Dunns River Falls

[hazeleyez3]

How difficult is it to climb the falls? I have a slight disability, and while I have absolutely no problem walking, my balance isn't that great.

 

Is it even possible to go to the falls and truly enjoy them w/o climbing them?

 

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[TheWog]

You will need to decide for yourself as you know the extent of your disability. There are areas where you need to climb up a a significant distance before it levels out again. You need to steady yourself on slippery rocks and climb against moving water, but again you can judge that. You can get in and out at different points so you could at least experience the water and decide if you want to explore the climb in different sections. There are stairs immediately next to the falls so you can enjoy the beauty and watch others climb.

[hazeleyez3]

You will need to decide for yourself as you know the extent of your disability. There are areas where you need to climb up a a significant distance before it levels out again. You need to steady yourself on slippery rocks and climb against moving water, but again you can judge that. You can get in and out at different points so you could at least experience the water and decide if you want to explore the climb in different sections. There are stairs immediately next to the falls so you can enjoy the beauty and watch others climb.

 

Thanks. So I can try the climb, and if I have difficulty I can get out and use the stairs... then go back in?

[Gardendog]

Yes, you can exit the falls and use the stairs for a while and then get back in again. However, bear in mind that the first part you do (sarting from the beach) is the most difficult part. Halfway up you might feel that you can't do any more, that's the easy part left.

It is a real water fall. Water gushes and you step on the rocks to get up. Some rocks are pretty high, some small like steps. It is a work out, but I did it, and am proud of it.

[TheWog]

Thanks. So I can try the climb, and if I have difficulty I can get out and use the stairs... then go back in?

 

You are correct. You can also look as you walk down and evaluate your options. You can also get in higher up if you want and go from there. Give it a shot and see how you do. There are many people around as well that can help you get out (at least I hope they would).

[hazeleyez3]

Thank you both. It is something I am really looking forward to, and a little more at ease with my options.

 

I would hope my boyfriend would help me out... but then I guess I better be on my best behavior beforehand.

[mbe30]

I wouldn't chance it. I was there a couple of years ago, and it just looks so easy to slip and fall. The rocks are jagged, and you could easily cut yourself. There are also a TON of others climbing at the same time. Maybe I'm just chicken, but I enjoyed myself plenty by climbing up the stairway on the side of the falls and watching from the side. I don't think your enjoyment would be diminished by doing this (mine wasn't!) and the last thing you want is for your vacation to be ruined by really hurting yourself.

[newbiecruiser54]

and climbed the falls with two guides (in a group of about 20). When you arrive at the top of the falls, the guides come up and gather you into a group and walk you to the base of the falls to start the climb, and give you directions as you go along. At the end, they appreciate a tip (I tipped them $2 each).

I am a fit and active 50 year old, but was glad to be at the front of the line holding the hand of the guide during the difficult parts of the climb. Some parts are easy, but during others, you need to know just where to step to be safe, and you are climbing through steep areas of rushing water. We were supposed to be a chain holding hands throughout the climb, but that kind of fell apart midway, and the guide had to call back to ask younger people to help older ones throughout the climb. It was more challenging than I thought. I wouldn't have climbed it without a guide. It was a whole lot of fun, though!! Some people were climbing without a guide. A girl about 20 or so got into trouble near us, and our guide went over to help her out.

At the end of the climb I spoke with a security person and asked him how many people got injured every day (because there were a lot of people in their 70's and 80's - I'm not kidding - climbing), and he told me "a lot - especially knee injuries".

It's a beautiful spot, and a very fun experience, just be careful, and use the guides! Entrance fee is now $15 as of April 1st.

[newbiecruiser54]

I was traveling with my sister, who has weight and knee problems, and her friend, who has balance problems, and they didn't climb. They watched from the viewing platforms along the way. You can also take the stairs all the way down to the beach, which is very pretty - there is a shallow swimming area there. You still have to pay the $15 entry fee even if you don't climb.

[amyr]

Another tip -

 

Go early! We grabbed a cab and went right when it opened (7:30? 8:00?) and were the first people on the Falls. Made it much easier. As we were leaving, tours from two different ships rolled in and unloaded more that 100 people. Also, our pictures are great because there was nobody on the Falls but us.

 

My sister went later in the day on a different cruise, and said it was so crowded that you could barely move.

 

Also, good advice above on grabbing the guide's hand. He won't let you go anywhere.

 

Have fun!

Amy

[aeb0962]

I just went there a couple of days ago too. It opens at 8:30 and already when we got there around 8:50 it was starting to fill up pretty quickly. Still we had room to climb especially because the different tour guides bring you up in different ways. I'm only 15 and in pretty good shape, it was fine to climb for me but a little hard in some places. I must've gotten about 3 bruises from some rocks and almost fell on the couple of areas of slippery rocks. If you are to go then definitely wear water shoes (you can rent a pair there I believe) Also, you hold hands with people in your group to assist each other up. I would make sure that the person in front of you is helpful and strong otherwise you're going to have to climb pretty much without help (that's what happened to me) At some of the harder places and the little "slides" and picture areas, the tour guides are there to help you. Otherwise, you're pretty much on your own except for the holding hands thing. If you start off climbing and then want to get out, there are a couple of stairways in which to exit, but you can't just get out at anytime you want. For the people with knee problems, some of the waterfall is pretty steep and the stairs might be a better option.

Don't let me make you think that climbing the waterfall is a bad thing! If you do decide to go ahead and climb it, it really is sooo fun and thrilling! Definitely something I'll remember for a long time.

[WiggleBay]

How far is it from the ship and the village shopping? My DH & I will be on the Victory on 8/28/05. I really want to do the Falls tour. Also how steep are the stairs next to the falls? are there hand rails? thanks for your help

Cheri

[TheWog]

Its maybe 10 mins away and that is stretching it. The stairs are not steep stairs and and there are hand rails. It is a wide open type area.

[TheWog]

Its maybe 10 mins away and that is stretching it. The stairs are not steep stairs and and there are hand rails. It is a wide open type area. The stairs out of the falls to the landings are normal wooden type stairs you would see on a deck or the like. Some had rails, some didn't.

[WiggleBay]

thanks for the info. My DH can't walk far without stopping. This really helps.

cheri

[lel5344]

If I interpret the comments correctly, it seems like it's possible to enjoy the beauty of Dunn's River Falls entirely from the stairs alongside the falls. Not necessary to climb through the water.

 

Is that correct, please? We're going to Ocho Rios in November and my wife is not keen on climbing the falls, but stairs would not bother her.

 

Thanks for your help and advice.

[jcs56]

We did the falls last year and I was so scared to try it. (I am 49) I have a bad back!!!!! However, when we finished...YES I FINISHED!!! I was so excited that I did it. My husband helped out a little and the guide knew I would have some trouble so he helped me too. He was great!!! He just said...."come on Jan...I help you!!!" They know how to maneuver around where it's a little easier. It was sooooo much fun and I am so proud of myself for trying and accomplishing it!!! Yes you can do just the stairs or some of the falls and some stairs. There are I think 3 sections. When I saw the first area to get out I thought it was over but it kept going...some got out. Then there was another time I thought it was over....but it kept going...some got out!!! Like I said I am so proud that I did it...we had a blast!!!! And I would do it again. Try it.....you'll like it!!!:D

[vmom]

Just got back. We are a family of 5. the other 4 members of the family climbed the Falls, while I followed along on the side using walkways and stairs. Took some really fantastic pictures. I enjoyed walking the side but some of that was enjoying walking along with them while they climbed the falls.

 

If some family members want to climb, the others can use the walkways and walk along side the climbers without difficulty.

 

If anyone has diffuculty with balance or health issues, I would not recommend climbing the falls. You should also be of at least average fitness level.

[EJNutz]

I am climbing the Dunns Falls in November. Can anyone tell me what would be the best type of shoes to wear whilst climbing.

Also from when the first person starts the climb until the last person finishes how long does it take?

[kenandlaura06]

Is it true that Dunn River Falls is 2 hours away from Montego Bay??

[tarheelmjfan]

My DH & I have booked the Falls & Tubing tour with Phil Lafayette. I too have arthritis in my back & knees, along with a deterioating spine. I really want to do this though, & don't hesitate to push myself to experience new things. What DH & I want to do most, is sit in the pools under the falls. We're going for the romance factor. ;) Anyway, if I can't climb all of the falls, will we have plenty of opportunities to sit together under the falls. Another question: How many guides are available to escort guests? Would it be possible to offer a guide a sum equivalent to what they would receive from a group, but have them only help the 2 of us? I'm thinking with a guide in front & DH in the back, I should be fine. If so, how much should we offer them? Thanks for your help. :)

[TheWog]

Jonty - You should wear some sort of water shoe. Old sneakers will also work. Some bring a real old pair, wear them, then throw them out at the top. There are also water shoes for rent. It will probably take you about 30-45 minutes depending on the pace of the group you are with.

 

K&L - Yes, I posted to your thread as well.

 

Tarheel - You will love the falls. There are many pools to sit in along the way. At the bottom is a beach and the ocean. There are several areas along the way to exit the falls and use the stairs to climb if it becomes too much for you. You can then go up alongside and reenter if you wish. There are entrances where some of the pools are also. I am not sure about a private guide, but I bet for a price they will do anything. If you are at the front of your group the guide will help you and your DH behind can give you the scenario you are looking for as well. Each group has at least two guides, one guiding, the other filming.

[kendon]

Jonty - I wore Teva sandles as they are waterproof and have a good sole, but don't recommend them as the water is rushing toward you and gets between your foot and the shoe and makes it difficult. Waterproof sandles are also not good as small stones get trapped in your shoe and are annoying. As other posters said, water shoes or old sneakers are the best. Dunn's Falls is an excellent excursion, but is much trickier than anyone is led to believe. A good sense of balance is a must. There were a number of injuries the day we went.

[uptheboro]

I attempted the falls last week with my family- it is dangerous and we didn't make it, and we are an active family.

You must wear water shoes. The guides are very helpful and will drag you along, but our kids were scared and it was no fun.

[1sttimemariner]

I'm going to lean more with the last poster. I personally didn't get any thrill from climbing the falls. I would have enjoyed it more just watching from the bottom. Yes, it's a challenge to climb it, and I guess you feel good making it, but I didn't see the thrill. We were a group of 4 (two kids 8 and 11), and both my husband and I decided after, that it really needs to be all adults and possibly older kids because young kids weaken the link. They can't help you up, and your busy trying to pull them up. We never had a problem with slipping or falling, but my youngest did have a problem with the cold. She was so small that she was deep in the water a lot of the time and was freezing. We ended up getting off before the last big climb because she was so cold. Also, there are many spots where the water gushes out at you and can knock a kid right over if they are not being held on tight enough (it almost knocked me over a couple of times). We were communicating well with the people in front of us and behind us telling each other where to step, and if you don't have that, you can have a lot of falls or banging into rocks. If you're into that kind of thing, I guess it can be a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. Just keep in mind that it is not a simple climb, and you don't have a guide and just you, it's a long chain of people with the guide often away from the chain taking pictures.