Enjoy the hike upstream through lush vegetation to Reach Falls, where you can cool off in the crystal-clear pool at the waterfall’s base and explore the caves behind the cascades. There are restrooms and changing facilities, but no restaurants—grab lunch from one of the nearby villages.
You can book a day tour that makes the whole experience a breeze. However, if you’re making your own way to the falls, you’ll have to decide between the official entrance or getting an unofficial guide. Going the local route offers a quieter and less crowded experience, but you won’t be able to access the tallest waterfall and main pool.
Truly enthralling, Reach Falls is a hidden gem that beckons adventurous souls. This is one of Jamaica’s most captivating waterfalls, and here you can immerse yourself in the lush beauty of this island and experience a deep sense of rejuvenation. You’ll find yourself feeling quite free in this space.
Reach Falls is located in the eastern part of Jamaica about an hour from Port Antonio. This waterfall can be found within the Montane Forest of the John Crow Mountain Range. Reach Falls is most loved for its breathtaking cascades and inviting natural pools. Other than the stunning waterfalls and natural pools, if you decide to visit Reach Falls while in Jamaica you can expect to find fascinating views, scenic hiking trails, nearby underground caves that you can explore, picnic areas, and more.
With so much to look forward to, we’ve taken the time to list the best ways to maximize your visit to Reach Falls during your vacation!
Things to do at Reach Falls. Enjoy the sights of the waterfall. How wondrous it must have felt all those decades ago for people to have stumbled upon such a refreshing natural waterfall when they probably needed it most. The sight of Reach Falls is as welcome now as it was back then! Most people who arrive at Reach Falls today cannot wait to lay their eyes on the cascades, and even more, cool off in the refreshing waters.
One of the things locals and visitors love to do at Reach Falls is admire the way the water streams with great power over the rock face. The distance from the top of the falls to the emerald pool below is around 33 feet (10 meters). The cascades and waterfalls (there are smaller waterfalls as well) at Reach Falls vary in size and the natural pool is super refreshing. Be sure to come prepared to get wet as dipping into the pool is hard to resist!
If you’d prefer to just enjoy the sights as opposed to getting wet, there are many areas where you can sit with amazing views. This includes a picnic area at the base of the falls. You can choose to go to this area at the bottom of the falls before or after you explore the falls themselves. Whatever you decide to do, spend as much time as possible just taking in the natural beauty of this attraction.
Walk the river to the Rabbit Hole. A trip to Reach Falls provides an opportunity to visit the nearby Rabbit Hole. This is a swimming hole that can only be accessed by jumping off one of Reach Fall’s rock cavities. As part of your Reach Falls adventure, your tour guide will take you up Driver’s River to the top of the cascades. This river feeds the waterfall, and this is how you’ll get to Rabbit Hole. Along the way, you can stop if you wish to take a dip or swim all the way to the top. You can also choose to take the dry path and hold off on swimming until you get to the Rabbit Hole.
Jumping off the rock cavity and into a gaping hole will take some level of bravery. As you free-fall down the waterfall, you’ll land in a flooded underground cave. Tour guides are included in the cost that you’ll pay to access Reach Falls, and yours can show you how best to access the swimming hole. Once you arrive at the Rabbit Hole, you’ll notice that there’s an open-air gorge.
Expert tip: If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Reach Falls, this attraction may be best explored with a tour guide. An experienced tour guide will be able to share details about the history of the falls and other interesting facts about Jamaica as well.
When you’re ready to continue your exploration, you can make your way back to the main waterfall area. However, exiting the swimming hole requires a unique and exciting maneuver—you’ll need to dive through an underwater pool. You can make your way back to the main waterfall area via this underwater path. Proceed with caution. If you’re not a confident swimmer, then you probably shouldn’t try this. Seek guidance from your tour guide before you make an attempt.
Take a dip in a natural heart-shaped jacuzzi. When you throw in things like a heart-shaped jacuzzi, then you begin to see more clearly why Reach Falls is so popular. There are many natural ‘jacuzzi’ pools at these falls and most of them are quite shallow. The naturally heart-shaped one is quite popular with visitors, especially couples. As you lounge in these natural pools, you’ll really feel like you’re in a hot tub with streams of rushing water making for the finest tropical massage. There are few, if any, spas where you’ll be able to get such a treatment complemented by the amazing views Reach Falls has to offer. To that end, this is something you’ll definitely want to make the most of!
Spot the different species of ferns and birds. The waterfalls aren’t the only fascinating sight you’ll come across at Reach Falls. At this tropical oasis, you’ll be able to engage in some bird watching during which you can expect to see a wide variety of birds as well as spot unique ferns (over 23 species). The ferns are located in areas surrounding the falls and it can be interesting to see which ones you recognize. This activity is ideal for nature lovers, but just about everyone will be able to appreciate the beauty that is found in the little things at Reach Falls.
What to expect when you get to Reach Falls. To help you plan your tour at Reach Falls, keep in mind that this attraction is open from Wednesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays weekly. To access this waterfall, you’ll first need to pay an entrance fee. This ranges from $5 USD for children aged 4-12, and $10 USD for anyone age 12. Children 3 and under do not have to pay an entrance fee. Reach Falls operates between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
