I went on a waterfall jumping tour in the Dominican Republic, even though I’m scared of heights and my husband Tony couldn’t come with me. The excursion took us to Domagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata, where our group of 18 people rode in an open-air bus through town and into the lush mountains. After getting our gear and lockers set up at the park entrance, we started what turned into a challenging hike up endless stairs in the heat and humidity.

The climb was harder than I expected, but I made amazing friends who helped me through it. Joe, Deanna, Missy, Payton, Sean, and Shelley from Illinois stayed with me at the back of the group, carried my gear, and kept me going with water and encouragement. We eventually made it to the waterfalls where we slid down three different falls, jumped off platforms, and swam in cold mountain pools while photographers captured every moment.

Key Takeaways

• The Domagua Waterfalls tour includes a challenging uphill hike followed by sliding and jumping down three waterfalls in Puerto Plata.
• Helpful strangers on the tour became friends who provided support and encouragement during the difficult parts of the journey.
• The photo package is worth buying if you don’t want to worry about bringing your own camera through the water.

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I Almost Turned Back… Then THIS Happened (Damajagua Falls) #MSCWorldAmerica #CruiseLife

I went on a waterfall jumping tour in the Dominican Republic, even though I’m scared of heights and my husband Tony couldn’t come with me. The excursion took us to Domagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata, where our group of 18 people rode in an open-air bus through town and into the lush mountains. After getting our gear and lockers set up at the park entrance, we started what turned into a challenging hike up endless stairs in the heat and humidity.

The climb was harder than I expected, but I made amazing friends who helped me through it. Joe, Deanna, Missy, Payton, Sean, and Shelley from Illinois stayed with me at the back of the group, carried my gear, and kept me going with water and encouragement. We eventually made it to the waterfalls where we slid down three different falls, jumped off platforms, and swam in cold mountain pools while photographers captured every moment.

Key Takeaways

• The Domagua Waterfalls tour includes a challenging uphill hike followed by sliding and jumping down three waterfalls in Puerto Plata.
• Helpful strangers on the tour became friends who provided support and encouragement during the difficult parts of the journey.
• The photo package is worth buying if you don’t want to worry about bringing your own camera through the water.

Preparing for Your Journey

Gathering with Fellow Adventurers

We started our day at the end of the pier in the shore excursion waiting area. Our group was number 14, and there were only 18 people total joining us for the waterfalls adventure.

While we waited together, someone passed around a tablet. We each took turns filling out and signing a waiver form on it.

After we all signed our waivers, the staff put identifying wristbands on each of us. Then we were ready to head to our ride.

What We Brought and Left in Storage

When we arrived at the park entrance, our tour guide explained what happens next. We needed to get a locker that cost $10, and they accepted card, cash, or Apple Pay.

The guide told us to put expensive equipment in the lockers. A photographer would be with our group taking photos and videos, so we didn’t need to worry about capturing everything ourselves.

We left our smartwatch behind completely to avoid any damage. The only item we brought was a waterproof action camera with a strap secured around our wrist and a floating handle.

If you want to bring a camera or phone:

• Make sure it has a strap
• The water moves fast
• You cannot see the bottom
• Items can easily get lost

The park also had a place to rent water shoes if we didn’t bring the right footwear.

What they gave us:

Item	Purpose
Life jacket	Safety in the water
Helmet	Head protection
Two water bottles	Staying hydrated
Locker key	Zip-tied to vest so it wouldn’t get lost

We put all our belongings in the locker and got our water shoes on. After they gave us our life jackets, helmets, and water, we were geared up.

We took bathroom breaks before heading down the trail. Then we were ready to start our adventure.

The Journey Inland by Bus

Riding in an Open Air Vehicle

We weren’t on a typical large tour bus for this excursion. Our group of 18 people got to ride in an open air bus instead. The weather was perfect that day, and we enjoyed the breeze as we traveled.

Driving Through Town

As we drove through the main parts of town, we saw so many different sights. There were fruit vendors set up along the streets and chicken stands serving food. We passed stores and all kinds of businesses you could think of. People were riding their mopeds everywhere, just going about their normal day.

A few miles from Tano Bay port, we drove past Amber Cove. This is where Carnival Corporation ships dock when they visit the Dominican Republic. We couldn’t see much of it from the road, but we had been there before and knew it was quite beautiful.

Moving Into the Countryside

After we passed Amber Cove, everything around us changed completely. The scenery became much more rural with beautiful features all around us:

• Lush green valleys
• Wide rivers flowing through the land
• Giant mountains in the distance

We were clearly headed inland and away from the beach areas. At one point during the drive, we passed a big mountain. Our tour guide pointed it out and told us that was what we were going to climb. From the bus, it didn’t look too bad.

After about 40 minutes of driving, we turned off the main road. We drove onto a bumpy driveway that led to the main entrance of the park.

Getting to the Park

Storing Items and Safety Instructions

Once we pulled into the park entrance, our tour guide explained what would happen next. We needed to get a locker for $10. The park accepted card, cash, or Apple Pay for payment.

We were told to put any expensive equipment in the locker. A photographer traveled with our group to capture candid shots, posed photos, and videos of us going down the water slides or jumping.

We decided not to bring our smartwatch because we didn’t want it to get damaged. The only thing we brought was our waterproof action camera with a strap secured around our wrist and a floating handle just in case.

Important requirements for personal cameras or phones:

• Must have a secure strap attached
• Water moves fast in the park
• You cannot see the bottom of the water

The park also had a place to rent water shoes if we didn’t bring the right footwear.

Getting Our Safety Equipment

After we placed our belongings in the locker and had proper shoes on, the staff gave us a life jacket. They used a zip tie to attach our locker key to the vest so it wouldn’t get lost.

They also provided us with:

• A helmet
• Two bottles of water

We put on all our gear and took bathroom breaks before heading down the trail.

Keeping Your Valuables Safe

We wanted to make sure our expensive items stayed protected during the waterfalls tour. The locker rental was essential for this.

If we chose to bring a camera or phone on the trail, we needed to make sure it had a strap. The water conditions made it easy to lose items. The current was strong and the water wasn’t clear enough to see the bottom.

We found the photo package option useful because it meant we didn’t have to worry about our own equipment. The photographer was assigned just to our group, which meant better coverage. The package cost about $55 and included footage of us going down the slides.

This option worked well for us because it removed the stress of protecting another item during the tour.

Walking to the Falls

What We Saw and Faced on the Trail

The trail started on a wide dirt path with large rocks stuck in the ground. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t terrible either. We thought this would be easy.

We walked over a large metal bridge that crossed a riverbed. The river was very wide. Some water flowed on the far side, but buggies also used this path. Our photographers took pictures of everyone on the bridge.

After the bridge, the real hiking started. We could handle the trail at first by changing our step length and angle. A family of chickens in the forest seemed to cheer us on.

Then we hit the stairs. We don’t remember reading anything about stairs before the trip. This was a problem.

Climbing Up Endless Steps

The stairs felt like they would never end. The heat and humidity made everything harder. We carried our life jacket, helmet, two water bottles, and camera while trying to keep up with the group.

Someone next to us said we needed to take off our long-sleeved shirt. We wore a rash guard over our bikini top. We didn’t want to burn or get scraped, and we really didn’t want to walk around in just our bikini top. But they were right about the heat.

We waited for the group to stop so we could take off some layers. While huffing up the stairs, we heard someone say, “Don’t worry, you got some first responders here with you. We’ll make sure you make it.”

That’s how we made new friends. Missy told us to drink water as soon as we reached the first break spot. The area even had benches. We took off our vest and rash guard. The humidity made us forget about being modest.

Joe offered to carry our helmet and vest. This left us with only our camera and rash guard. Joe and his wife Deanna gave us support and encouragement to keep going. Sean, Shelley, Missy, and Payton also helped us out.

We know we would have had to turn back without their help. Our Illinois crew stayed with us at the back of the pack.

Drinking Water and Pushing Forward

Our new friends reminded us to keep drinking water. We did, and we made it to the top.

We had to put our vests and helmets back on once we got to the waterfalls. We were going in the water soon, so that felt okay. But first, we went down a lot of stairs. Way down.

The stairs were all wooden. Most had a small strip of rubber to reduce slipping, but this also made them a little hard to walk down. We could hear zip lines through the trees and other people talking. We were getting close to the end.

We found ourselves in a giant line at the top of the first fall. We caught up to all the other groups and waited our turn. About 10 minutes later, we climbed down a ladder into the water. Joe stayed below us the whole time to make sure we didn’t fall off.

The water was cold. Really cold. But that was okay. The photographers took more photos before we went down the first small waterfall. We watched people go before us. It didn’t look too bad.

We crossed our arms and followed directions. The water was way deeper and colder than we imagined, but we made it without getting hurt. Missy and Deanna stayed near us to make sure we were okay. We couldn’t always see Joe, but we knew he watched us the whole time.

Making Friends Along the Way

Helpful Companions and Support

We struggled on those endless stairs in the heat and humidity. Our life jacket, helmet, water bottles, and camera weighed us down as we tried to keep up with the group.

That’s when fellow travelers noticed our struggle. One person told us to take off our long-sleeved rash guard because of the heat. Another reassured us that first responders were in the group and would make sure we made it.

Our new friends helped us in these ways:

• Missy encouraged us to drink water at the first break with benches
• Joe offered to carry our helmet and vest
• Joe and his wife Deanna gave us support and encouragement to keep going
• They stayed with us at the back of the pack

We wouldn’t have made it without them. We’re grateful to our Illinois crew: Joe, Deanna, Sean, Shelley, Missy, and Payton. They stayed with us the whole time and reminded us to keep drinking water.

Joe stayed below us on the ladder to make sure we didn’t fall off. Missy and Deanna stayed near us to check that we were okay. We couldn’t always see Joe, but we knew he was watching out for us.

Together Through the Waterfalls

Our new friends gave us warnings and tips as we went down each waterfall. Deanna warned us to push off from the wall after the slide because the water spits you out right next to it. We were glad she did because the water was turbulent there.

We got video footage of our friends going down the waterfalls too. We all rested together in the final pool at the bottom of the last waterfall. The water was cold and not clear, but it felt nice after the long journey.

The walk back took about 10 minutes with more stairs. We got to know our new friends better during this shorter walk. We talked as we walked along the riverbank and under the trees.

Later that evening, we ran into the crew again. We properly thanked them and introduced them to Tony.

Getting Into the Waterfalls

Starting in the Water

We finally made it to the bottom of all those stairs. It was time to put our life jackets and helmets back on.

At the top of the first waterfall, we joined a long line with other groups. We waited about 10 minutes for our turn. Then we climbed down a ladder into the water with Joe staying below to make sure we didn’t fall off.

The water was really cold. It was much colder than we expected. We took some photos before going down the first and smallest waterfall.

What we got before entering:

• Life jacket with locker key zip-tied to it
• Helmet
• Two bottles of water

We watched people go before us. It didn’t look too bad. We crossed our arms like they told us to and went down. The water was way deeper and colder than we imagined, but we made it through just fine.

Going Down the Falls and Jumping

The second waterfall was longer than the first. We were told to cross our arms and say “Wakanda forever” as we went down. The guides were funny and helpful, but they kept everyone moving quickly.

At the next waterfall, we had two choices:

• Take the ladder down to the slide
• Jump off a platform

We decided to use the slide instead of jumping. We weren’t quite ready for that jump yet. The slide spit us out right next to the wall and the water was really rough. We had to push away from the wall quickly because of how turbulent the water was.

Getting up the slippery rocks at the exit was hard. We had to be careful with our footing.

Moving Through Rocks and Water

The last waterfall ended in a much larger pool. We could sit and rest in the cold water for a while. The water wasn’t clear at all, but it still felt nice after all that hiking.

We needed to watch every step carefully. There were large and small rocks everywhere that we couldn’t see under the water. Someone could easily roll an ankle if they weren’t careful.

The water moved fast and we couldn’t see the bottom anywhere. This is why they required everyone to wear life jackets and use wrist straps for cameras or phones.

After the falls were done, we walked back for about 10 minutes. The walk had more stairs but no hills. We followed trails and small staircases along the riverbank and under the trees. Once we got back, we turned in our life jackets and helmets and removed our locker keys.

Capturing Memories

Professional Photography Services

We didn’t bring much with us on this adventure. Our tour guide explained the photography setup before we even entered the park. A dedicated photographer stays with our group throughout the entire experience.

They capture candid shots and posed photos of everyone. They also film video footage of us going down the water slides and jumping off platforms. The photographer focuses only on our group, so we get plenty of coverage.

We left our expensive gear in the locker. One of us brought a waterproof action camera with a wrist strap and floating handle, but that was it. We didn’t even wear smartwatches because of potential damage.

Deciding on the Photo Bundle

The photo package cost about $55. We purchased it after turning in our vests and helmets at the end.

We had some footage from our own camera, but we hoped the professional photographer caught us going down the slides. They did. The package was worth every penny.

Why we recommend the photo package:

• We didn’t have to worry about carrying extra equipment
• The photographer captured moments we couldn’t get ourselves
• We received high-quality photos and videos
• Our hands stayed free during the entire climb and descent

We were impressed with the quality and variety of shots they took.

Taking Your Own Equipment

We can bring our own camera or phone on the tour. The guides require a secure strap if we do. The water moves fast and we can’t see the bottom.

We need to put any expensive equipment in a locker before starting. Lockers cost $10 and accept card, cash, or Apple Pay. They zip tie the locker key to our life vest so it doesn’t get lost.

If we bring our own gear, we have one more thing to worry about during the hike and water activities. Our waterproof camera had both a wrist strap and a floating handle for extra security.

Coming Back to Port

Looking Back on Our Journey

We all know heights aren’t our thing. So how did we end up jumping off waterfalls without our emotional support person? That’s the wild story of our day at Domagua Waterfalls in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The adventure started normal enough. We met at the pier in the shore excursion area with our group number 14. While waiting, we filled out waiver forms on a tablet that got passed around. Once everyone signed and got their wristbands, we headed to our ride.

We expected a big bus like usual. Instead, we got an open air bus. There were only 18 people in our group, so a smaller ride made sense. The weather was perfect and the breeze felt great.

Making Connections Along the Way

We made some amazing friends on this trip. During the hike up those endless stairs, we were really struggling. The heat and humidity were no joke. We were huffing and puffing when someone said, “You need to take that long-sleeved shirt off.”

We didn’t want to walk around in just our bikini top. But it was too hot to keep our rash guard on. While we were trying to catch up to the group, we heard, “Don’t worry, you got some first responders here with you. We’ll make sure you make it.”

That’s when we met our Illinois crew:

• Joe and his wife Deanna
• Sean and Shelley
• Missy and Payton

Missy encouraged us to drink water at our first break. Joe offered to carry our helmet and vest. That left us with just our camera and rash guard to worry about.

Joe and Deanna gave us the support we needed to keep going. They stayed at the back of the pack with us. We honestly would have turned back without their help.

They reminded us to keep drinking water. They stayed near us in the water to make sure we were okay. Deanna even warned us about the wall at the bottom of one slide so we didn’t slam into it.

We can’t thank them enough. They saw we were in distress and stepped up to help a stranger. That kind of kindness means everything.

What Future Visitors Should Know

If you’re planning to visit Domagua Waterfalls, here’s what you need to know:

What to Bring:

• Water shoes or appropriate footwear
• $10 for a locker (they take card, cash, or Apple Pay)
• A camera with a strap if you want photos (optional)

What They Provide:

• Life jacket
• Helmet
• Two bottles of water
• Locker for your belongings

We didn’t bring our smartwatch because we didn’t want it damaged. The only thing we had was our waterproof action camera with a strap around our wrist and a floating handle. If you bring a camera or phone, make sure it has a strap. The water moves fast and you can’t see the bottom.

Don’t underestimate the hike. The trail starts easy but gets much harder. There are stairs that seem to never end. It’s hot and humid, so dress in layers you can remove.

The photo package cost about $55. We think it was totally worth it. The photographer got great shots of everyone going down the slides. If you don’t want to worry about your own camera, this is a good option. The photographer was just for our group, so we got plenty of photos.

Tips for the waterfalls themselves:

1. Cross your arms when going down slides
2. Push off from walls at the bottom where needed
3. Watch your step on rocks you can’t see
4. Take your time getting out of the water
5. Listen to your guides

The guides were great. They were funny, helpful, and encouraging. They kept the line moving but made sure everyone was safe.

The walk back takes about 10 minutes. Yes, there are more stairs. But it’s shorter than the hike up and there are no big hills.

Once back at the starting point, we turned in our vest and helmet. They removed our locker key from the vest. Then we got back on the open air bus for the 40-minute ride back to Tano Bay. The breeze felt amazing on our soaking wet clothes and helped them dry.

We were apparently almost an hour late getting back. We met up with Tony and gave him a quick rundown of what happened. Then we headed to the ship to shower, change, and get food. That kind of adventure really works up an appetite.

Later that evening, we ran into our new friends again. We were able to properly thank them and introduce them to Tony. Making those connections turned a challenging day into an unforgettable one.

Reflections and Community

Growth and Appreciation

We made it through something we never thought possible. Heights aren’t our thing, and stairs definitely aren’t either. But we pushed through with help from people who became friends.

The heat and humidity almost made us turn back. We were struggling on those endless stairs. But then Joe, Deanna, Missy, Payton, Sean, and Shelley stepped in to help.

What our Illinois crew did for us:

• Reminded us to drink water at every stop
• Carried our helmet and vest when we couldn’t anymore
• Stayed at the back of the pack with us
• Gave us encouragement when we wanted to quit
• Made sure we didn’t fall off the ladder into the water

We can’t express how grateful we are. Without them, we would have had to turn back. They saw someone in distress and chose to help instead of moving ahead with the group.

This experience taught us that we’re capable of more than we think. We just need the right people around us.

Come Along With Us

We share these adventures so others can see what these excursions are really like. The good parts, the hard parts, and everything in between.

We want you to know what to expect before you book. Not every tour is easy, but some challenges are worth it. We got amazing photos and videos from the photographer for about $55. We also got footage on our waterproof action camera with the wrist strap and floating handle.

Things we learned that might help you:

• Lockers cost $10 and accept card, cash, or Apple Pay
• Water shoes are available to rent if needed
• Leave expensive equipment in the locker
• Bring a camera strap if you want to take your own photos
• The life jacket and helmet are provided
• Two bottles of water come with your gear

The open air bus ride back felt incredible after being soaking wet. The breeze helped dry our clothes during the 40-minute trip. We were about an hour late getting back, but it was worth every minute.