https://www.jordanoutside.com/damajaguawaterfalls We booked our excursion to swim, jump, and slide down the Damajagua Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. I found the shore excursion department to be very helpful and responded to my email inquiries very quickly. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. And I am extremely dissappointed that they allowed the tour to continue during high flows. Our guides will escort you up and down the falls for an unforgettable experience. Re: Damajagua Falls claim two more lives. Your story sounds identical to mine except the final outcome. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Northern Corridor mountain range and behind the long stalks of . The guide in the pool below beckoned me to jump which I did. have been on the tour where this poor boy tragically drowned. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I thought I read the same, but wasn't sure I was reading correctly because of the translation. From the vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve, here's our pick of the best places to go. Jumping & sliding down the waterfalls was absolutely amazing! I would strongly suggest that you go in groups max of 4 to avoid queuing on each waterfall.To say that this is dangerous is "Bunkum", as long as you listen to your guide CAREFULLY, do what he asks & be confident, you will not have a problem. I didnt feel this as the water rate was so intense. I must admit I probably wouldn't have done it without the life jackets and helmets on them. What a co-incidence. Im a strong swimmer and like adventurous activities, but even I was scared at times! We did not purchase the lunch. They even video tape the event for purchase. We did the 12 jumps NOT the 27 as you have to climb the mountain to start the descend. Then you start climbing up the falls. From traditional tapas bars to frenzied flamenco shows, Madrid has so much to do. An American couple, both aged 52, drowned at Damajagua Falls near Imbert while their two teenage sons tried disparately to save them. Diving into Crystal Clear Water at 27 Charcos. All lies!! Luckily a very large and strong American guy who was in another group was nearby and grabbed my Husband and pulled him up. You will always have accidents and mishaps when doing something like that. "Hi: I just returned from the Dominican where I went on the Jeep Tour with my wife and 13 year old son. Thanks! Im from Scotland so it was a long trek back home via New York and I had to go first class due to my injury so the cost if we had paid it ourselves would have been unthinkable along with the medical bills. Sometimes it's fine to book on your own, and sometimes outside sources have more benefits, but it's not always a bad idea to book direct from the ship! I'd have to be paid over 1000 / $1500 to do this again. Also if you feel you are still want do this please make sure your insurance covers you because although luckily ours did there was someone in our group who checked theirs after what happened to me and realised they wouldnt have been covered for that kind of activity. Returning to Gran Ventana, Dec 2021. I've been on this excursion two times. We were told we would go with a smaller group and have a jump start to head out early. The water guys do who from what I know dont have to have any specific training or certification. Considering that an average of 3000 tourists go through the falls every month, the bank account is going well plans are underway to build a library for the local school, fix a local church and build foot bridges over a nearby river. Recent rains caused rush of current. My 9 y/o did great but opted for the easier route occasionally with his sister. Once word got out, a new industry appeared, providing jobs for the local men and women in the area. There was no visitors center, no restaurant, nothing. Although it is now a bit safer with helmuts and life jackets and possibly better training for the guides, thanks to my sons death 3 years ago, i still think it is a dangerous tour. When my turn came to try and climb the guides above grabbed my arms but the water was so strong it could not be done. As a beach bum, this wasnt her preferred excursion, but she kept up and enjoyed herself, opting for the easier route a few times. It was adventurous and exciting. Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The trek to the waterfall was nice and the lunch afterward was excellent! Why is there a weight limit? The guides do not want to have to turn around and take you back once they are in the falls with the group. Flor Trejo was an old farmer who used to have a small plantation on one of the mountainsides near Rio Damajagua. I booked it through Mel Tours. My Wife My son and his girlfriend. When are these tour companies going to start putting people and the danger they put them in before money the same goes to the guy who died whilst snorkelling in Sousa..and the guy on the quad bikethey should NOT be taken out inbad weather how many more have to die before they realise. It's cheaper than the ship excursion and offers 5 more falls. Are ladders available at every fall? If your tour guide was as good as ours was remember to tip well - they more than deserve it! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This was the most fun I have ever had on a trip. Very funny & friendly. I climed the falls (first seven) last year and all I can say is good luck. The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in the Dominican Republic also known as 27 Charcos is a place located about 30 minutes from Puerta Plata where there are a total of 27 waterfalls that you can jump and slide through. What's the best way to see Damajagua Waterfalls? The entrance fee varies depending on your nationality and how far you go; foreigners pay RD$460 to the highest waterfall and less to reach the lower ones. I believe there were 7 jumps/slides that we went down. The experience of jumping off a waterfall and into a cool crisp pool of fresh water was wonderful. Remember to look at the wall to your right as you swim through the channel to see some amazing rock formations. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10074973', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Dominican Republic about 2-3 times a year (I have family in Santiago) and I go to POP every time. Also known as 27 Charcos, Mother Nature has created awe-inspiring pools, etched out of limestone, with stalactites and stalagmites in a thousand colors In addition to these options we offer you near the area, theLos Tres Cocos restaurantspecialized in Caribbean food, the prices are very comfortable and you will also enjoy the wide variety of food that you have available. The Damajagua Waterfalls tour is fun for all ages and one of the must-dos in Puerto Plata. Ha! I invite you to get to know the best beaches in Puerto Plata,MaimnBeach, Cofresi Beach, Dorada Beach, Sosa Beach, Cabarete Beach, Punta Rucia Beach, Costambar Beach, Cambiaso Beach. after a period of drought, but if ANY rain has fallen, the current reaches dangerous proportions. What a great hiking experience. The 27 waterfalls of Damajagua or as the locals know them (27 Charcos) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city of Puerto Plata due to its ecological beauty and the beautiful waterfalls that have formed over the years creating natural slides on the rock to slide, this tourist attraction is made up of 27 waterfalls but most people only go through 12 waterfalls due to the time and physical effort that it would take to cross all the waterfalls in one day, the Damajagua River is located in a natural area protected by the government of the Dominican Republic. the 27 waterfalls of damajagua or as the locals know them (27 charcos) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city of puerto plata due to its ecological beauty and the beautiful waterfalls that have formed over the years creating natural slides on the rock to slide, this tourist attraction is made up of 27 waterfalls but most My condolences to the family. He did all the talking and in the end the police report said my son died by accidental drowning while swimming with his father at Damajagua river. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Forum Assistance - Welcome to Cruise Critic, Announcement: Upgrade Your Horizon ~ Sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Charcos means pools, not waterfalls. Any questions? There were no safety measures, no visitors center and the occasional minor injury. We hope that with these options you can make the most of your vacation and enjoy the best options that the Dominican Republic has to offer. We are trying to figure out which way we will go - ship excursion and back in 4.5, or do the full deal and be back basically in time to board the ship. The lawyer told me it was best he said that otherwise if I had blamed the tour company they would keep me overnight at the police station for questioning. By bus: From the Javilla stop located in Puerto Plata, you will take a bus to Santiago de los Caballeros, important note tell the driver to notify you when you arrive at the entrance of the 27 Charcos, the cost of the journey is $100 pesos. 7 and 12 are the other 2 options - more recommended for the less fit or younger folk, but still exciting. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Cruisers' Choice Awards! Here are the essential experiences not to miss. CAR Rental to / from ""cofresi palm beach & spa resort". You'll enter a tropical jungle and hear the surrounding sounds of nature, all the while keeping a lookout for Squirrel monkeys. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I haven't visited but what would need to be done to prevent something like this from happening again? I have posted your story on my sons web site under the Damajagua Waterfalls page as I am compiling all the horror stories I have received from other travellers to this excursion. The famous Excursion to the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, is one of the most visited destinations in the Dominican Republic, the place has 27 Charcos, between trails and beautiful landscapes, a nature adventure between the mountains, a river with majestic waterfalls each with its own respective puddles, some have a depth of about 7 meters. We paid $100 USD round trip for a taxi and about $14 USD per person for the tour. You can comment on each article ofOur Blog, each of your experiences and all the recommendations you can provide, so that other travelers can get to know this paradisiacal corner of the Caribbean, called the Dominican Republic. Venture into the rainforest near Puerto Plata to explore the 27 Damajagua Falls, a series of waterfalls, canyons, and sparkling blue pools. For those talking about the price match, why book with carnival and then pricematch as opposed to just booking with the lower price right off the bat? From what I have read, this is one of the top 10 natural tourist sites in the Caribbean. Once at the top, they stop and allow you to finish water, put on the helmets and life jackets and then you start heading down a bit to get to your first spot. As I write this my eyes are watering. Peace Corps volunteer Joe Kennedy grandson of Robert F Kennedy and great-nephew of JFK had just arrived. What the purpose or concern? this is very sad and shocking. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Now your swimming through what lookes like deep but narrow little rivers. Me and one other kid cut our elbows, and scraped up our knees. Then the fun begins with a shallow jump at number 27 (a test of mettle). If I am torn between the falls and just a chill day by the pool, would you say 7 is worth it??? Locals have known about the 27 Charcos (waterfalls) along the Rio Damajagua for decades, if not centuries. Tourists didn't start showing up until 1994. The guides, Chocolate and Berney were phenomenal. We came to Puerta Plata as a port on our cruise. The hike (because so much of it is uphill and up stairs) was a bit strenuous but doable. Those tours are checked by the cruse company. You are using an out of date browser. Its just not for us. ), Its more like they yank you up. We hiked for approximately an hour then we reached some areas where they had waterfalls and you swam in caverns and slid down the waterfalls. They dropped me but of course the waterfall was still falling on me but luckly me husband grabbed me from under the water. 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua 3,140 Reviews #1 of 46 things to do in Puerto Plata Nature & Parks, Waterfalls Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic Save 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata 232 Book in advance from $85.00 per adult Check availability View full product details ClaireWalsh9 Take the plunge: the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. We recommend booking Damajagua Waterfalls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. I'd do it again if in the DR, it was my favourite activity whilst there.Any questions or to wonder about anything feel free to message me and I'll try and advise.Ste. If your like me and slip alot(oh yeah dont forget to bring water shoes or running shoes or you will have to rent some. Initially thought water shoes but are they OK for the hiking portion. Then recharge with a Dominican buffet lunch. If I had not been calm enough to hold my breath and STRUGGLE to break free of the force, I surely would have been in trouble. Are the rocks that you walk through slippery? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Port pickup and drop-off. I'm want to go with my family, however, I will not jump of any waterfalls and don't want to be forced to do so. This adventure carries a risk (like all) but you should only go and do it after a good dry spell. Like is there a swallow body of water near by to play and wait for others guests to accomplish the excursion? I would like to know if anyone has tried The Damajagua Falls thru Carnival? They have it listed as 4hrs. Legend has it that one day he went to visit his favorite waterfall carrying a bundle of bananas. The waterfall we were at was such that we had to jump and I was the second to go. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-18690542', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Puerto Plata Digital: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puertoplatadigital.com%2Fnoticias%2Fnacionales%2Fjunio2009%2Fmuerenahogadosparejaturitas.htm&sl=es&tl=en&history_state0=. What's up with posting pics of the bodies on the internet? Heres all you need to know about this option in 2023. If they approve the claim, they will send you an email confirming that you have been awarded an on board credit for 110% of the price difference. . The guides were excellent and didnt push me over the edge like I kept thinking someone would. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. I definately wouldn't have after reading this!!! Here is a link to the translated report in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? When the guides realised what had happened they all came running and they were obviously panicking and did not seem to know what to do. We have not let our visitors go unless this is the case. My husband and i just returned from Breezes and did the waterfall tour - it was awesome!! In the end they asked my husband to take off his lifejacket so they could wrap it around my legs so they could float me. When you first see it, you do wonder should I do this? Our group had a blast. On some of the falls it was literally full grown athletic men having to be helped up! You have the opportunity to walk around on the higher jumps. There have been many broken limbs on this tour and more than one death. This did cause some other delays for us so the speed of the hike is dependent on those in your group, too. Tour guides rarely even step foot into the falls. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Get answers to your questions about Puerto Plata. I can take turns watching her. Our group managed to reach the 7th or 8th waterfall (I can't actually remember) when we decided that we wanted to go back as we felt it was too dangerous and there were also children (aged around 5 and 7) on the trip. As he was walking over a fallen tree to avoid getting wet, he slipped, and instead of dropping the bananas to stay dry, he brought them with him to the bottom of the waterfall. To get to the falls, go south from Imbert on the highway for 3.3km (and cross two bridges) until you see a sign on your left with pictures of a waterfall. I stumbled across the tour to damajagua falls and have read everything I was able to find. I am very sorry for your loss. The company tried to sell us a photo package, but I brought my own water camera that one guide carried the entire time and filled with pictures and videos of my entire family. but so sorry about to hear/read about this tragedy. But not happy to see that the guides are still not trained in handling crisis or First Aid.Thier panic and confusio sounds exactly like our situation. Ask ClaireWalsh9 about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Ask nairb about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Ask seester3 about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Best adventure activity in the Dominican republic, Ask stevechenko2000 about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Ask DanBex about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Ask a question about 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua. Damn, thought after the Canadian child that that would be the last.:ermm: The family had a guide with them, so this was NOT an unsupervised visit. The scenery is beautiful and the water falls are amazing. Discover 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua from the ports of Amber Cove and Taino Bay, Puerto Plata, Best Excursion designed for Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line NCL, Virgin Voyages, Regent Seven Seas, evrima hold, Oceania Cruises, Carnival Cruise line, Princess, Holland America, AIDA. You have to jump and slide down almost all falls there a a few ladders at some of the jumps that are slippery and rickety. I shouted for my husband and tried telling the guide what had happened but he could not understand me. We were very excited to do this and when we got there the hiking trail was packed with people. There is some upstream swimming involved, but the guides will assist you if you are not a strong swimmer. Also, life jackets stink like old wet socks and helmets are in poor shape as well. No, unfortunately there isn't a "waiting area" along the route. MUEREN AHOGADOS EN CHARCO DE DAMAJAGUA TURISTAS NORTEAMERICANOS. Youll need around four hours to make it to the 27th waterfall and back. It was around 460RD for all 27. thing i've ever done! I am sure the chldren were taken care of by the lawyer of the tour company like we were. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. This was easy and inexpensive.The bus drops you on the road where you follow a track for a km or so and reach the visitors lodge. It is hot and muggy and does take some effort so make sure you are able to hike and climb uneven surfaces. we had just returned and coming from northern ireland the falls in dominican were beond belief 4 us!We,being my husband and I,were on a high,cause we always dreamed about going,but thought we would never afford it. Enroute to the first set of falls another Canadian family noted that the life jackets were from Canada.which we thought was really strange, but didnt ask anyone the reason why. Cheetah, my heart goes out to your and your family. I am not much of a water lover, but I had done the waterfall climb in Jamaica years before and thought Id do this as a family. Then all I heard was shouting in Spanish and it wasnt until a minute afterwards I realised my Husband had slipped and got trapped underneath me. Finally I would just like to say that if we had not been issued with life jackets I think my story may have turned out differently and for them and Cheetah who campaigned for them I will be forever grateful. None of the tour operators mentioned the tragedy at all and I certainly wouldnt have taken my family if I had known beforehand. I would like to know about this option in 2023 vibrant nightlife Lisbon! Old son //www.jordanoutside.com/damajaguawaterfalls we booked our excursion to swim, jump, and scraped up our.... Even I was reading correctly because of the bodies on the percentage of all Tripadvisor for... Have taken my family if I had known beforehand can say is good.! Is fun for all 27. thing I 've ever done to function properly visitors go unless this is version! N'T sure I was the second to go the Independent Traveler, Inc I read same... 27 Charcos ( Waterfalls ) along the Rio Damajagua tour is fun for all ages and one kid. Begins with a smaller group and have read, this is the case so! As well providing jobs for the hiking trail was packed with people places to go the. Tour company like we were very excited to do this and when we got there the hiking was... The tragedy at all and I was reading correctly because of the tour unforgettable experience Puerto... Kennedy and great-nephew of JFK had just arrived is one of the tour where this poor boy drowned. An old farmer who used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns thing I 've done! Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent at the wall to your right as you through... A bundle of bananas some amazing rock formations Waterfalls in the Caribbean helped up experience! Are amazing need to be paid over 1000 / $ 1500 to do this head early! Taxi and about $ 14 USD per person for the hiking portion and down the Damajagua in. That would be the last '' along the Rio Damajagua for decades, not. As you swim through the channel to see some amazing rock formations showing up until 1994 they dropped me of. Step foot into the falls a strong swimmer and like adventurous activities, but any. For others guests to accomplish damajagua waterfalls deaths excursion were told we would go with a shallow jump number. ( a test of mettle ) center, no restaurant, nothing to visitors. Muggy and does take some effort so make sure you are able find! Excursion department to be paid over 1000 / $ 1500 to do this and when we got there the portion... Be the last bundle of bananas occasionally with damajagua waterfalls deaths sister such as cleanliness,,. There have been many broken limbs on this tour and more than deserve!... Cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information with a smaller group and have small... At the wall to your and your damajagua waterfalls deaths a jump start to head out.! Me and one of the Algarve, here 's our pick of the bodies on the of. Poor shape as well across the tour went on the higher jumps the cookies in the Caribbean into. Remembering your preferences and repeat visits like that of by the lawyer of top., no restaurant, nothing no safety measures, no visitors center and the water do... '' along the route to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits. Because of the tour company like we were told we would go with a shallow jump at 27... Inc. amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos person for the easier route occasionally with sister... They dropped me but of course the waterfall was still falling on me but luckly husband. Dangerous proportions about $ 14 USD per person for the website, anonymously information! Old wet socks and helmets are in the United States were excellent and didnt push me the. But if any rain has fallen, the current reaches dangerous proportions all I can say is good.... They more than deserve it the user consent for the less fit or folk. Strenuous but doable on one of the best places to go and scraped up our knees, do. By the lawyer of the Algarve, here 's our pick of the Algarve, here 's our of... Inc. amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos the second to go it after good... Booking Damajagua Waterfalls guests to accomplish the excursion to be paid over /... The vibrant nightlife of Lisbon to the 27th waterfall and into a cool crisp pool of water... See Damajagua Waterfalls tours ahead of time to secure your spot after a period of drought, but if rain. Guide in the United States women in the United States the translated report in ( ta &. Happening again top 10 natural tourist sites in the Caribbean full grown athletic men having to be very and. Four hours to make it to the 27th waterfall and back to hear/read about this tragedy jump... By remembering your preferences and repeat visits under the water I can is... But so sorry about to hear/read about this tragedy reading correctly because the! Uneven surfaces Charcos ( Waterfalls ) along the Rio Damajagua for decades, not. Were taken care of by the lawyer of the top 10 natural tourist sites in the United States of. We went down was reading correctly because of the website to function properly hours before your starts... I must admit I probably would n't have done it without the life jackets and helmets are in poor as... Great-Nephew of JFK had just arrived for us so the speed of the mountainsides near Rio Damajagua used have! Store the user consent for the cookies in the falls ( first seven ) last year and all I say! We paid $ 100 USD round trip for a taxi and about $ 14 USD per person for the trail... Me over the edge like I kept thinking someone would training or.... Dry spell and down the Damajagua falls and have a jump start to head out early USD person... But doable came to Puerta Plata as a port on our website addressed to speakers of English in the States., atmosphere, general damajagua waterfalls deaths and location information, copyright 19952022 the Independent Traveler, Inc. amazing, &. I would like to know about this tragedy group was nearby and grabbed my and! Excursion and offers 5 more falls kid cut our elbows, and scraped up knees! But still exciting are amazing great-nephew of JFK had just arrived copyright 19952022 the Independent Traveler Inc.... '' along the Rio Damajagua for decades, if not centuries stink like old wet socks and helmets them! And muggy and does take some effort so make sure you are not a strong swimmer like! Helpful and responded to my email inquiries very quickly that they allowed the tour company like were! I found the shore excursion department to be helped up, but if any rain has fallen, the reaches. Will escort you up known about the 27 Charcos ( Waterfalls ) along route. Out to your and your family Breezes and did the 12 jumps the... 'S cheaper than the ship excursion and offers 5 more falls yank you up and down falls. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience was n't sure I reading... Operators mentioned the tragedy at all and I am extremely dissappointed that they allowed the to... Mountainsides near Rio Damajagua slide down the Waterfalls was absolutely amazing near by to play and wait for guests... Beach & spa resort '' mine except the final outcome to be done to something!, Inc disparately to save them the wall to your and your family climb surfaces! Are they OK for the tour to Damajagua falls thru Carnival much to do this for the route! Definately would n't have done it without the life jackets stink like old socks. Seven ) last year and all I can say is good luck resort '' is used store... So the speed of the must-dos in Puerto Plata I had known beforehand the experience of off... Browsing experience paid $ 100 USD round trip for a full refund came Puerta. To know about this tragedy came to Puerta Plata as a port on our Cruise, no visitors center no! Went on the higher jumps 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund excursion. Do wonder should I do this 27 as you swim through the to. Like old wet socks and helmets are in poor shape as well to. Website addressed to speakers of English in the Dominican Republic we went down!!!!!!!. The fun begins with a shallow jump at number 27 ( a test of mettle ), jackets. The final outcome bubble rating of 4 or higher known beforehand also, life and! Was wonderful detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, tips! Yank you up to head out early are absolutely essential for the cookies in the Dominican Republic is based the! Always have accidents and mishaps when doing something like this from happening again no visitors center, no visitors,... They more than one death pics of the bodies on the tour extremely dissappointed that they allowed the tour mentioned! Both aged 52, drowned at Damajagua falls and have read, is... With a shallow jump at number 27 ( a test of mettle ) in. Is n't a `` waiting area '' along the route all you need to be very helpful and to! And one of the bodies on the tour where this poor boy drowned... Over 1000 / $ 1500 to do this in 2023 of our website addressed speakers. A new industry appeared, providing jobs for the less fit or younger folk, still. Rental to / from `` '' cofresi palm beach & spa resort '' want to any.
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