn.

Climbing the falls

A very common and popular challenge that tourists and locals enjoy is climbing the waterfalls. Along the side of the river are lush green vegetation that provides shade from the golden sun and enable climbing in a more relaxed, cool and sunburn free setting. One of the most common methods of climbing used is the Human-Chain method which consists of hikers climbing in a hand-holding format lead by a guide. One man watches out for another, all aiming to reach the top. This is team work at is best.

Jogging and Waking the Property

We believe in exercise and the management staff of Dunn’s River knows that persons who come here are active in exercise, as such they have enabled jogging on the beach for the more athletic or just simply walking the property if that is all you want to do. Regardless of your choice, they have ensured that what you see when you walk or jog is beautiful and absolutely breath taking.

Enjoying Nature

Dunn’s river is home not only to the beautiful waterfalls but also to luscious bamboo, ferns, ginger lilies, orchids, flowers, and palms among other natural and beautiful trees. Nature lovers can bask in this wonderful splendour of our nature. Dunn’s river is truly beautiful and one of a kind.

Dunn’s River Cafeteria



As with any wonderful activity we need energy to carry on. After or before climbing the giant staircase to heaven, stop at the cafeteria outfitted for your delight and sample our native as well and international dishes that is just waiting to whet your appetite. Dive into our Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, and our national dish Ackee and Saltfish, Fried Fish, vegetables prepared Jamaican style. When the pepper is getting to you, cool it down with “Jelly Water”, directly from the tree. We have various juices created Jamaican styles to rum, which is like to other. After enjoying this, we doubt you’ll want any other. Jamaican cuisine is good to the point where you will become spoilt and to other cuisine. Cooking, Jamaica has no problem.

A Little Something to Remember Us By

As with any vacation or quick getaway, one will need something to remember the experience they had when they went to this point. On the property of Dunn’s River, we have several souvenirs shops filled with beautiful hand crafted ornaments that will make the perfect souvenir. Chose from a variety of wooden to metal designs depicting our culture and heritage. To see is to  believe, so chose wisely as they are all beautiful.

Point to Remember

As with any nation, we are have issues, but the government is working tirelessly to ensure that your stay is the safest and most rewarding and fulfilling one.

Remember, “Jamaica, the land of wood and water is yours to enjoy. Jamaica, No Problem”