Major upgrade planned for Dunn’s River Falls

Dunn’s River Falls is set for a major makeover that could transform the iconic St Ann attraction into a full day entertainment destination with the scale and variety of a Jamaican Disneyland.

The ambitious redevelopment is being led by the state-run Urban Development Corporation (UDC), which wants to move the world-renowned attraction beyond its traditional role as a stop where visitors climb the falls before moving on to their next destination.

The master plan includes new recreational areas, overnight accommodations, dining, entertainment and infrastructure designed to strengthen the attraction’s economic impact while protecting it against severe weather.

UDC Chairman Norman Brown outlined the plans during a recent Jamaica Information Service Think Tank, saying the project is aimed at unlocking the value of the wider Dunn’s River property.

“The Dunn’s River property is quite large. Folks only come and climb the falls and don’t realise how deep it goes up into the hills. But we think that there’s tremendous economic value there for Jamaica, as well as the experience. You will have other activities … whether it’s zip line, lazy river, [or] fine dining. We will create a small amphitheatre where you can also have events, and we are looking at even going as far as to put cabins further up in the hills,” Brown said.

The development is also being positioned as an economic boost for Ocho Rios and communities across St Ann.

Environment Minister Matthew Samuda said the project could create jobs and generate wider economic benefits.

“This transformative master plan will significantly boost the economic fortunes of Ocho Rios and the wider local economy,” said Samuda, who is member of parliament for the area in which Dunn’s River Falls is located.

“By modernising this iconic asset, we are creating a powerful engine for sustainable employment. This project will generate a wave of new jobs during both construction and operation, ensuring massive trickle-down benefits that directly touch the lives of residents, small vendors, and community operators across the parish of St Ann,” he said.

Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis said the expanded attraction could encourage visitors to spend more time in the area.

“Turning our asset into a full-day Disneyland-style experience means visitors stay longer, spend more, and interact deeper with our communities,” he said.

The master plan includes measures to protect hillside ecosystems and coastal infrastructure from storm surges and erosion.

The redevelopment will also include climate-resilience measures aimed at protecting the attraction and surrounding environment as Jamaica faces increasingly severe weather events.

The corporation is now working through final regulatory and environmental approvals before works begin.