The Caribbean is known for serene sands and swaying palms, but don’t overlook the many scenic natural waterfalls that dot the islands. After days of splaying out on the beach, a day trip to a waterfall can be a welcome change of pace. Here, we list seven magnificent waterfalls in the Caribbean that everyone ought to see.
Turtle River Falls, Jamaica
Located in the port town of Ocho Rios on the island’s north coast, this 15-acre tropical garden is home to a whopping 14 cascading waterfalls. There’s also a variety of indigenous and exotic plants, a Japanese koi pond, a walk-in aviary and a natural freshwater swimming pool to cool off in.
Eden Bower Rd, turtleriverfallsandgardens.net
Salto Curet Waterfall, Puerto Rico
This waterfall might be remote but it’s worth the effort. Located two-and-a-half hours from San Juan down a winding road in the Bosque Estatal de Maricao, Salto Curet is found after a mile-long hike through the forest trail that ends at the gushing waterfall.
Cascada Lulu, Dominican Republic
Located in the town of Samaná on the Dominican Republic’s northeastern Atlantic coast, locals recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle to cross the shallow stream to reach this serene waterfall. The trail is lined with blooming coffee and cocoa plants, and once visitors reach the falls, it is safe to swim beneath them.
Diamond Falls, St. Lucia
Planted in 1983 near the town of Soufriere, the lush, banana plant and fern-dotted Diamond Botanical Gardens are St. Lucia’s oldest. Named after the Diamond River that flows through the grounds from Sulphur Springs, the Diamond Waterfall is steep and gushing, and due to the rich mineral content the rocks near the falls constantly change color.
Soufriere Estate, diamondstlucia.com
Seven Sisters Waterfall, Grenada
Hikers flock to the Grand Etang Rainforest, the country’s largest national park and home to a series of waterfalls that cascade into two swimming pools. On the trail, keep an eye out for exotic birds and monkeys in the trees, and fish and crawdaddies in the river.
Saut d’Eau, Haiti
Located 60 miles north of Port au Prince in Mirebalais, these waterfalls are considered sacred after stories of the appearance of the Virgin Mary on a nearby palm. One of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean (at approximately 100 feet), locals and tourist alike visit not just for their stunning beauty but their alleged healing properties too.
Paria Falls, Trinidad
A skinny shoot of water cascading into a turquoise blue pool, the Paria Falls are considered one of Trinidad’s most spectacular sights. Start at the historic suspension bridge and trek through the evergreen forest and arrive at Paria Beach. From here, hike along the river path until arriving at the 10-foot falls.
