A must while in Jamaica! Both my husband and I agree that this is the best vacation activity we have done anywhere! When coming in off the cruise ship, you can take a taxi from the port ($15 round-trip per person) to go to the falls. Do not let the cab guy make you pay for the round-trip up front!

The falls were crowded, at least when we were there, but there was just a short wait to buy the entrance ticket ($12 per person). You may rent a locker for $8 and also water shoes, which we did not do as we had our own. There is a waiting area to go up the falls with a group, there was a guide there waiting for them but we went up on our own. The entrance is on the beach, and it is a strange sight to be standing at the ocean with a freshwater waterfall in front of you. This is the only bad part without a guide, you may want to join the end of a group just to get a spot to go up. Once past the first few climbs, the crowd thins out and being around a group is not necessary.

There are pools that are deep enough to immerse yourself in, the rocks have some hidden holes and can be slippery, but if you go slowly and watch your step, it is much more enjoyable to be alone. Try not to fall into the trap of the shops, we were told that they couldn't find their way out of them! Small kids are not a good idea as the water can move fast in parts; the youngest one we noticed was probably around 12. There is also a stairway along the falls where you will not get wet at all but can still walk along the falls, the people-watching here is entertaining!

So, everyone says you have to do it once, and I would agree. Climbing the 600 foot falls is quite an experience, and somewhat tricky. I had the tour arranged through our resort, Beaches Boscobel in Ocho Rios. It was $34 per person, which included your transportation to and from the falls. I went with two other travel companions, and we had one guide. Most of the groups climbing the falls were larger groups with multiple guides. They would climb up the falls in a single-file line, all holding hands.

Unlike most of the other groups our guide just went for it! We went up the opposite side of falls from the other groups. This side was more difficult, but it was nice to be away from the crowds. You have to make sure you step where your guide is stepping, to avoid endless black holes. It was well-worth the climb, though, which I would estimate at about 10 to 15 minutes. There is a marketplace after the falls which is a bit of a tourist trap, and would be somewhat scary to the inexperienced traveler.

We basically skipped this section, and went right out to our van waiting to take us back to the resort. Do be aware that you have to tip about three different people on your way down and through the falls- but hey- that’s Jamaica! At least the tourist Jamaica… I would say, you must do it once. It is a beautiful area, with amazing falls. Make sure to wear your bathing suit, as you will be fully immersing yourself into the river. Water shoes are a must, and several vendors sell them right near the falls. The river itself is surprisingly clean and clear.

We went on the "Beach Getaway and Dunn's River Falls" excursion while in Ocho Rios Jamaica during our cruise. The price was $115 per person. Overall I was disappointed. The boat ride

The first mode of transportation for this exursion was by boat. The crew were very friendly, and the ride included drinks.

The crew did a great job of entertaining with music and pointed out scenic sites along the coastline.

Blundel house is billed in the description as 5-bedroom home that was once the vacation habitat for heads of state. It is described as a residence on a white sandy beach. My expectations based on the description provided by RCCL were way to high.

The beach was very small and not big enough for a walk along the shore. The beach area was gated, which kept the beach vendors at bay, but they hung over the sides of the railing and the private beach didn't end up being that private.

Lunch and drinks were provided including rum punch, fruit punch and soda, however, I was disappointed that there was no diet soda, and the meal was only mediocre. Not what I expected for a $115 excursion. After lunch, we boarded a bus which transported us to Dunn's River Falls.

When we arrived at Dunn's River Fall's we were told to leave our money behind on the bus. This was confusing, and misleading, because if you didn't have the appropriate footwear, you then didn't have money to rent the appropriate sandals. I thought my shoes would work, but it turned out they didn't, and we didn't have enough money for everyone to climb the falls. There is also several snack shops and souviner shops where money would have come in handy. Climbing Dunn's River Falls was great and the highlight of our day. The climb started at the bottom of the falls, and everyone was instructed to hold hands. There were several older or overweight people trying to climb with our group, who had a very hard time. By the time we made it halfway up the falls, the group that started with 16 climbers was down to about 6. Although my husband didn't have proper footwear (he had flipflops), the escort up the falls allowed him to join us half way up so he was able to finish the climb.

In my opinion this excursion was overpriced. If I had to select an excursion again, I would select Dunn's River Falls and a snorkeling trip.

Dunn's River Falls Park is the perfect environment for fun and relaxation for the entire family. The Dunn's River cascades over a number of rock terraces on its way to the sea and a beautiful beach. The stepping stones of the falls allow easy access up and down their 600 feet, under a stimulating shower. You can climb the falls in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides, during the guided tour there is a small pool like part within and you do a little fall in. Pause at the "massage parlour" and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades to the sea.

There were little niches from where we could get off the track if we wanted to. At the end of the climb, there is a little natural water slide where you can slide down the rock into a natural little pool. There's also an pit-like area where you can sit down and where the water hits you in all directions, like a Jacuzzi.

If you are in Ocho Rios, this is one activity not to be missed.