Ocho Rios and Dunns River Falls: You Want ME to do WHAT?
Written: Oct 03 '00 (Updated Dec 16 '01)
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Pros: Beautiful waterfalls, cool water, would be great to play in (if they let you)
Cons: Commercial, tightly regimented climb. It's nothing like you expect it to be.
The Bottom Line: When visiting Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios don't expect a leisurely frolic. It is a guided tour with lots of people. Bring sturdy beach shoes for tough, slippery climbing.
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| diverpam's Full Review: Ocho Rios |
Beautiful Dunns River Falls has graced the covers of many Caribbean and travel magazines. You've seen it -- the exotic locale with giant boulders, couples leisurely playing in the spectacular falls, the epitome of relaxation and romance.
That's what you think, huh? I hate to be the one to burst your bubble, but...
After a very long and harrowing bus ride from Montego Bay, we finally arrived at the Falls. There were little vendor shacks all over the place - not exactly the secluded romantic hideaway I had pictured. There was not an ounce of romance to be had.
Then it got worse. They advised us we had to wear rent these gross plastic shoes to wear to walk up the falls. I'd be willing to bet there was less athlete's foot potential in an entire NFL locker room than in any one of those shoes!
Thank goodness my husband and I had brought our dive booties so we didn't have to rent and wear those horrid things.
We could have charged $10 a spray to the other unwitting tourists if we'd had a can of Lysol disinfectant with us. I felt sorry for them having to wear those icky things.
Be sure to carry your own shoes with you to wear - good solid beach shoes with rubber soles that will protect your feet and give you a good grip on the rocks. They are very slippery in places.
After paying our fee for the privilege of seeing/walking in the falls, we began the descent with our guide. Or should I say our cattle drive?
The Exploration
First, we walked all the way down to the beach. That was the easy part, of course. After we finally made it to the bottom we were on the sandy beach and could look up to see the falls.
Beautiful Falls
The falls are actually very impressive. Huge boulders, rushing water, lush greenery. It did look like the glossy travel magazine photos.
"Wow," I thought. "This is great. We can just hang out on the rocks and play in the water."
Not so.
The Ordeal
Our head cattle driver instructed us we all had to hold hands for our journey to the top. Let me add it had been a long walk down to the beach. I did not relish climbing all the way to the top on the boulders.
To add insult to injury, not only we were not allowed to enjoy the falls as we saw fit at our own pace... they were in a hurry to get us to the top, so they could bring the next group up the rocks.
My husband and I were close to the front so we reluctantly obeyed and started our climb. My husband was in front of me and a little old lady who weighed about 80 pounds was in front of him.
We were instructed that part of our task was to help pull up the person behind you. My husband is a big man -- no 80 pound, 80 year old woman was going to budge him.
After about 6 boulders along a "path" in the water, I was about to burn up. It is very hot in Jamaica. The water in the falls is very cool, but they don't let you stop to enjoy it. I informed my husband I was taking a break and proceeded to sit down in the chilly water.... oooooo... did that feel good!
The tour guide a.k.a. cattle driver was appalled at my behavior. He informed me I could not do that. He was mistaken. I sat in the water, cooling off, watching the rushing falls and climbing tourists until about 50 people had passed by.
Then I once again became part of the herd and climbed further up. I almost got off once or twice along the way because the climb was very strenuous and if your foot strayed off the "path" the rocks were very slippery.
It was not the idyllic scene I had imagined. Although the falls themselves were gorgeous, it was spoiled by the crass commercialism surrounding it and the forced climb up the falls.
This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience - that means I won't be going back. I'm glad I went, but it was just not what I had expected.
This is a strenuous climb. If you go, be prepared:
1. Carry your own sturdy beach shoes
2. Be prepared to climb lots of boulders in rushing water
3. Go on strike if necessary to sit and enjoy the scenery
4. Be careful - the rocks are very slippery
5. Take a waterproof camera - the guides will gladly take your pictures for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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diverpam
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Member: Pam
Location: Collierville, TN
Reviews written: 263
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~~~~So many oceans...so little time!~~~~
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