Over the years Janet and I have been to most attractions on the west end of the Island. Some of them don't exist any longer and many we have been to multiple times. But this was the first time going to Benta Falls. We contacted our driver and he said it was best to plan an entire day for the adventure. In fact he was bringing his swimming trunks too. Although I had been told that it was close to Sav, that didn't seem to be the case. It is quite a drive in the country to get there especially if you are taking it at a leisurely pace to enjoy the surroundings. We arrived by 10:30 and went to the changing\bathroom area to slip on our trunks. We took to the falls what we thought was best and locked the rest in our drivers car. You get a tour guide to take you through the falls, much like Mayfield Falls. The entrance to the Benta Falls complex is at the top, so you walk down a long path to get to the streams entrance. Not knowing quite what to expect, I had on my hat and glasses. Mistake number one, you will loose them! I also had a nice Nikon point and shoot camera and also a waterproof camera. Mistake number two, don't take a good camera unless you have someone who will carry it and take photos for you. Fortunately our driver not only wanted to get in the water, but he was way more sure footed than me and actually like taking the photos for us. And the waterproof camera I took.....it slipped off my wrist at the third small falls and was gone. Mistake number 3, be careful even it is wrapped around your wrist. Our guide was very cautious for us especially my wife helping her navigate the many pitfalls in the stream. I just followed in their footsteps. We got up to the rope swing and of course I had to take a try. At least I didn't make mistake number four, but it was close. When the guide tells you to “let go” you better or you will end up smashing into the tree. A little farther up is a small falls that you can get behind. Very cool, but it is not a big falls you are under. Eventually you get to the end and climb the stairs which takes you to the entrance area. We ordered lunch and I was surprised that not only was it very good, but it wasn't even expensive. After a leisurely lunch we changed and headed back to Negril. Total trip including driving about 6 hours. Our guide was from the west end of Negril and I asked him how he got to work. His reply was “3 route taxi's and lots of time “. So it is possible to do this trip on your own, but it could make for a long day.
Oh yeah.....mistake number 3.....one of the other guides went to the area where I lost the camera and after about 20 minutes of searching beneath the small falls with a mask on he found it. Both our guide and the camera finding guide got nice tips.
The experience is similar to that of Mayfield Falls. Not the kind of trip you would take if you have any kind of mobility issues. I would also try to find another couple to go with as it would cut travel expenses in half. Entrance to Benta Falls in $25 and lunch for 3 was under $40 with a tip.
On a side not.....not too far from Benta Falls we saw a sign on the road for Pressa's One Love. He used to have a restaurant close to Samsara a few years back and was now cooking at his home in the country. We stopped and talked to him and his wife Eva for a few minutes but his son Andre was not there.
Regards,
Bob
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