Adrenaline mixed with water always seems like a good idea, whether you are traveling with your kids or not. At the Damajagua 27 Waterfalls outside of Puerto Plata, you will find both, although be prepared to only experience 12 of the 27 waterfalls, depending on how much time you have and how adventurous you are feeling that day.
WHAT ARE THE DAMAJAGUA 27 WATERFALLS
Locals have known about the 27 Charcos (waterfalls) along the Rio Damajagua for decades, if not centuries. Water has been pouring through the rocks, carving its way through the terrain for millennia.
Tourists didn’t start showing up until 1994. Once word got out, a new industry appeared, providing jobs for the local men and women in the area.
In 1998, the Association of Guides of Rio Damajagua was formed, and tourists have been pouring in by the thousands every year (average about 50,000 per year visit the 27 Charcos). Although your guides will joke and kid with you (and even show you a few daring stunts along the way that you are not allowed to do), they are all trained in First Aid and CPR.
All visitors MUST have a guide to visit the waterfalls, no matter how experienced you may be.
Booking a 27 Waterfalls tour
While cruising to the Dominican Republic, we booked an excursion with Iguana Mamas. This was not an excursion offered onboard. You will need to book it on your own.
Normally you will book the 12-waterfall tour, but if the conditions and timing are right that day, you can upgrade to the 27 waterfalls for $20 more.
Sadly we couldn’t upgrade to the 27-waterfall tour during our visit as we had guests from a larger Carnival ship on the tour with us who had to be back to port by 4:30pm.
We still had a great time, and trekking 12 waterfalls was much more of a workout than you would imagine.
What is provided by Iguana Mamas?
- Park Entrance Fee
- Transportation from Amber Cove to the Damajagua 27 Waterfalls
- Life vest
- Helmet
- Snacks, water, Coca Cola, Sprite and Rum (for Cuba Libres on the ride back to port)
- Lunch after your waterfall hike
Experiencing the Damajagua 27 Waterfalls
Your tour will start out with a one-mile hike, which is mostly uphill. Children eight years old and up are allowed to do the hike, while younger kids can head to Waterfall One with an adult family member and a guide.
We saw one family break off from grandmom and their three year old so they could hike the trail. The guide with the grandmother carried the three year old to the first waterfall where we would later meet up.
The hike is hot and sweaty, but you are encouraged to bring a disposable water bottle up with you, which is provided by Iguana Mamas.
As you get closer to Waterfall 12, you begin to hear the hoots and laughter of other travelers experiencing the wonder of the waterfalls. Finally, FINALLY, the trees open up and you see the Damajagua River below you.
A steep walk down wooden steps lands you at the top of Waterfall 12.
One of my biggest worries before the 27 Waterfalls tour was whether my adrenaline would kick in and fail me. I’ve been known to cry when I zip line. I don’t mean to, or even want to, but my body can’t seem to metabolize fast, uncontrolled speeds, which throws me into a panic attack and the tears start to fall.
I didn’t think this would happen at the waterfalls. When water is involved, I do pretty well.
So, to put your mind at ease, let me tell you this- I had more of a panicked moment on the simple water slide at Amber Cove that all of the little kids were going down than I did at the waterfalls.
SAFETY FIRST
- You MUST wear a life vest and helmet. You will not be able to take the tour without it. All of the guides have life vests and helmets on as well.
- Listen to the guide. Do not run off and try to conquer one of the waterfalls on your own, or find an alternate route when you have to cross a bridge or use a ladder. The water levels change depending on the season and the amount of rain the area has had. Although the water may look deep enough to jump into, it could only be three feet of water down below.
- The guides will give you options on some of the waterfalls—jump, slide or walk down. Do what you feel comfortable with and do not be ashamed if you have to pick the easier option. You know your comfort level and capability better than anyone else.
There are no critters swimming around to bite you in the water at the waterfalls. The water is not clear; it is a cool murky blue thanks to the mineral deposits coming off of the local rocks.
Water depths can be misleading, so try to stand whenever you aren’t sure. More often than not the water was waist deep for me, and I’m only five foot, seven inches.
Throughout the 12 waterfalls you will slide, jump and swim through smooth rock formations that have been carved out over centuries of water passing through.
Definitely bring your water camera, as you can take photos in caves, with your head in a waterfall, and swimming in the chalky blue water.
The final waterfall, Waterfall One, is the best for most adventure seekers. You jump about eight to ten feet down into the water.
If you are a bit nervous you can take the steps (the guides do call it the “chicken way” though) or you can take a step or two down on the rock so you aren’t jumping as high. You swim to shore, and you are done.
You will need to hike about 10-15 minutes back to the park entrance, but you get to cool off your feet in the river every few minutes, and it is all flat or downhill, which makes it a bit more enjoyable than the sweaty walk up.
End your trip with a few Cuba Libres (rum and coke for the adults), Coca Cola or water, plus a lunch buffet with some of the best-grilled chicken you will experience on your visit.
The park entrance has a little shop where you can load up on the local vanilla, snacks, and summer gear (sarongs, hats, bracelets, etc.), which is cheaper than the cruise ships and port stores charge you.
On the drive to and from the waterfalls, make sure you ask your guide questions about the waterfalls, Puerto Plata, the north coast of the Dominican Republic, and about their families. They are happy to chat, learn more about you and tell you more about themselves.
However, don’t be surprised when you fall asleep on the 25-minute bus ride back to Amber Cove. You’ve had a long hot day, and you just conquered 12 of the 27 waterfalls. You deserve a glass of wine and a snooze when you get back.
WHAT TO WEAR
- Water-friendly clothing. Bathing suit or t-shirt and shorts
- Women must wear shorts of some kind. Your bathing suit will ride up and you will want to protect your upper thighs from any rough patches on the rocks.
- Water shoes or old tennis shoes. You are hiking and stepping on rocks. You cannot do this barefoot at all. The park does have shoes you can rent, but they aren’t very good. We love these Cudas water shoes for cheap, comfy water shoes that made the trip and back.
- Sunscreen and bug spray. Yes, the bug spray will probably wash off in the water, but you will want it for the hike up. A sport sunscreen is preferred, along with a DEET bug spray. If you have sensitive skin, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is great for adults and kids.
Many thanks to Iguana Mamas for the complimentary tour for the purposes of review. As always, my opinions are my own. When they aren’t you will be the first to know.
We did the 7 waterfalls, climb up the waterfalls- no trails and slide or jump down. I love seeing how the 12 waterfall trip was a little different. Great photos and write up!
OMG! I love your andventure! Can’t wait to do this! I’m going to Dominican Republic 16th of April and I’m already planning what amazing things should I try! Your post helped me a lot!
Anyway, my dream is to do a YouTub channel with my trips from all around the world!
Hope I’ll be able to start doing this from Dominican Republic! xx
Hi there,
We are getting ready to go on a cruise to Amber Cove and thinking of doing this excursion. I am the “chicken” one in our group and am trying to see if I can go out of my comfort zone and do this! :p The company we are thinking of using mentioned that there aren’t stairs to climb down on waterfalls #4 and #8. Do you know if on yours they had the option to climb down on each one? or if I would maybe be ok on those #’s? Also, do you know if the people that don’t do the hike part get to see any of the falls? I’m having a little bit of a barrier with language with the travel company and wanted to ask here after I read your wonderful review! 🙂 Any feedback will help me make my decision. 😉
You can’t walk down a few of the falls. I can’t remember which ones. Honestly, I’m a chicken too, but knowing there weren’t any critters that could get me helped eased by mind. Once you jump your first you are fine. Do the 12 falls hike instead of the 27 falls. You can also meet everyone at the end at Waterfall #1 which is a lovely, easy hike in and you can see one of the falls and pools from there. We had a grandma on our tour who took her toddler granddaughter straight to Waterfall 1 while the rest of the family did the hike with us.
Im 52, and took my 2 daughters on the Carnival Splendor as a graduation gift. We did the waterfall adventure yesterday, 8/18 and absolutely LOVED IT! I would recommend this tour if you like a little adventure. From the carnival cruise ship, the excursion only included 7 of the waterfalls. ? They supply you with 1 bottle of water so take an extra bottle, you will need it. Your lunch will cost $7.oo. You will also have the option to purchase your pictures and videos for $55.00. Its on a jump drive and contains apprx 186 pics and a few videos. Wear shorts over your bathing suit ladies….for added protection. The water is very chilly! If you dont like walking up steps, while constantly walking on slippery soil (clay)and rocks, this isnt for you. It is a tough hike for someine that doesnt excercise much (me), but its worth it for the rides down!!!
IM not a very good swimmer should I be a bit worried?
I don’t think so. Everyone wears a life vest and for most of the waterfalls the water isn’t very deep. You can also opt to walk around the deeper ones or take a smaller jump. If you want to do it I say go for it. There are plenty of guides on hand to make sure you stay safe.
Do you have any pictures of the hike up? I have read a lot of reviews and many people say that it is a steep 2 mile hike up and a lot of stairs. I’m 49 and this is the only part that I’m worried about. Also, I haven’t been able to find information about the elevation of the hike. I’d love to find a local hike here that has the same elevation so that I can make sure I’m fit enough for this excursion. Lastly, thank you for such a great article!
I have a few photos of the hike up, but I don’t think they will show you the elevation of the climb. There are steep parts where you are on an incline, but if you have ever done any mountain hiking, it is definitely nothing more difficult than that. Honestly, there were streets in Seattle that were harder to climb than parts of this hike. And it wasn’t a straight up hike. There were dips and turns and flat parts too. Some steps you had to go down and some you had to go up. A 7-year-old was with us and she did the hike just fine. There were at least two guides with us to make sure everyone kept up, and to help people if ever they needed it. The path is so well worn though, that you should be OK. There were definitely a few people in their late 40s and early 50s on our hike as well. I was not in great physical shape when I did this trek and I did it just fine. The heat was the biggest issue for most of us, so bring the water they offer. I hope that helps! It’s a very unique experience.
Is it possible to get to the falls from Punta Cana? We are staying there and would love to be able to go. Is there shuttles that ca take you there? About how far is it?
You should be able to do a day trip to the falls. I would look into tours on sites like Viator or with your hotel Concierge. They would be the best people to help you with that information.
How can we take photos? Camera won’t get wet? let me please know. thank you
I suggest a GoPro or a waterproof case for your phone. Your phone will definitely get wet!
how long are the 12 falls and are there tour guides if you just show up? we will be on a cruise and will only have a certain amount of time.
I highly recommend you book a tour in advance so that you are picked up at the ship and they have you back in time for your sailing. The 12 falls is popular tour for cruise ships, so easy to do as a day excursion.
Hello!
My family of 7 would like to do this excursion. My son is type 1 diabetic and needs his supplies. I have always assured him he can do anything he wants. Could I carry his supplies and not get wet? I am happy to forgo the water, if he can participate.
Yes, you can carry the supplies. They will not get wet as long as you keep them in a waterproof bag (like a dry bag). You WILL get wet on this excursion. If someone can stay at the lower falls, you can definitely make sure all of your supplies stay safe and dry.