Dunn’s River Falls is more than just a waterfall nestled deep in Jamaica’s rainforest. These days, Dunn’s River Falls is a full-on adventure park, perfect for families visiting Jamaica with their children. With so many on-site activities to enjoy here, spending an entire day climbing the falls, cooling off in the pools, and hanging ten on the ziplines on your next Caribbean vacation is easy.
In today’s post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know if you plan on visiting this natural wonder on your next vacation, from what to expect, what to pack, and how to plan your day.
Planning Your Adventure To Dunns River Falls
The History of Dunns River Falls
Before we get into what to expect on your visit to Dunn’s River Falls, I want to share a little bit of its history, which I find fascinating about Jamaica’s evolution. Dunn’s River Falls dates back to the 1657 Battle of Las Chorreras — the old Spanish name for the falls translates to “the waterfalls” or “the springs.”
This was a fiercely fought conflict between British and Spanish expeditionary forces aiming to lay claim to this lush area of Jamaica. The battle’s outcome was key in determining who would control this island paradise, ultimately resulting in British dominion. In this aspect, Dunn’s River Falls is a symbol of Caribbean history and a testament to Jamaica’s storied past.
Dunns River Falls: A Family-Friendly Tourist Destination
Over the centuries, Dunn’s River Falls became a thriving, world-renowned tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its shimmering cascades and sprawling beach, blessed with natural mineral springs, serve as a mesmerizing backdrop for family photos, and rumor has it that Dunn’s River Falls possess natural healing properties.
While this is a popular tourist attraction, you’ll also find many locals enjoying the cool waters of the many dipping pools under the shade of the giant trees. It’s a mecca for children who love to climb and clamor over the smooth stones and dunk themselves under the smaller waterfalls, and it’s a great opportunity for your kiddos to make some new friends along the way.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Dunn’s River Falls?
The experience of Dunns River Falls can be further enhanced by visiting at the right time. The best period to schedule your visit is during Jamaica’s less busy season, which runs from April to November. The weather conditions are typically pleasant during this time, and the crowd numbers are manageable.
If you’re traveling with younger children, especially in the warmer summer months, we highly recommend planning your trip for the early morning, as the sun on the beach can be relentless in the afternoon.
What Types Of Tours Are Offered At Dunn’s River Falls?
When planning your Dunn’s River Falls trip, you have a few different options: self-guided visits, private tours, and group tours, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Self-Guided Dunn’s River Fall Tours are exactly what they sound like, you arrange your transportation to and from the falls (we recommend working with your hotel on finding a safe ride if you haven’t rented a car), and you buy your admission tickets. Once inside the park, you’ll have full control over the pace of your explorations and can go up and down the falls as many times as you would like.
If you’re traveling with children, we recommend packing a picnic lunch for your visit, as there aren’t many food options in the park. There are also several splash pads along the way where kids can stop and ride the slides and play while you take a quick break.
Private Tours of Dunn’s River Falls If you’re a little uncomfortable navigating the trip to and from the falls on your own or want a more interactive and informative visit without the crowds that come with the larger group excursions, you can also book a private tour through one of the many reputable companies on the island.
Private tours will offer all of the transportation benefits of a larger group tour with the bonus of being able to make side-stops along the way if you wish. This considerably expands your options for exploration, dining, and sightseeing, and I can personally attest that some of the most stunning spots in Jamaica are the quiet little outlets on the road to Dunn’s River Falls, and you can often find locals selling fresh seafood and snacks in huts along these little inlets.
Group Tours to Dunn’s River Falls The final options, and often the most popular option for visitors, are the larger group tours. You can book with one of these tour companies in advance or through your hotel once you arrive.
Tours generally range from 4 – 8 hours and include transportation from the major hotels via a shuttle service loop. Lunch is sometimes included in the price but not always. I’ve had tours where the group will stop at local spots along the way and others where they had catering on the beach.
Guided tours are the safest option if you’re traveling with children, especially if you’re traveling with children as a single parent, but there are some downsides to the larger groups. The pace tends to be pretty rushed, especially the 4-hour tours because these companies try and do 2 groups per day, so if you’re looking for a leisurely climb, this isn’t your option.
What to Pack For Dunn’s River Falls
If you plan to climb the falls, you need sturdy water shoes. The first time I climbed the falls, I had those regular meshy water shoes with flexible soles—a big mistake. The rocks are slippery in spots, and you can’t see where you’re placing your feet in the rushing water, making it easy to step on uneven, misshaped rocks and lose your balance. I highly recommend climbing the falls in something more sturdy, like a pair of Keens, which will give your feet greater support and grip.
Appropriate water clothes can also make or break the experience you have on your adventure. Some people prefer climbing in swimsuits, though I do not like climbing in swimwear as a woman. Still, you need to wear something that you can get wet, that will dry fast, and won’t chafe. On my last climb, I opted for a pair of Nike runner’s shorts and a tech shirt, which I found both comfortable and practical.
Finally, you’ll want to remember to bring a towel, sunblock, and a waterproof money holder of some variety. I love using cruise lanyards with plastic casings to carry money and my ID since it can be worn around the neck and keep me hands-free, but warning – keep your money hidden. I have a little micro black bills wallet I put into my lanyard to keep the amount of cash I have on my person private.
What to Expect on a Dunn’s River Falls Tour
The typical Dunn’s River Falls tour has 3 parts: the forest walk, the climb, and the exit. Your tour group will enter at the head of the park and meander through fairly well-groomed walking trails down to the beach. Here you’ll enjoy towering trees and plants and see a bit of the rainforest firsthand.
My kids loved looking out into the forest for birds and other small animals, and there was no shortage of beautiful plumage, colors, and creatures along the way. We even encountered a park ranger that had a collection of Mccaws that you could hold or put on your shoulder while learning more about the native birds, habitats, and ecosystem of the island, so bring a camera.
The bottom of the trail puts you on the beach, where the river runs into the ocean. If you’re on a group tour, your guide will take a quick count to ensure that everyone in the group is accounted for and then give instructions for the climb.
Typically, it goes like this – there will be a guide in the front leading what’s known as the climbing chain. When climbing, guests typically hold hands in a single-file vertical line. This serves two purposes – it keeps all the guests together and allows for each guest to give a helping hand to those either in front or behind them at some of the trickier moments.
Another guide will remain behind to ensure no guest is left behind. While this climb isn’t strenuous, it can be a bit unnerving not being able to see where to place your feet. The trailing guide is there to help anyone needing a little more support or encouragement in certain spots.
There will also be a stop for pictures. I’ve seen different guides stop at different points along the way, but at some point, you’ll reach one of the small pools, and the guides will offer to take pictures of you and the family sitting under the waterfalls. The water isn’t deep, so it’s more like squatting down into them, but it’s a fun and memorable way to capture your visit, especially for kiddos.
After you reach the summit, there’s usually a pause to allow people to use the bathrooms and to change their clothes if they bring a separate pair. You’ll be guided through the market to the exit, where you’ll take your shuttle back to your hotel.
A Warning About The Dunn’s River Falls Market
If this is your first trip to the Caribbean, you’ll find that almost every tourist spot will force you to go through a market at the end of the tour, and Dunn’s River Falls is no different. You need to prepare yourself and your children for this experience because it can be frightening in certain areas.
At first blush, you’ll see a lot of stalls with carved figurines, hats, t-shirts, bracelets, and other touristy stuff for sale. The stall owners will ask you your name. Do not give them your name. Tell your children not to speak their names, either. Why?
You probably won’t notice that in their hands is one of the very same figurines you’ll see on the tables and a knife. If you give them your name, they’ll go on to ask you a few more general questions – where are you from? Are you enjoying your trip? What are your other plans?
All the while, they’re carving your name into the figurine, and when they’re done, they’re going to tell you that you now have to buy it. If you say no, some will get quite aggressive; I’ve even seen a few raising their voices in anger at people. Being in a strange place with a heckler yelling and following you around is scary for young kids, so don’t give them your name.
Your best bet is a polite no thank you; I don’t want to talk, and to keep on walking at a consistent clip until you reach the exit. You’ll find the same things for sale all over the island, and you’ll experience way less hassle buying from a proper shop in one of the big cities or through the hotel’s gift shop.
Embarking on a Dunns River Falls tour is indeed an enchanting journey for all ages and abilities—a veritable feast for the senses that offers the thrill of exploration and the beauty of nature in all its splendor. We consider this a can’t-miss destination for our Jamaican vacations and hope that you and your family enjoy it as much as we have.