Dunn's River Falls - people standing on river surrounded with tall and green trees
1 / 10

Dunn's River Falls

4.6
·16k reviews·Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ascend Jamaica's iconic terraced waterfall, a thrilling natural adventure with stunning Caribbean views and a relaxing beach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Dunn's River Falls - people standing on river surrounded with tall and green trees

Dunn's River Falls

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend Jamaica's iconic terraced waterfall, a thrilling natural adventure with stunning Caribbean views and a relaxing beach.

4.6
(16k reviews)

"An unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and incredible guides who make the climb amazing!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Water Shoes are a Must!

Slippery rocks! Buy or bring water shoes for a safe and enjoyable climb.

📱 Waterproof Phone Case

Protect your phone while capturing amazing waterfall shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Climb the Iconic Falls

Climb the Iconic Falls

Main Waterfall

Ascend the terraced waterfall, a truly unique and exhilarating natural adventure. Feel the cool water and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Reddit
Relax on the Beach

Relax on the Beach

Adjacent Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores after your climb. Enjoy the sun, sea, and a refreshing break with beautiful ocean views.

Reddit
Scenic Views and Photo Ops

Scenic Views and Photo Ops

Throughout the park

Capture breathtaking moments at every turn. The lush surroundings and cascading water offer endless photo opportunities.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead & Go Early

Dunn's River Falls is a major attraction, so booking tickets in advance is wise. Arriving right at opening can help you beat the biggest crowds and enjoy a more serene climb up the falls. Reddit

Gear Up for the Climb

Water shoes are essential for navigating the slippery rocks. You can buy them on-site or bring your own. Consider a waterproof phone case to capture the stunning scenery without worry. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

And that’s on being proposed to at the top of dunns river falls in Jamaica🥺❤️ ##JDSTREET #BeBold #proposal #TKMaxxTalentShow
@jennacraythorn
38.8K likes • 692.1K views

👟 Water Shoes are a Must!

Slippery rocks! Buy or bring water shoes for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

📱 Waterproof Phone Case

Protect your phone while capturing amazing waterfall shots. Reddit

I didn’t know I came to test my survival skills fr #dunnsriverfalls
@georgialovestravel
29.3K likes • 200.7K views
📍Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios Jamaica. #jamaica
jamaicaweekly
446 likes • 13.9K views

💰 Lockers for Belongings

Rent a locker to keep your valuables safe during the climb. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or purchase it to stay refreshed during your adventure. Reddit

If you're Jamaican and haven't been to Dunn's River Falls, did you even grow up right? It's a top destination for Jamaicans and tourists, and the affordability for families is a bonus. If not yet, then go! Have you visited here? #ochorios #explorewithtash #visitjamaica #jamaica #dunnsriverfalls #waterfall #beach
explorewithtash
0 likes • 5.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Water Shoes are a Must!

Slippery rocks! Buy or bring water shoes for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

📱 Waterproof Phone Case

Protect your phone while capturing amazing waterfall shots. Reddit

💰 Lockers for Belongings

Rent a locker to keep your valuables safe during the climb. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water or purchase it to stay refreshed during your adventure. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Guides Enhance Experience

Guides make the climb safer and more fun, especially for first-timers. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(16k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dunn's River Falls is widely praised for its unforgettable climbing experience and stunning natural beauty. Visitors rave about the exhilarating ascent and the helpful, energetic guides who enhance the adventure. However, some find the food options disappointing and the staff at the cafeteria to be less than welcoming. Reddit

"Dunn's Falls was an unforgettable experience! The stunning water and scenic hike up to the falls were absolutely breathtaking. But what truly made our visit stand out was our incredible guides. They expertly kept the energy high and went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a great time, including one of our group members who needed special assistance - their care and attention to detail were impressive and greatly appreciated."

Vickie Clayton

"This was an absolutely amazing experience! The walk to get up to the falls was though but we made it! We took the catamaran to the falls with the package we got! The views was just incredible. The tour guide was great, so nice, helpful and funny. It was a great experience. Few spots to get souvenirs which was great (beginning and after the falls). It is about an hour to get up there just with everyone who is doing it, so be prepared. Don’t take your purse and make sure to have a waterproof case for your phone because you’re gonna want to take your phone."

Laura Mallard

"Hey, we are Vicky 🇵🇪 and Malte 🇩🇪 from the travel blog "Traveling Is Our Passion." For our full one week Jamaica road trip itinerary including driving tips and top stops, check out our full Jamaica road trip blog article.

Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s most famous natural sights. The waterfall stands about 180 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across. It’s a fantastic place to climb the rocks and enjoy the cool water. Free parking makes it easy to visit by car.

Before you enter, stop by Travis’s small souvenir shop nearby—he has great prices and sends warm greetings from us, the Peruvian-German couple. Tickets cost 25 dollars for adults and 17 for children, with lockers available to rent for 8 dollars to keep your belongings safe.

We recommend bringing water shoes or buying a pair at the entrance for around 10 dollars, as the rocks can be slippery. If you want to avoid the busiest times, come early at opening, but be prepared to explore on your own at first. Later, guides help groups form a chain to safely climb the falls. You can choose different spots to start or finish the climb.

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls was an exciting and memorable experience. It’s a unique activity that stands out even among other adventures in Jamaica."

Traveling Is Our Passion

What People Like

Exhilarating waterfall climb
Beautiful natural scenery
Helpful and fun guides

What People Dislike

Poor food quality
Rude cafeteria staff

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Montego Bay, you can hire a taxi, take a pre-booked tour that includes transportation, or rent a car. The drive typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Many visitors opt for organized tours which often include catamaran rides and other activities. Reddit

Yes, Dunn's River Falls is very close to Ocho Rios, making it an ideal day trip. You can easily take a short taxi ride or walk if you're staying nearby. Reddit

If you're in Negril, it's a longer journey (around 2.5-3 hours). Pre-booked tours or private transfers are the most convenient options, as driving yourself can be tiring. Reddit

Absolutely! Free parking is available at Dunn's River Falls, making it easy to visit if you have your own vehicle. Reddit

Many hotels, especially in Ocho Rios, offer shuttle services or can help you arrange transportation. It's best to inquire with your hotel concierge upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission for adults is typically around $25 USD, and for children, it's about $17 USD. Prices can vary slightly, so it's good to check the official website or your tour operator. Reddit

While you can purchase tickets at the entrance, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Reddit

Dunn's River Falls is generally open daily from around 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. However, it's always a good idea to confirm the exact hours before your visit, as they can change seasonally. Reddit

Children must be at least 36 inches (92 cm) tall and brave enough to climb. Adults cannot carry children up the falls. Reddit

Yes, lockers are available for rent, typically costing around $8 USD, to store your belongings securely while you climb. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Wear swimwear and water shoes! The rocks are slippery, so sturdy water shoes with good grip are essential. Avoid flip-flops or going barefoot. Reddit

While you can explore the park and beach independently, climbing the falls is often done with a guide who leads groups and ensures safety. You can join a group upon arrival. Reddit

The climb itself usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the pace of your group and how crowded it is. Reddit

It's a moderate climb that requires some physical exertion. You'll be walking on wet, slippery rocks and climbing over them. It's a real workout! Reddit

There are restrooms, changing rooms, lockers, souvenir shops, and a cafeteria. The beach area also offers a place to relax. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a cafeteria offering basic Jamaican fare like patties and smoothies. However, reviews suggest the food quality can be disappointing. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted within the main park area. It's best to consume them before entering or purchase from the onsite cafeteria. Reddit

Options might be limited, but you may find some vegetable patties or fruit smoothies. It's advisable to check with the cafeteria staff upon arrival. Reddit

Based on reviews, many visitors find the food options to be poor and the staff rude. It might be better to eat before or after your visit at a local restaurant. Reddit

Ocho Rios offers a variety of restaurants, from local eateries serving authentic Jamaican cuisine to more international options. Ask locals for recommendations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, but it's highly recommended to use a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera. The guides can also help take photos for you. Reddit

Yes, there are often professional photographers available to capture your climb. You can purchase these photos after your visit. Reddit

Every step of the climb offers a unique perspective. The base of the falls, mid-climb viewpoints, and the top looking down are all fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

It can be risky if your camera isn't waterproof or secured properly. Many visitors opt for a waterproof phone case for convenience and safety. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and popular tourist attractions to ensure safety and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not allowed. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dunn's River Falls can be a fantastic adventure for families, but it's important to be prepared. Children must be at least 36 inches (92 cm) tall and brave enough to climb, as adults cannot carry them up the falls. The climb can be strenuous, so assess your child's physical ability and comfort level with water and heights. Reddit

Tips for Families: Ensure everyone wears secure water shoes. Consider booking a tour that might offer a slightly less intense experience or has guides who are particularly good with children. The beach area is a great alternative for younger children who might not be ready for the full climb. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Dunn's River Falls has an entrance fee, it's a worthwhile experience for the adventure it offers. To save money, consider packing your own snacks and drinks to consume before or after your visit, as onsite food can be pricey and not highly rated. Reddit

Cost-Saving Tips: Look for package deals that might include transportation and entry. If you're traveling with a group, sharing taxi costs can also be economical. Renting lockers is a small but necessary expense to protect your belongings. Reddit

❤️ Couples and Adventure Seekers

For couples looking for a unique and memorable experience, climbing Dunn's River Falls is an excellent choice. It's an activity that encourages teamwork and shared exhilaration as you conquer the falls together. The stunning natural beauty also provides a romantic backdrop for photos. Reddit

Adventure Focus: Embrace the challenge! Renting a waterproof camera or ensuring your phones are protected will allow you to fully immerse yourselves in the adventure without worry. Consider visiting during a less crowded time to enjoy a more intimate experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dunn's River Falls Climb: An Adventure Guide

Climbing Dunn's River Falls is the main event and a truly unique experience. The waterfall is terraced, creating natural stair-like formations that you ascend. Guides will lead you in a human chain, helping you navigate the slippery rocks and strong currents. It's a moderate physical challenge, requiring you to step, climb, and sometimes duck under the cascading water. The water temperature is refreshingly cool, providing a welcome respite from the Jamaican sun. Reddit

Safety First: While guides are excellent, wearing proper water shoes with good grip is paramount. Avoid flip-flops or going barefoot, as the rocks are notoriously slippery. Many visitors find the climb exhilarating, with some even falling but being quickly assisted by the attentive staff. The experience is designed to be fun and memorable, with guides often adding humor and encouragement to the journey. Reddit

Capture the Moment: Bringing a waterproof phone case or a waterproof camera is highly recommended. The natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding lush greenery make for incredible photo opportunities. Guides are often happy to help take pictures for you, ensuring you get great shots without risking your equipment. Reddit

Beyond the Climb: Amenities and Relaxation

While the climb is the star attraction, Dunn's River Falls also offers a beautiful, sandy beach adjacent to the falls. This is the perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the Caribbean Sea after your adventurous climb. The beach provides a tranquil contrast to the excitement of ascending the waterfall, allowing visitors to enjoy the full spectrum of what the park has to offer. Reddit

Practical Facilities: For visitor convenience, the park provides essential amenities including restrooms, changing rooms, and lockers for rent. These facilities are crucial for managing your belongings and changing into dry clothes after your water adventure. Souvenir shops are also available for those looking to take home a memento of their visit. Reddit

Dining Experiences: Onsite dining options include a cafeteria that serves basic Jamaican fare like patties and smoothies. However, reviews suggest that the food quality and service can be a letdown. Many visitors recommend eating before or after your visit at local restaurants in Ocho Rios for a more satisfying culinary experience. Reddit

You may also like