Visiting Reach Falls Jamaica: The Locals Guide

Reach Falls Jamaica is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored. The ultimate jungle waterfall, this a true exotic attraction. Nestled up in the lush mountains of Portland Parish, it is one of Jamaica’s (if not the Caribbean’s) best waterfalls.

This guide to visiting Reach Falls Jamaica will explore the different ways that you can get there to avoid the tourist traps.

Where Is Reach Falls Jamaica

Reach Falls Jamaica is in Portland Parishes, John Crow Mountains (approx. 1 hour drive from Port Antonio).

Note: it’s said that runaway plantation slaves found the waterfall by accident as they took refuge in the mountains.

How To Get To Reach Falls Jamaica

It’s about an hour’s drive from Port Antonio city center.

Taxi

If you are staying in Port Antonio you can take a route taxi for about J$230 to the Reach Falls Junction, and from there you can catch another taxi for about J$100 to the entrance of the falls.

Approximate travel times from:

• Ocho Rios = 3.5hours
• Kingston = 2.5 hours
• Negril = 7 hours
• Montego Bay = 6 hours

Driving yourself

Reach Falls Jamaica is easy to find if you are driving yourself.

• Take Reach Falls turnoff (off the A4 – main road)
• Follow it along, past various small houses and fields until you get to the actual falls sign
• Note: that at the main road turnoff there are some small stalls and a group of local guys that will offer the “local tour”

The roads around Port Antonio are pretty bad (lots of potholes) so be aware.

>> Click here for more information about driving in Jamaica and safety

On a tour bus 

There are several tour bus companies on the island. And, depending on where you are staying, the hotel may even have their own bus/company they use.

Two Options For Seeing Reach Falls

The group of local guys on the turnoff corner will ask you whether you want to see the government-owned part of the reach falls or the locally owned part.

The following will explain the two different ways to visit Reach Falls Jamaica.

Option 1: Visiting Reach Falls with The Local Tour

The local tour doesn’t take you to the main waterfall. It takes you up the Reach Falls river to a variety of private mini waterfalls and swimming pools.

The water is stunningly blue. It is bright and almost illuminant due to the natural minerals that are mixed into the water. Negotiate with a guide at the corner (don’t pay more than USD$10 per person) and they will come with you in your car (it’s another 5 to 10 minute drive up the road to the private entrance).

The benefits of the local tour:

• There are no crowds. You can have one guide (you need to go with a guide as to get to the river you have to cross private property)
• You support the locals, and your money goes directly to the community
• It is an authentic experience of the falls with a local guiding you.
• The swimming pools that you get to see are stunning. There are plenty of places you can jump off rocks and even a couple of swim through sections where you actually have to hold your breath, swim under the waterfall through a series of small caves
• The tour lasted for around 2 hours in total and in the end, the guide asks you to drive him back. If you like, you can actually opt to just stay at the pools own your own accord and make your own way back when you’re ready

Cost of local tour

• It is cheaper than the admission fee for the government-owned part ($10 US for government-owned general admission), you can negotiate with the locals how much you are willing to pay, but we ended up giving $10 as he gave us an amazing experience.

The downside to the local tour

• You won’t go all the way up the river to the actual Reach Falls.
• This means that you will have to do two trips or another trip on the same day
• Once you get back to your car, instead of going back towards the main road, you can simply drive up to the main Reach Falls Jamaica entrance.

Is the local tour worth it?

Yes. The only thing will depend on time. If you have enough time to see both then you should definitely do them.

The local tour provides a real insight into the natural beauty of the area with pristine and untouched swimming holes, free from tourists.

Option 2: Visiting Reach Falls Jamaica, The Government Owned Side

The iconic Reach Falls waterfall rose to fame after the filming of the Tom Cruise movie, Cocktail. And for good reason. The setting is stunning.

With a large fanning style waterfall and the famous Rabbit Hole. It’s hard not to get swept away by the pure, natural beauty.

Entrance Free: USD$10

Note: the entrance fee of USD$10 includes a free guide.

The Rabbit Hole At Reach Falls

If you do the local tour, you don’t have access to the government-owned site where the highest waterfall is located and the infamous rabbit hole jump. Therefore, you’re going to want to do the actual Reach Fall experience too.

Luckily, the spots are very close to each other (around 10 minute drive).

There are plenty of similar experiences on the local tour where you can jump and climb through waterfall caves too. However, these are not as famous as the “Rabbit Hole”.

The Rabbit Hole is essentially a gap/hole that has been cut through the rock over time (by a section of the waterfall itself). So when you are standing above it, you can drop down into what looks like an abyss. But really, you drop through a hole (just larger than shoulder wide) around 2m (6ft) into a pool around twice as deep.

Inside the Rabbit Hole, you are essentially inside a cave in the water. Through various other smaller openings, the light comes through to highlight the light blue coloured water. It really is quite beautiful.

The benefit to Reach Falls Waterfall

• It really is beautiful and remote
• You can spend hours swimming, jumping or just simply sitting in admiration

The downside to Reach Falls over the Local Tour

• Tourists – you might get lucky and have the place to yourself or a couple others, but as more tour groups are slowly making their way up to the site you can get unlucky and be stuck with a small busload of people

Where To Stay Near Reach Falls Jamaica

There are not many accommodation options around Reach Falls as it is quite remote. But one of the best places to stay in this Jamaican destination is Zion Country Eco Cabins.

Located only a 5-minute drive from the turnoff to Reach Falls, the place itself is a small, property with a few basic wooden cabins that look over a quiet bay. Foreign-owned, it is run by a local caretaker, who will cook meals on request. You can book Zion Country Eco Cabins on booking.com or Airbnb (below).

Alternatively, if you are looking for a place that is larger with more amenities, Serendipity Beach Villa has some great reviews. Located at Turtle Bay, this property has 4 bedrooms, an organic garden, and on the beachfront.

What Else To Do Near Reach Falls Jamaica?

Portland Parish in Jamaica is some of the most beautiful and lush natural land in the Caribbean (not to mention the best beaches in Jamaica). If you’re in the area be sure to check out some of the other amazing sites (somewhat) nearby:

• Blue Lagoon Jamaica – This unique spot is a combination of natural beauty and exclusive homes worth seeing. Also made famous by a Hollywood movie (The Blue Lagoon), this spot is worth a visit.
• Frenchman’s Cove Jamaica – This tiny cove is a jungled filled heavenly hideaway and definitely worth a day trip.
• Boston Bay Beach – is a must-do for those looking for the original Jerk Chicken recipe. The locals at this beach take care of the site and keep it clean (unlike some of the other public beaches in the area) There is a small entrance fee USD$2, but it’s worth it when the waves are breaking as you can actually surf here (and hire boards).
• Blue Hole – relax in some of the bluest water you have ever seen, in these series of waterfalls.

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