Jamaica - Amazing Reach Falls

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10TH

We took a route taxi to Reach Falls. We met a local called Dorrian in crossroads where the taxi dropped us off. Dorrian gives guided tours where you walk, swim and climb up the waterfall by yourself. We hired him as our guide because it was cheaper than the governments tour and he seemed like a nice guy. We also wanted to climb to the top by ourselves and not just go to see the waterfall and take pictures. If you go to Reach Falls on your own you have to pay an entrance fee which is 10USD and you are on your own without a guide at the very top only and don't get to climb from the bottom to the top. Dorrian's tour cost 1000JMD per person and he said one of us could go free so eventually it was 850JMD per person.He also carried everyones backpacks so we could swim. Dorrian has given the tours for five years so he knew every rock and pebble the waterfall had. He was also very helpful on the way to the top and gave good safety tips.

We highly recommend Dorrian as a guide for Reach Falls. Here is his phone number in case you like to contact him: +187 65856481.

This is the outstanding starting point of our tour. Reach Falls, Jamaica

Henkka changing the swimming shoes on.

Taking a little break.

Us at the top. Reach Falls, Jamaica

We both think that the waterfall climb was the best experience on our trip so far. It was physically challenging and super fun. We also got to jump into a few pools on our way back down. Have to say it again: super fun!

Henkka jumping into one of the pools.

Countlessmilesandsmiles would recommend the waterfall climb experience to people who are in good shape and have good swimming skills since some of the swimming parts are challenging because of the stream. Some parts are really slippery so if you have swimming shoes we would recommend you to wear them to make the climb easier. You can also bring a snorkel if you like because there are small fish to see.

Reach Falls, Jamaica

Looks like a nice workout.

Our group at Reach Falls.

One of the many pools at Reach Falls.

The view at the top.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11TH

We came back to Kingston by mini bus which is the cheapest way to travel around Jamaica. We had an Airbnb place booked till Tuesday so we had still 2 nights to go in Kingston. We really liked our host because she was nice and helpful and gave us good travel tips for Port Antonio. 

Countlessmilesandsmiles doesn't recommend Kingston as a place to spend a holiday since it's really dirty, filthy, dangerous by night and there aren't many nice things to do. 

Getting from a city to another by public minibus in Jamaica is cheap but slow. There aren't timetables because the bus leaves when it's overloaded so the first persons getting in the bus might have to wait for a long time before the bus tables off. You are lucky if you catch a bus with an AC and the person(s) next to you is / are normal weight with not many bags or luggage. The bus fare is charged by cash only and it's collected either before, during or after the trip. The trip usually costs 300-800JMD per person.

The traffic here is quite aggressive and the roads are narrow so the ride can be as wild as a roller coaster and local drivers seem to honk more than use breaks. Our bus back from Port Antonio to Kingston drove down a steep and narrow mountain road about 100 km/h. When we got back to the bus station an old lady yelled "Thank you Jesus we are still alive!"

You don't have to be worried about finding the right bus because when you arrive to the bus station there will be a lot of bus roll-in people asking you where are you going. They also point you the right direction if you are not going in their bus.

NOTE: If you choose to use public transportation make sure you allow yourself lot of time since the buses stop where ever people wanna get out or in. We also recommend you to eat well, not to drink too much water etc. and use restroom right before entering the bus. Prepare yourself for an overloaded bus where someone will propably sit on your lap.

This is just getting started.

Now we are good to go.

ZZZZzzzzz.....

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13TH

Today we took a mini bus from Kingston to Treasure Beach which described laid back and friendly fishing village which is not a typical tourist trap. We are looking forward to see local attractions and spend time in the Caribbean Sea. 

Thanks for reading & see you soon! 

Emmi & Henkka