Reach Falls Jamaica
Reach Falls has been on my travel list since the late 1980s when I had found out that it had been featured in the Tom Cruise movie, Cocktail. You might remember the one where Tom’s a bartender whose skill at flipping and juggling bottles of alcohol and pouring them perfectly into a glass had everyone dazzled. Frankly, that’s about all I can recall of the movie now but it made me curious about Reach Falls.
Reach Falls Jamaica
Said to have been discovered by slaves from the neighboring parish of St. Thomas, Reach Falls is located in the tropical rain forest of the John Crow Mountains in the eastern parish of Portland. Though the Falls is on the Driver’s River, it takes its name from Reach, the community that it’s a part of.
We set out from Montego Bay around mid-morning a few weeks ago, and after a few stops, arrived in Port Antonio, the capital, about 4 hours later. Following the signs to Reach Falls, we turned on to a secondary road that was fringed with a variety of flora. There were many downed coconut, banana and other trees, the result of Hurricane Sandy’s pass over this part of the island but not even Sandy could alter the carpet of lush green that spread to the mountains in the distance. After about 20 minutes of relatively slow going – the road was pot holed and narrow – the entrance to the Falls appeared.
Reach Falls Jamaica
Except for a hotel bus, only a few employees were in sight – Reach Falls was deserted. Following the release of Cocktail, in 1988, the Falls saw a spike in visitors but numbers have leveled off. That might be due to its location relative to Montego Bay. Although Port Antonio is where tourism began in Jamaica (ships taking bananas from the island would bring visitors back), it too, has lost some of its former glory.
Size could also be a factor. At about 11 acres, much of it rain forest, Reach Falls is just too small to accommodate the hordes that visit Dunn’s River or YS Falls annually and with just one plunge pool, there isn’t much to do except enjoy the peaceful scenery. Which was quite fine by me – I like places that not overrun by visitors.
Reach Falls Jamaica
After we purchased our tickets, our guide led us the few yards through a thicket of hibiscus and ginger lilies down the steps to the Falls.
The Driver’s River rises in the mountains and traverses limestone rocks before it empties into the sea 3 miles beyond Reach Falls. At the Falls, the river cascades approximately 22 feet down a rock face into a sparkling turquoise pool.
Reach Falls Jamaica
Though not as popular as Dunn’s River Falls with its human daisy chain, or as spectacular as YS with its rolling countryside, it is no less beautiful, and because there are fewer visitors, is an oasis of calm. You can hear and see a variety of birds, including the black and yellow billed parrots, overhanging vines, bamboo canes, and over 23 different species of ferns.
Reach Falls Jamaica
Reach Falls Jamaica
Before You Go
About 25 miles from Kingston and 100 miles from Montego Bay
Open Wednesdays to Sundays and local public holidays from 8:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Age 4-12 years – US$5; 12 and over US$10
Amenities: Bathrooms, changing areas and store
This is my submission to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.
This week, I’m also linking up with the Friday Daydreaming series organized by Becca at Rwethereyetmom. Hope to see you there!
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
Twitter: eurotravelista
says:
I do remember the movie but not those falls, which are beautiful! This movie made me wish I was a bartender and could fling those glasses around like that
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Keeping An Eye To The Ground In Freiburg
I felt the same way too, Debbie. Maybe that’s why that’s all I remember of the movie.
Great place to visit, I love these waterfalls
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Yamada Ryosuke – Mystery Virgin
Thanks, Muza-chan!
Twitter: BudgetTrvlTalk
says:
I have a sketchy memory of Cocktail, but I do remember Tom Cruise shaking cocktails on a sand beach. Was that in Cocktail? I don’t remember these falls, but they are spectacular and how delicious that water would be on a hot steamy day. Devine.
budget jan recently posted..Fantastic Friday – 15 Reasons to Love a Camel
I think so. I don’t remember the movie much either or the scene at the falls. Would be good to watch it again now that I’ve been.
Twitter: hikebiketravel
says:
My husband would be gaga about all the birds – and I would love the tranquility of the place. Sounds good to me without all the tourists around.
Leigh recently posted..Hiking in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy Range, Colombia
Great to hear, Leigh — something for each of you. Perfect!
HI Marcia, I’ve see the movie. Reading your post and seeing your photos, I don’t think the movie gave justice to the location at all. I love your shots of the waterfall. The water iooks so clear and fresh. I wish I’ m there right now instead of the dreary, cold NYC.
Marisol recently posted..Vietnam: Trekking in the Off-The-Beaten-Path Hilltribe Villages – Day 1
Thanks for saying that, I’m glad you think so.
Oh yes, dreary, cold NYC. I’ve heard, Marisol. Sorry, sorry. Well, since you can’t be here now, I’ll send you some warmth and sun.
I love the crystal clear water of the falls.
Looks fun to visit. Love it.
Maris King recently posted..A Brief Guide to Building and Renovating in Queensland
Glad you like it, too, Maris. I was surprised how clear it was.
I can see why you wanted to visit – it looks like an amazing place. We visted some stunning waterfalls in Australia’s Kimberley and Tasmania.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today and for your comments. It certainly is a juggling game trying to decide which camera to take.
Have a wonderful week.
You’re welcome, Jill. I had the camera conundrum today – I ended up going with the smaller one but plan to go back with the larger one later in the week.
Reach is definitely an amazing place, far from the craziness of the larger and more popular Dunn’s River.
Thanks. Wish you a wonderful week as well.
Twitter: worldbooktravel
says:
This is beautiful! I remember the movie vaguely but I can’t remember any water waterfall. i would totally prefer this place because it’s less crowded. I liked Dunn’s River Falls during our visit but it was just too many tourists.What a great way to spend the day!
Mary recently posted..5 Free Things to do in Juneau Alaska with Kids
Dunn’s River’s good for one visit – unless you can get there first thing in the morning, before the crowds arrive — and definitely not on cruise days. Reach is much better.
I really like your photo of Reach Falls with the hibiscus in the foreground. Your description of approaching the falls through the thicket sounds heavenly. I think I also prefer the places that seem a little more “undiscovered.” My first impression of Dunns River falls was “That’s a lot of people.”
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Tokyo Tower Day and Night
You’re so right about that, Michele. There are a lot of people at Dunn’s River, especially on cruise days. Absolutely a place to avoid.
Twitter: ItalianNotes
says:
I\’m not even sure I\’ve seen Tom Cruise in Cocktail, but those waterfalls aren\’t too big either and they look perfectly charming
Italian Notes recently posted..Panoramic bed and breakfast Genova
It’s forgettable, Mette. Yes, Reach Falls is definitely not too big, definitely manageable.
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
What is remarkable is how clear the water is… WoW! Beautiful.
ElizOF recently posted..Reflections: 20 Things I Wish I Knew About Blogging When I Started…
That it is, Elizabeth. I was surprised too and being protected by all that foliage, it was quite cool.
Very inviting. We really like to see the out of the way places. Didn’t catch this when we were in Jamaica. Your description made me feel like I was there.
I’m glad you like out of the way places. That just means you’ll have to come back to see this one (and others)!
Twitter: avgtraveller
says:
So does “beach wear is mandatory” mean that skinny dipping is not allowed or does it mean they will throw you out if you’re wearing jeans?
Hahaha, good question. Probably the former. They let us in with jeans.
Hey Marcia,
WOW!!!! The pictures are so magnificent. For a person like me, who loves waterfall to the chore, I got the hint for my next vacation. Loved the pictures!! Thanks for the share.
You’re welcome, Aayna. I’m glad to know you like waterfalls. They’re magnificent, aren’t they?
Twitter: SophieR
says:
Very pretty. Didn’t know there were so many waterfalls in Jamaica. Gorgeous nature all around.
Sophie recently posted..Exploring Ireland’s Ballyhoura with kids
There are several, Sophie. I’ve seen only a few.
Like you, I love how this one’s surrounded by nature.
The place is definitely breath taking. Nice shot!
Thanks, Sarah. Glad you think so.
Twitter: rwethereyetmom
says:
Gorgeous photos – love the falls in Jamaica – I was wondering the same as Average Traveler! Ha!
Thanks for linking up this week!
Becca recently posted..5 Lessons I Learned Skiing at Breckenridge (Know Before You Go!)
You’re welcome, Becca. I guess if you’re going into the falls you’ll need swim wear. We were fine in jeans.
Twitter: GoneWithFamily
says:
What a beautiful spot! I saw Cocktail a few times (a bit embarrassed to admit that) and I don’t remember Tom Cruise being anywhere but in bars – I guess I wasn’t focusing on the scenery!
Lisa Goodmurphy recently posted..One Day in Geneva
Hahaha, you were focusing on Tom Cruise!
Twitter: artisdiary
says:
Looks quite a pretty place! Very peaceful and quiet and surrounded by nature all around. A picturesque place Marcia
Arti recently posted..The Temple of the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, Japan
Thanks, Arti. It’s definitely peaceful and surrounded by nature, very idyllic.
Twitter: theworldofdeej
says:
Awesome pics…I have visited Dunn’s a couple times. I like how this one doesn’t seem to be overrun with cruise ship passengers:)
D.J. recently posted..A Gift From The Travel Gods And A Failure To Pay It Forward
Fortunately (or unfortunately), it’s not as easy to get to or as fun to climb so more people know about Dunn’s River.
Great ride to the lovely falls in Jamaica. I wish i could fly to this great place some day. Thanks for the travel information.
You never know, Fatima. One of these days, you just might get to visit.
Twitter: johannaAcastro
says:
Those waterfalls look amazing and what a lovely pool too. I’ve written about Kimberley waterfalls on my blog, which are unexpected in the outback of Australia, but the ones you picture are so inviting – just want to dive in. Thanks for popping by to my blog the other day too – appreciated
Johanna at ZigaZag recently posted..Have you been to Perth recently? You might get a surprise when you do.
You’re welcome, Johanna. One of these days, I’ll have to make it to Australia. I’ve ‘met’ so many Australian bloggers and read so much about it that I’ve added it to my list.
Twitter: travelermom
says:
I always enjoy visiting sites that were featured in movies I enjoyed. I love the pictures, it looks so inviting and relaxing. Like you, I prefer locations that aren’t as overrun as others. That’s one of the reasons we enjoy offseason travel when possible. Fewer crowds.
Tonya recently posted..Travel as a Disaster Relief Volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse
You’re right, Tonya. Off season is the best time to travel. You get to see so much more.
What a beautiful and tranquil looking place, the waterfall looks very inviting
It’s all that and more, Kim. Thanks for your comment.
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
Girl, you’ve been holding out on me… I didn’t know you were a big player on Pinterest… Please follow mini me back.
I just pinned your post. I’m Positive Kismet on Pinterest.
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Ha, I didn’t realize I was a ‘big player on Pinterest!’ Thanks, I’m following you now.