Damajagua Falls: 7 Waterfalls Adventure with Swim & Pickup

Summary

Jump swim and laugh through Damajagua’s wild cascades

You’ll hike through lush forest to reach seven wild waterfalls at Damajagua Falls near Puerto Plata—jumping, swimming, sliding down chutes with a local guide leading the way. Gear is included so you can focus on fun (and maybe a little courage). End your day with fresh fruit and a taste of Dominican mamajuana—you might surprise yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I was nervous before we even got to Damajagua Falls. Something about “jumping off waterfalls” sounded way cooler in my head than it did standing there with a helmet in my hand. Our guide, Carlos, cracked a joke about how he’d lost count of his own jumps years ago (I believed him—the guy moved like he owned the rocks). The air smelled green—like wet leaves and river water—and there was this low hum of people getting ready. I could hear someone practicing their Spanish behind me, which made me smile because I’d just butchered “charcos” trying to ask about the waterfalls myself.

The walk up is no joke if you’re not used to humidity. We stopped a couple times—Carlos pointed out these bright red flowers I’d never seen before and told us they’re called “flor de fuego.” My shirt stuck to my back but honestly, it felt good to sweat after so much city time in Puerto Plata. When we finally reached the first pool, all that nervousness kind of fizzled out. The water was cold enough to make you gasp (I did), but then you just start laughing because everyone else is doing the same thing. Jumping from the rocks felt less scary after seeing kids do it first—one girl yelled “vamos!” before leaping and her dad just shook his head like he couldn’t believe she’d gone for it.

Sliding down those natural chutes is something I still think about—a weird mix of thrill and total surrender. There’s this moment right before you let go where everything goes quiet except for the rush of water in your ears. At one point Carlos splashed us on purpose (“Dominican shower!” he said) and even though I swallowed half the river by accident, I couldn’t stop grinning. The sun broke through the trees now and then, making all that spray look gold for a second or two.

Afterwards we sat around dripping wet, passing around slices of pineapple and little cups of mamajuana (which tasted sweet but strong—nobody warned me). Someone played music from their phone while Carlos told us about growing up nearby; he said he comes here almost every week but never gets bored. Maybe that’s why people keep coming back—I don’t know. All I can say is I left lighter than when I arrived.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Damajagua's 7 Waterfalls

• Start at open-air visitor center
• Pick up helmets and life jackets
• Walk through thick forest and walkways
• Observe local plants and flowers
• Rest at mountain top
• Descend waterfalls by jumping, swimming, sliding
• Option to drink rum or mamajuana

Top questions

How many waterfalls do you visit at Damajagua Falls on this tour?

This tour includes access to 7 of the 27 waterfalls at Damajagua Falls.

Is hotel pickup included for the Damajagua Falls adventure?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle as part of your day trip.

Do I need to bring my own helmet or lifejacket?

No, helmets and lifejackets are provided for all participants during the waterfall activities.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No full lunch is included, but fresh fruit and drinks like mamajuana or soda are offered at the end.

How physically demanding is this waterfall tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; walking uphill in humid conditions is required.

Can children join this tour?

The activity involves jumping and sliding; check with operator for age restrictions or recommendations.

What drinks are provided after visiting Damajagua Falls?

You can try traditional Dominican mamajuana, rum, soda, or water at the end of your adventure.

Are service animals allowed on this excursion?

Yes, service animals are allowed according to additional info provided by the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Puerto Plata, entrance fees for Damajagua’s 7 waterfalls, plus helmets and lifejackets for safety while swimming and sliding. Bottled water keeps you hydrated along the way; after your adventure you’ll enjoy fresh fruit and drinks like mamajuana or rum before heading back relaxed—and maybe a bit proud of yourself.