Dunn's Falls on our own!

[Coolcruise02]

After reading these boards for months we decided to go on our own and it was great! We are in our early 50's and in good physical condition.

 

Inside the pier area we got a taxi (15 seat van) for $5.50 pp round trip to the falls. They give you a slip of paper for the return trip. We also had an escort person on the van with us who did some narration as we rode the 5-10 min to the falls. We bought our tickets to the falls ($15pp) from him while on the ride. He got off the van with us and took us to thru the entrance, to the shoe rental place and on to meet our guide and get lockers.

 

Climbing the falls was great! I'm so glad we did it. We were really concerned because we didn't want to get hurt and ruin the rest of our cruise. But we took our time and went carefully. We did start our holding hands but eventually we all agreed with the people around us it is better to have your hands free and to sometimes "crawl" and ask for a hand up when needed.

After reading these boards I was expecting freezing cold mountain spring water but that was not the case. It is cool but it feels good. You really do need the aqua shoes. I wore Teva's and our guide said to get the shoes and I'm glad I did. ($5.00) Mine had something like little suction cups on the bottom of them but they were like a second skin and you could feel your feet gripping the rocks, unlike tennis shoes or Teva's.

 

When we were done we avoided the straw market by going back out the same way we came in they did yell for us not to go that way but we just went and there stood Kirk our taxi escort waiting for us. He had given us a time that we would be back to get us and after are group was all back together he took us out to the waiting taxi. Very smooth!

 

We went back to the ship but they would have taken us to town to shop if we wanted. We took showers, ate some lunch and headed to the Island Village. (Margaritaville) We were not approached by a single person on our walk over and back. We also passed at least four policemen. This is a vast improvement since our visit here two years ago!

 

We had our passports stamped at the pier. Just ask a security guard where the customs office is. He was very nice about it.

 

We were at the falls by 9:30 and when we were done it was very crowded on the falls. My advice is to go early and yes, use a guide. We wanted to do it alone but now I see how much harder and dangerous it would have been not to have someone to show us the best and easiest way to go.

 

Rebecca

[Coolcruise02]

gram4haley... I bumped this up to the first page for you. I hope it answers all your questions. :)

[Coolcruise02]

cltkathy... here is the info :)

[amy4424]

Hi, what's a Teva? We just have water shoes from Wal-Mart, is that ok? Also, does it cost extra to have a guide? I think the 15 seat taxi sounds like a great idea. How long did you have at the falls and how long was the trip in its entirety? Also, when they took you to Margarittaville, afterwards did they take you back to the port, or is it in walking distance? What did the van look like so we know what to look for. Thanks a million!!!

Amy :)

[Coolcruise02]

Yes, water shoes are fine. Teva is a name brand for waterproof sandles. Water goes thru them and so does little stones.

 

Our taxi driver came back two hours later and that was plenty of time.

 

It is only 5-10 min to the falls. We were there from 9:30 to 11:30 and you can be back to Margaritaville for lunch!

 

I'm not sure what the van looked like, we just knew the govn't recommended ones are inside the pier.

 

It is a 1-2 block walk from Island Village (Margaritaville) to the ship. :)

[traci28]

Yes, water shoes are fine. Teva is a name brand for waterproof sandles. Water goes thru them and so does little stones.

 

Our taxi driver came back two hours later and that was plenty of time.

 

It is only 5-10 min to the falls. We were there from 9:30 to 11:30 and you can be back to Margaritaville for lunch!

 

I'm not sure what the van looked like, we just knew the govn't recommended ones are inside the pier.

 

It is a 1-2 block walk from Island Village (Margaritaville) to the ship. :)

 

When we were in Ocho Rios, I had a lovely conversation with a few of the locals...drivers that were on the outside of the gates but were not pressuring me to tour with them. The drivers (and many attested) stated that the difference between the taxis in the gates and those outside of the gates is government issued 'tags' allowing them the fares. Taxi drivers/companies are only allowed 100 tours per a period of time. I don't recall if it was a month/three months or what.. But once their allowance is up - they must wait outside the gates. And the companies rotate, so that everyone had their chance to make money, otherwise, their would be much more competition then there is now.

 

I trust that this is correct - and as you must do wherever you go; trust and feel comfortable with the driver that you are choosing.

[load option]

So should we get off the boat and find a taxi to take us to the Falls instead of bookin an excursion with somebody? My group is 4 adults ages 26-29.

[murrayghj]

Rebecca,

 

Do you know how long of a drive the falls are from Montego Bay?

 

Thanks

Heather

[Coolcruise02]

I am not sure, but I think I have read on these boards that is over an hour.