YS Falls to Reopen After Hurricane Melissa Damage as South Coast Recovery Gains Momentum
Operators confirm full access returns January 24, as restoration continues across St Elizabeth’s south coast.
IDDLE QUARTERS, St Elizabeth — One of Jamaica’s most iconic natural attractions, YS Falls, is set to reopen to visitors following months of restoration after sustaining severe damage from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025.
Operators confirmed that the attraction officially resumes operations Saturday, January 24, offering full access to its signature experiences.
“We are reopening with everything operating as usual,” said YS Falls operator Simon Browne, noting that transportation to the falls via tractor or bus will resume, along with access to the three swimming pools and waterfalls.
Visitors can once again enjoy the full YS Falls experience, including swimming beneath the cascading falls and exploring the surrounding grounds. Travelers planning a visit can find details on the official Best Jamaica Tours page for the YS Falls Tour here:
While operations are returning to normal, Browne noted that the landscape is still recovering.
“The greenery is coming back, but it won’t be as lush as before just yet. Over the next few months, visitors will see it continue to green up,” he said.
Staffing at the attraction will be fully restored, though work schedules may be adjusted temporarily, with some employees working reduced days as recovery continues.
Wider Tourism Recovery Across St Elizabeth
The reopening of YS Falls marks a major milestone for tourism recovery along Jamaica’s south coast. Jason Henzell, hotelier and chair of the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation, described the progress as encouraging, though ongoing.
“While we’re not yet where we want to be, the progress has been extremely positive,” Henzell said.
Through BREDS, millions of dollars have been invested in restoring small businesses across southern St Elizabeth. More than 20 tourism-related enterprises have received grants at varying levels to support rebuilding efforts.
Several attractions have already resumed operations, including Captain Dennis’ beach lunch and boat tours. Pelican Bar, a signature offshore attraction, is scheduled to reopen January 31, with support from corporate sponsors and material partners. Travelers can explore excursion options for Pelican Bar here:
Additional attractions, including Appleton Estate Rum Tour, are expected to reopen by February, further strengthening the region’s tourism rebound.
Support for Workers, Farmers, and Communities
Beyond attractions, recovery efforts have extended to workers and residents. According to Henzell, approximately 300 tourism workers in Treasure Beach received financial assistance, while over 400 farmers benefited from agricultural vouchers. The NCB Foundation activated $5.2 million in vouchers as part of the effort.
BREDS has already distributed between $55 million and $60 million in cash, materials, and vouchers and has now entered the next phase of recovery—supporting home repairs and rebuilding through construction materials and housing assistance.
New housing initiatives, including reinforced concrete-column designs developed by local partners, are being introduced to improve resilience against future storms.
Outlook
As YS Falls and other major attractions reopen, tourism activity in southern St Elizabeth continues to regain momentum. While recovery remains ongoing, the phased return of experiences, businesses, and employment signals steady progress for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
