Dunns River Falls

[sunshinedaydreams]

Yes, definitely bring water shoes and a waterproof camera. And don't bring anything with you that you don't want to carry and/or don't want completely soaked by the end.

Be prepared for a sales pitch - from the video of your trip to tipping your guides and the 'market' at the end. They funnel you through a 'market' at the end (only way to exit) where the locals will not take no for an answer. Just be prepared for it and stick to your guns. Tourism is the major industry in Jamaica, so they're pretty persistent about trying to get your money.

[AAM2012]

I didn't go to that falls, we went to Black River Falls when we were at Couples Swept Away. Bring some $1's because if someone offers to take a picture and you say yes, they expect a tip and they're not just doing it to be nice. Have fun you are going to love CSS! Make sure you take a night to go and just lay in a hidden hammock, it's so relaxing to hear the tree frogs.

[psyck]

Bring a disposable underwater camera. I'd wear shorts with your bathing suit, and some sandals/shoes that will stay on your feet (not flip-flops). It was fun, but exhausting!!!! We did it as the end of the excursion that we did, we were so tired, we only climbed halfway up. (we did a jeep tour of the countryside, lunch, shopping, THEN climbed the falls.)

Have fun!

[basilosaurus]

Don't bother with a guide. It's super easy, even with my parents. Maybe we're all awesome, but no one was in danger of ripping shorts. It's really not a big deal.

[kc18]

Went to the Falls a few years ago. It was super crowded - so be prepared for that. They made us hold hands as we climbed the falls (We did a group excursion, so everyone in our group held each other's hands). It was a little cheesy, but everyone did it.

You're doing a lot of climbing, so make sure you're wearing something you're comfortable in since people will be right behind you as you're bending over (if you know what I mean)...

The locals definitely give you hard sales pitches to buy the videos they shoot as you go up the falls... don't buy them unless you want a video that features a ton of people you don't know.

[lizo11]

May 30, 2012 9:18:59 GMT -5 kc18 said:

Went to the Falls a few years ago. It was super crowded - so be prepared for that. They made us hold hands as we climbed the falls (We did a group excursion, so everyone in our group held each other's hands). It was a little cheesy, but everyone did it.

You're doing a lot of climbing, so make sure you're wearing something you're comfortable in since people will be right behind you as you're bending over (if you know what I mean)...

The locals definitely give you hard sales pitches to buy the videos they shoot as you go up the falls... don't buy them unless you want a video that features a ton of people you don't know.

All of this! The thing that we weren't completely prepared for is that you literally climb up the middle of the falls. There is no safety net or harness, and you can go over the falls. Not trying to freak you out, but we definitely had someone almost go over in our group, and had two random stangers not grabbed her and hoisted her back up, there could have been a problem.

Also with CSS, be prepared for A LOT of stairs. You pretty much have to go up or down stairs to get anywhere. And make sure you find the hot tub that is secluded. It's at the bottom of a huge set of stairs, underneath the trees, away from the pool. It was amazing, and we only ever ran into people there once during our 7 days down there.

[CloudBee]

Wear water shoes, or good sandals that strap on. The rocks are slippery. You also want a way to protect your camera. Snag a disposable waterproof one in the states before you get there (always $ in resort areas), or get a waterproof case (one that you can snap photos from within) for your current one.

[blinkinglight1]

I'm so jealous! We went in 2006 for our honeymoon, it was fun!