DUNN'S RIVER FALLS, OCHO RIOS TRIP WITH TAXI DRIVER DESMOND

DUNN'S RIVER FALLS, NEAR THE JEWELL, POPULAR WITH CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS AND OTHER TOURISTS

We got the phone number of Desmond from a friend here. We did not want to take the organised tour which is expensive, about 90 dollars each. We noticed the entry to the Dunn's River Falls is very near this hotel, but too far to walk. There is a big car park. My guide book suggested going there early in the morning, or late in the evening. The Falls opens at 8.30

My plan worked. Desmond turned up as agreed at 8.30 and as the Falls is not far away, we were the firt in the car park, and walked to the main buildings where you can change to swimsuit if you want. Entry fee reduced for older people, so only $20.

It was nice to have the place free from anybody except the staff - there are numbers of guides in blue tee shirts. We climbed down to a viewing platform where you can see the course of the river down the falls, the force of water is stupendous.

I think the rounded rocks are limestone. The sound thunders in the ears, and huge trees shade over the white water.

A nice middle aged lady came over, and told me that she did not recommend me to climb the falls, saying it was slippery and dangerous. I was quite happy to take her advice because actually the route you have to take, to climb up from the beach looked quite scarey and probably requires a lot of arm strength to pull yourself up via the hand-holds set into the rock at the sides.

I stepped into the water from the platform, to see how cold it was. The force of water then quickly washed away one of my new Jelly shoes, so I discarded the other one - hard luck! Lots of other shoes lined up the bank, lost by other people

We walked all down the side of the falls, on the wooden walkway (they call it a boardwalk) where it is also made in concrete in places. There are plenty of places to stop and admire and wonder, and take photos.

The beach at the bottom of falls is well-served with toilets, changing cubicals and places you can hire towels. The sea there was bright blue and very inviting, calm and safe-looking.
The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, we had no hassle.

Then we climbed up again on the walk-way and steps to the exit where we expected to be harrassed by traiders, but actually nobody addressed us at all, it was absolutely no problem as they day out here. And we met up with Desmond about an hour after first arriving.