4 Best Sights in Jamaica

A popular natural attraction that is an eye-catching sight: 600 feet of cold, clear mountain water splashing over a series of stone steps to the Caribbean Sea. The best way to enjoy the falls is to climb the slippery steps in a swimsuit (there are changing rooms at the entrance), as you take the hand of the person ahead of you. The entrance looks like it leads to an amusement park, and it's usually crowded, especially when cruise ships are in port, but it is well organized. It's easy to make arrangements and get trusted guides who will offer bits of local lore while showing you where to step. After the climb, you exit through a crowded market—another reminder that this is one of Jamaica's top tourist attractions. If you can, try to visit on a day when no cruise ships are in port. Ask for a guide at the Dunn's River Falls ticket window: Official licensed guides are inside the Dunn's River Falls property, not outside the gate. They should be able to show you credentials if asked. If you arrange the tour through a resort or cruise ship, the guides provided will be licensed.  Always climb with a licensed guide at Dunn's River Falls. Freelance guides might be a little cheaper, but the experienced guides can tell you just where to plant each footstep—helping you prevent a fall.

One of Jamaica's most stunning natural waterfalls, Reach Falls was discovered by runaway slaves from nearby plantations who sought refuge in the hills of Portland. One of the waterfall's most fascinating features is the holes in the rocks that have been carved by flowing water—the most fun (and slightly terrifying) is the rabbit hole, which leads to a secret underwater cave that you can swim in!

On the Daniels River, these falls are in a veritable botanical garden. A concrete walk takes you past the ruins of a Spanish aqueduct and Genesis Falls before reaching Hidden Falls. At Hidden Falls itself you board a boat and travel beneath the tumbling water; more daring travelers can swim in a whirlpool or jump off the falls into a pool of water. There are also waterslides for kids and lifeguards on deck. The bar and restaurant specializes in jerk chicken and local seafood and is a great place to catch your breath.

A quiet alternative to Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, these falls are part of a cattle and horse farm and are reached via a tractor and trailer. There is actually a series of seven falls on the property that cascade into natural pools. An exhilarating zipline zooms over them. Other features include a river pool, a garden, a gift shop, and a lounge with food.