 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
||||||||||
| South Coast: Black River Attractions Visitors in tour buses come daily from as far away as Negril and Montego Bay to enjoy the wealth of the South Coast attractions. Serious adventurers turn to the Black River, Jamaica’s longest with a 44-mile stretch. The Great Morass, a 125-square mile wetland and habitat for 300 crocodiles, exotic birds and fish, extends inland along the river.  Visitors get to know crocs on a first-name basis on the 1½-hour Black River safari. “Come, Freddy, come,” says a guide, whistling loudly as the crusty, steely-eyed croc approaches the boat. Freddy creeps along a watery passageway knowing that food waits at the other end.Wild cane used for making craft items clings to the riverbank and mangroves with aerial roots stream down like organ pipes to the waterline. Some 100 species of birds take flight, including the “crocodile dentist,” a green-heron who swoops down to floss the teeth of open-mouthed crocodiles. River trips are recommended. Reputable companies such as J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Safari and St. Elizabeth Safari offer professional services. Before leaving Black River town for more adventuring, take note of the restored houses and Georgian architecture on a 30-minute walking tour. It begins on High Street. Nearby and to the east, drive through Bamboo Avenue, a highway covered with a canopy of century-old bamboo. It is a poster-like setting ideal for photo opportunities. Have a Tarzan or Jane moment, swinging from vines and dropping down for a dip in the spring-fed pool at the spectacular 120-foot-high YS Falls, north of Middle Quarters. Follow the signs to YS Estate, pass through the estate, and admire the thoroughbred racehorses and Jamaican red-poll cattle. A jitney takes visitors from the gift shop to the falls. Feel the cool air on the approach to the walkway ascending to the falls. Seven levels of cascading falls thunder down the waterfall. A zip line canopy tour is now also offered. Depending upon the time of year and weather conditions, you can enjoy river tubing nearby. The finest Jamaican rums have been blended here since 1749. The Appleton Estate Rum Tour explains the fermentation and distillation process. At the estate more than 8,000 barrels age the rum, usually from three to 30 years. Visitors are welcome to squeeze cane juice and taste it with ginger at a nearby juice bar and mini-museum. At a wishing well, toss coins for a chance to win a bottle of rum cream. The tour includes a complimentary bottle of rum, a rum punch and the opportunity to sample various types of rum, molasses and wet sugar. Nearly 4,000 acres of sugar cane blanket the estate, easily accessible from YS Falls, and not far from Maggotty. Driving up the mountainside, near Southfield, Lover’s Leap offers a stunning view of Jamaica and an amazing story. According to legend, two lovers, avoiding being separated, jumped to their deaths 1,700 feet below. Other excursions in the area include eco-tours such as bird watching, horseback riding, and mountain hiking along nature trails that pass old sugar mills.  |
|
||||||||||
 Email this page About this siteAbout JHTASitemapContact Us |
Kingston | Port Antonio | Ocho Rios | Montego Bay | Negril | South Coast Copyright © 2008 Destination Jamaica & Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association. Designed by Idealab Studios |
 |