Climbing Jamaican Waterfalls

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a blog about freezing-cold waterfalls in Iceland. Today I’m going to introduce you to a couple that are a teensy bit warmer!

The first is Dunns River Falls, which tumble 600 feet into the sea just to the west of the town of Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s popular north coast.

Dunns River Falls entering the sea – the starting point of the climb

And it seems like everyone who visits the island can’t resist climbing this picture-postcard limestone staircase. So who am I to argue?

Climbing Dunns River Falls

Things That Are Wet!

I read in one guidebook that most people don’t attempt the whole height of the falls, but that wasn’t my impression. In fact, we did it twice!

Looking up part of Dunns River Falls

Scaling the famous riverbed through cascade after cascade was a huge amount of fun. I’d certainly do it again if I’m ever back in Jamaica.

At the top!

Looking back down the way we came

Much less well known than those at Dunns River, Mayfield Falls are located in the hills south of Montego Bay.

Heading down into Mayfield Falls

Made up of 21 separate cascades, the tallest of which is only about 10 feet high, Mayfield Falls are certainly not as dramatic as their more famous compatriot.

Mayfield Falls are certainly gentler than those at Dunns River…

…But they can still be a lot of fun!

Sue making a splash!

Having said that, being much less accessible, they are infinitely more peaceful than Dunns River. In fact, other than our guide, we didn’t see another soul while we were in the river, making Mayfield Falls a great place to have a bit of fun while escaping the crowds.

The ‘Washing Machine’, tallest of the cascades at Mayfield Falls

Sue getting her instructions…

… Dipping down…

… And swimming through the underwater passage

Although Dunns River and Mayfield Falls both involve clambering up a streambed via a series of cascades, they couldn’t be more different. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences, and definitely feel either is worthy of a visit.

The Beast of Mayfield Falls?

This post was inspired by Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, which this week is Things That Are Wet, Jennifer’s One Word Photo Challenge, which is Bed (I’m taking this to mean the bed of a river), and Jo’s Monday Walk.

With my friend Phyllis beside Mayfield Falls’ Washing Machine

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