This dramatic waterfall on the north-east coast keeps its cascading charms well-hidden.
Some of Jamaica's most spectacular waterfalls are unabashed, flaunting their showy waters at visitors as soon as they arrive. Somerset Falls are a little shyer. Only after you've trekked through the narrow gorges of the Daniels River – and taken a boat round the last few river-bends – will they be revealed in all their white-braided glory. It's well worth the effort, though. Somerset Falls are rated as one of the top cascades on the island.
The Falls do require a little effort to find – and they are also a little off the beaten-tourist track. They sit on a fast-flowing stream on the north-east Jamaica coast, 16 kilometres from Port Antonio. A drive here from Kingston is an hour or two, winding up over the Blue Mountains, the tallest of Jamaica's mountain ranges.
Once here, you'll be greeted by lush tropical gardens, with moss-covered ruins and exotic flowers. This area was once a Spanish sugar-cane plantation – and you may spot the old Spanish aqueduct on your walk up the river valley. That valley soon narrows to a gorge, but the path is well-kept and not hard to climb, and leads you to a waiting boat.
This is where your guide will take you on your gliding journey among opalesque pools, towered over by frond-covered cliffs. The first fall revealed is the Bridal Veil Falls, a pretty lace-work of waters spilling down rounded rock-forms. But it is the 10-metre high Hidden Falls, reached after passing through a narrow gorge, which will really take your breath away. It falls in a dramatic fashion from a high rock ledge, plunging into a deep aquamarine pool.
Here you can swim, clamber onto the rocks, and get the ultimate all-body massage – standing or lying under the thundering waters. There's even a cave behind the curtain of falling water which you can explore. And after all the exertions of waterfall exploration, Somerset Falls offers a respite. There's bar to hand, and a restaurant where local sea-food tops the menu. And if the journey back looms too large, you can always stay the night, and let the sound of the waterfalls soothe you to sleep.
