Reggae Falls seen while on a Waterfall Cruise Excursion, Jamaica.
Reggae Falls seen while on a Waterfall Cruise Excursion, Jamaica.

Visiting the 13 Best Waterfalls in Jamaica While on Vacation

Explore These Destinations on Your Jamaican Waterfall Excursion

By Eben Diskin | Published on October 14, 2025 

It's not always easy to please the whole family when planning a vacation itinerary, but there's one activity pretty much everyone can agree on: waterfalls. Those towering wonders of cascading water are among the world's most beautiful natural sights, and they'll likely be imprinted on your memory long after your trip comes to an end. If you're looking for the best waterfalls in Jamaica during your next cruise, you're in luck. It might be a small island, but Jamaica is home to over a dozen of the Caribbean's most stunning waterfalls.

From traveling up the multi-tiered Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios to the tranquil Blue Hole, these are the top 13 hotspots for your Jamaican waterfall excursion.

Key Takeaways: The Best Waterfalls in Jamaica 

  • Dunn's River Falls: At 177 feet tall, this isn’t even the tallest waterfall in Jamaica. Dunn’s River Falls is famous for its length, stretching nearly 600 feet across.
  • Famous waterfalls include Reach Falls (“Cocktail”) and Laughing Waters (“Dr. No”).
  • Top tourist waterfalls include Roselle Falls, Blue Hole, Mayfield Falls, Konoko Falls, YS Falls and Somerset Falls.
  • Other waterfalls in Jamaica in Jamaica include Reggae Falls, Tacky Falls, Nanny Falls and Nonsuch Falls.
  • Ready to chase these waterfalls? Explore our cruises to Jamaica and see them all for yourself.

What Are the Best Falls in Jamaica To Visit? 

1. Dunn's River Falls

Taking a day trip to Ocho Rios’ many waterfalls is an unmatched experience. As a former fishing village turned resort town, it is surrounded by some of the island's most awe-inspiring waterfalls. The Dunn's River Falls remains among the most breathtaking cascades to experience in person, arguably one of the best waterfalls in the Caribbean — and the most famous.

At 177 feet tall, its height is nothing to sneeze at, but this waterfall is actually known for its length, stretching nearly 600 feet across. There’s a large facility surrounding the falls, and you can easily get there via van as part of a group tour. The falls are also conveniently located in Dunn's River Falls State Park, under a 10-minute drive from Ocho Rios.

Bring your bathing suit — there are plenty of swimming opportunities. It’s especially refreshing on a hot day when the water’s a little warmer. It’s possible to swim during the rainy season, which runs from November to May in Jamaica. However, keep in mind that rocks may be slippery when they’re wet, and there is a potential for restrictions during extreme downpours.

2. Reggae Falls

If you travel to Reggae Falls in Jamaica expecting to hear the melodic sound of steel drums, you'll be disappointed. However, what won't disappoint you are the views of this hidden, powerful waterfall. Standing 70 feet tall, Reggae Falls is three hours southeast of Ocho Rios. It was formed when a dam was built for a hydroelectric project in the 1920s that ultimately failed, resulting in the creation of a waterfall. Since it's less accessible than some of the island's other waterfalls, it's one of the least touristy falls to visit in Jamaica.

3. Blue Hole

Just over 20 minutes south of Ocho Rios, you'll find Blue Hole, which comes exactly as advertised. It's named for its water's deep blue hue and the cozy pool into which the waterfall flows. When you visit Blue Hole, you can take a leisurely swim in the blue water, dive in from one of the waterfall's ledges or splash into the pool Tarzan-style with the dangling rope. There are also bamboo benches around the swimming hole if you'd rather just sit and relax.

4. Reach Falls

Jamaica’s Reach Falls is perhaps one of the most famous local waterfalls to visit — but not for the reason you'd think. Cascading down a rock face into a heart-shaped pool, the falls are so beautiful that they earned a starring role in several movies, including "Cocktail" and the "Lord of the Flies" remake. Located on the eastern side of Jamaica, the waterfalls are surrounded by the rugged Montane Forest. If you're not too distracted by the chatter of parrots in the trees, you could easily spend the whole day relaxing by the water, or taking a tour of the falls and nearby caves with a local guide.

5. Mayfield Falls

Travel to Mayfield waterfalls in Jamaica only takes an hour from Montego Bay and Negril, making them a convenient day trip while on your Jamaican cruise vacation. Rather than a single waterfall, Mayfield is actually a series of waterfalls converging into a common body of water. There are 21 natural swimming pools here that are perfect for an afternoon of swimming. As if bathing under a waterfall and swimming in natural pools weren't pampering enough, the surrounding park also has a health spa, hair braiding service and professional babysitting.

6. Somerset Falls

Take the trip to Somerset Falls in Jamaica and expect a two-for-one waterfall. After you’ve seen Somerset Falls, jump on the nearby scenic gondola and ride through the rainforest to see Hidden Falls. The falls have some of the most colorful surroundings of any waterfall in Jamaica, situated in a verdant jungle full of birds and flowers. The waterfall's pool is also lined with picnic tables where you can enjoy a nice Caribbean lunch after taking a dip.

7. Tacky Falls

This 200-foot waterfall is a bit of a misnomer. Its name isn't an insult but a reference to its sticky rocks. Getting here is also a sticky proposition, as you'll have to hike a steep trail that can prove difficult for visitors who aren't in tip-top shape. On the bright side, the waterfall's limited accessibility means you likely won't have to share the place with too many other like-minded tourists.

8. Konoko Falls

Konoko Falls is another Ocho Rios waterfall, conveniently located just five minutes from the town. It’s one of the most popular attractions to visit in Jamaica. Take a guided tour through the Konoko Falls and Gardens park to learn more about the area's plant and animal life, and climb all the way to the top of the multi-tiered falls. After the ascent, you can swim in a pool at the top of the falls.

9. Nanny Falls

Despite its name, Nanny Falls isn't the oldest waterfall in Jamaica. It's actually named after Nanny of the Maroons, the leader of the Jamaican Maroons in the 18th century, who led a group of formerly enslaved Africans to freedom along a route that passed the falls. The waterfalls are a half-hour south of Port Antonio and best known for their idyllic swimming hole.

10. YS Falls

Give your Jamaican waterfall excursion an adventure twist at the YS Falls. Here, you’ll discover what are actually seven waterfalls that flow into little pools. The seven-tiered falls are a two-hour drive south of Falmouth, an ideal location for swimming. Remember, you'll need to be a reasonably strong swimmer to plunge into these feisty waters. In lieu of swimming and diving, there are also options to take canopy expeditions (similar to ziplining tours) that bring you directly from the top of the waterfalls to the bottom.

11. Laughing Waters

Tucked along the north coast, Laughing Waters overlooks a small, quiet beach — made famous in 1962 for its starring role in the James Bond classic “Dr. No.” You won’t find hordes of tourists here; it’s a low-key spot to bring a blanket and a good book if you need a quiet escape. To get there, head past Dunn’s River Falls from Ocho Rios. There is a track to walk to the falls, but it’s not highly touristic.

12. Roselle Falls

Seaside serenity intermingles with thick rainforest at Roselle Falls. This one’s a popular stop, with a short, easy hike leading to the falls, which is ideal for unwinding or snapping nature shots from different vantage points. Dip your toes in the natural spring water and enjoy some off-the-grid quiet time.

13. Nonsuch falls

Hidden deep in the heart of Jamaica’s jungle-like bush, Nonsuch Falls is another one for the adventurers. At 290 feet high, it’s by far the tallest waterfall in Jamaica. Take your pick of activities: hiking, nature walks or cooling off with a swim. The nature walks are relatively easy, so they’re a great option if you’re traveling with children. Nonsuch Falls also offers educational tours focusing on the area’s lush ecosystem.

Make a Splash in the Best Falls in Jamaica

Turns out, Jamaica isn’t only about the beaches and jerk chicken (though it’s definitely worth checking them out while you’re there). This Caribbean island nation is packed with awe-inspiring waterfalls, from tourist favourites like Dunn’s River to rainforest hideaways like Nonsuch. Whether you’re chasing movie-famous falls or secluded swim spots, there’s no shortage of natural wonders here.
Explore our cruises to Jamaica and make a splash in nature’s most stunning waterfalls.

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