Waterfalls are among the most stunning natural spots to explore in the Caribbean. Shelly-Ann Inniss picks six for your bucket list, hoping your experiences are just like them — blissful, memorable, and sublime!
Saut du Gendarme, Martinique
Moderate
How did these 33ft falls in the heart of Fonds Saint-Denis get their name? One legend claims a paramilitary policeman (gendarme) fell while climbing — or while his horse was drinking. Regardless, canyoning here — a mixture of hiking, climbing, and abseiling (but no falling) — through rugged terrain brings a sense of accomplishment … and a whole lot of fun! Alternatively, you can access the steep walkway and stairs via a small bridge on a trail shaded by ferns and bamboo.
Dark View Falls, SVG
Moderate
Despite the ominous name, these two heavenly waterfalls — one above the other, with natural pools at the base of each — are surrounded by gorgeous flowers, whizzing agouti, and exotic birds. Nestled within St Vincent & the Grenadines’ La Soufrière National Park — home to the active 4,052ft La Soufrière volcano, the island’s highest peak — a bamboo bridge across the Richmond River tributary connects visitors to the falls and a picturesque bamboo grove. A viewing platform opposite offers the perfect vantage point for a stunning photo.
Deshaies Waterfall, Guadeloupe
A stroll
Fun fact: the town of Deshaies is the fictional town of Honoré, Saint Marie, where the British-French television comedy-drama series Death in Paradise was set. The five-hectare Deshaies Botanical Garden, housing this enchanting artificial waterfall near a banyan tree, is very popular — along with other charms in the 15 themed sections of this botanical oasis. Nature lovers can explore the grounds and discover over 1,000 species of tropical plants, varieties of fish, and birds (including pink flamingos).
Vegas Grandes, Cuba
Moderate/intermediate
Topes de Callantes Nature Reserve in central Cuba boasts two popular waterfalls: Salto del Caburni and Vegas Grandes (where a cave across the river feeding the waterfall is one of the attractions). While making the steep ascent through some dense vegetation, you can take in enchanting birdsong, a canyon, lagoons, and an amazing lookout featuring views of the Escambray mountain range. A cool dip in Vegas Grandes’ pristine plunge pool make it worth every step!
Blue Hole, Jamaica
Short walk
Time could stand still at this hidden gem in the hills of Ocho Rios — but it won’t. Limestone sinkholes filled with shimmering turquoise water invite anyone to venture in. Climbing the falls; cliff-jumping (local guides will indicate the safe spots); gliding down the nature-made waterslides; or swinging from a rope into the 20ft pool all provide no end of thrills for adventure-seekers … or, you could just relish relaxing on the rocks, surrounded by verdant foliage. Be sure to stand under the falls for a natural massage — and then investigate the small caves behind them!
Trafalgar Falls, Dominica
Easy walk
You can find this magnificent, easily accessible double waterfall — affectionately called Mama (75ft) and Papa (125ft) — tucked away in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a mosaic of vegetation and volcanic features like hot springs and cool pools. A viewing platform offers panoramic vistas of this cozy pair of falls — one of the Nature Island’s many wonders.
Tips & tricks
- Apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grips
- Enlist reputable tour guides
- Hydrate!
- Entry fees might be required
- Pack towels and a change of clothes.