Snorkeling in Ocho Rios: Dunn's River Falls & Reef

Climb 600 feet of cascades and snorkel a living reef in one morning

A six-hour snorkeling adventure from Ocho Rios combines a high-speed powerboat ride along Jamaica's North Coast with reef exploration and a climb up Dunn's River Falls, the 600-foot natural cascade. You'll pass Laughing Waters Beach, snorkel the surrounding reef, scale the falls, and finish with lunch at Margaritaville before returning by boat. Hotel pickup, lunch and drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Powerboat, snorkeling, and falls climb

• Pass by Laughing Waters Beach
• Snorkel at surrounding reef
• Climb Dunn’s River Falls
• Take photo at falls summit
• Enjoy lunch at Margaritaville
• Return by powerboat

The experience

The day starts with a powerboat pickup from your hotel and a run up the coast past Laughing Waters Beach, the filming location from the James Bond film Dr. No. Once you reach the reef, you enter the water to snorkel among the marine life: the reef sits close enough to the boat that entry is straightforward and the coral and fish are the main event, not a long swim out.

Dunn's River Falls is the centerpiece: a natural staircase of 600 feet of cascades that you climb on foot, moving from pool to pool as the water flows down. The climb is steady but not technical: most people move at their own pace, and the pools themselves are deep enough to swim in between sections. Guides stay with the group and point out the best photo spots along the way.

After the falls, lunch happens at Margaritaville, a beachfront restaurant where the meal is island-style and included. You'll have time to rest, change clothes and eat before the powerboat ride back to your hotel. The boat ride itself is the transport, not a separate sightseeing tour. You're moving between stops, and the speed and the water are part of how the day connects.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and dropoff.
• snorkel access at the reef.
• lunch at Margaritaville.
• soda and bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 47 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Island Routes

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guide-led boat tour with snorkeling and waterfall climbing. Skip it if your child gets anxious in water or tires easily on physical climbs.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at the reef near Ocho Rios?

The reef sits close to the boat and holds vibrant marine life. Entry is straightforward from the water, and you'll spend time in the water exploring the coral and fish before moving on to Dunn's River Falls.

How hard is it to climb Dunn's River Falls?

The 600-foot cascade is a series of pools and short climbs between them. You move at your own pace from pool to pool, and the water is deep enough to swim in the pools themselves. Most fitness levels manage it comfortably.

Is Laughing Waters Beach part of the snorkeling, or just something you pass?

Laughing Waters is a stop you pass by on the powerboat. It's the beach famous from the James Bond film Dr. No. The actual snorkeling happens at the reef near Ocho Rios, before you reach Dunn's River Falls.

What happens after climbing the falls?

You have lunch at Margaritaville, a beachfront restaurant where the meal is included. After eating and resting, the powerboat takes you back to your hotel.