Fish Dunn Canyon
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| | Raps:6, max ↨164ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 5 Dec 2023
"The beta provided by the author is excellent. We had absolutely no issues finding this route, and the locals are very welcoming. As stated in the desc |
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| Best season: | Any, AVOID rains
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18.1300, -76.5514
18.1373, -76.5497
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Introduction[edit]
Fish Dunn is an excellent and very accessible canyon in the Fruitful Vale area of Jamaica. While local farmers have known about the waterfalls here for centuries, the canyon itself was not descended until early 2023, and most portions of the route were likely not seen until this first descent.
The canyon flows year-round, with higher flows in rainy seasons. Like many canyons, it will be more fun, and challenging, with high flows.
There are likely many other canyons in this area that have never been explored. Fish Dunn makes an excellent introductory canyon to the area, and is a day of fun for beginners and experts alike.
Approach[edit]
From the parking area, follow the gps track and walk across the bridge and up the road until turning onto a paved small road heading into the mountains. This paved road quickly becomes a trail as it winds through banana plantations. There will likely be several friendly local banana farmers on the trail - say hi, and let them know you are doing the canyon. This land is private, though locals are happy to welcome you.
After crossing Sean's River, a small stream, the trail winds up for several minutes into the forest. The trail will then nearly touch the stream, just up a short embankment. This is the turnoff. Leave the trail, and walk down the embankment for 30 seconds to the stream. Suit up here. The canyon begins.
Descent[edit]
The first rappel is off a solid tree anchor on the right, down a waterfall into a pool.
The next rappel is off excellent bolts on the left, down a showering waterfall into another pool.
Soon after this is another scenic drop. The pool is deep. There are bolts to rappel. With care and skill, it may be jumpable - always check first!
The canyon then brings you to a huge rappel down a slanting waterfall. There are excellent bolts up high on the right, which are not immediately obvious. This is the largest rappel in the canyon. Make sure your ropes reach! Depending on the flow, this rappel can go from fun to adrenaline-kicking!
Here, the canyon takes a hard bend to the left, with a waterfall into a deep slot. This part is incredible! Look for bolts high up on a cliff on the right, out past the waterfall. They are very difficult to find.
Next is a dry rappel into a huge pool and long swim. Fantastic!
The canyon then mostly ends, although there are a few more small jumps and swims before an easy exit.
Exit[edit]
Stay in the stream and follow it down after the last rappel. After around 15 minutes there will be a faint trail on the left bank. Take this trail back to your vehicle. Leave red gate gate as you find it.
Red tape[edit]
No red tape. The area is private property with various farmers, so please be respectful. It's probably a good idea to stop and greet each person and let them know you are just hiking/canyoneering. Locals may offer to guide you to the canyon, but this is not needed, as the approach is very straightforward.
Do not pay the locals! This encourages dependence, and will sting future canyoneers as well as encourage locals to forego other work in the farms.
Beta sites[edit]
Trip reports and media[edit]
https://www.lukaseddy.com/canyons-of-jamaica
Background[edit]
This canyon was first explored and descended in February 2023 by a team of Spanish canyoneers:
Daniel Oury
Mario Gastón
Miguel Oury
Fernando Caro
Chema Ponz
Juan Carlos Riobello
Cecilio López
Sergi López
Mónica Andreu
With assistance from local canyoneers:
Bogdan Simandan
Brent Mclennon
Jason Chang
Edgar Abort
