Lifestyle Journeys with Nikki Z

This weekend, I travelled to a place called Island Gully Falls. Gully Falls is a derivative of the famous Blue Hole, located in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

Now, I have to advise you, if you have a high-end or low-riding vehicle, you should consider travelling by taxi or a chartered bus as the road to the falls is more like a very rocky trail than a drivable road or pathway. However, driving there is a major part of the excitement as you see various vendors selling their water shoes, towels and brownies (yes, brownies). When you arrive at the falls, you are instantly greeted by the various tour guides stationed for your safety. On my trip, I had the pleasure of having my tour led by Alex and Val, who went above and beyond to ensure that this journey was not only fun but safe as well.

As you enter Island Gully Falls, you are instantly greeted by the sight of visitors and tourists walking down a waterfall. Facing waters 25ft deep, visitors enjoy jumping or diving off this waterfall into the beautiful water below. Once they jump into the water, some persons swim around, while others wade over to the tire swing for added excitement.

Favourite highlights

Now, I don't know about you, but the tire swing is something I've watched so many times in movies but never tried. However, with the boosting of my handsome tour guides, the tire swing became one of my favourite highlights of Island Gully Falls. Another great feature is what is referred to as the 'Back Massage Pool'. This is where you can sit on the rocks as the natural pressure of the waterfalls massages your stress and back pains away. Well, at least for the moment; and that was a moment I wish I could have extended longer. Aaaaaaahh! Sweet tension release! Little did I know, the back massage I was given was only to relax me enough for what was to come. A 30ft-waterfall jump anyone?

Conquering your fears is important while you are climbing up a hill and looking down 30ft into the water below. If you watch the video webisode of my journey on www.jamaica-star.com, then you know the jump wasn't instant for me. I believe I saw my life and the lives of 100 strangers flashing before me, as my chest felt tighter and my legs weaker. Onlookers chanted 'jump, jump', while my head chanted 'run, run'. Once again, Val and Alex talked me through it and, eventually, several minutes later and after the biggest gulp of my Magnum Tonic Wine, I jumped. Simply amazing is the only description. Better than any rush I have ever felt from any amusement park ride.

I could write about this place forever but, instead, I suggest you take the trip to Island Gully Falls. The small entry fee is more than worth the connection you will have with mother nature. While there, make sure you take a moment to see the caves as well. I was a bit apprehensive with that part, but it was clear the tourists truly enjoyed it, sporting their GoPro cameras to catch all the wonderments inside.