March13thMon Top 5 Jamaican Waterfalls

Stunning Jamaican waterfalls await you deep in the heart of the island.


Jamaica is a tropical paradise known for its amazing white sand beaches and turquoise sea lapping its shores. But the “land of wood and water” boasts cool, crystal waterfalls further inland that often spill out on to the sands along the coastline.


It’s hard to choose among the many well-known spots and secret hideaways, but we thought we’d share the Top 5 most inviting waterfalls in Jamaica that are sure to be a highlight of your tropical vacation.


YS Falls


In the less explored South coast parish of St. Elizabeth is this beautiful eco-friendly attraction.  A jitney ride through a working cattle and horse farm leads to a magnificent seven-tiered natural waterfall which cascades below canopy zip-line tours in the trees above. The falls have 7 distinct cascading waterfalls that flow down from the mountains. At the bottom of the falls a wading pool awaits, fed by cold underground springs and surrounded by spacious lawns for picnics, along with a children’s play area.




www.ysfalls.com


Dunns River Falls


Jamaica’s best known and arguably most popular tourist attraction, Dunns River Falls’ rustic charm has developed over the years into a modern facility with parking, shopping and refreshment. The falls are only a five-minute drive west of Ocho Rios, and convenient to tourists staying on the island and cruise ship passengers visiting Jamaica for the day. A rite of passage is the hike up the 200 metre falls. This is usually done hand in hand with strangers and friends alike, creating a snaking line of people making their way up the falls under the watchful eye of a friendly guide who will snap pics of you along the way as you stop to swim in the deep pools along the way.




Somerset Falls


Located in the lush scenery of the parish of Portland, near Port Antonio in Hope Bay, are the tranquil Somerset Falls with the delicate Bridal Veil and hidden falls.  The original aqueducts and dams built over 400 years ago by the original Spanish settlers are still visible. The beautiful waterfall is surrounded by the area’s signature lush rainforest, where the Daniels River plunges down a narrow gorge. Unlike Dunns River Falls, the key to this adventurous excursion in Jamaica is to jump in a boat and head upstream with your guide. Enjoy a fantastic collection of exotic birds while you dine and have a cool drink at the Somerset Falls bar and restaurant.


www.facebook.com/SomersetFallsOfficial/?rf=118490981581730


Reach Falls


Off the beaten track in Machioneal, Portland, about an hour’s drive east of Port Antonio, you can find Reach Falls. These falls are rated highly those looking for a little off the beaten path adventure when visiting Jamaica. Guides are available to assist guests on the walk up two successive waterfalls and to explore the hidden cave behind the curtain of the main fall. There are many pools to swim in, smaller falls and rapids to walk through and another cave experience higher up. Those braver than most will be shown by the guides how they can safely take a leap off of the high point of the falls into the waiting cold water below. A truly breath taking experience.




www.udcja.com/reach-falls


Mayfield Falls


Mayfield Falls is nature lover and eco-traveller’s dream. A scenic drive only 1-hour west from Negril, 1½-hours from Montego Bay, and only a ½-hour from Lucea. Centrally located in Glenbrook, Westmoreland, where the Dolphin Head Mountains provide a picture-perfect backdrop, these falls are noted for their completely natural surroundings and the quiet except for the rushing water. One group of mini-waterfalls is called the Washing Machine, where one has to walk along the edge of the river, hugging the face of the rocks, ducking under and behind one of the waterfalls, before emerging in the middle and into the heart of the "power cycle" of the machine. Home-cooked food is available and guides provide local knowledge of the river, area and wildlife. Swimming in the many river pools after the picturesque journey through the mountains makes this a popular trip for all ages.

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