Packing for an adventure at Damajagua Waterfalls is not like packing for a typical beach day. Here, you will be hiking through the forest, climbing rocks, swimming in pools, and jumping from waterfalls.
If you bring too much, it will get in your way; if you bring too little, you could end up with chafing or sore feet. Here is the official checklist to make your visit perfect.
🔗 Planning Your Visit?
Check these essential guides before packing:
- Complete Guide to 27 Waterfalls - Overview and difficulty levels
- Safety Guidelines - What to expect and how to prepare physically
- How to Get There - Transportation options from Puerto Plata
👟 1. Footwear (The MOST Important)
The riverbed is full of smooth stones, boulders, and sometimes sand. The right footwear can make the difference between an incredible experience and a painful day.
Recommended Options:
✅ IDEAL OPTION: Water Shoes
- 🦶 Thick non-slip rubber sole
- 💪 Toe protection
- 🔒 Secure fit to the foot
- 💰 Price: $20-40 USD on Amazon or sporting goods stores
Recommended brands: Merrell, Columbia, Keen
🆗 ALTERNATIVE OPTION: Old Sneakers
- ✅ That you don’t mind getting wet and dirty
- ✅ With good grip sole
- ✅ Tied tightly
- ⚠️ They will dry slower than water shoes
❌ PROHIBITED (You will get hurt or lose them)
- 🚫 Flip-flops
- 🚫 Loose sandals
- 🚫 Crocs without a back strap
- 🚫 Formal or leather shoes
💡 Key Fact: If you don’t have suitable shoes, at the entrance of the monument, they usually rent footwear for about US$ 3-5. However, sizes run out quickly during high season.
👙 2. Recommended Clothing
For Women:
| Item | Why? |
|---|---|
| 👙 Sporty Swimsuit | Best if it’s one-piece or with good support. The jumps are powerful and you don’t want “wardrobe malfunctions” |
| 🩱 Leggings or Short Spandex | Prevents chafing between thighs when walking wet and provides extra protection against rocks |
| 👕 Rash Guard UV Shirt | Sun protection + prevents scrapes with rocks. Long sleeve is ideal |
For Men:
| Item | Why? |
|---|---|
| 🩳 Sporty Swim Shorts | With adjustable drawstring. Avoid very long ones as they fill with water |
| 👕 Sporty Shirt or Rash Guard | UV protection and against scrapes. Cotton shirts get heavy when wet |
| 🩳 Spandex underneath (optional) | Some men use them to prevent chafing |
For Everyone:
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Change of Clothes
Leave a set of completely dry clothes and a large towel in:
- 🚗 The car
- 🔐 The visitor center lockers
DO NOT take the towel to the river - it will get wet and weigh three times as much.
📸 3. Tech Gear and Photos
At Damajagua, you’ll want to capture every moment, but the water is real and deep. Here’s how to protect your gear:
✅ Safe Options:
🎬 GoPro or Action Cameras
The best option without a doubt:
- ✅ Waterproof up to 10 meters
- ✅ Perfect wide angle for group selfies
- ✅ Records video on the move without problem
MANDATORY Accessories:
- 🟠 Floating handle (bright orange/yellow color)
- 🔗 Extra wrist strap
- 🔋 Fully charged battery
📱 Waterproof Phone Case
If you use your phone:
- ✅ Minimum IPX8 certified case
- ✅ Should hang around the neck with an adjustable strap
- ⚠️ TEST IT BEFORE submerged in a tub
Recommended brands: Otterbox, Lifeproof, JOTO
⚠️ Important Warnings:
❌ Cheap eBay/AliExpress cases
Many open upon the impact of the jump, especially on 5-8 meter jumps. If you spend less than $15 USD on the case, you are risking an $800+ phone.
💡 Pro tip: The cold water and video use consume the battery quickly. Leave with 100% charge.
🔐 4. What to Do with Your Belongings?
Visitor Center (Facilities):
| Service | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 🔒 Lockers | $2-3 USD | Secure with key. USE THEM |
| 💵 Safe | Free | For important documents |
| 🚿 Showers/Changing Rooms | Included | Clean and functional |
What to Bring in Cash?
Bring cash for:
- 💵 $10-20 USD for tips to your guides (it’s customary and they deserve it)
- 🍹 $5-10 USD for drinks/snacks at the end
- 👟 $3-5 USD if you need to rent shoes
- 💰 In Dominican Pesos or Dollars (both accepted)
DO NOT bring:
- ❌ Credit cards to the river
- ❌ Full wallet
- ❌ Original documents (leave a copy in the locker)
🧴 5. Protection and Personal Care
Essentials:
🦟 Insect Repellent
- Apply it BEFORE the hike
- There are mosquitoes in shaded forest areas
- Use waterproof formulas
☀️ Sunscreen
- Biodegradable preferably
- Apply 30 minutes before entering the water
- Factor 50+ recommended
- Reapply if the tour is long
💊 Basic Medications
If you are prone to:
- 🤢 Motion sickness → Dramamine
- 🤧 Allergies → Antihistamine
- 🤕 Pain → Ibuprofen
Leave them in the locker, not in the water
🚫 6. What NOT to Bring (Leave it at the hotel)
“Common Losses” List:
-
😎 Expensive Sunglasses → They will be lost on the first jump.
- If you need them: Use a sporty strap like Croakies.
-
💍 Jewelry (earrings, rings, chains) → The water is an expert at making valuables disappear.
-
Cap/Hats without a chin strap → They will fly away. The mandatory helmet makes them uncomfortable.
-
🍺 Glass Bottles → Totally prohibited in the protected area.
-
👜 Large Bags → There is nowhere to carry them during the descent.
-
💻 Non-waterproof Electronic Devices → Laptops, tablets, Kindle, etc.
💡 7. Golden Tips (From Damajagua Veterans)
Drink plenty of water right before starting the climb. Once in the river, you will be in constant motion.
If you wear too much, you will make the rocks and stairs slippery for everyone. Be mindful.
A 5-10L dry bag is perfect for carrying your phone, keys, and some cash during the tour.
If you're going to record a lot of video, carry a power bank in your dry bag. The camera will run out of battery halfway through.
✅ Final Printable Checklist
□ Water shoes or old sneakers with good grip
□ Sporty swimsuit
□ Rash Guard or sporty shirt
□ Leggings/spandex (optional but recommended)
□ Dry change of clothes + towel (leave in locker)
□ GoPro or waterproof phone case
□ Floating handle for camera
□ Biodegradable sunscreen
□ Insect repellent
□ $20-30 USD in cash
□ Small dry bag (optional)
□ Personal medications (leave in locker)
□ Positive attitude and thirst for adventure 🤘