Discover the beauty of Jamaica’s South Coast with a boat
tour up Black River.
Here, the waterfalls and wetlands offer a natural atmosphere
for adventure, learning and relaxation
The Town of Black River is the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish and was named after the river which seems black due to the type of soil that makes up the river bed. However, a closer examination reveals the water is actually crystal clear. This is a rather popular site for ecological tours because of the swamplands and rivers which flow through the area. The river itself is one of the longest navigable rivers in Jamaica and meanders through one of the largest wetland wildlife habitats in the Caribbean, the Black River Lower Morass.
Safari tours of the Black River are conducted by captains
and guides that offer information on the ecology and historical background of
the river and surrounding areas. The
area is rich with wildlife, including over 100 species of birds in the Black
River Morass, many of which are seen on the tour. This is also the home of the endangered
American crocodile, which is also frequently spotted on the journey up the
river. In addition, the vegetation of
the wetland is stunning and of special interest.
