Dunn's River Falls, Ocho Rios

Dunn's river falls is one of my most favourite hot spot in Jamaica if I want a combination of fun and relaxation I can count on this location any time.

THE LOCATION

Dunns River falls is situated in one of Jamaica well know tourist area called OCHO RIOS, or just plain "OCHI" and "The North Coast" as we Jamaicans would referred to it, Ocho Rios is a nice place with a mixture of Tourism and Local life. The name Ocho Rios is Spanish meaning "eight rivers". It is known for its Beautiful tropical clustered trees that forms a foliage, shopping - where you can get all sort souvenirs to remind you of your trip, dining - there are numerous amount of restaurants in that area, along with the beautiful golden sandy beaches and an array of other activities. But the best known and most popular tourist attraction in Ocho Rios and all of Jamaica is the amazing Dunns river falls.

THE FALL

When you enter the park you will follow a path and stairway that leads down to the base of the falls, where you will begin your tour. The tour last about one hours to climb the falls. You normally climb the falls hand in hand with the person in front and behind you, something like a human chain. I saw people climbing the falls by themselves as well so if you don't which to form the human chain I supposed you can climb it on your own. There are quiet a few tour guides that are there to help you and I must say they are very nice people. The falls is 600 feet tall, so this is a challenging climb, but your Dunn's River tour guides are excellent and will give you all the support and confidence you will need to accomplish this journey. If you wish to have your photos taken you could ask the guides to take them for you or you can have them professionally taken and purchase them at the photo shop when your journey is finish. I should have mentioned before that water shoes are required and are available for rent if you do not bring your own. If you don't feel comfortably climbing in a water shoe I supposed you can do it bare footed but you must be warned that parts of the falls are very slippery.

THE PARK

Dunn's river is not just about the great falls but also about it beautiful park. For those who enjoy the gifts of mother nature's then this park is for you to see, you can indulge yourself in the lush of tropical foliage such as ferns, bamboos, ginger lilies, crotons, orchids, a variety of palms and breadfruit trees.

Ferns - are considered vascular plants and are some of the oldest living plants on earth. Currently there are between 10,000 and 12,000 fern species in the world.

Bamboos - are a group of woody perennial evergreen plants in the true grass family Poacea.

Ginger Lilies - are also called Hardy Ginger, but I choose not to use that common name for them because they are really not all that hardy, and there are other plants that go by that name. All ginger lilies hail from tropical Asia and the Himalayas.

Crotons - are trees or shrub native to Southeast Asia it is an extensive plant genus of the family Euphorbiaceae.

Orchid - is the largest family of the flowering plants (Angiospermae). Its name is derived from the genus Orchis.

Palm trees - are medium-sized trees that grow in coastal regions.
Palm trees often grow close to water. Palm trees have long trunks that do not have many leaves until you get close to the top. Their leaves look like very big feathers.

Breadfruit trees - is a tree that bares fruit. They are just a bit smaller than a football. It has also been widely planted in tropical regions.

THE BEACH

If you feel like not doing any of the above of course you can have a relaxing moment at the base of the fall where the river meets the ocean. You can relax and enjoy the beautiful sun on the perfectly laid out golden sand. The beach is normally crowded with every one minding their own business, commonly you get the locals having a fun day out with their families or friend.

THE SHOPS

The shops are located at the top of Dunns River. You are able to purchase souvenirs such as wood carvings, straw craft, clothing and loads more work of arts.

THE CAFETERIA

At the cafeteria they are several delights to please your taste buds from spicy jerked chicken, pork or fish and curried goat to scrumptious snacks. Also they are several barbeque pits around the park so you can bring your own stuff and take advantage of them.

THE COST

To enter the park for a tour you normally have to pay or unless your vacation is all inclusive, the fees were ADULTS: $36.00usd - which is around GB£20.00, CHILD:$28.00usd - which is around GB£15.00 and that is children under 12 years and children under 3 years goes for free.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Dunn's River Falls and Park,
Ocho Rios, St Ann, Jamaica
Tel: 1876 974 2857 or 1876 974 4767

TOURIST INFORMATION:

Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB)
64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5, Jamaica
Tel: 1876 929 9200. Fax: 1876 929 9375.
E-mail: jamaicatrv@aol.com
Website: www.jamaicatravel.com

Jamaica Tourist Board
1-2 Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BZ, UK
Tel: (020) 7224 0505 or
(0800) 445 533 (brochure request line).
Fax: (020) 7224 0551.
E-mail: jtb_uk@compuserve.com

Dunn's River Falls & Park is the ideal surroundings for amusements and relaxation for the entire family. So if you ever go to Jamaica I would recommend you the visit the famous Dunn's river falls.

Thanks for reading