It’s the question we hear most often from cruise passengers: “Is 27 Waterfalls really worth it?” After guiding thousands of visitors through Damajagua, we can give you an honest, detailed answer.
The Short Answer
Yes, for most visitors, 27 Waterfalls is absolutely worth it. It consistently ranks as the top-rated excursion in Puerto Plata and offers an experience you genuinely cannot replicate anywhere else in the Caribbean. However, it’s not for everyone, and understanding what’s involved will help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Makes It Special
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua are a geological wonder formed over millions of years. The Damajagua River carved through limestone rock, creating a series of pools, cascades, and natural slides. What makes this experience unique is how you explore them: by jumping, sliding, and swimming your way down the mountain.
Unlike viewing waterfalls from a distance, here you become part of the landscape. You’ll jump from heights ranging from 2 to 25 feet into deep pools of crystal-clear water. You’ll slide down natural rock chutes polished smooth by centuries of water flow. You’ll swim through caverns and float in pools surrounded by lush tropical forest.
This interactive element transforms a nature tour into an adventure that stays with you long after you’ve dried off.
Difficulty Level: What to Expect
The full 27 waterfall experience requires good physical condition and takes about 2 hours of climbing and descending. However, most tours offer flexible options. You can choose to climb to waterfall 7, 12, or 27 depending on your fitness level and comfort with heights.
The climb up is the most physically demanding part, following a trail through the forest with some steep sections. The descent through the waterfalls is guided, and experienced guides help you navigate each jump and slide safely. You’ll wear a helmet and life jacket throughout.
Can you skip jumps? Absolutely. Alternative routes exist for most waterfalls, so you can choose your level of adventure at each stop.
Who Should Go
The 27 Waterfalls are perfect for adventure seekers, active families with children over 8, couples looking for a memorable shared experience, and anyone who loves swimming and being in nature. If you’re reasonably fit and comfortable in water, you’ll likely love this excursion.
Who Should Skip It
This excursion isn’t recommended for those with limited mobility or joint problems, anyone uncomfortable in water or unable to swim, visitors with severe fear of heights, pregnant women, or those with serious heart conditions. The hike and physical nature of the experience require a baseline level of fitness.
Practical Considerations
The tour takes about 4-5 hours including transportation from Amber Cove or Taino Bay. Wear water shoes or secure sandals that can get wet, and bring only waterproof items. Most tours include lunch, water, and all safety equipment. Book in advance during cruise season as group sizes are limited.
The Verdict
27 Waterfalls offers something genuinely rare: an adventure that’s thrilling but accessible, natural but well-organized, and memorable in ways that typical tourist attractions simply aren’t. The combination of physical activity, natural beauty, and unique experience makes it worth the trip for the vast majority of visitors.
If you’re on the fence, go. You’re unlikely to regret jumping into those crystal-clear pools.
