I did it a number of years ago... Great Excursion! One other caution. Some guides point out "sliding rock," a rock that they tell you is smooth enough to slide down, just like the slide in the playground. In the late 60s, I was a geology major, so I should have known better. I became the volunteer, and the so-called, "smooth rock," left me with abrasions on my back and on the back of my legs. Despite that, I'm (call me crazy) glad that I was the volunteer because here I am, 25 years later, still sharing that story.
I did this in 1989, all went well, and it seemed like everything was safer. In 2013, my first thought was that there were way too many people doing the excursion and everything was way more slippery. The first guide seemed to know where to step. This guide was more interested in taking photos than guiding. He had me go first in line and told me to go to the next level about halfway up the falls. I slipped , flew down quite a few feet and badly bruised my hip and dislocated and fractured my shoulder. I ended up under anesthesia in the ship’s hospital getting my shoulder pulled back into place and needing many orthopedic visits when I returned back home. They wanted to take me to a Jamaican hospital , but that would have made me miss the ship. If you do this, do not let them make you be the first or any of the first people in line. They know where to put their feet. As you said, you can’t see anything so you have no idea as to what or where you are stepping.
We did it several years ago with two of our grandkids and it was great!!! We bought the video which was priceless. A must do in Jamaica. Will do again and I am 68.
My 85 yr old mom climbed the falls with us several years ago and did great. (We had about 16 of our family doing the climb at that time.). Our guide kept her right with him and took great care of her. A few years ago our kids did it with our two young granddaughter, 5 & 8 yrs old. We walked up the path and took pictures since we had done it a couple of times before!! Always fun!!
I am actually a fitness instructor, but I tripped and fell in Dunn’s River Falls! I hit my knee and broke my big toe! It made the rest of the cruise a challenge!
I climbed 1/2 the falls in my 30’s. It started pouring rain. My glasses went flying. I couldn’t see. 😂. I walked the rest of the way up on the stairs. Good job Don.
It was fun 25 years ago! We had a private guide who hung on and didn’t let me go! Wouldn’t dare do it now!, almost 70! Glad you made it through, we’re not spring chickens anymore.
I have climbed Dunn’s River Falls, and it was a one-and-Dunn (pun absolutely intended) experience! It was a bucket list item that has been checked off, and for which I don’t need to do again!
I did the falls a couple of years ago. It was fun. What wasn’t fun were the hyper aggressive vendors that you have to walk through to get back to your bus.
We disembarked from the ship ASAP, went outside the port area, grabbed a taxi, and got to the falls before the buses and the crowds. Had a great time climbing all the falls. I used super gripping climbing boots and had no issues. My take away...... do it on your own, not thru the ship.
Did this in my 30s with people in their 50s , who said they should’ve done this in their 30s. I’m 60 and gladI did it in my 30s lol. We did this in athletic shoes. The guide was barefoot! Good for you Don !
I had the same experience when I was in my 20s. Barefoot guide and us in our running shoes! Glad to have done it when I did. Back then it was a photo at the top with a hibiscus flower in my hair. (That I paid for)
I did it on my first trip to Jamaica in 2011. Enjoyed it very much. Was grouped with two ladies whoes husband's did not want to do the water. There is a dry walk above where they followed our group, and took their own photos.
Hi Don. We did it Jan 22, it was great, my wife and I were 65 at the time. We had a great time, the guide was brilliant and yes you have to follow instructions of the guides. But we would recommend it .
When I was younger I did waterfall excursions. Hurt my knees going up and down the rocky steps. One was such a distance many people turned around and gave up. People would tell us how close we were. We did the same on the way down. It was beautiful.
I did it thinking it was unbelievably dangerous. I cant believe more dont fall. Luckily I was hand and hand with the guide. I dont know if i would have made it otherwise. I'll never do it again even though I'm a fitness instructor in good condition.... so dangerous. Don, you explained it well...
It was not as congested 10 years ago when we went with family while on a Carnival cruise. I struggle with asthma and definitely had issues with my breathing and the high humidity in the area. I was thankful for the cooler water. We were there in April. It was a tough trek near the top. Thankfully I had my spouse and little, tall 6’3”, brother with me that helped me along. I came away with lots of memories, great pictures, and many bruises.
We did this many years ago when we were in our early 30s. We went with a single guide and not with a group. He had us back into a small falls area where he was going to take a picture. The rush of the water took my trunks down to my feet. We have a great pix of me pulling my suit up. Lol
Made the trek up several times over the years, took our Kids when they were younger. Always impressed how everybody you were teamed with always helped each other. If you give your Camcorder or Phone to your guide, they will take videos, photo’s for a Tip at the end. Never had any trouble and really enjoyed it.
Did the excursion in Ocho Rios back in 2011. It was a combo of swimming with the dolphins and climbing the balls. I was 62 years old then and totally agree with your assessment of the climb. I did enjoy it though, but it is a one and done lol
My wife was bumped while in a crowded souvenir shop and tipped over a cheap wooden train and a piece broke off. I think half the island came running over saying "you pay for dat". Ten dollars later we brought it home, glued it back together and laugh everytime we set it on our shelf in our den.
We did it a year ago and it was awesome. I skipped the middle falls, chickend out. Wife did the whole 3 sets and we loved the video. Turns out we had a cast member of the dance team in our group and I was able to give her a copy of the video I made with my 360 camera. She was heading back home to the UK for the Christmas break and was happy to have the video for family.
I climbed it on my honeymoon in 1987. Back then it was nothing like it is today. There were 4 of Us in the group and we were more in the center of the falls and actually went down.Some natural water slides that wheRE there it was great
Hi Don. I’m glad you climbed Dunn’s River Falls, finally! 😊 I climbed the falls multiple times many years ago on various occasions with family and friends. It is quite an experience and I’m glad you were able to do it. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Much blessings. 🙏
We did the Dunn's River Fall several years ago. We got there early and was the first group up, but it got congested before we got to the top with other groups over running us (our guide took us up very slowly). Bought the video on a cd. Glad we did cause it's hard trying to take pictures while hiking up the falls. Very good video. Went to Dolphins Cove afterwards. Nice place.
We went to the falls. I babysat my 14 month old grandson from an overlook while his parents climbed the falls. They had a blast, and I was happy just to be a spectator.
On my first ever cruise back in 2018. This was my second excursion. It was a little difficult climb for me because of being in a human chain going up. A little tip is to observe the person in front of you on what the obstacle will be. But if you are in front be careful of you steps and let the others in back of you know what to expect. One of my favorite side parts of going up is there is a natural water slide with about a 4 foot splash pool that you can slide down. My experience was the water was cool and refreshing but not ice cold. My excursion did not have a lunch at the falls but I had a second part of the excursion. It was a natural lazy river ride down tubes. It was great if you want to sit back an relax down a fairly gentle river whiles siting in a tube. I did buy the dvd package although at the time it was $20.00 instead of the $40.00 now. I am going on the same ship this year that started on 6 years ago. And I can`t wait for it. Thanks for sharing this Don it brought back some great memories.
I love going there!!! Thankfully I climbed the falls several times befor getting my knees replaced!!! I am no longer able to climb them! They are beautiful and so refreshing!!!!
My family and I were in Falmouth in June and since we already did Dunn’s River Falls on a previous cruise, we decided to visit Good Hope Estates. It was great. Very relaxing. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
It is beautiful. I did not climb i get on the stairs and walk up. Following the gang. I carry everyone's stuff. I get to out of breath with asthma and don't want to slow down them down. They all had a blast.
The guides hustled us through the vendors on the way out and the vendors were yelling: "you don't like Jamaicans?" The climb was fun, but I'm so klutzy ... I did ok though. The MOST fun (yes, I'm being sarcastic) was trying to change into dry clothing on the bus before we went to lunch. My husband and best friend held up a towel and being in the very back of the bus was definitely a plus.
We did Dunn River Falls when we were in our late 40’s. Wouldn’t be able to do them now in our 60’s but it was sure worth it!! It was a tough hike up and our guide was this little slip of of gal. She was amazing and hoisted us up over those falls Including some of the biggest guys in our group!! Sorry you had a spill though Don. My hubby was all scraped up too after our climb. Take care and thanks so much for your videos Don!! ❤️ from Halifax Nova Scotia 🇨🇦 🛳️🏖️🌴🏝️😎
Our family did it in early 2021, right after tourism reopened following Covid. Because they were still practicing social distancing, our family of 6 had their own guide and photographer. There was plenty of time between groups so we felt we had the whole place to ourselves. I did like that because we could go at our own pace, and the guide was very gracious in helping this clumsy lady up the falls by telling me exactly where to step. The worst part was definitely the gauntlet of vendors pushing their wares as we went back to our van.
I did a shore excursion that was sold as a "Hop-on, Hop-off" and stopped to drop guests off at Dunns River Falls. While waiting for the tour guide to return to the parking lot, I noticed many vultures sitting on the nearby trees. Hmm.
Thank you for this honest feedback. I have seen other photos that made it look different. Waiting in line with all those people in freezing water is a definite no for me. That is after waiting in the other long lines. No way.
Just be careful! We first did this at age 40. Just did I it again at age 70 with the help of a wonderful guide! It was an amazing experience! Highly recommend to all.
Two things stand out for me, stay on the narrow path they clean and is cleaned from continuous traffic, all other surfaces are slimy and extremely slippery. The other thing is don’t accept any “free” things from the vendors. They will try to put it in your hands or hang it on you and then harass you for money. Very aggressive.
I did it about 12 years ago. The entrance way was definitely different than you showed. I remember we went down to beach and entered from there I'm not a swimmer so idk what I was thinking. Guide and photographer stopped many times to ensure those videos/pictures were taken. My sister and I made , but definitely a little tired. I didn't do any of the "fall in this spot" picture ops. My sister did buy the video.
Did DRF about 30 years ago. Remember the climb but don’t remember any issues coming down. Thought it was a good time. We were at Ocho Rios when we did DRF. I think the video was $10 back then.
Yes Don, I’m now 73 but about 23 years ago we took my daughter-in-law and three grandchildren and went up the falls. The three boys were 4, 6 and 9. I had the 4 year old little guy, I’m also on the fluffy side and we had no idea. You are right the water was cold; the rocks were slippery and of course the water in some places was over the little one's head. Everyone in the group helped out but half way up I told them “let me out”. So me and the little one got out. The other two were like little monkeys and loved it. They made it all the way to the top with no problem and wanted to do it again. My husband and daughter-in-law with the other two boys had a great time. Me not so much. I have not and would never do it again. But the reason is not what you think. We were harassed so badly by the vendors as we try to leave. One of the male vendors came after me and verbally abuse me because I told my husband to come on we were not interested. My husband is so nice he will stop and talk to everyone and not realize how angry they get if you don’t buy. Many vendors around him joined in. I really was very uncomfortable in that situation and would never even advise my friends or family to go for that reason alone. It’s great to have the vendors but there should be some control on how aggressive some of them can get. I did go back years later to bring my mom and aunties but we just got off the bus, they took photos and we went back to the bus. We didn’t want to deal with those vendor's’ again.
I’ve visited there but I only wanted to go in The water. My friend is Jamaican and took me on a private tour of the island. I was looking for sugar cane some Jamaican music which I found in their black market. And some hats. It was a nice visit.
Did DRF back on our first cruise back in 2006. Wouldn't ever do it again quite frankly, especially as I've learned more about it. Broken bones are pretty common. A lot can depend on how strong the water flow is though. What I thought was interesting in the video you posted is that there seemed to be a lot of walking up right along a small ledge at the edge of the river, as opposed to being in the main river. It's been a while, but I don't really remember that being as true back then? Definitely looks more crowded now than it was, and I'd have said it was crowded back then. Kinda curious who the artist is on the turtle artwork behind your head. Looks pretty nice.
I did this excursion a few years ago, it is a rough excursion for people with limited mobility. I have plantar fascitis, and didn't realize how rough and slippery the rocks were. I made it half way to the falls and the slide in, and that was as far as I went! DId not make it to the top. Glad you are ok edited to add: I also did the Bob sled ride that went to Mystic Mountain the roller coaster ride was fun.
I climbed the falls … or rather, the stairway parallel to the falls. Put one foot into the water, almost slipped, chickened out. My boyfriend actually climbed the falls. We got some Jamaican food afterwards, then headed back to the ship.
We did Dunn River Falls in 2018 and while we were climbing it I said, this would never fly in the US because lawyers would scare any company from doing it. It would be a lawsuit waiting to happen here, as it really could be dangerous. It was so fun, but I wish I had worn a GoPro because it was hilarious. We were there with my son’s graduating class and all their parents and we still laugh about it today. It really is not for those out of shape or not agile unless you have people to that can actually pull you up, as it’s a lot of steps. It’s very, very, very fun though - I would go again for sure!! I agree with having travel insurance, as we did see some people get hurt (mostly because they weren’t following directions and thought they knew better than the guides).
I climbed the falls on a shore excursion in 1984. It was far less crowded and structured. Our tour guide escorted us to the bottom, then said see you at the top in 3 hours. It was serene hanging out in the deeper pools, not this parade of hundreds of people holding hands struggling to reach the top as quickly as possible
Wife and I did that several years ago. It was grand! A friend advised that it wasn't that tough, as even his portly and unathletic wife had made the climb with no trouble. Well, the day we got there was right after four days of rain, and the wa 4:39 ter flow was way above normal. Oopsie! For the record, we made it fine. At the time, we were a mid-60s couple in generally good health and mobility but hardly athletes or runners.
We did it 25 years ago on our honeymoon. It was enjoyable but a one and done for us. The holding hands was heavily enforced for us. I probably could of managed on my own but my husband definitely was helping the woman behind him quite a bit in places. We did not have any children in our group as our busload was kept together and we were coming from a Sandals resort hence no kids in our group.
Similar to rope swings over cenotes in mexico riviera maya.. if you dont drop in cold water when they hollar you will hit cliffs... its deep too! They video you. It was fun i did a few times with my daughter.you climb hill stairs to do it again.... i was like 51 yo. We also zip lined..fun but im done with those things at age 65 now.. my daughter even hung upside down on zip line with the guide!!! We were gonna parasail until we read a lady died there doing that. Will rather do that in usa where more safe and inspected. Fun but be careful folks!!!
I made the mistake of not wearing proper shoes and had to bail out about halfway up. Once out of the falls I was led to a series of vendor tents where I was subjected to people doing the typical Jamaican “hard sell” tactics. Luckily I made it out without incident.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I did it a number of years ago... Great Excursion! One other caution. Some guides point out "sliding rock," a rock that they tell you is smooth enough to slide down, just like the slide in the playground. In the late 60s, I was a geology major, so I should have known better. I became the volunteer, and the so-called, "smooth rock," left me with abrasions on my back and on the back of my legs. Despite that, I'm (call me crazy) glad that I was the volunteer because here I am, 25 years later, still sharing that story.
I did this in 1989, all went well, and it seemed like everything was safer. In 2013, my first thought was that there were way too many people doing the excursion and everything was way more slippery. The first guide seemed to know where to step. This guide was more interested in taking photos than guiding. He had me go first in line and told me to go to the next level about halfway up the falls. I slipped , flew down quite a few feet and badly bruised my hip and dislocated and fractured my shoulder. I ended up under anesthesia in the ship’s hospital getting my shoulder pulled back into place and needing many orthopedic visits when I returned back home. They wanted to take me to a Jamaican hospital , but that would have made me miss the ship. If you do this, do not let them make you be the first or any of the first people in line. They know where to put their feet. As you said, you can’t see anything so you have no idea as to what or where you are stepping.
We did it several years ago with two of our grandkids and it was great!!! We bought the video which was priceless. A must do in Jamaica. Will do again and I am 68.
I’m 68 and i will never do this! I have too many orthopedic problems!
Same
My 85 yr old mom climbed the falls with us several years ago and did great. (We had about 16 of our family doing the climb at that time.). Our guide kept her right with him and took great care of her. A few years ago our kids did it with our two young granddaughter, 5 & 8 yrs old. We walked up the path and took pictures since we had done it a couple of times before!! Always fun!!
I am actually a fitness instructor, but I tripped and fell in Dunn’s River Falls! I hit my knee and broke my big toe! It made the rest of the cruise a challenge!
What I’m afraid of!
I climbed 1/2 the falls in my 30’s. It started pouring rain. My glasses went flying. I couldn’t see. 😂. I walked the rest of the way up on the stairs. Good job Don.
It was fun 25 years ago! We had a private guide who hung on and didn’t let me go! Wouldn’t dare do it now!, almost 70! Glad you made it through, we’re not spring chickens anymore.
My son climbed it, but I sat at a picnic table at the bottom of the falls with my friend. Glad you weren't seriously injured. Bravo for completing!
I have climbed Dunn’s River Falls, and it was a one-and-Dunn (pun absolutely intended) experience! It was a bucket list item that has been checked off, and for which I don’t need to do again!
Did it a few years ago in my 70’s along with my wife. It was a very good excursion. Also bought the video. It was well worth it.
Did it 20 years ago with my mom and my son (he was 5 at the time). Bought the video… had a great time! Good memories.
Looks like a lot of people enjoy this excursion. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I did the falls a couple of years ago. It was fun. What wasn’t fun were the hyper aggressive vendors that you have to walk through to get back to your bus.
We disembarked from the ship ASAP, went outside the port area, grabbed a taxi, and got to the falls before the buses and the crowds. Had a great time climbing all the falls. I used super gripping climbing boots and had no issues. My take away...... do it on your own, not thru the ship.
Did this in my 30s with people in their 50s , who said they should’ve done this in their 30s. I’m 60 and gladI did it in my 30s lol. We did this in athletic shoes. The guide was barefoot! Good for you Don !
I had the same experience when I was in my 20s. Barefoot guide and us in our running shoes! Glad to have done it when I did. Back then it was a photo at the top with a hibiscus flower in my hair. (That I paid for)
I did it on my first trip to Jamaica in 2011. Enjoyed it very much. Was grouped with two ladies whoes husband's did not want to do the water. There is a dry walk above where they followed our group, and took their own photos.
Hi Don. We did it Jan 22, it was great, my wife and I were 65 at the time. We had a great time, the guide was brilliant and yes you have to follow instructions of the guides. But we would recommend it .
My mom and I went to those falls back in 1994. Super fun !
When I was younger I did waterfall excursions. Hurt my knees going up and down the rocky steps. One was such a distance many people turned around and gave up. People would tell us how close we were. We did the same on the way down. It was beautiful.
I did it thinking it was unbelievably dangerous. I cant believe more dont fall. Luckily I was hand and hand with the guide. I dont know if i would have made it otherwise. I'll never do it again even though I'm a fitness instructor in good condition.... so dangerous. Don, you explained it well...
Very true. Too dangerous!
It was not as congested 10 years ago when we went with family while on a Carnival cruise. I struggle with asthma and definitely had issues with my breathing and the high humidity in the area. I was thankful for the cooler water. We were there in April. It was a tough trek near the top. Thankfully I had my spouse and little, tall 6’3”, brother with me that helped me along. I came away with lots of memories, great pictures, and many bruises.
We did this many years ago when we were in our early 30s. We went with a single guide and not with a group. He had us back into a small falls area where he was going to take a picture. The rush of the water took my trunks down to my feet. We have a great pix of me pulling my suit up. Lol
Made the trek up several times over the years, took our Kids when they were younger. Always impressed how everybody you were teamed with always helped each other. If you give your Camcorder or Phone to your guide, they will take videos, photo’s for a Tip at the end. Never had any trouble and really enjoyed it.
Hello Don, I have been to Jamaica 2 times and both times did the Dunn River Falls Excursion and loved it.
Glad you had fun and you knee is ok 👍
Dunn’s River Falls. We did it many years ago and it was tricky.
Did the excursion in Ocho Rios back in 2011. It was a combo of swimming with the dolphins and climbing the balls. I was 62 years old then and totally agree with your assessment of the climb. I did enjoy it though, but it is a one and done lol
Very good review of the excursion. You can always use the water shoes for a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. Go on a bucket list cruise.
We did this back in 1996. My dad was 59 at the time and he kept on falling into the water.
My wife was bumped while in a crowded souvenir shop and tipped over a cheap wooden train and a piece broke off. I think half the island came running over saying "you pay for dat". Ten dollars later we brought it home, glued it back together and laugh everytime we set it on our shelf in our den.
We did it a year ago and it was awesome. I skipped the middle falls, chickend out. Wife did the whole 3 sets and we loved the video. Turns out we had a cast member of the dance team in our group and I was able to give her a copy of the video I made with my 360 camera. She was heading back home to the UK for the Christmas break and was happy to have the video for family.
Thanks for sharing your trip.
I climbed it on my honeymoon in 1987. Back then it was nothing like it is today. There were 4 of Us in the group and we were more in the center of the falls and actually went down.Some natural water slides that wheRE there it was great
Hi Don. I’m glad you climbed Dunn’s River Falls, finally! 😊 I climbed the falls multiple times many years ago on various occasions with family and friends. It is quite an experience and I’m glad you were able to do it. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Much blessings. 🙏
We did the falls 40 years ago on our honeymoon
We did the Dunn's River Fall several years ago. We got there early and was the first group up, but it got congested before we got to the top with other groups over running us (our guide took us up very slowly). Bought the video on a cd. Glad we did cause it's hard trying to take pictures while hiking up the falls. Very good video. Went to Dolphins Cove afterwards. Nice place.
We went to the falls. I babysat my 14 month old grandson from an overlook while his parents climbed the falls. They had a blast, and I was happy just to be a spectator.
Yes we did the falls on our cruise back in 2005 when we got married .. we made it up the falls no problem!!...
On my first ever cruise back in 2018. This was my second excursion. It was a little difficult climb for me because of being in a human chain going up. A little tip is to observe the person in front of you on what the obstacle will be. But if you are in front be careful of you steps and let the others in back of you know what to expect. One of my favorite side parts of going up is there is a natural water slide with about a 4 foot splash pool that you can slide down. My experience was the water was cool and refreshing but not ice cold. My excursion did not have a lunch at the falls but I had a second part of the excursion. It was a natural lazy river ride down tubes. It was great if you want to sit back an relax down a fairly gentle river whiles siting in a tube. I did buy the dvd package although at the time it was $20.00 instead of the $40.00 now. I am going on the same ship this year that started on 6 years ago. And I can`t wait for it. Thanks for sharing this Don it brought back some great memories.
We did this on our honeymoon over Christmas back in 2016. I really loved it!
I love going there!!! Thankfully I climbed the falls several times befor getting my knees replaced!!! I am no longer able to climb them! They are beautiful and so refreshing!!!!
Thank you for showing your excursion and the heads up fyi about the excursion
Thanks for the review, Don, and a bit of vicarious thrill for someone who had never heard of this location before! 😀
My family and I were in Falmouth in June and since we already did Dunn’s River Falls on a previous cruise, we decided to visit Good Hope Estates. It was great. Very relaxing. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
I did do Dunes River Falls, luckily in fro t of me was a younger gentleman that helped myself & a few others up in some areas. Once was enough.😊
It is beautiful. I did not climb i get on the stairs and walk up. Following the gang. I carry everyone's stuff. I get to out of breath with asthma and don't want to slow down them down. They all had a blast.
I tore my meniscus climbing the falls several years ago. It was a great adventure, but I don't have to do it again!
The guides hustled us through the vendors on the way out and the vendors were yelling: "you don't like Jamaicans?"
The climb was fun, but I'm so klutzy ... I did ok though. The MOST fun (yes, I'm being sarcastic) was trying to change into dry clothing on the bus before we went to lunch. My husband and best friend held up a towel and being in the very back of the bus was definitely a plus.
It was really clear when I went on it. Not as many people as you had. We jumped in the pools on the way up. It was really fun.
We did Dunn River Falls when we were in our late 40’s. Wouldn’t be able to do them now in our 60’s but it was sure worth it!! It was a tough hike up and our guide was this little slip of of gal. She was amazing and hoisted us up over those falls Including some of the biggest guys in our group!! Sorry you had a spill though Don. My hubby was all scraped up too after our climb. Take care and thanks so much for your videos Don!! ❤️ from Halifax Nova Scotia 🇨🇦 🛳️🏖️🌴🏝️😎
Our family did it in early 2021, right after tourism reopened following Covid. Because they were still practicing social distancing, our family of 6 had their own guide and photographer. There was plenty of time between groups so we felt we had the whole place to ourselves. I did like that because we could go at our own pace, and the guide was very gracious in helping this clumsy lady up the falls by telling me exactly where to step. The worst part was definitely the gauntlet of vendors pushing their wares as we went back to our van.
I did a shore excursion that was sold as a "Hop-on, Hop-off" and stopped to drop guests off at Dunns River Falls. While waiting for the tour guide to return to the parking lot, I noticed many vultures sitting on the nearby trees. Hmm.
Oh boy!
I knew you were going to say that I even stayed a couple days in that area many years ago and didn't do it.
Good review of this tour so we can decide if we want to do that.
I’m glad you did this excursion.
Did that twice and loved it, best excursion ever!
Thank you for this honest feedback. I have seen other photos that made it look different. Waiting in line with all those people in freezing water is a definite no for me. That is after waiting in the other long lines. No way.
I did the falls and you had to be very careful but it was a lot of fun. Our guide was so nice and helping us.
Just be careful! We first did this at age 40. Just did I it again at age 70 with the help of a wonderful guide! It was an amazing experience! Highly recommend to all.
I have climbed the falls twice. It was so much fun! I wouldn’t do it again now that I have hip and knee problems.
Two things stand out for me, stay on the narrow path they clean and is cleaned from continuous traffic, all other surfaces are slimy and extremely slippery. The other thing is don’t accept any “free” things from the vendors. They will try to put it in your hands or hang it on you and then harass you for money. Very aggressive.
I did the Falls awhile ago, started out in ankle deep water then a rain storm hit and I was in chest deep water.
I did it about 12 years ago.
The entrance way was definitely different than you showed.
I remember we went down to beach and entered from there
I'm not a swimmer so idk what I was thinking.
Guide and photographer stopped many times to ensure those videos/pictures were taken. My sister and I made , but definitely a little tired. I didn't do any of the "fall in this spot" picture ops.
My sister did buy the video.
My husband and I did this over 20 years ago!! Fun, scary, cold
Did DRF about 30 years ago. Remember the climb but don’t remember any issues coming down. Thought it was a good time. We were at Ocho Rios when we did DRF. I think the video was $10 back then.
We were just on a carnival cruise to Jamaica (Montego bay) and wanted to do the falls but we ended up doing the bamboo river rafting
Yes Don, I’m now 73 but about 23 years ago we took my daughter-in-law and three grandchildren and went up the falls. The three boys were 4, 6 and 9. I had the 4 year old little guy, I’m also on the fluffy side and we had no idea. You are right the water was cold; the rocks were slippery and of course the water in some places was over the little one's head. Everyone in the group helped out but half way up I told them “let me out”. So me and the little one got out. The other two were like little monkeys and loved it. They made it all the way to the top with no problem and wanted to do it again. My husband and daughter-in-law with the other two boys had a great time. Me not so much. I have not and would never do it again. But the reason is not what you think. We were harassed so badly by the vendors as we try to leave. One of the male vendors came after me and verbally abuse me because I told my husband to come on we were not interested. My husband is so nice he will stop and talk to everyone and not realize how angry they get if you don’t buy. Many vendors around him joined in. I really was very uncomfortable in that situation and would never even advise my friends or family to go for that reason alone. It’s great to have the vendors but there should be some control on how aggressive some of them can get. I did go back years later to bring my mom and aunties but we just got off the bus, they took photos and we went back to the bus. We didn’t want to deal with those vendor's’ again.
Scary story!
I did this over 25 years ago! I will never do it again. But it was fun
That excursion does look interesting for sure. We are glad no one got hurt. We would do something like that.
I’ve visited there but I only wanted to go in The water. My friend is Jamaican and took me on a private tour of the island. I was looking for sugar cane some Jamaican music which I found in their black market. And some hats. It was a nice visit.
At 77, doesn't sound like my cup of tea. Been to Jamaica several times ( Ocho Rios) , they had the DRF excursion and we passed.
Did DRF back on our first cruise back in 2006. Wouldn't ever do it again quite frankly, especially as I've learned more about it. Broken bones are pretty common. A lot can depend on how strong the water flow is though. What I thought was interesting in the video you posted is that there seemed to be a lot of walking up right along a small ledge at the edge of the river, as opposed to being in the main river. It's been a while, but I don't really remember that being as true back then? Definitely looks more crowded now than it was, and I'd have said it was crowded back then.
Kinda curious who the artist is on the turtle artwork behind your head. Looks pretty nice.
I've done it 6 times, Totally Awesome and Very Beautiful, but Very Cold!!!
It’s beautiful, but we did it in our 30’s and found it hard & slippery, despite gripped water shoes - scary-better to look at!
I climbed it when I was about 70. My foot slipped off one of the rocks and ended up breaking my big toe! But it was a wonderful climb.
blessings. Don. 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
We have a cruise booked to Jamaica. My bad knees and hip tell me this excursion is off limits for sure haha.
Yep, don't do it.
I did this excursion a few years ago, it is a rough excursion for people with limited mobility. I have plantar fascitis, and didn't realize how rough and slippery the rocks were. I made it half way to the falls and the slide in, and that was as far as I went! DId not make it to the top. Glad you are ok edited to add: I also did the Bob sled ride that went to Mystic Mountain the roller coaster ride was fun.
We did that last time. Very funny. Thanks Don and take care.
Dunns falls is also at a nice beach that you can just stay at
I climbed the falls … or rather, the stairway parallel to the falls. Put one foot into the water, almost slipped, chickened out. My boyfriend actually climbed the falls. We got some Jamaican food afterwards, then headed back to the ship.
We did Dunn River Falls in 2018 and while we were climbing it I said, this would never fly in the US because lawyers would scare any company from doing it. It would be a lawsuit waiting to happen here, as it really could be dangerous. It was so fun, but I wish I had worn a GoPro because it was hilarious. We were there with my son’s graduating class and all their parents and we still laugh about it today. It really is not for those out of shape or not agile unless you have people to that can actually pull you up, as it’s a lot of steps. It’s very, very, very fun though - I would go again for sure!! I agree with having travel insurance, as we did see some people get hurt (mostly because they weren’t following directions and thought they knew better than the guides).
I did the falls when I was half my age. I don't remember a photographer. I don't think I would do it now.
We did this back in 2022. It took an hour to complete. I enjoyed it.
Have not done the falls and not planning it.
I'm glad you didn't get hurt.
I climbed the falls on a shore excursion in 1984. It was far less crowded and structured. Our tour guide escorted us to the bottom, then said see you at the top in 3 hours. It was serene hanging out in the deeper pools, not this parade of hundreds of people holding hands struggling to reach the top as quickly as possible
Wife and I did that several years ago. It was grand! A friend advised that it wasn't that tough, as even his portly and unathletic wife had made the climb with no trouble.
Well, the day we got there was right after four days of rain, and the wa 4:39 ter flow was way above normal. Oopsie!
For the record, we made it fine. At the time, we were a mid-60s couple in generally good health and mobility but hardly athletes or runners.
Keep up the good work!
I've done it before. it's not too bad really. pretty glad you did it. glad you had a good time. love you buddy. Merry Christmas!
Way to go Don!
Been there,not quite done that. I used the stairs and watched people fall.
Yes, about 25 yrs ago. Scarry even then😮
Never did that one. Thanks for the tips. Not sure my wife could make it.
Dunns River Falls is fun and challenging. Very crowded
Looks beautiful.
Thanks for the heads up! I know that it's not for me should I go to Jamaica.
We did it 25 years ago on our honeymoon. It was enjoyable but a one and done for us. The holding hands was heavily enforced for us. I probably could of managed on my own but my husband definitely was helping the woman behind him quite a bit in places. We did not have any children in our group as our busload was kept together and we were coming from a Sandals resort hence no kids in our group.
Similar to rope swings over cenotes in mexico riviera maya.. if you dont drop in cold water when they hollar you will hit cliffs... its deep too! They video you. It was fun i did a few times with my daughter.you climb hill stairs to do it again.... i was like 51 yo. We also zip lined..fun but im done with those things at age 65 now.. my daughter even hung upside down on zip line with the guide!!! We were gonna parasail until we read a lady died there doing that. Will rather do that in usa where more safe and inspected. Fun but be careful folks!!!
We did it on our honeymoon 56 years ago - my sun glasses ended up lost at the bottom!
Hi Don, Did it years ago would never do it now
I made the mistake of not wearing proper shoes and had to bail out about halfway up. Once out of the falls I was led to a series of vendor tents where I was subjected to people doing the typical Jamaican “hard sell” tactics. Luckily I made it out without incident.