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Your Guide to Visiting Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica

By: Author Hannah

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Your Guide to Visiting Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica

While in Jamaica, don’t miss the famous Dunn’s River Falls. These iconic falls are one of the top sights in the entire country. Here, you can climb the falls, go to the beach, or just relax in one of the many natural pools in the falls.

There are several waterfalls in Jamaica, but Dunn’s Falls is the best. Here is our guide to visiting Dunn’s River Falls.

Guide to Visiting Dunn’s River Falls Jamaica

Woman stands in front of Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica preparing to climb the falls

Dunn’s River Falls is different from most waterfalls in that you can actually climb them. The falls are 180 feet high and 600 feet long, leading out to the Caribbean Sea. This type of waterfall is called a travertine waterfall, and there are few in the world. It is the only one in the Caribbean that empties into the sea.

Dunn’s River Falls is a living natural wonder. The falls are continuously growing and reshaping. Calcium carbonate from the river and travertine rock is deposited as the water flows over the falls. The result is hundreds of small dome-shaped cataracts or rock-like obstacles, and the waterfall flows around and over.

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Where is Dunn’s River Falls?

Dunn’s River Falls is located in Ocho Rios and was just less than a 10-minute ride from our hotel Sandals Ochi located in Ocho Rios. If you aren’t staying in Ocho Rios, a trip to Dunn’s River Falls is worth it. Here is the distance to other popular Jamaica destinations.

  • 173 Km from Negril
  • 110 Km from Montego Bay
  • 110 Km from Port Antonio
  • 90 Km from Kingston
  • 63 Km from Falmouth
If you are on a cruise ship coming to Ocho Rios, you’ll have more than enough time to climb Dunn’s River Falls and explore the city. Those whose cruise ships dock in Montego Bay, Port Antonio, or Falmouth will also have enough time to visit the falls but just a little longer commute.
 

water flow down Dunn's River Falls outside of Ocho Rios in Jamaica

Dunn’s River Falls Tours

There are tons of Jamaica day trips heading to Dunn’s River Falls. We suggest booking them on your own for the best prices. Most of the hotels in Jamaica have a tour desk that can sell you a tour here or provide you with a driver to Ocho Rios. However, this would be an expensive way of exploring the falls. We suggest booking a tour on your own. Here are a few tours you can book online with Viator.

  • Dunn’s River Falls from Ocho Rios click here
  • Dunn’s River Falls Catamaran Party Cruise with Snorkeling & open bar from several Jamaica cities click here
  • Click here for all Dunn’s River Falls tours bookable online

If you’re on your Jamaica honeymoon, this is a great spot for some couple photos! 

Shoe rental prices at Dunn's River Falls

Tips When Visiting Dunn’s River

It is required to wear water shoes when climbing the falls. Most tours don’t include water shoe rentals in the tour price. Water shoes are available to rent for $10 USD. For that same price, you can buy a cheap pair on Amazon.
 
I personally would rather have my own pair, and if it’s cheaper, it’s a no-brainer. Water shoes are good to have if you plan on visiting the Pelican Bar as there can be sea urchins.

Woman sitting in one of the many pools of Dunns River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls FAQ

Q: How tall are Dunn’s River Falls?

A: Dunn’s River Falls is a series of small cascading waterfalls that are 180 feet tall in total

Q: Can you climb Dunn’s River Falls?

A: Yes, You can climb Dunn’s River Falls, but water shoes are required for safety

Q: Can you visit Dunn’s River Falls when on a cruise in Jamaica

A: Yes, you have enough time to visit Dunn’s River Falls while on a cruise. The ports are very close to the falls.

Jamaica with Kids – Beaches Negril Review

A Sign of rules and regulations at Dunn's River Falls Jamaica

Dunn’s River Falls Hours

They are open every day, and hours vary depending on the season and if there are cruise ships in port that day.

  • 8:30 am- 4:00 pm non-cruise ship days
  • 7:00 am-4:00 pm cruise ship days

We suggest going right away in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Dunn’s River Falls Prices

If you decide to take a taxi to the falls, the admission rates are as follows:

  • $25 USD Non-resident adult
  • $17 USD Non-resident child
  • J$1,000.00 resident adult with a valid Jamaican driver’s license or ID card
  • J$500.00 resident child

You can pay in USD, local Jamaican dollars, or by credit card. Bring a little extra cash, as there is a souvenir market and snacks available.

A view of the top of Dunn's River Falls

Best Time To Visit The Falls

If you are staying at a hotel in Ocho Rios, check the cruise port schedules to see how many ships will be docked in Jamaica.

Typically, Saturdays and Sundays have the fewest cruise ships but more local tourists as they are the weekends. Avoid Wednesdays, as this is the busiest cruise ship day.

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