Top Waterfalls in the Caribbean Near Cruise Ports

If chasing waterfalls tops your list of activities on a Caribbean cruise, you’re not alone. There’s something magical about these glistening wonders. Here are some of the top waterfalls in the Caribbean that will leave you in awe:

1. Dunn’s River Falls
This waterfall park is known worldwide for being a top attraction in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Thousands of visitors flock to the site to explore its stair-like terrain, often with a tour guide for added safety. It’s 180 feet high and can take up to 1.5 hours to climb, but fortunately it’s surrounded by a luscious green landscape, helping to keep climbers cool. The falls pour out at Little Dunn’s River Beach, making it one of the few waterfalls to empty directly into the ocean.

2. Ocho Rios Blue Hole
If you’ve dreamt of swimming in a fantasy-like paradise, look no further than the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Its breathtaking beauty is enough reason to visit, but the big adventure is stepping into its wondrous waters for an unforgettable swim. If you feel like hiking, you can embark on a short 10-minute walk to Secret Falls with more natural swimming pools.

3. Seven Sisters Waterfalls & Annandale Falls
Ready for a refreshing hike near Saint Georges, Grenada? About 20 minutes away from the port, you’ll find Annandale Falls, with its natural pool below giving off an emerald hue on sunny days. Close to 30 minutes from the port and you’ll find the Seven Sisters Waterfalls. Enjoy a 1.3-mile hike in paradise in less than an hour and take a swim in one of its waterfall pools.

4. Trafalgar Falls
A 20-minute drive from Roseau, Dominica will take you to the well-known twin Trafalgar Falls. After a 10-minute walk, you’ll have a panoramic view of the breathtaking wonder. Locals informally refer to the upper waterfall as Father, which is fed by the Trois Pitons River and empties into hot sulfur springs. Its companion waterfall is referred to as Mother, emptying into a natural swimming pool.

5. Diamond Falls
Though it’s more than an hour from Castries, Saint Lucia, the Diamond Botanical Gardens, Waterfall and Mineral Baths are worthwhile gems to experience. It includes six acres of tropical gardens, and its river comes directly from the Sulphur Springs, which rest in a crater created by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Staining from volcanic mud and other minerals has led to one of the most colorful waterfalls one can see.

Quick Tips:

• Prioritize safety: Explore with a safety tour guide if hiking across some of the falls, where allowed. Some of the waterfalls also have steps along the side for easier navigation.
• Be mindful of the itinerary for your cruise and the amount of time you have while at port.
• Many of these locations have an admission fee and some may require reservations. Explore those details before you visit.
• Dress appropriately with proper hiking shoes and attire to ensure you have a comfortable experience.
• Enjoy! After all, you’re in paradise.

Have you visited any of these waterfalls before on a Holland America Line cruise? Which ones do you love most and why?