Dunn's River Falls, Coastal waterfall in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Dunn's River Falls drops about 55 metres over roughly 180 metres of dark, uneven rock steps, from tree-shaded heights into a broad shallow pool before reaching the Caribbean Sea. The water is white where it falls and greenish-clear in the basin. The lowest tier forms a wide, gently sloping rock shelf at the pool's edge.
In 1657, the Battle of Las Chorreras took place here, where English troops defeated Spanish forces. This victory led to lasting British influence on the island and marked a turning point in Jamaica's colonial history.
Guides lead visitors up the terraces in a hand-holding human chain, a practice that makes the uneven climb easier; the ascent takes about 1 to 1.5 hours with short stops for photographs and video taken by the guides. A plaque at the bottom of the falls, placed by the Jamaican Historical Society, marks the 1657 Battle of Las Chorreras.
Climbing takes about an hour and requires swimwear and sturdy water shoes. Those who prefer not to climb can follow the stairs running parallel to the falls or visit the beach at the mouth.
The falls are among the few travertine cascades worldwide that flow directly into the sea, renewing themselves constantly through mineral deposits. The spring water carries dissolved calcium carbonate that builds the cascades over time and changes their shape.
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