Dunns River Falls Jamaica

For cruisers lucky enough to have Ocho Rios, Jamaica on their itinerary, be sure to stop at Dunn’s River Falls.  Guys, recall the iconic scene of Ursula Andress walking onto the beach in the James Bond Movie “Dr. No”?  That was Dunn’s River beach, just below the falls.

My friend and coworker Yolanda Forrest grew up in Jamaica, and the falls were a family tradition.

“As a child my family took frequent car rides to various locations in Jamaica to escape the daily hustle and bustle. Dunn’s River Falls was one of the many spots we frequented. My mother cooked a simple meal (fried chicken with rice and peas) and packed a complete basket for a lunch at the beach.”

“The location was more rustic than we know it today.  Instead of the immaculately landscaped garden with concrete pathways we traveled through the lush green foliage on beaten paths of those who went before us. We laid our towels on the beach then and ran around the local vendors selling their wares in order to be the first one at the falls. We formed human chains too; dependent on the rock foot holds and vines, wherever we could find them, to navigate against the force of the water, crashing against us. As a child I never made it to the top, but the desire to conquer the falls never waned.”

“It was not until in my adulthood, when I took my own children back to have the experience that we made it to the top. Exhilarating and wonderful working up a sweat in the cold rush of water.  Relaxing on the golden sand of the beautiful blue waters of the beach nearby, watching the river escaping to the sea. The magic of this unique island treasure remains.”

When your ship leaves port, be sure to watch for the falls.  You can see the river water cascading into the sea from a good distance as you sail away from the island.  It makes for a romantic view as you relax and reminisce with your sweat heart about your climb earlier in the day.