Spanny Falls, Dominica: A Hidden Treasure with Fewer Crowds
We think Spanny Falls deserves a place on your list of waterfalls to visit in Dominica!
This waterfall is beautiful and is normally less crowded than its popular counterparts such as Trafalgar Falls and Emerald Pool.
We actually think Spanny Falls gives Emerald Pool a run for its money and believe it’s just as beautiful (if not better) due to low crowds!
Not only that, but Spanny Falls isn’t the only waterfall here. There is a hidden waterfall about a 10-minute hike past Spanny Falls called Penrice Falls.
Want to learn more about Spanny Falls and the hidden waterfall? Read more below!
Don’t forget to purchase a site pass for admission to national parks and other attractions in Dominica (excluding Spanny Falls).
Guide to Visiting Spanny Falls in Dominica
| Difficulty Level | Price | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy (10-15 minute walk) | $5 USD – Private Property | 1-2 hours | Swimming Hole, Easy Hike, Less Crowded, Hidden 2nd Waterfall |
Don’t overlook this beautifu, uncrowded waterfall in Dominica. We promise you won’t regret it.
The setting of this waterfall is so serene surrounded by lush greenery and chirping birds (especially if you are here alone!).
Spanny Falls isn’t as popular so it is highly likely that you will find yourself here by yourself for some time, if not for your entire stay.
We slowly got into the swimming hole (it’s chilly!) to first take some pictures and then made our way behind the falls before jumping in!
Getting to Spanny Falls
Spanny Falls is located just off Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway; a quick Google search will take you right to it.
Once you get here, look for a little shop on the side of the road that says “Spanny’s Shop-N-Waterfall”.
🌿 Remember, this land is privately owned so it won’t be as clearly marked as other popular waterfalls.) Please visit mindfully.
This shop is where you will pay the entrance fee — 5 USD per person.
The hike to Spanny Falls is easy with a well-maintained concrete and stone path. We visited Spanny Falls during the rainy season and the pathway was a little muddy from rainoff.
Once you reach Spanny Falls, there is a wooden viewing platform and a paved pathway in front of the falls with a step down into the swimming hole.
The water is a bit chilly but also very refreshing!
Don’t Miss the 2nd “Secret” Penrice Waterfall
Okay, this waterfall isn’t actually a secret.
But it is hidden and can easily be missed if you do not know about it ahead of time (like we did!).
We haven’t been able to confirm for sure, but it appears this hidden waterfall is called Penrice Falls. (If you find out, let us know!)
This hidden waterfall does require a quick 10-15-minute hike up a steep incline through the trees. Although the hike is steep, the owners have installed a rope to help assist with the climb.
We are still kicking ourselves that we didn’t know about this waterfall before visiting!
We’ve read that this waterfall is taller and has a bigger swimming hole than Spanny Falls does. But we would love to find out for ourselves one day.
If you do visit Penrice Falls, let us know about it in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
Spanny Falls is definitely one of our favorite waterfalls in Dominica!
With its beautiful swimming hole, ease of access, and being less touristy, we would recommend these falls as a great alternative to Emerald Pool if you would like to avoid the crowds!
And it’s only about a 10-minute drive from Emerald Pool if you would like to visit both.
If you do have time to visit another waterfall, stop at Jacko Falls which is only a minute down the road!
Jacko Falls was the first waterfall we visited in Dominica and is also a hidden gem.
Otherwise, if you’re down for a longer adventure, we recommend hiking to Middleham Falls.
