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The  Black River
Boat ride on the Black River
Boat  trip Black River Safari

The Black River is one of the longest navigational river in Jamaica. At a length of 53.4 km (33.2 mi), it was believed to be the longest until it was discovered that the Rio Minho was 92.8 km long. Its name refers to the darkness of the river bed caused by thick layers of decomposing vegetation. The river's source is the Cockpit Country where it runs underground before emerging north of Siloah on the southern fringe Cockpits 

The endangered American crocodiles and over a hundread species  of  birds among them snow egrets, Jacanas, egrets, whistling-ducks, water hen, seven species of herons and red-footed coots are among the wild  life that  calls  this great morass  home. A 125 sq. mile mangrove swamp extends inland from the mouth of the Black River.  You will get  the  oppertunity  to  see the  wild  life in their natural  habitat as your  giuded  tour gets  on the  way, your  well  informed captain/guide will share with you information on the  area‘s ecology,  history,  and you  can even partake in the feeding  of  the  local crocodiles. The  tour itself  takes  about 1 1/2  hour up  the  river  and  back. 

The Black River runs gently through the cane fields of the Appleton Estate. It receives a boost from the One Eye River which is a continuation of the larger Hectors River which forms the Trelawny-Manchester border. Approaching Maggoty its speed increases and occasional rapids occur.

Passing through  Magatty, the river runs alongside the road and goes down several small waterfalls and the Black River Gorge located in the Apply  Vally Park. Running past Newton, the river flows into the Upper Morass being joined by the Smith River and other smaller tributaries, where thick rushes flourish. In the Elim area, a fish farm cultivates the ‘Jesus fish’, a variety of African perch so called because of its reputation as a prolific breeder. The  Jacna is also known locally as the ‘Jesus bird,’ as it gives the impression of walking on water when it wades among the floating leaves of aquatic plants.

Lacovia and Middle Quarters are located between the Upper Morass and the Lower Morass. Middle Quarters is famous for its crayfish known locally as ‘hot pepper shrimps.’ The traps used by the fishermen are similar to those of the  Niger River in Africa, knowledge of its making were brought to the island by slaves over 300 years ago.

The Lower Morass consists of shallow estuaries, marshland and mangrove swamps providing a rich ecological environment for a broad range of fish, birds and other creatures including lobsters, mangrove snappers, snook and mullet. Here the river is joined by the YS river making the Lower Morass the largest (14,085 acres) swamp environment in the  Caribbean. 

Black River  Safari

WELCOME TO  THE  SOUTH COAST

WHAT TO BRING - Wear your swimsuit, bring your camera, water shoes,  sun glasses, bug spray, wear a hat, sun  screen, bring and extra  pair of  shorts & t-shirt .

TRIP  DURATION AROUND 1 1/2 HOUR

YS  FALLS
YS falls a nature lovers paridase

Take  a relaxing  scenic 2  hour drive along  the  South Coast into the  parish of  St  Elizabeth  to YS Falls.   YS  falls nestle in the  foothills of the  cockpit country located on a  private  plantation that  was  once a sugar cane  farm and factory. YS plantation was  also the leading exporters of the logwood trees to  Europe.  The heart of  the logwood tree was once used   to make dye. In the 1960’s sugar cane was phased out and the invent of synthetic dye the  logwood  trade was also phased out. The present owner, Tony Browne, started to breed and raise thoroughbred horses on the  farm. Ys Falls is  a working Plantation so  you  should  be  greeted bymajestic moutains in the back drop Beautiful thoroughbred horses grazing in lush green fields. 

Our adventure will  start with a 10 minute scenic jitney wagon ride out  to  the  falls where you  will  spend about 2 hour   exploring this  spectacular seven tiered wonder surrounded  by  lush  green vegetation.  You  can  take an  invigorating walk  along  the banks of falls up  to  the  top where you can go  for  a swim or take photos. You  also have  the  option to take  the guided  tour  up  the  falls, go rope  jumping  in the refreshing turquoise water. You can also relax in the  picnic  area and  cool  off  in one  of  their  natural spring  water fed  pool.

WHAT TO BRING - Wear your swimsuit, camera, water shoes, sun glasses, bug spray, wear a hat, sun  screen, bring and extra  pair of  shorts & t-shirt  and  don't  forget  your towel.

TRIP DURATION: 2 HOURS

YS FALLS
WELCOME TO THE SOUTHCOAST  
APPLETON ESTATE  RUM TOUR

Appleton Estate  is  one  of  Jamaica's  oldes  and  finest rum  distilery  located  on  the  Southcoast  in  the  parish  of  St  Elizabeth.  They  cultivate  thier  own  sugar  cane  that  is  use  to  make  this  world  renowned  brand  of  rum.  Our  tour  will  start  by taking  a look  at  some  of  their  product  and  doing  a bit  of  tasting  then we  will  move  outside  where  you get  a chance  to  witness  fist  hand  how  the  juice was extracted  from the  suger in  the  olden  days, Learn about the history of rum and get a behind the scenes look at how the finest rums in the world are made  and aged. Appleton Estate Rum Tour offers  a unique insight on historical artifacts that will take you back in time, illustrating our rich history. Take a trip to the distillery to see the copper pot stills that give our rums such a distinct flavor, and on to the ageing house where you’ll find the oak barrels our rums rest in. It’s a fun, fascinating look into the history of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum.

After the tour be sure to visit the gift shop, which sells the full range of Appleton Estate Jamaican Rums  and liquore as well as a variety of Appleton Estate souvenirs.

Tour duriation is  around 1/2  hour  including  a  30  minute  tasting.

BLACK RIVER SAFARE
YS FALLS
APPLETON ESTATE TOUR
SOUTHCOAST DESIGN YOUR OWN

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