Dunn's River Falls Express w/ Lunch?

[kp3690]

Has anyone ever done this? We are trying to decide if we should see the falls when we stop in Jamaica, and if so, should we do the stop with or without the lunch. Any thoughts/reviews would be very much appreciated!

 

[dgramling]

My DW and I did this on our cruise in 2015, and it was the best excursion we did on that trip. We had a blast climbing the falls it’s not as strenuous as you would think but make sure to have good water shoes, they do offer some for rent. The process that we experienced was that we loaded on a comfortable bus at the port where we met our guide, we rode to the falls with the guide giving us information on the area, Jamaican culture, and their unique words. Once at the falls the guide walks with you until you are introduced to your river guide. They will film your experiencing climbing the falls and offer the video to sell at the end, if you come equipped with a go pro your river guide will take your picture at a few spots along the way. After the climb you are reconnected with your guide for the walk back to the bus. The way back to the bus goes through an open air market. The sellers here are very aggressive and your guide will inform you of this ahead of time and ask if anyone is interested in shopping. If you are not keep your head straight and don’t answer questions. Once the bus is loaded you will head back in the direction of the port about half way back the bus will turn up a very steep hill, once at the top there is a little park with a gazebo where they will serve lunch. Ours consisted of Jerk Chicken and rice, the food was good, the park is picturesque, and there are peacocks that roam around the park. Because the lunch is at the very end I could take it or leave it, I’m not sure the value is there when I could have just gone back to the ship or port and ate there..

Below are picture from the lunch park:

 

[Flossbolna]

We thought about this excursion, but then decided to book a private tour with Marvyn's Paradise Tours. It was only slightly more than the DCL excursion, but we had our own van with a fantastic driver (Whitford) who told us a lot about Jamaica. At the falls we decided to climb at our own speed without a guide and it was not difficult at all if you are not totally out of shape. We took our time, enjoyed the surroundings and did not have to hold hand with strangers. The great thing about a private tour is that they are absolutely flexible as to what you want to do. We also went to a really nice overlook and did some tubing (the tubing was not so great, so would not recommend that, but I think we had the wrong expectations and just should not have gone there). It was a great experience and I am now spoiled and want private tours everywhere!

 

[kp3690]

Thank you both for the informative answers. I really appreciate it!

 

[RoseSanti]

We did the Sky Ride along with the Dunns River Falls and lunch. The Falls were just as PP described. We loved it and had a lot of fun. After the falls the bus will take you just down the road to the sky ride. The views are spectacular. It will take you all the way to the top of the mountain, where there they serve lunch and have dancers. The food was good, chicken and rice. The sauce they offer to put over the chicken is a bit spicy. For kids they have hot dogs. After lunch its a sky ride down to the bus, then back to the ship.