No matter what part of Jamaica you are planning to visit, seeing at least one waterfall should definitely be on your itinerary. The beauty of this country is absolutely astounding and the waterfalls that are scattered across this beautiful landscape are downright breathtaking. No trip to Jamaica is complete without viewing some of these amazing waterfalls.
10 Must See Jamaican Waterfalls
There are many waterfalls that you can visit during your Jamaican vacation but these 10 are not to be missed. You are probably wondering, “will there be any waterfalls near me on my trip?” The answer is a resounding yes. Many of them are located in Ocho Rios. However, there are plenty of others must-see waterfalls in other locations throughout Jamaica as well. Whether you prefer to take a shuttle to see a waterfall or prefer hiking trails with waterfalls, Jamaica has something for you. Without further ado, here are the top 10 waterfalls in Jamaica.
1. Dunn’s River Falls and Park (Ocho Rios)
You definitely want to visit Dunn’s River Falls and Park while you are in Ocho Rios. This area was called “Las Chorreras” by the Spaniards, which means “the waterfalls or the springs.”
Image of Dunn’s River Falls by Don Ramey Logan via Wikimedia Commons
According to legend, this was the place of the legendary battle of “Las Chorreras” in 1657. You may have seen Dunn’s River Falls in the James Bond movie Dr. No.
2. Blue Hole (Ocho Rios)
Known as one of Jamaica’s hidden secrets, the waterfall at Blue Hole is off the beaten path and away from the busy tourist destination that is Ocho Rios. Although this beautiful location is not an official Jamaican Tourist Board attraction, you definitely want to experience Blue Hole while on your vacation in Jamaica.
Image of Blue Hole by Geoff Stearns via Flickr
Tours that include transportation from Ocho Rios and Montego Bay are priced so low that it would be a shame for you to miss out on this once in a lifetime chance to take in this amazing waterfall. Tickets for the shuttle will cost you only $20 from Ocho Rios and $30 from Montego Bay.
Related: Things to do in Ocho Rios
3. Mayfield Falls (Negril)
You can find this eco-tourism attraction in the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica. Mayfield Falls features 2 beautiful waterfalls and 21 natural pools in addition to 52 types of ferns and a gorgeous array of exotic flowers and wildlife.
The River Walk and rope bridge. Image CC by 2.0, by Gail Frederick, via Wikimedia Commons
The River Walk will not only take you to see Mayfield Falls, you will also venture across a rope bridge that gives you a birds-eye view of this beautiful area. You won’t see a giant waterfall here, but the smaller falls and gentle current are just as beautiful.
Related: Top 10 things to do in Negril
4. YS Falls (Saint Elizabeth Parish)
This nature-based attraction was opened in 1992 and features seven waterfalls, some of which form natural pools. YS Falls has areas for swimming that are watched by certified lifeguards and there are also pools suitable for young children who cannot yet swim on their own.
YS Falls. Image CC by S-A 2.0, by Alberto Bondoni, via Flickr
Originally, YS Falls was a cane farm. This working estate changed hands many times over the years. Owners of the property have also used the land to raise cattle and horses. Thoroughbreds are still raised on the property. While visiting YS Falls, don’t forget to visit the canopies and gardens as well.
5. Reach Falls (Port Antonio)
It was actually runaway slaves from nearby St. Thomas who discovered Reach Falls. This tranquil location is hidden in the Montane Forrest. This exotic waterfall cascades into an emerald pool surrounded by 23 species of ferns. A variety of birds, including black, and Yellow-billed parrots, call Reach Falls home.
Reach Falls. Image CC by A-SA 3.0 Unported, by Morten Idriss Nygaar, via Wikimedia Commons
Reach Falls has been featured in several movies, including Tom Cruise’s smash hit Cocktail and the remake of Lord of the Flies. Another don’t miss attraction at Reach Falls is the natural heart-shaped jacuzzi formed by the waterfall. There is also a picnic area and the legendary underwater cave.
6. Turtle River Falls and Gardens (Saint Ann Parish)
This location can only be described as a tropical fantasy come to life. Turtle River Falls and Gardens has a 15-acre tropical garden and 14 cascading waterfalls.
Sentinel Parrots. Image CC by 2.0, by Psyberartist, via Wikimedia Commons
Turtle River Falls and Gardens also features a 382,329 cubic feet sized Walk-In-Aviary where visitors can interact with a wide array of exotic bird species. A beautiful Japanese koi pond is also located at Turtle River Falls and Gardens.
7. Konoko Falls & Park (Ocho Rios)
Located just five minutes from Ocho Rios, Konoko Falls and Park gives you the chance to be one with nature. A guided tour will take you through the River Gardens and give you a brief history of the area, which was first inhabited by the Taino Indians.
Your climb to the top of Konoko Falls will begin at the Onikhan Deck. From there – you climb. Along the way, take a swim in the Maja swimming pool or the Nana swimming pool before descending and enjoying an ice-cold Red Stripe beer at the bar before beginning your climb again.
8. Nanny Falls (Moore Town)
The waters of Nanny Falls are said to have healing powers. This waterfall was named after national Heroine Nanny of the Maroons and is known mostly to natives of Jamaica.
iv Nanny Falls. CC by NC-ND 2.0, by Kirk-Anthony Wignall, via Flickr
“The Nanny Falls has healing properties and the warriors, in times gone by, would come here to prepare for battle. While they were preparing, they would take a cut and then take a dip in the waters of the falls. If they returned with the cut they would not be allowed to go into battle. This is the healing power of the falls,” explains Wallace Sterling, colonel of the Moore Town Maroons.
9. Cane River Falls (Bull Bay)
To get to Cane River Falls, you must descend 101 steps down a steep narrow walkway. But once you will find down here is well worth the journey. Cane River Falls is not as popular as other waterfalls in Jamaica and there are often days when only a few visitors come to take in their breathtaking beauty.
Cane River Falls is also supposed to have been Bob Marley’s favorite place to wash his long, flowing dreadlocks.
10. Laughing Waters (Ocho Rios)
Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Jamaica, Laughing Waters is a must-see destination if you are in Ocho Rios. Located just past Dunn’s River Falls, Laughing Waters is all about peace and tranquility. Featuring rock pools, bowing palms, and shallow waters, Laughing Waters is the exotic location of your dreams.
Laughing Waters, featured in the James Bond film Dr. No, is a popular location for destination weddings. Located just a few minutes away from Ocho Rios, this is the perfect place to kick back with a good book and relax for the day on the white sand beaches.
Visit At Least One Waterfall
During your trip to Jamaica, you should make sure you get to see at least one of these breathtaking waterfalls. Not only will you create memories that will last a lifetime, but you will also come home gorgeous waterfall pictures that will make you the envy of all your friends. Happy traveling!
Featured image: Public domain by Ishamari Drennan-Colón via Flickr