Love Waterfalls? You Must Visit These Five Spectacular Ones in the Caribbean
by Karen Rollins Nov 6, 2023
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world can be found in the Caribbean.
Almost every island is blessed to have these amazing natural phenomena and each one has a distinct size, sound, and shape and is surrounded by equally jaw dropping scenery.
If visiting as many waterfalls as possible is on your bucket list, we suggest you start with these five which are right on your doorstep.
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.
Kaieteur Falls – Guyana
Kaieteur National Park spans 154,885 acres and is the oldest and most iconic Protected Area of Guyana. It was established in 1929 and is especially renowned for the awe-inspiring Kaieteur Falls.
The Kaieteur Falls are 226 metres high (five times higher than Niagara Falls) and about 122 metres wide during the rainy season.
Kaieteur Falls was named after Old Kaie, a legendary elder of the Patomona nation, who is said to have sacrificed himself at the Falls to save his people and appease the Great Spirit Makonaima.
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-feet high and 600-feet 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 flows 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 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, but a local guide will cost extra.
