The Healing Power of Nature at YS Falls, Jamaica’s Natural Beauty Gem
“It is the fairest island eyes have beheld; mountainous and the land seems to touch the sky.”
Christopher Columbus, 1494
When you find yourself on the beautiful island of Jamaica, you might feel overwhelmed like Christopher Columbus with the lush nature hitting your senses in ways you never thought possible. A fabulous way to wind down is a visit to YS Falls.
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Backstory
Jamaica is full of beautiful falls and YS is no exception. Legend has it that the name came from a combination of the initials of the two original owners, or the word “”wyess” the Gaelic word for “winding”.
Located on the south coast of the island, YS Falls is the modest cousin to the more braggadocious Dunn’s river Falls The YS River works its way down the falls towards the Black River. Waterfalls are always magical places, with the free flowing pristine waters. If a journey down a scenic vertical drop appeals to your sense of adventure, YS Falls in Jamaica is one beautiful drop.
One of the most fascinating elements of any tourist tour in Jamaica is the journey, along the way you will see and feel the rhythm of life that is so vital to the country. The pace may seem slow, but the people know how to harness their energy, don’t forget the unbeatable athletes nurtured on this land.
Journey to the Falls
A trip from the hotel to your destination displays the full complexity the social and economic history of the island. Large luxurious mansions cling to the hills, while the lower areas are interspersed with sub divisions filled with Windrush generation, and other returnees from economic exile aboard enjoying their secured enclaves.
The roadside is rich with fertile foliage hugging rudimentary dwellings along the way, the type where Bob Marley would ask: “Is this Love? The backdrop to all of this is the natural breath taking beauty of nature which always surrounds you.
Working Farm
At the falls, an antique red Massey Ferguson tractor (memories of Canada), chugging along with a trailer full of visitors will take you from the parking, through the farm to the falls. This is the first hint that you are on a working cattle ranch and thoroughbred horse farm. We have already pre-ordered our Jamaican lunch which will be waiting for us after our fun at Jamaica’s shortest named Falls.
The YS Falls is a delightful spot for the natural healing energy of water, which is refreshing and invigorating. Being in an all age and family friendly space, you can be as daring as you want and climb the actual falls, or you can take the steps up which are located to the side of the Falls. Above ground springs on the property are suitable for non swimmers and children.
There is a constant stream of visitors, however it is so well managed that all you have to worry about is having fun. There is a swing rope over one of the natural water basins for the Cirque du Soleil enthusiasts.
YS Falls is composed of several pools, including a wading pool which is fed by underground springs. There are many guides there to assist you with negotiating the Falls and taking photographs. While splashing in the falls, you may hear a whizzing sound in your ear. No, it isn’t mosquitos, it is the sound of zip lines, I had no idea.
More fun, but not today. The refreshingly cool cold water, which is always a surprise to everyone, and youthful frolicking makes you hungry. Today will end with a nice lunch of stewed chicken and rice and peas back at the restaurant where we started.
