Somerset Falls

The Daniels River runs through a gorge of limestone thick with bamboo, ferns and hanging vines on the north coast west of Port Antonio, and the site is arranged as a short sequence: a walk up through gardens past a swimmable pool, then a small boat that carries you a short way up the gorge between rock walls to the Hidden Falls, a chute of water dropping into a deep pool at the end of the cleft. Strong swimmers can get in there and swim under the fall. It is small, takes about an hour, and works well as a stop on the north coast road rather than a destination on its own.

What you actually see

• The Hidden Falls - reached by boat through the narrow rock cleft.
• The gorge - limestone walls hung with ferns, vines and bamboo.
• The swimming pool - below the gardens on the way up.
• The gardens - planted grounds along the river.

When to go

December to April is drier and the water clearest. It takes about an hour, so it fits into a drive along the north coast. Mornings avoid the tour groups. Heavy rain closes the boat section.

Honest expectations

It is small and heavily commercialised for its size, with entry, boat and photographs each handled separately. The boat ride is a few minutes long. After rain the water is brown and the fall loses its appeal. Guides expect tips.

Nearby

Port Antonio is 25 minutes east; the Blue Lagoon is beyond it.