Reach Falls (also spelt Reich Falls)
This should be in the Top 5 Things to Do in Port Antonio. Reach Falls is an excellent half day trip from Port Antonio. It is well worth the hour's drive along the potholed A4 coast road to get there. Guide books such as Rough Guide and Lonely Planet say that due to land disputes there's no organised set-up there, but the books are out of date - you take the signed right turn off the A4 coast road and then drive up into the hills for a couple of miles, taking a left turn by some shacks half way up, and finally you get to a very well organised set-up indeed - new timbered ticket office, first aid room (presumably they get a few injuries from people slipping on wet rocks), restrooms and changing rooms. It seems all that is currently missing as of Jan '08, is a snack bar/restaurant, so bring your own snacks/refreshments.
On arrival, you will be greeted by security and once you've paid the entry fee (US$20 per adult tourist rate) a guide will take you to the main fall which is beautiful. You can get right under it where there's a small cavern and also swim in the large pool in front. Make sure you have your swim gear with you, and some plastic shoes to help walk and swim up the river. Bags can be left with a security guard who is positioned by the main fall and then your guide will invite you to climb through the gushing but shallow water up the side of the main fall, which is like a natural jacuzzi, into more pools, gradually going higher and higher, through which you can paddle or swim depending on depth. Alternatively you can take a path up the side of the river if not that way inclined (your guide will take this path and take photos of you as you go if you wish - well worth it as great photo opportunities). The water is beautifully clear and not too cold! Finally you might be invited to drop down into a cave tunnel with him which comes out in the pool below. This involves a deep breath and a quick duck under water where the roof is very low to the water. Great fun and really exhilarating. Highly recommended and the whole place is incredibly tranquil, amongst towering vines etc. Currently very few tourists so feels very unspoilt and wild. The guide is very helpful and makes sure you find good places to tread and not slip. No time pressure - take as long as you like. A totally different feel to other Falls like Dunns River which are inundated with tourists, especially given the very rural jungle location and lack of visitors - paradise and worth putting up with the bad roads for! Children would love this place too.
