How To Spend 24 Hours In Black River Jamaica

Established in the late 17th century, the historic town of Black River is the capital of the Jamaican parish of St Elizabeth. Named after the river that flows through it, Black River was an important sea trading post, with a busy port that now serves mostly fishermen and tourists. Despite not being on the main tourist trail, Black River has much of interest and is well worth a visit—here’s how to spend 24 hours in this historic town.

Visit YS Falls

Opened in 1992, YS falls is a beautiful natural attraction with seven waterfalls and natural pools for swimming. Sun loungers and picnic benches are arranged in the well kept tropical gardens—perfect for relaxing after a refreshing swim. For a bit more excitement, there is also a canopy top zip-line.

Address and Phone Number:

YS Falls, Saint Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, +1 876 997 6360

Spend Time at Treasure Beach

Treasure beach is a six mile stretch of coast that encompasses beaches, little coves, and rocky outcrops. Rustic and charming, this “hidden” corner of Jamaica has some great little beaches. An absolute must is the Pelican Bar—built on stilts a mile offshore in the Caribbean sea, it is reached by local boat and serves seafood and a range of local drinks.

Address:

Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, Jamaica

Visit the Appleton Rum Estate

The Appleton Estate produces one of the best rums in the world and has a very well-organized visitor center. Located on the Black River, upstream of the town and just a 30 kilometer drive away, the estate has been producing rum since at least 1749, and possibly much earlier. One of the few rum estates in the world to have a terroir, this shows real craftsmanship.

Address and Phone Number:

Appleton Rum Estate, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, +1 876 963 9215

Take a Crocodile Safari Boat Trip

The Black River forms the lower morass—a collection of small sea estuaries, swamps, and marshes that collectively form the largest swamp in the Caribbean. Wildlife river tours can be arranged in the town at the wharf, which travel upstream for three miles. It is almost guaranteed that you will see multiple crocodiles and other interesting wildlife during the tour.

Address and Phone Number:

Black River Safari, St Elizabeth, Jamaica, +1 876 965 2513

Walk the Old Town Center

Black River is of historic significance—one of the island’s oldest towns, it was the first to receive electricity and the first to have automobiles. There are many fine examples of Georgian and Victorian era architecture to view. Highlights include: Farquharson Wharf, where slaves were originally brought into Jamaica; the old courthouse; Magdala house; and the Parish Church. A stay at the historic Waterloo Guest House is an absolute must for anyone interested in local history. The best way to see Black River is on a guided walking tour organized by local experts.

Address:

Black River Town, St Elizabeth, Jamaica

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.