Travel
Tropical Caribbean – The Very Best Waterfalls In Jamaica
Jamaica has so many waterfalls that choosing one can be challenging! To choose the proper one(s), you must know what kind of experience you want. Some island waterfalls are remote and require a 4×4 or bamboo rafting to reach. These are suitable for full-day adventures.
Other waterfalls are remote and beautiful, perfect for hikers, photographers, and those who want to escape. Swim in or lounge by natural pools near Jamaican waterfalls to refresh. These waterfalls will make you feel like you’re in paradise. They’re worth seeing on this island.
You should be aware that some waterfalls may require an entrance fee. Find the most beautiful ones with our list of the best waterfalls in Jamaica:
1. Dunns River Falls
If your Jamaican holiday takes you to Ocho Rios, Dunn’s River Falls should be at the top of your must-see list. It is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful waterfalls, located in Dunn’s River Falls State Park. The entrance charge to the falls is certainly worth it.
When it comes to waterfalls in Jamaica, Dunn’s River Falls significantly outstrips the competition. This gigantic spectacle is surely one you’ll want to see while on the island, at 180 feet tall and 600 feet wide. These falls attract millions of visitors each year.
Dunn’s River Falls Park costs roughly $20 USD for adults and $12 USD for children over the age of 12.
2. Ocho Rios Blue Hole
Some call the Ocho Rios Blue Hole the ‘Cool Blue Hole’. This attraction in Jamaica promises a fun-filled tropical experience. You could swing from a vine into the calm, blue waters of the natural pool here if you let go of your inhibitions. The Ocho Rios Blue Hole was naturally formed, and visitors can see Jamaica’s most magnificent waterfall.
The Cool Blue Hole is great for swimming. Unless included in your trip package, you must pay $20 USD per adult to enter the general area. Kids pay half ($10 USD). Jump in from 6 feet above or utilize the rope swing to enter the 20-foot-deep Blue Hole.
3. YS Falls
The Jamaican waterfall attraction YS Falls is near Saint Elizabeth Parish. A local estate raises cattle and horses. Seven waterfalls form YS Falls, which cascade into pools.
Visitors can use the pools, but only swimmers should wade in. Some deeper natural pools include ropes for swinging and dropping, making vacation memories. Local spring pools are shallower and better for kids and non-swimmers.
Because of nearby attractions, YS Falls may be visited in a day. In addition to the tractor ride down to the falls and sitting by the water, canopy excursions take you from the top to the bottom for a different view. A gift shop and concessions sell locally manufactured goods near the falls. You need a ticket to see YS Falls.
4. Laughing Waters
If there was ever a perfect name for a waterfall, it would most likely be Laughing Waters. You may experience this gorgeous waterfall in Jamaica, where you can sit back and take in some peace and solitude. The Laughing Waters waterfall is situated on a beach. You can hear the waterfall before you see it, especially if you’re splayed out on a beach blanket admiring the views.
When you’re ready, go for a walk to see the waterfall up close. You’ll probably find it difficult to look away. With Laughing Waters close to Dunn’s River Falls and its neighboring beach, you can see both waterfalls on the same day!
5. Turtle River Falls
A magnificent Turtle River Falls is in a 15-acre landscape for a wonderful day outside. The Turtle River Falls and Gardens park has 14 Turtle River waterfalls.
You can swim in a tropical garden-surrounded natural pool at the waterfall. Your entry fee lets you walk through the park in Ocho Rios and enjoy Turtle River Falls for a day.
Explore the property, which features an aviary with native birds and over 100 plant varieties, before or after visiting the waterfall. The Japanese Koi Pond is another garden highlight.
6. Mayfield Falls
Westmoreland, Jamaica’s Mayfield Falls flows in a natural valley. It’s an hour’s drive from Negril and a natural wonderland for people who want to escape the touristy regions and enjoy the island’s true splendor.
Many cascading waterfalls of various sizes make Mayfield Falls magnificent. The tall “Washing Machine,” over three meters, is the most popular.
The waterfall’s 21 natural swimming pools and jacuzzis are entertaining for first-timers. As you play beneath the falls, wear a swimming suit that can withstand the water’s pressure.
Mayfield Falls is best seen with a guide who can teach you where to swim, identify mountain ferns, and find an underwater tunnel. A charge is required to enter Mayfield Falls. Rental lockers and water shoes are available.
7. Konoko Falls
Konoko Falls near Ocho Rios, Jamaica (five minutes from the city) is a stunning sight with several activities. Konoko Falls, albeit modest, rivals Dunn’s River Falls in beauty. This site is rarely crowded, which is a benefit.
At Konoko Falls, a guide will help you climb several levels to the summit, where you may feel the water. A pool at the falls lets you swim and climb the falls as frequently as you want.
This waterfall requires water shoes due of its slippery ground. Watch for the park’s beautiful birds. Konoko Falls and Gardens demand admission, however you can spend all day there. The mini-zoo, museum, and botanical gardens make this waterfall a good family outing.
8. Reach Falls
The Reach Falls area near Port Antonio is beautiful ecologically. The falls is hidden in the Montane Forest among ferns and parrots.
Couples can relax in the heart-shaped pool where the waterfall falls. Reach Falls is the perfect tropical waterfall cascading over a rock wall. The waterfall in Reach Falls has appeared in various movies, including Lord of the Flies.
Reach Falls has natural swimming pools and caves behind the falls. Water-carved caves are enjoyable to explore, and some are big enough to enter. Bring lunch and picnic by the falls in specified spots.
Tropical vegetation near the waterfall boasts over 23 fern kinds and an occasional wild pig. A local guide can explain the falls’ history and point out nearby natural wonders and rare birds. Reach Falls requires admission.
9. Nanny Falls
Nanny Falls, a lesser-known Jamaican waterfall, is mesmerizing. This waterfall is a great island day trip for adventure and history. Nanny Falls was named after Jamaican Maroon leader Queen Nanny. She allegedly freed slaves over a waterfall trail.
You may feel free while you relax at Nanny Falls. The 30–40-minute hike from Moore Town to Nanny Falls is worth it. This hike’s length depends on your starting position and fitness. Along the route to the falls, you can gather fruit from several trees. You can swim in a quiet area after your hike. Nanny Falls is an hour from Port Antonio.
10. Tacky Falls
One of Jamaica’s finest natural waterfalls is Tacky Falls within Saint Mary’s Parish, 40 minutes from Robin’s Bay. Its seclusion and unspoiled beauty make it a great destination. Hiking up a steep hill leads to Tacky Falls. Only those fit and with strong shoes should trek.
Multiple levels of water tumble down the granite face of 200-foot Tacky Falls. You may need a local guide to the falls. This waterfall is observation-only, thus you cannot climb it. There is no fee to Tacky Falls, however there are no restrooms or concessions and the surroundings are natural.
11. Somerset Falls
Somerset Falls in Portland Parish near Port Antonio is unique in Jamaica because of its tranquility. The falls plunge into a valley from the Daniels River. The pool below the falls is swimmable.
Somerset Falls is a great natural waterfall for those who don’t want to hike deep into the rainforest. This one is a short path away.
The falls are surrounded by a gorgeous jungle with birds and flowers. Bring a picnic and spend the afternoon at a waterfall table. You can explore on your own or hire a local guide to maximize your experience.
These falls are most impressive from June to November, when it rains a lot. Discover surrounding waterfalls including Hidden Falls on a scenic gondola ride from Somerset Falls. Admission covers both waterfalls and the boat trip.
12. Cane River Falls
Jamaica’s Bulls Bay area’s Cane River Falls is 15 minutes from downtown Kingston by automobile. Locals prefer this waterfall to tourists. Although isolated, Bob Marley reportedly loved it. He reportedly washed his dreadlocks there often.
The Cane River Falls natural pools are large and appealing. Choose the one you like best and jump in at the waterfall’s base. Spend the day swimming in the natural pools, lounging at the bar, and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. Cane River Falls may become your favorite Jamaican site after you depart.
Cane Falls—or any waterfall—is excellent on hot days. Vacationers must try Red Stripe at the on-site bar!
13. Kwame Falls
Kwame Falls in St. Mary, Jamaica, is a great waterfall away from the crowds. Outdoor enthusiasts and waterfall hikers will love it outside Ocho Rios.
Kwame Falls near Robin’s Bay is lovely. Hire a tour or ask a native for directions. The serene, picturesque 100-foot waterfall is heard before seen.
The waterfall is accessible by easy routes through tropical vegetation, making you feel like you’re on a private island. A deep pool is suitable for swimming at the bottom of the falls, but non-swimmers should stay in the wading area. Bring a picnic lunch to eat by the water before leaving.
14. Little Dunn’s River Falls
If you want to visit Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios but are worried about the crowds, try Little Dunn’s Falls. A stunning Jamaican rainforest waterfall, the lesser variant attracts fewer people. Tickets are also not needed.
Locals prefer Little Dunn’s River Falls because it’s off the main path; most visitors see the greater falls. Roadside entrances off the A3 highway lead to the waterfall. Locals call the falls’ trail The One Love Trail, so ask for directions.
A major waterfall can be climbed, and a smaller waterfall runs over the rock wall. The rocks are treacherous, so climb carefully, and the descent to the falls is steep, so wear suitable shoes.
15. Reggae Falls
Visiting Reggae Falls in Jamaica sounds appropriate. You may groove to St. Thomas Parish’s Johnson River waterfall. This waterfall is constructed, unlike others on the island.
The falls were erected in the 1920s utilizing a 60-foot dam to supply area inhabitants with water. Reggae Falls is interesting even though it’s manufactured, especially since the water below it is green. Getting to this waterfall requires going off the usual road, including via unmarked places. Avoid giving up, since locals are usually willing to help you find your way.
Expert advice: Ask resort employees how to go to Reggae Falls if you’re staying there. The waterfall can be climbed by steps along the dam wall when you arrive.
16. Roselle Falls
Roselle Falls is one of Jamaica’s most charming waterfalls. The little roadside waterfall was once a popular local bathing spot, making it special. It is now a peaceful natural waterfall with seaside views.
Morant Bay near St. Thomas has Roselle Falls along a beach. Many local shops and restaurants were devastated by Hurricane Dean in 2007. After drying up, Roselle Falls is now running and worth visiting on your Jamaican waterfall tour.
17. Scatter Falls
The little Berrydale settlement in the Rio Grande Valley has Scatter Falls. This gem requires a deep hunt for hidden waterfalls. A jungle trail, limestone caves, and fauna amid lofty trees make getting there an adventure. Jamaica bamboo rafting may occur! Scatter Falls is usually visited by locals, although daring visitors will love it.
Scatter Falls outside Port Antonio is tough to reach. To choose the safest route, schedule this excursion through your resort tour desk. A tour guide can help you cross the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft to maximize this experience. If you don’t take a tour, go with a waterfall veteran.
Good to know: Scatter Falls has four cascading waterfalls and a soothing rock pool. Climb up and around the falls to see the top of the falling waterfalls.
18. Falling Edge
Falling Edge waterfall is near Kingston, Jamaica. For a cool place to unwind with friends or family, visit this waterfall. The half-hour climb to the falls is picturesque. Once you walk the trail to the left of Bowden Hill Primary & Infant School, orange arrows spray-painted on trees, roots, and rocks lead to the falls. This natural treasure is best seen in summer amid lush greenery.
Falling Edge waterfall is sometimes called Bowden Hills Falls. Bring some cold drinks, food, and other comforts to make a day of your waterfall experience. Falling Edge waterfall is rarely crowded and should be guided. For this waterfall/hiking trip, bring good shoes and bug spray. Water shoes are also useful for entering the natural pool behind the falls.