Amazing Outdoor Fun: The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, Dominican Republic

The most unforgettable excursion of my Dominican trip was the visit to the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Located east of Puerto Plata, the waterfalls represent one of the coolest possible activities in the area.

slide-waterfall
dominican-waterfall

What’s It Like to Experience the Dominican Republic Waterfalls?

When you arrive, you’ll be given a helmet, lifejacket, and rubber shoes. These are all necessary for safety reasons, and it’s nice that the facility provides them as part of your tour.

Before any of the aquatic fun begins, you’ll need to partake in a lengthy hike through the forest. Bring plenty of water, and be prepared for more than 30 minutes of walking.

The trek is mostly uphill, but it’s not super steep. The average person can certainly do it.

damajagua-hike
Hiking up to the start of the Dominican Republic waterfall slides.
hiking dominican republic waterfalls

Finally, you reach the first waterfall. Each of the 27 waterfalls is different. Some are just a small jump into a little pool of water. Others consist of sliding down natural water slides.

Sliding and Cliff Jumping Down the Falls

While most of the jumps are short jumps into shallow pools, the final jump at Damajagua is a big one.

It’s about 30 feet high, and almost feels like cliff jumping. While it’s a big jump, by that point you’ll be up for it after conquering the smaller jumps along the way.

waterfall slide cliff jumping

The site provides trained guides to take you through the waterfalls as you move through the forest. Because of the guides and the years of experience this company has, the overall waterfall experience is quite safe.

That said, expect to walk away with a couple bumps and bruises, maybe from knocking your elbow against one of the rocks or bouncing too hard on your butt while moving down one of the slides.

group dominican republic waterfall jumping
Our group prepares for the Dominican Republic waterfall jumping.
swim-waterfalls

Also be sure to bring a waterproof camera if you want to get pictures along the way. There is no place to store a camera here, and no way to keep it dry when you’re doing the waterfall jumps and slides.

You can easily ruin your phone if you don’t have it inside a waterproof case. Here’s a waterproof case on Amazon that I love for my water adventures. It has always kept my phone dry and safe.

ready-to-slide

Visiting the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

Here’s the official website, which lists their current prices. As of this writing, it’s 700 Dominican pesos (about $15 USD) for the full 27 waterfalls. The site is open from 8 am to 3 pm.

A taxi from the town will set you back an additional amount, though you can obviously split the cost with friends on your way there.

The site has a visitor center where you can learn about the waterfalls or grab a drink or bite to eat at the restaurant.

Give yourself at least four hours, and get there by early afternoon at the latest so you have time to complete the full course.

I was on the fence about going, but I’m so glad I did because it was one of the most fun outdoor activities I have ever had.

27-waterfalls-group

Among the 27 Dominican Republic waterfalls, a few stand out. One, called “La Tinajita,” is a 20-foot waterslide. The “Natural Pool” is one of the most scenic falls. And “The Last One” is the last jump, the one that is a 30-foot cliff jump into a large pool.

While you’re here in Puerto Plata, consider also checking out the Amber Museum, which displays dozens of insects frozen in amber millions of years ago. And ride the Teleferico cable car that travels to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres.

Would you try the waterfall jumping and swimming at Damajagua?