STS Travel Spring Break 2013 Excursion #2:

 

Dunn’s River Falls-  Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

 

 

Spring break Jamaica 2013 is special in the fact that it isn’t just a week of straight partying on the beach at the all inclusive Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort.  This year we bring options!  We, at STS Travel want spring breakers to see and experience Ocho Rios, Jamaica, to see what makes this island stand out from the rest of the Caribbean.  We chose to send spring breakers to Ocho Rios because it offers more than just sand and clear aqua waters.  It offers culture, flavor, nature, history, shopping and is home to some of the best people on Earth.  STS Travel Excursion #2 is to Dunn’s River Falls.

Dunn’s River Falls water cascades 600 feet and is one of the few rivers in the world that flow directly in to the Caribbean Sea.  Dunn’s River Falls recent claim to fame was being featured in the James Bond Movie “Dr. No”.  It was not until 1972 that the Jamaican government was given the land to invite locals and visitors to experience the natural phenomenon of Ocho Rios.It is hard to believes that the crevices and smooth stone steps are all natural.  It seems as though the falls was meant for climbing and was carved from the waters current over time.

The STS Travel excursion #2 to Dunn’s River Falls began with an early afternoon departure from the expansive open air lobby at the Sunset Jamaica Grande.  Students from Virginia Tech, American University and Gettysburg College climbed into one of the three coach busses waiting outside the main entrance.  The bus climbed around the Jamaican countryside until we made a sharp right passing at a large carved  wooden sign announcing “Dunn’s River Falls” .  The road wound its way up the mountain, nothing on either side but acres of jungle green dense foliage.

Upon reaching the top we pulled into a large parking lot.  We climbed out and followed our bus driver in to the park.  We exchanged our STS Travel tickets for Dunn’s River Falls bracelets.  Further on the trek in we were serenaded with melodies of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by a lone guitarist.  This must be the mantra of Jamaica, and not a bad one to live by.

After storing our belongings in lockers we were led the the “shoe exchange”.  Here we traded in our flip flops for brightly colored water shoes with thick tread.  Our bus driver passed us on to our Dunn’s River Falls guide; Pablo.  His appearance was assuring, his feet calloused, skin tanned and smile bright.  Pablo has been a guide at Dunn’s for years and years.

With the cerulean Caribbean waters below us we made our descent down flight after wooden flight of stairs.  Once we reached the bottom we were met by a secluded tucked away beach.  This was our starting point for the trek up Dunn’s River Falls.  Looking up at the sky ahead we could see the sparkling majestic white waters of the falls.  It was colossal and more than a little intimidating.  The next hour and a half flew by.  Climbing up Dunn’s River Falls can only be described as climbing up a mountain in a tropical sunshower.  The climb was slippery challenge from step one.  Every 30 feet there was a plateau to rest, take photos and  visually measure how much closer you were to the goal; the peak of Dunn’s River Falls.  Along the way we got to swim in the natural pools the water carved in to the rocks millions of years prior.  Spring break is where the best memories are made with your best of friends. The backdrop of white cascading waterfalls is sure to serve as one of the most beautiful memories you will ever have.

The hour and half flew by, and though the trek was tough at times, the sight from the top of Dunn’s River Falls was brilliant.  The sun made the falling water look like  diamonds zigzagging down onto the beach to met and made one with the aqua Caribbean waters.  It’s hard to believe that such immense beauty lies tucked away and hidden high upon the mountains  of Ocho Rios.

When your parents ask to see your spring break pictures there is no need to make excuses.  Show them your trek up Dunn’s River Falls.  Spring break is more than just a week long party, it’s about having a good time with your best friends and embracing the beauty and culture of your surroundings.  They will be thrilled you saw more than just water, a beach and the bottom of empty glass of beer.  Join us next year as we share the beautiful land of Ocho Rios, Jamaica for another unforgettable Spring Break!