Dunns River Falls – Is it Plus-size friendly?
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Dunn’s River Falls is one of the highlighted attractions for individuals visiting Jamaica. If you are staying at a hotel or all-inclusive resort, you are sure to see this on the top of the list of available excursions.
If you are interested in visiting Dunn’s River Falls as a plus-size individual you might be wondering what to expect.
Here I’m going to talk about my experience and everything you should know before visiting.
What is Dunn’s River Falls?
Dunn’s River Falls is a waterfall that ends in the sea. The falls are made up of travertine rock.
Named as one of Jamaica’s natural treasures.
How can you climb the falls?
There are two options for climbing. A wet (through the falls themselves) and a dry climb.
The wet climb takes you through the falls and up to the summit. Along the way, you have the opportunity to swim in the natural pools of water and even at one point go down a natural water slide.
The dry climb allows you to walk along a trail next to the falls.
Who can climb the falls?
They do not have a height or weight restriction for the falls.
People not recommended to climb:
- Pregnant individuals
- Individuals with heart conditions or high blood pressure
- People with back, knee and neck problems
- If you have a significant physical ailment
- Those who are vulnerable to injury
- If you are under any form of drug or alcohol influence
- Under 3 feet tall
Can a plus-size individual climb Dunn’s River Falls?
Unfortunately, the answer is not a simple yes. It really depends on your mobility and stamina.
When we visited Jamaica Dunn’s River Falls was highly recommended to us. At first, we had some trepidations as Melissa had just recovered from a broken ankle, but when she gets something in her mind to do, you can’t really stop her.
So once we arrived at our resort, we set up our excursions including the climb of Dunn’s River Falls.
I honestly don’t know what I expected, maybe it was a short walk or a carved out pathway, what I got was one of the most physically challenging experiences I’ve had to date.
At the time of our trip, I was over 300lbs with little physical activity in my life beyond walking the dog.
Upon arrival to the Falls, looking up I started questioning everything. But not wanting to be the guy who quit before he started I took Melissa’s hand and started the climb.
Thinking I would have to worry about her falling or getting hurt, I soon saw how strong and determined she was not to just finish herself but to make sure I did as well.
How do you climb Dunn’s River Falls?
Advertised as “climbing 600 stairs”… essentially there is a lot of climbing to be done.
At the time of our visit, we held the hands of the person in front of us (this might have changed due to COVID-19 protocols). This doesn’t help when you are slowing the group down and many times I had to let go of the person in front of me. But Melissa was always right there next to me.
The climb is done within the falls and at some points can get very slippery as Melissa will attest to as she almost fell off at one point.
This is why they require you to purchase or have water shoes with you for the climb.
Is there help if you are struggling?
Our tour guide was amazing. He saw me struggling many times and become my second cheerleader to pull me up on some of the steeper rocks.
Whether this was just our luck to have an awesome guide or normal protocol, it was helpful as it kept pushing me forward to see someone else not giving up on me who had no investment of win or lose.
What is there to do if you don’t want to climb?
Dunn’s River Falls is located within a park. You pay for admission into the park, if you don’t want to climb the falls there are other things to do such as swim at the beach, zipline over the falls, have a picnic, walk the shop area or take a catamaran.
What do you need to climb the falls?
Waterproof case for phone and/or camera if you plan to bring them
Sunscreen
Swimsuit
Towel
Change of clothes
Are there lockers available?
Yes, they do offer lockers, but you will most likely leave everything in the vehicle you came in.
When going to the falls to climb take as little as possible with you.
But be sure to bring your water shoes & waterproof case.
How long does it take to climb the falls?
Our guide told us it takes about 60 minutes, granted we did not actually time ourselves.
Do you have to have a guide?
Yes, they do not allow climbs without guides. They are the ones in bright blue tshirts & can be your biggest cheerleader on these climbs.
Best days and times to visit?
Peek crowds happen on cruise days, typically Wednesday.
The earlier you go in the day the less chance you have of being in a large crowd.
How much does it cost?
$25 – adults
$17 – children (age 4-12)
Should you tip your guide?
It is recommended you tip your guide. Our tour included tip so we did not have to worry about carrying extra money, but not all tours include this.
Conclusion
Climbing Dunn’s River Falls takes stamina and mobility but is not impossible to climb. If you aren’t sure, consider the dry trail first, but if you only have one day to try the climb, consider your own abilities to determine how you will do on this excursion.
In the end, I’m glad I did the climb, even near my heaviest, it was worth the struggle to know I could still do anything I put my mind too.
