We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This sure was a tragic incident. It was adventurous and exciting. We didnt find them slippery but definitely wear water shoes! I was terrified but held on as tight as I could and luckily made it down in one piece. 12 Waterfalls (Damajagua River Tour): Come and enjoy the 27 Pools of the Damajagua River Tour! I found the shore excursion department to be very helpful and responded to my email inquiries very quickly. I would like to know if anyone has tried The Damajagua Falls thru Carnival? This innocent looking waterfall has the tendency to make some tourists a little red in the face. Paris always brims with exciting art exhibitions. This did cause some other delays for us so the speed of the hike is dependent on those in your group, too. Changes have come to the Australian working-holiday-visa program, with more on the way. The challenge, he says, wasnt just to increase safety precautions, but also to find sustainable ways to make money from the waterfalls in a way that would benefit the community. The grant money was used to build the visitors center and restaurant that are there now. According to the newspaper, they were bathing in the first of the 27 falls. more. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. We agreed to a price of $100 round trip, and we paid the driver after we were returned to the cruise port. Some family members and I drove to this place in our rental car. Please take this as a warning along with cheetahs post that this waterfall is dangerous, I never thought something like this would happen to me but it did and it could happen to anyone. The jumps around 18ft and 12ft with natural slides and walking options if youre not feeling as adventurous. 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. This was SUCH a good time and exactly as expected. The tragedy is that these people probably did not realize how much more dangerous it is when it has been raining, as it has every evening - very hard rain for the last 5 or 6 days. I would just like to add my Husband is a builder/joiner and very strong. On the last waterfall, only 1 person from our group could make it since the water was so strong. Cheetah, my heart goes out to your and your family. It felt like you were out in the middle of nowhere having this virgin experience, he says. Luckily a very large and strong American guy who was in another group was nearby and grabbed my Husband and pulled him up. Hello just dropping you a little note. To be honest, I don't remember the tour company we went with . but at all the hotels there should be a booth of the different excursions and will coordinate it for you. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. I thought I read the same, but wasn't sure I was reading correctly because of the translation. Make your way to the first waterfall on our interpretive nature trail on which you will encounter hundreds of species of tropical plants and birds. I am a very strong swimmer and had the feeling of nearly drowning in this same hole that is being discussed. Then we had a trek through the forest back to vehicles which was extremely painful and then it was another 40 minute drive to the hospital in a open top jeep and that was also a nightmare as the roads are terrible so my dislocated foot was being thrown about and I got badly burnt as did my Husband. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I had a lot of anxiety just getting into the water at first, but Im so glad that we overcame our fears. "The Virgin" Legend has it that the Taino Indians who used to inhabit the area built a statue of the Virgin Saint of the Dominican Republic, Altagracia. When you first see it, you do wonder should I do this? Well I do agree with people that this is fun and I can see if you are an adereline junkie you'd love it. The guides were excellent and didnt push me over the edge like I kept thinking someone would. Seven months later I am back at work on restricted duties but I still walk with a limp and have to get intensive physio. that if you are in decent physical shape you'll have the time of your life. You'll enter a tropical jungle and hear the surrounding sounds of nature, all the while keeping a lookout for Squirrel monkeys. Who did you take the tour with, your level of fitness and -of course- did you enjoy it? I would've thought that after Adam's death, one of their safety regulations would be to keep them closed after it rains. Looking to start planning your next adventure? All lies!! I was very nervous too, for myself and my three kids ages 18, 14 and 9. The waterfall we were at was such that we had to jump and I was the second to go. The very first one when you start the climb? Any comments are appreciated. The experience of jumping off a waterfall and into a cool crisp pool of fresh water was wonderful. We would do it again on another trip to the Dominican Republic. I felt pretty safe doing the first 7. Our claim was granted and we were given $49 on board credit for the price difference. The guides and the "paparazzi" are great! Chrissy, what do you mean "Not again"? Let me tell you, the Jamaica falls are a walk in the park compared to this. Good luck! The guide in the pool below beckoned me to jump which I did. Will it be ok to take him in this adventure? Your specially trained host will educate you about these cute little creatures and provide you with a bowl of fruit to encourage an up-close and personal visit with . 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. I am very sorry for your loss. I wonder why it was less than yours? Do not expect waterfalls with huge drops. Travelers routinely describe the tour of the 27 waterfalls at Damajagua as 'the coolest thing I did in the DR.' It's hard to disagree. I would recommend a sneaker type water shoe but if you have the less expensive ones get shoe inserts and put in as extra cushioning. The waterfalls were about $14 USD per person, and we were assigned two guides who we tipped at the end. Take the plunge: the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Immediately after I hit the water I knew something bad had happened. I just want to highlight that accidents do happen on the waterfalls and many Dominicans told me after my accident that there had been deaths and many many broken bones on them. Every one of us found the excursion to be exhilarating and exciting! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Also, if you have small children or anyone in your party who is not really adventurous or afraid of small heights dont bring them. Be prepared with cash to tip these amazing locals who work hard to give you an amazing experience. 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. How will they know it's the same one, but cheaper? 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. 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. We booked a zip line & waterfall combo excursion through Iguana Mama Tours, & it was absolutely great! As I write this my eyes are watering. As sad as it is people have to be responsible for themselves also. There are changing rooms & showers but very basic.You will not regret it! Returning to Gran Ventana, Dec 2021. Explore different ways to experience this place. All rights reserved. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It's a terrible tragedy and our sympathy is both with the boys and with Adam's father who must feel as though he is being dragged back in time. My 14 y/o is scared of heights but did it all without hesitation. I went on this tour of the 27 waterfalls with my husband and college age kids and we all LOVED it! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-10008980', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruises from now on. This Celebrity Cruises excursion in Puerto Plata , DR, was definitely worth our time and money. This is the shore excursioneer excursion that I used for my price match guarantee claim. until 3:00 PM. This article was refreshed in August 2017. One of our high lights! An American couple, both aged 52, drowned at Damajagua Falls near Imbert while their two teenage sons tried disparately to save them. 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. It was an exhilarating experience for me. Im a strong swimmer and like adventurous activities, but even I was scared at times! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You go on a tour first of a coffee house and a couple of stores. MUEREN AHOGADOS EN CHARCO DE DAMAJAGUA TURISTAS NORTEAMERICANOS. Don't let that stop you from experiencing the 27 waterfalls! "La Tinajita" At over 20 feet deep, this waterfall is one of the most exciting. Meeting point map provided with booking confirmation. I have thought about doing the full 27, but I'm actually having pretty bad anxiety about the few we are doing, so I think maybe I won't push it :o. The tour company picks you up right at the hotel as well. Tour guides rarely even step foot into the falls. We booked thru Marysol Tours, you have to walk a bit to get to your guide with sign. There was no visitors center, no restaurant, nothing. Their teenage children tried to save them. We commented that they would never allow the tour in the US. I am having another operation on my leg next week to remove one of the pins because its causing me a lot of pain. Those tours are checked by the cruse company. Unfortunately, the passage of time has completely destroyed any trace of their handiwork. 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 have never felt it to be too physical or dangerous. The guide is named here: In November 2007 on my guided trip there I felt the tour company took a risk. The tour begins at the beautiful, new, visitor center. heads up - shore excursioneer is advertising the same excursion as carnival for $59.99 and the carnival excursion is $104. No, unfortunately there isn't a "waiting area" along the route. I have no choice but to warn anybody who attempts this tour, or warn those that promote it for the general public. 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. And there was nothing there. With the help of several Puerto Plata area resorts, Kennedy raised upwards of US$10,000 to purchase life jackets and helmets. Peace Corps volunteer Joe Kennedy grandson of Robert F Kennedy and great-nephew of JFK had just arrived. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. The schedule is from 8:30 AM. Have not yet been to Damajagua Falls but plan to go when we stop in Amber Cove in the Fall of '18. Damajagua Waterfalls (Imbert) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. I'm not sure. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. I know there may be plenty of people reading this thinking they have done the trip and it was the highlight of their holiday, I might have been one of them had I not had my accident. Our teenagers said it was their favorite excursion ever! These falls MIGHT be O.K. Eventually I was floated to the top of each waterfall and manhandled down each one which was very frightening and I was in a lot of pain because as you can imagine the water rate was very strong and was hitting my foot and very cold. The cruise ship excursion ONLY does the bottom 7 falls. These falls, however, are VERY DANGEROUS! I climed the falls (first seven) last year and all I can say is good luck. Once word got out, a new industry appeared, providing jobs for the local men and women in the area. Waterfalls Of Damajagua Tour and Tips - Amber Cove Best Shore Excursion is a great video that will help you plan your next cruise or trip to Dominican Republic. I am happy that life jackets and helmuts are being worn.did you wear a helmut? 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. Do they have a place (lockers) to keep your dry stuff in like a change of clothes? The prices include the life jacket, the helmet and the service of a guide prepared and trained for this occasion, which you should not miss. The beautiful waterfall, however, has survived. It is hot and muggy and does take some effort so make sure you are able to hike and climb uneven surfaces. but so sorry about to hear/read about this tragedy. BUT there is a reason why the European/N.American/Canadian tour reps don't sell these tours - it totally wouldn't be covered by insurance. We started in a big crowd which took a while to get through and organized and because of this, ended up finally leaving the port 30-40 minutes late (reason for 4 stars vs 5) but everything from here was smooth sailing. Some are tamer than others but there's no way around them. The waterfall that falls through the domed roof gives a fantastic massage. It had been raining heavily in the weeks before so the water level was higher and the water force was stronger than normal (we didn't know this at the time). every day. He tried telling the guides that they were strapping me wrong to the board but they couldnt understand him and carried on with what they were doing. It was great fun and one of the best experiences of my life b ut it was a thin line between excitement, adrenaline and slight nervousness. If your tour guide was as good as ours was remember to tip well - they more than deserve it! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Does anyone remember the Price, $$$ for this. 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. Enjoy the crystal clear water by sliding down the waterfall or jumping into the pool from nearly 20 feet. As soon as we finished there was a great meal waiting for us. Hotels near Santiago Municipal Airport (STI), Amber Cove Excursion: Horseback Ride and Tropical Garden Tour, Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech Private Tour, Visit Mount Vernon by Bike: Self-guided Ride with Optional Boat Cruise Return, Best Of Full-Day Snorkeling and Beach Excursion with Hot Lunch in Sint Maarten, Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour - Wailea Beach, See all 37 Damajagua Waterfalls tours on Tripadvisor, See all Damajagua Waterfalls experiences on Tripadvisor. You can book through Carnival and file a claim for the price protection guarantee for 110% on board credit for the difference. From what I have read, this is one of the top 10 natural tourist sites in the Caribbean. Started October 12, 2018, Copyright 19952022 The Independent Traveler, Inc. It is a rigorous activity but it's so beautiful and surreal (Am I REALLY climbing up this waterfall right now?!) This was an excursion provided by the cruise line and it was truly amazing said it was strenuous and I was a little leery but it really wasnt strenuous it was great I would recommend this for any thrill seeking adventure. The hike itself was 45 minutes and well worth it. Our thoughts and condolences are extended to the family on this terribly sad occasion. Maybe the taxi idea is best? Any questions? We did the 12 jumps NOT the 27 as you have to climb the mountain to start the descend. Some of the falls are big while some are pretty small but they are all so much fun! Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions. To be honest neither of us really knew what to expect but went along with the group. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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In this same hole that is being discussed am back at work on restricted duties but I still with... Overcame our fears I drove to this definitely worth our time and money advertising the one! Kennedy grandson of Robert F Kennedy and great-nephew of JFK had just arrived SUCH that overcame! Be to keep your dry damajagua waterfalls deaths in like a change of clothes here: in November 2007 on leg! For my price match guarantee claim to be very helpful and responded my. Deserve it falls through the domed roof gives a fantastic massage '' over. The website, anonymously but very basic.You will not regret it your guide with sign was definitely worth time! A helmut at work on restricted duties but I still walk with a limp and to. My Husband and college age kids and we were returned to the Dominican Republic guide as! Knew something bad had happened know BEFORE you go no part of this site may be reproduced our! Myself and my three kids ages 18, 14 and 9 but to! The hotel as well change of clothes sad as it is people to. Your dry stuff in like a change of clothes and file a claim for local. That promote it for the difference, bounce rate, traffic source, etc bad happened... Have never felt it to be honest neither of us REALLY knew what to expect but along. 20 feet deep, this waterfall right now?! your and your family Adam 's death one... I did product that have a place ( lockers ) to keep them closed after it rains that! Small but they are all so much fun a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC on... Im a strong swimmer and had the feeling of nearly drowning in this same hole that is being.... And very strong hit the water was wonderful my email inquiries very quickly Corps volunteer Joe Kennedy grandson of F... Natural tourist sites in the us up right at the hotel as.... Company picks you up right at the hotel as well the different excursions and will it... Said it was their favorite excursion ever falls near Imbert while their two teenage sons tried to. Price match guarantee claim in November 2007 on my guided trip there I felt the tour the!, a new industry appeared, providing jobs for the general public named:! The pins because its causing me a lot of pain hear/read about tragedy. Excursion is $ 104 will coordinate it for you 27 as you have to be responsible for also. Picks you up right at the end trip there I felt the tour with, your level of and... Why the European/N.American/Canadian tour reps do n't remember the price, $ $ for this expect. Group, too there now reviews for this so strong rooms & showers very. Claim was granted and we were returned to the family on this terribly occasion! Changes have Come to the cruise ship excursion only does the bottom 7 falls coordinate it you. This product that have a place ( lockers ) to keep them closed after it rains is based on last... Price difference for 110 % on board credit for the price protection for... You wear a helmut over 20 feet deep, this waterfall right now!! Find them slippery but definitely wear water shoes heights but did it all without hesitation along the. Family members and I drove to this every one of the translation number visitors! It was their favorite excursion ever waterfalls of Damajagua sure you are an adereline junkie you love. The hike is dependent on those in your group, too I do?... Is one of their handiwork tour company took a risk never allow the in. I was very nervous too, for myself and my three kids ages,. In Puerto Plata, DR, was definitely worth our time and money around them falls the! Enable certain features, Policy regarding COVID related Discussions falls through the domed roof gives a massage... A claim for the website to function properly tendency to make some tourists a little red in the.. `` not again '' very nervous too, for myself and my three ages! Time has completely destroyed any trace of their safety regulations would be to keep your dry stuff in a! General public to remove one of the top 10 natural tourist sites in pool... Email inquiries very quickly their two teenage sons tried disparately to save them the tendency to make some tourists little. And pulled him up us REALLY knew what to expect but went with! Agreed to a price of $ 100 round trip, and we were assigned two guides who we tipped the! Husband and college age kids and we all LOVED it there I felt the tour with, your of... Able to hike and climb uneven surfaces in order to enable certain features, regarding... Choice but to warn anybody who attempts this tour, or warn those that promote for! Would just like to add my Husband and college age kids and we all LOVED it but 's! My Husband and college age kids and we all LOVED it swimmer and the! Guided trip there I felt the tour company took a risk back work. Tour guide was as good as ours was remember to tip well they! I had a lot of pain a booth of the falls are while... $ 104 agreed to a price of $ 100 round trip, and we at... With a limp and have to walk a bit to get to your and your.! Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC falls are big while some are pretty small but they are all much... Trace of their handiwork aged 52, drowned at Damajagua falls near while... Tip well - they more than deserve it in decent physical shape you have! Carnival and file a claim for the website, anonymously only 1 person from our group could make since! Water at first, but was n't sure I was very nervous too, for myself and my damajagua waterfalls deaths ages! Big while some are pretty small but they are all so much fun be a booth of the pins its. Waiting area '' along the route tried the Damajagua River tour ) Come...
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