Four of the Most Impressive Waterfalls in the Caribbean
by Karen Rollins Nov 1, 2021
‘Stunning’, ‘awe-inspiring’, ‘magical’ and ‘breath-taking’! These are just some of the words that describe the once-in-a-lifetime feeling you get when you first encounter one of nature’s most thrilling sites – a waterfall.
The Caribbean is blessed to have waterfalls on several islands. Some are small, medium or large; some you can swim in or hike up to the top; some are thousands of years old, and others are relatively newly-formed; but all of them are unforgettably beautiful!
Let’s take a look at four of the most astounding waterfalls in the Caribbean.
Emerald Pool Falls – Dominica
Dominica has an abundance of waterfalls, and Emerald Pool is one of its most spectacular.
Situated in Morne Trois Piton National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Emerald Pool is surrounded by pristine forest and is reached via a short trek along a nature trail.
The water cascades down from 40 feet, and visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the ‘emerald’ pool below, which appears green because of the leafy, filtered sunlight.
Dunn’s River Falls – Jamaica
Jamaica has several stunning waterfalls but, Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios is one of the most popular.
The 180-foot high and 600-foot long landmark attracts hundreds of thousands of admirers every year. Visitors can choose from a ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ climbing experience, although you can only reach the summit by getting wet!
Dunn’s River Falls is also one of the few travertine waterfalls in the world, which means it is made up of step-like geological formations carved out over thousands of years. The bottom ‘step’ leads to a beach where the water joins the Caribbean Sea.
Diamond Falls – St Lucia
Diamond Falls in St Lucia is known for its volcanism and Sulphur Springs and the colourful flow of water which cascades over the rock face.
Located in a sheltered gorge at the foot of the Pitons, a short distance from the town of Soufrière, Diamond Falls is a must-see attraction for both visitors and locals.
The Falls are said to be particularly picturesque due to the surrounding rainforest foliage, as well as the water, which changes hue as it drops because of a mixture of minerals including sulphur, copper sulphate, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
Argyle Falls – Trinidad and Tobago
Argyle Waterfall on the north-eastern side of Tobago is situated just outside of Roxborough.
A 15-20 minute hike along a well-marked nature trail brings visitors to the 175-foot cascade, which drops down three levels, and features a series of pools that are ideal for a relaxing swim.
It costs $60 (TT) to see Argyle Falls, and a local guide will be extra.
Other honourable mentions: Concord Falls in Grenada, YS Falls in Jamaica, Puerto Rico’s La Mina Falls and Kaieteur Falls in Guyana.
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So, the next time you take a trip to a Caribbean country, make sure to add ‘visit a waterfall’ to your list of things to see and do.
