Snorkeling in Runaway Bay: Dunn's River Falls catamaran cruise

You climb the falls themselves, not just look at them from below.

Snorkel a reef off Runaway Bay aboard a shared catamaran, then sail to Dunn's River Falls where you climb the terraced cascade to the top with a guide. The 4-hour excursion includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkel gear, entry to the falls, Jamaican patties, and an open bar throughout the day.

The experience

The catamaran departs from Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios and heads out to a snorkeling site where you enter the water to swim among live coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. The boat carries a shared group, so you meet other travelers and move at a pace that lets everyone get in the water. A local guide leads the snorkel portion and stays with the group through the rest of the day.

After snorkeling, the catamaran sails to Dunn's River Falls. This is where the day shifts from floating to climbing: you wade into the cascade and ascend the natural limestone terraces, moving from pool to pool up the face of the falls. Your guide navigates the route and helps you find handholds on the wet rock. The climb ends at the top, where you get views of the surrounding countryside before heading back down. The whole experience at the falls is unhurried enough that you can take photos and adjust your pace to the group.

Throughout the 4 hours, the open bar runs continuously: drinks are included, not a separate charge. Jamaican beef patties and finger food come aboard, so you eat and drink without leaving the boat or the falls. Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the day, and snorkel gear is provided. You bring only a swimsuit and a towel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• snorkel gear.
• entry to Dunn's River Falls.
• a local guide for the snorkeling and the climb.
• Jamaican beef patties and finger food.
• bottled water.
• and an open bar with drinks throughout the excursion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 to 64 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (under 5)

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 21 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Suzette Tours Jamaica

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to climb the terraced falls with a guide rather than view them from shore, and you're comfortable ascending wet rock in a group setting that includes snorkeling and a catamaran cruise.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (under 5).

What is the snorkeling like on this cruise?

You swim among live coral reefs and schools of tropical fish in a designated snorkeling site off Runaway Bay. The water is clear enough to see the reef structure and the fish moving through it. A guide is present in the water with the group to point out what to look for and keep everyone together.

How difficult is climbing Dunn's River Falls?

The falls are a series of natural limestone terraces stacked like steps, so you climb from one pool to the next rather than scaling a vertical face. A guide leads the group and helps you find your footing on the wet rock. The climb takes time and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness, but it is not technical climbing.

Does the catamaran stay in one place or move around?

The catamaran sails to the snorkeling site, stays long enough for everyone to get in the water, then sails to Dunn's River Falls. You are on the boat during travel between stops but in the water or on land during the actual activities.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel or climb the falls?

Snorkeling and climbing the falls are the core activities on this excursion. If either one is not possible for you, you can discuss alternatives with the operator when you book, but the tour is built around both.

Is the open bar included the whole time?

Yes, the open bar runs throughout the 4-hour excursion. Drinks are included. You do not order separately or pay at the bar. Jamaican patties and finger food are also included.

How does hotel pickup work?

The catamaran departs from Mahogany Beach in Ocho Rios. Hotel pickup is included in the price and runs on a set schedule. You will be told your pickup time and location when you book. Drop-off returns you to your hotel at the end of the day.