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![The Black River](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c671cd_75f561cedfdc4e1d8bc1dec6ed67958a~mv2_d_3872_2592_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_209,h_179,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c671cd_75f561cedfdc4e1d8bc1dec6ed67958a~mv2_d_3872_2592_s_4_2.jpg)
![Boat ride on the Black River](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c671cd_4fbf3f682493473ea449163e4350308e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_221,h_179,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c671cd_4fbf3f682493473ea449163e4350308e~mv2.jpg)
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![Boat trip Black River Safari](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c671cd_b3ca597901a84f87b53471d5086412a1~mv2_d_3872_2592_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_209,h_190,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c671cd_b3ca597901a84f87b53471d5086412a1~mv2_d_3872_2592_s_4_2.jpg)
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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](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c671cd_d5cdf83a6f394d28a291bc92d41c2d56~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_244,h_183,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c671cd_d5cdf83a6f394d28a291bc92d41c2d56~mv2.jpg)
![YS falls a nature lovers paridase](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c671cd_74fb9cd96146492694882c7e07037b4f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_232,h_174,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/c671cd_74fb9cd96146492694882c7e07037b4f~mv2.jpg)
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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
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YS FALLS
WELCOME TO THE SOUTHCOAST
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APPLETON ESTATE RUM TOUR
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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.