Jamaicas South CoastTouring Jamaicas South Coast is a walk on the wild side. Jamaicas South Coast is perhaps Jamaica's the most naturally diverse region. On this, best of all Negril day trips you can discover deserted beaches (at Font Hill), climb thunderous cascading Y.S. Falls, drive by thousands of acres of sugar cane and visit the Black River; Jamaica’s longest river complete with mangroves, American Crocodiles and 100 species of birds. You can drive through the peace full stretch of road called “Bamboo Avenue” covered in a green canopy of bamboo and have the chance to savor Jamaicas South Coasts tasty delights like fried fish and bammy at Scott’s Cove and bright-pink, spicy pepper shrimp from the local vendors in Middle Quarters. You might want to take a car rental for the day or hire a local driver to take you to Jamaicas South Coast. Whatever way you go, make sure you don’t miss it! Make all the stops, or spend all your time at just a few--it’s up to you. The Jamaican Caves Organization offers a nicely detailed
Jamaica Road Map.
Let’s get going! To start, let’s head out of Negril, South on the main road towards the town of Sheffield. As you continue along the main road--you’ll pass through the towns of Sheffield and Little London. After passing through Savanna La Mar, you’ll come to the town of Ferris Cross. At this point, make sure to continue South, passing through the towns of Cave and Bluefields (between Bluefields and White House, you will pass Sandals newest resort -- Sandals White House).
If you have time, take a side trip and discover one of the last undeveloped beaches on Jamaicas South Coast -- see the note below. If no time or think you might stop on your return, stay straight on to the town of Sandy Ground. A little farther along the road, as you make your way into the town of Black River, you‘ll pass the traditional Invercauld Great House & Hotel.
Once you leave Middle Quarters (on the way to Y.S. Falls) you’ll
At Y.S. Falls, the cool, clear water rushes over three levels for 120 feet
to form one of the largest and prettiest waterfalls After your leisurely visit to the falls you have two choices;
1. Continue eastward and on past the town of Mattoggy to the Or, 2. Turn immediately back towards New Holland. Once you reach the round about (traffic circle), head off toward Lacovia. Just a few miles from the round about you’ll come upon one of the most photographed Afterwards, head back toward Middle Quarters. You might want to try some “swimps” if you didn’t get a chance on the way up, or have some more, if you already did. After passing Middle Quarters, watch for the cut off road to Sandy Ground (you don’t want to go all the way South to Black River and then have to turn North again). From Sandy Ground, just head West and stay West all the way up Jamaicas South Coast back to Negril. Note: The little beach at Fonthill is a delight and can be followed all the way to Luana Point where a lone mangrove tree defines the western edge of the morass that stretches eastward to Longacre Point. On the eastern side of this swampland is a pristine white-sand beach that must be one of What to take along for Touring Jamaicas South Coast! Jamaicas South Coast - back to Home Page
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Next, you will come to Font Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (it’s a less crowded alternative to the Black River safari). The Fonthill Wildlife Sanctuary includes a coastal mangrove preserve to protect the locally endangered American crocodile.
Crocodiles are best viewed early in the morning and a warden is available to accompany visitors to their favorite sunning spots. Birds are plentiful here as they feed on the ripened pimento berries and sea grapes that grow along the narrow, sandy beach. Other water loving birds that can be found in this area of Jamaicas South Coast include black-billed whistling ducks, lunate bluewings, jacanas, herons and pelicans.
The historic town of Black River is located at the mouth of the river and bustles with visitors to the areas main attractions. In town, all along High Street, you can find fine examples of classic Georgian architecture. The homes and buildings show off gabled fretwork more than 100 years old.
The Black River is Jamaica's longest river. Its name refers to the darkness of the river bed and the dark sediment that covers the river bottom. Several reputable companies offer the river safari, fishing trips and other tours.
continue East toward New Holland. In New Holland, at the round about (traffic circle), follow the signs North to YS Falls. The drive to Y.S. is lined with papaya groves, a major export. Along the Y.S. and Jamaicas South Coast visitors often smell the smoke of burning fires. These fires in the Great Morass (wetlands to the East of Negril), are often caused naturally by the sunlight heating the peat in the swamp.
in Jamaica. Large pools at each level allow for a refreshing swim and are accessed by stairs alongside the river. This falls, as spectacular as Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, doesn’t have the crowds and remains unspoiled. No vendors hassling or long lines of cruise ship visitors to deal with.
great Appleton Estates production house, to see the whole process of crafting fine Caribbean rum and experience first hand the history and how the process has changed throughout the years.
places in Jamaica. The 2 ½ mile long Bamboo Avenue located Middle Quarters and Lacovia consists of stands of bamboo growing alongside the road form a green, feathery tunnel that flutters with the tropical breeze.
the last undeveloped beaches on Jamaicas South Coast and unknown to most Jamaicans.
This idyllic spot boasts turquoise water and shallow reefs. The local name of this beach and directions to get there will not be provided--that would spoil all the fun--there is enough information here for those who want to find it.
