Come with me on a road trip to one of Portland, Jamaica’s hidden treasures a place where the journey is almost as beautiful as the destination, where crystal clear water, lush greenery, caves, canoes and a little adrenaline come together to create an unforgettable Jamaican adventure.
Today, we’re heading to Somerset Falls.The road trip begins with me making my way toward Somerset Park, passing through Stony Hill and continuing on toward St. Mary. If you’ve ever driven through St. Mary, you already know that the scenery can make you want to slow down and take it all in.
The coastline is absolutely beautiful. For a stretch of the journey, the Caribbean Sea seems to travel alongside you, showing off its different shades of blue. There’s something about driving through Jamaica that makes you realize the island isn’t just a destination it’s an experience.And then, somewhere about a mile or two before Somerset Falls, comes another Jamaican experience I simply could not pass up.
Stop! Coconut Time!
There’s a man on the side of the road selling fresh coconuts, and let me tell you something: these were some of the most delicious coconuts I have ever tasted!
Fresh, cold and naturally sweet, that coconut water was like nature’s own energy drink.
I decided to challenge myself and drink two.
Let me tell you I dare you!
Because drinking one coconut is already a task on its own. By the time you get through one, your stomach is basically saying, “Boss, we’re good!”But that coconut was so refreshing that I had to give the second one a chance.With my coconut adventure complete, it was time to continue toward Somerset Falls.
Welcome to Somerset Falls
The admission price is $1,500, which I think is pretty reasonable considering everything this place has waiting for you.
The moment you step through the entrance, you can feel the atmosphere change.
The noise of everyday life seems to disappear, and suddenly you’re surrounded by greenery, fresh air and the sounds of nature.
Peace.
Serenity.
And then birds!
Right near the entrance, you’ll find beautiful birds that immediately give the place a special charm. Somerset Falls has an area that almost feels like a little mini zoo, if I may call it that. There are beautiful birds and reptiles, including lizards, giving visitors something interesting to see before they even get to the main attractions.
It’s a nice little reminder that you’re not just visiting a swimming spot.You’re stepping into nature.
Something for the Little Ones
If you’re travelling with children, Somerset Falls gets even better.
There’s a splash pad where the kids can run around, play and cool off. And let’s be honest when you’re travelling with children, having somewhere specifically designed for them to burn off some energy is a major win.
The splash area adds to the family-friendly atmosphere of the property.
The kids can have their fun while the adults enjoy the scenery, relax and prepare for the adventures ahead.
And believe me, there’s plenty more waiting.
The Natural Pool
After passing the splash area, you’ll come across one of the features that makes Somerset Falls so special a natural pool.
And when I say natural pool, I mean natural.
This isn’t your typical swimming pool with perfectly straight edges, concrete walls and chlorine. This feels like a swimming pool created by Mother Nature herself.
The surrounding rocks, greenery and flowing water give it a completely different character.
It feels raw.
It feels peaceful.
It feels Jamaican.
The water invites you in, but there’s one important thing to remember: know your swimming ability.
There are shallow areas where you can comfortably enjoy the water, but once you venture farther out, it gets deeper.
So, for my non-swimmers, please stay in the shallow section. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the water where you feel comfortable. The goal is to have fun and make memories not to prove anything.
But for those ready for a little more adventure, there’s something waiting beyond the deeper section.
All Aboard the Canoe!
Once you venture beyond that area, you’ll find a canoe waiting.
Before you head off, you put on your life jacket, climb aboard and prepare for a completely different part of the Somerset Falls experience.
And where are we going?
Into a cave!
Yes, a cave.
The canoe takes you through the water and into this fascinating natural space, and suddenly the experience feels like you’ve stepped into your own little Jamaican adventure film.
Inside the cave, you’ll find puddles and little pools where you can sit and relax. Some of them almost feel like miniature natural Jacuzzis.
Imagine sitting in cool water inside a cave, surrounded by rocks that have been shaped by nature over time.
No fancy decorations.
No artificial scenery.
Just Mother Nature doing what she does best.
And if you think that’s where the adventure ends…
No, no, no!
We’re not finished yet.
The Jump!
Now comes the part for those looking for a little excitement.
There’s a huge rock where you can climb up, look down at the beautiful blue water and if you have enough courage jump!
Now, standing on the rock is one thing.
Looking down is another.
That little voice in your head might suddenly start asking questions.
“Do I really need to do this?”
But once you take that leap, the nerves disappear and the excitement takes over.
You hit the beautiful blue water below and come back up feeling like you’ve just conquered something.
And then there’s the water itself.
Is it warm?
Absolutely not!
Is it freezing?
Not exactly.
It’s cold, refreshing and somehow just right.
It’s the kind of water that wraps around your body and gives you that refreshing feeling you didn’t know you needed.
Almost like a natural Jamaican hug.
You come out feeling refreshed, energized and ready for whatever comes next.
Why Somerset Falls Stands Out
What makes Somerset Falls special is that it isn’t just one attraction.
It’s an entire experience.
From the moment you start the drive through Jamaica’s beautiful countryside, the adventure begins.
You get the coastal views of St. Mary.
You get the roadside coconut.
You get the peaceful entrance.
You get the birds and reptiles.
You get the splash pad.
You get the natural pool.
You get the canoe ride.
You get the cave.
You get the natural pools inside the cave.
And if you’re feeling brave, you get the opportunity to jump from the rock into that gorgeous blue water.
It’s relaxation and adventure sitting at the same table.
And I have to mention the customer service.
During my visit, the service was great, and that makes a difference. When you’re spending your day somewhere, friendly service can turn a good experience into a great one.
Would I go back?
Of course!
