Dunn's River Falls
DaCosta Drive, Ocho Rios


In Ocho Rios, the most popular attraction (one that just about every cruise ship passenger and resort guest enjoys) is Dunn's River Falls. This spectacular waterfall is actually a series of falls that cascade from the mountains to the sea.

Here you don't just view the falls, but you climb up the cascading water. Led by a sure-footed Jamaican guide (who wears everyone's cameras slung around his neck), groups work their way up the falls hand-in-hand like a human daisy chain.

Be prepared to get wet and have fun, but don't expect a quiet, private getaway. This is Jamaica for the masses, and, no matter what day of the week, the masses do come. The quietest times are days when no cruise ships are in town and afternoons after cruise passengers have headed back to port.

If you don't want to climb, you'll find a boardwalk that follows the falls, perfect for taking photos of the climbers.

Our Tip: Bring aqua shoes for the climb. There are shoes for rent but we always prefer to bring ones we know will fit securely for the climb.

At the end of the climb, you'll be deposited into a hectic market for another opportunity to buy crafts, carvings, and the ubiquitous T-shirt. Be prepared for some hassling; this is one of Jamaica's more intense markets.

JamaicaTripper Tip: Nothing is free at Dunn's River. You'll find contortionists, people posing with burros, and more here; if you stop to watch or take a photo, a tip is expected.