Make a splash at these Caribbean waterfalls

BY LISA DAVIS

With emerald-colored lagoons, secluded white-sand beaches and tropical forests, the Caribbean’s landscape is diverse, unspoiled and picture perfect. In addition, staggering waterfalls that cascade down rocky mountainous slopes provide travelers with Instagram-worthy beauty and a sense of discovery. These falls are among the most scenic:

Located in a forest preserve on the western side of ovalshaped, roughly 21-mile-long Grenada is Concord Falls, which consists of three waterfalls (Concord, Fontainebleau and Au Coin) that pour over green mossy mountain sides. Concord is the most accessible, situated off a paved road. Plan to bring a bathing suit and swim in the fall’s lagoon. The 65-foot Fontainebleau trail leads visitors from Concord through a nutmeg plantation. Au Coin requires a longer and more rigorous hike but is well worth the travel time for adventure seekers who want to swim in its crystal clear pool.

Tips: Because Fontainebleau and Au Coin are only accessible through private properties, you must hire a local guide to visit them. Most hotels on the island can arrange tours. Also, plan to bring snacks and plenty of water when spending time at any of the three waterfalls. Most restaurants and shops are about 10 miles away in St. George’s, Grenada’s capital city.

One of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean, Salto de la Jalda, is located outside of the town of Magua, about 60 miles from Punta Cana in the eastern region of the country. It stands at nearly 400 feet inside a national park that bears its name. A 4-mile walk from the park’s entrance through a jungle of myriad green hues leads to cascading waters that fall between two mountain slopes into the Magua River. Thankfully, the hike doesn’t climb much in elevation, but it is long so plan to bring food and water.

Tip: Because the waterfall is remote, using a local guide is suggested. Most hotels can arrange a tour. For a different perspective, take a helicopter ride over the falls with Punta Cana Helicopters.

Dunn’s River Falls on Jamaica’s northern coast might not be the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, but it’s still worth a visit. (Fun fact: If you’re a James Bond fan, Dunn’s River Falls was featured in the movie Dr. No.) Cascading over dome-shaped rocks, the falls’ steplike geological formations can easily be climbed, leading to several naturally formed swimming pools, which create a splash park of sorts. At the top, dry off with a walk through tropical gardens. On the descent, don’t miss the view of the waters emptying into the Caribbean Sea at Little Dunn’s River Beach.

If you’re vacationing on Jamaica’s southern coast, you’ll find YS Falls, which is about 50 miles from Negril and consists of seven waterfalls cascading into natural pools.

Tip: Want to see the Dunn’s River Falls from above? Venture to CHUKKA Caribbean Adventures, which offers zip line tours and hanging bridges, some of which are located directly over the falls.

There is no shortage of beautiful waterfalls in the Caribbean. A few more to add to your agenda include:

uTwenty Seven Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua near Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic uBat Cave and Waterfall on the island of St. Kitts, where fruit bats are also part of the scenery uThe 60-foot Falls of Baleine on St. Vincent

uSt. Lucia’s Diamond Falls, a 56-foot waterfall inside a botanic garden uLa Mina Falls in Puerto Rico located in the El Yunque National Forest uDominica’s Emerald Pool Falls inside the Morne Trois Piton National Park