Black River

Adventure travelers visit the Black River and its natural swamp environment, which boasts the greatest biodiversity in the Caribbean, by tube, canoe, or kayak. Upriver at the YS Falls, one of the largest and prettiest waterfalls in Jamaica, water rushes over three levels of rocks landing in pools perfect for a refreshing dip.

A range of operators is available at the mouth of the river to set up a river tour or a crocodile safari to spot one of the hundreds of these large creatures who inhabit the mangroves.

• The Black River is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families with children, and nature lovers of all kinds.

• Most boats can only travel a few miles upstream due to a low bridge obstructing the way, but some boats are able to pass under the bridge for deeper exploration. Ask your captain before you set off.

• The river gets its name from its dark peat riverbed; the water is clear and clean and only appears black.

• Remember sun protection and swimwear.

The Black River is easily accessible from Negril by both taxi and rental car. Ask your hotel about the best transport to the mouth of the river where the tour operators are stationed.

Any time during the year is a good time to enjoy the river; however, there are some things to take into consideration when planning: July and August are the hottest months, and the rainiest months are typically May, June, September, and October.

Don’t miss the seaport town of Black River, one of the island’s oldest. Declared a Protected National Heritage District, the town has lavish wooden and stone houses of Victorian, Georgian, British colonial, and Jamaican vernacular architectural styles that flourished during the island’s lucrative logwood trade and rum and pimento booms. The Invercauld Great House, now a hotel, is just one of the fantastic buildings on High Street.

The Black River is special because it lets visitors experience Jamaica's biodiversity, beyond what's found in the beach areas. It's full of mangroves and tropical flora and fauna and is a great place to see birds. It's also among the longest rivers in Jamaica, spanning around 33 miles (53 kilometers).

The best time to take a Black River boat tour is in the mid-morning or early afternoon, before the heat of the day has kicked in. Note that July and August tend to be particularly hot, while May, June, September, and October get the most rainfall.

Yes, you need to book Black River tickets in advance. While you can theoretically just show up and look for someone to give you a boat ride, the best way to experience the river is by booking a tour, most of which also include a stop at YS Falls.

The duration of Black River boat tours varies quite a bit. While a typical tour might last around 90 minutes, many visitors combine boat trips with excursions to other area attractions, such as YS Falls and Floyd’s Pelican Bar to make a day trip out of the experience.

Yes, you can combine a Black River tour with other nearby attractions, and you should if you get the chance. People typically take a boat tour on the river before or after heading to the refreshing waters at YS Falls. Many tours also visit Floyd’s Pelican Bar and/or Appleton Estate.

Yes, Black River tour operators usually provide hotel pickup and drop-off. Most tours you’ll find online include transfers from Montego Bay or Negril hotels or vacation rentals, making it easy to get to the Black River and beyond without the added expense of a taxi or rental car.