Another Hidden Gem: Sunning Hill Waterfall St.Thomas
“I address you all tonight for who you truly are: wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers, and magicians. You are the true dreamers.”
― Brian Selznick,
After seeing a post on Instagram from Popcorn, a Jamaican dancehall artist at a gorgeous river in Sunning Hill St. Thomas. Immediately, I thought to myself, there must be a waterfall this side of St. Thomas. Reggae Fall is the only waterfall I’ve visited in St. Thomas. It was about time to explore another.
I spoke to Shevmedz, which is one of the most supportive persons on Instagram. I told him I wanted to visit the fall in Sunning Hill that I had no idea about.
He said he knew someone who would be will to be my tour guide. Well, I guess my instincts were on point, there is a waterfall in that area. I also spoke to downdiroadja and they also confirmed there is a waterfall but the hike was a bit challenging.
I called the number given to me by Shevmedz but it rang without an answer. So I decide to visit Joe Hut and Sanguinetti Waterfalls instead.
On July 18, 2020, I took a taxi to downtown Kingston for JMD 100.00. My journey ended exactly at the Morant Bay bus stop on Orange Street across from Saint William Grant Park.
The conductor decided to wait about half an hour for more passengers before heading to Morant Bay in St.Thomas. The cost was JMD 250.00.
When I got to Morant Bay, I made my way to the roundabout. I was told by a vendor selling ground provisions (Yam, Green Banana, Sweet Potatoes etc.) that’s where the Sunning Hill taxis are located.
I saw another vendor selling juices and snacks. She knew the taxi drivers pretty well. She told me I would get a taxi very soon but she was wrong, I decided to charter a taxi at a cost of JMD 1,000.00.
The driver was very informative. He told me the major towns we passed were Lysson, Retreat, Prospect, Leith Hall, Port Morant Airy Castle before reaching Sunning Hill. Also, I was given a brief history on St. Thomas. Not going to lie, I got my monies worth.
I called my tour guide Dwayne also known as Zapa D but no answer. So I called Shev and he gave me the correct number. I told him I was at the popular spot for the Unruly team. I began to eat my East Indian mango that I purchased downtown while I waited for Zapa D. Also, I took a few pictures of the famous Unruly spot.
He arrived and off we went to explore Sunning Hill Waterfalls. Zapa D is a great tour guide. He’s entertaining, helpful, informative and a native of the community. He’s very close to the Unruly team. He was featured in one of Popcorns music videos.
The hike was about half an hour. I had my bag pack with extra cash, battery pack, multiple swimwear, extra clothing, water shoe, medication, rubbing alcohol and snacks. Please note this is off the beaten path so there are no restrooms or changing rooms.
Another amazing location. I am always in awe of nature. I can count on the sounds of the river and the animals, the smell of the clean air and the perfect feeling the water gives on my skin. Very therapeutic. I had the river to myself yet again.
The waterfall wasn’t falling as I expected because of the drought. I was ok with it because it wasn't dried up.
I started capturing the environment. Zapa D was also my photographer. I must say, he’s pretty good at it. The hike back was much easier. He picked the herb leaf of life and Avocado which I carried for my dad. Also, I bought a Pineapple and picked the herb Cerasee. You can contact Zapa D at 876-440-4714 if you are interested in doing the hike to the fall.
1. Pineapple 2. Cerasee 3. Leaf of Life 4. Avocado
Sunning Hill River is perfect of picnics, group trips, or just to have alone time with nature.
I had to wait a few minutes for a taxi until I started to sleep. I must say the hike and sun got the best of me. But it was all worth it. I slept on the taxi to Morant Bay and the minivan from Morant Bay to Kingston. Continue scrolling for more amazing pictures of Sunning Hill Waterfall.
Do you need to escape from reality to recharge too? Would you put Sunning Waterfall on your getaway now on your list? Have you been to the popular Unruly spot on the river in the Sunning Hill community? Dying to here in the comments!