Dunn’s river falls is the # 1 family friendly water falls in the Caribbean.
Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s national treasures. Globally, it is as known as reggae music and equally stimulating. At about 180 feet (55 m) high and 600 feet (180 m) long, the waterfalls are terraced like giant natural stairs though some incorporate man-made improvements. Several small lagoons are interspersed among the vertical sections of the falls.
Jamaica Water Fall Activity
Climbing the waterfalls is a popular tourist activity and is often, but not exclusively, performed with the help of tour guides from the park. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to climb with short breaks for photographs and video recordings taken by the guides. There are also stairs alongside of the falls for those who do not want to get wet or are unable to manage the rocky, uneven terrain of the actual waterfall.
The falls are bordered by lush, green vegetation that shades the area from the sun and keeps the area, and climbers, cool. The climb can be relatively hard so is often undertaken as a hand-holding human chain led by a guide to make it easier.
Dunn’s River, a short stream dropping only 55 metres (180 ft) from its source to the sea, is fed by spring water rich with calcium carbonate and deposits travertine forming a sequence of tufa terraces. Such waterfalls are described by geologists as “a living phenomenon” because they are continuously rebuilt by the sediments in spring water.
Dunn’s River Falls is one of the very few travertine waterfalls in the world that empties directly into the sea.
Cruise Port Falmouth tours to Dunn’s River Falls:
- Dunn’s river Water fall and River tubing Experience
- Blue Hole and Dunn’s river Fall Tour
- Dunn’s river and Sightseeing Excursion
Dunn’s River Water Fall History
There are few places where the Arawak name “Xayamaca” – land of rivers and springs – is more apt. The Spaniards called the area “Las Chorreras”, the waterfalls or springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
Dunn’s River Falls has a very fascinating history. It is said to be the location of the legendary battle of “Las Chorreras”. This battle was fought in the year, 1657 and took place near Dunn’s River Falls. It was between the English and the Spanish Expeditionary Force from Cuba. The battle was in fact for ownership of the island.
The outcome of the battle was in favour of The English who won. Also under the leadership of the British, Charles Pryce was the first owner of “Las Chorreras