Black River Safari – Travel Guide & Tips
- Last updated on July 5, 2022
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Overview
What to Expect
The Black River is the second-longest river in Jamaica, with more than 33 mi (53 km). It is existential for the ecosystem of the Great Morass wetland. The river got its name thanks to its color; it is truly pitch black. Which is due to its riverbed.
Don't miss out on a tour of the Black River. At a leisurely pace, you will take a boat across the river and learn all about the beautiful nature of Jamaica. You can observe over 100 different bird species on the mangroves in their natural habitat. The guide will show and explain each bird. Our personal favorite is the Jesus Bird, so named because it can walk on water.
But the real highlight is the crocodiles, which you get very close to without any glass. There are said to be about 300 crocodiles living in the river. Adult males can grow up to 20 ft (6 m) and females up to 12.5 ft (3,8 m) long.
Unimaginable because at birth, they are so tiny, almost cute. By the way, the animals have no natural predators and are protected in Jamaica. Some tours still offer a visit to the “nursery,” a breeding station on the banks of the Black River.
- Discover: More highlights, destinations and tour reports in our ultimate Jamaica itinerary
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Rating
The tour is a truly unique experience. The different animals and plants are fascinating, like the Jesus Bird walking on water or seeing the crocodiles up close without any glass in between. River trips at midday are perfect for seeing many crocodiles, and the early and later river trips are ideal for bird watching.
Wildlife trips are usually a little less enjoyable when it rains, but the animals don't care. Physically, the Black River tour is not strenuous. The river trip itself is conditionally accessible, depending on the boat you book.
Weather Independent
Spontaneous Booking
For all Fitness Levels
Accessibility
Video
Duration & Cost
Organized Tour
Duration:
An organized tour for the Black River Safari trip lasts between 3 and 5 hours. Very dependent on your pick-up location. You can also book combo tours where the Black River Safari river cruise is combined with the Appleton Rum Estate Rum Tour, YS Falls, and a visit to Floyd's Pelican Bar. These typically last from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the package.
Cost:
The cost for just the Black River tour with transport (e.g. from Negril) starts at around 90 US-Dollar per person. Depending on the combination tour package, you can plan with a minimum of 120 US-Dollar. From our point of view, combined tours are always the better choice here.
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Self-Organized
Duration:
You can buy tickets directly in Black River at the pier. However, unfortunately, there are often only tickets for large boats that fit up to 40 people. The river trip lasts on average 1.5 hours.
Cost:
A ticket for a river trip with the big boats on the Black River costs about 20 USD per person.
Where to Stay Near Black River? - Book Your Accommodation in Treasure Beach
How to Get There
Organized Tour
You will be picked up from your accommodation, and from now on you just have to enjoy it. The tour guide will take care of everything else. No matter if you bought the Black River Tour separately or as a combination package tour. Especially if the Appleton Rum Estate Rum Tour is included, you should let yourself be driven and enjoy the rum in return.
Self-Organized
The pier for the Black River Safari is signposted in Black River itself. You can get there by yourself from any place with a charter cab. If you come in a rental car, you will find parking spaces near the jetty, at the iron bridge. You can also start your tour from Treasure Beach or Parottee Beach, with a boat and captain. Check the route and price in advance. Some also combine the Black River with Floyd's Pelican Bar. Ask the captain to make a stop at Sister Lou's further down the Black River and enjoy their delicious crabs.
- Tip: Get your car rental for Jamaica in Montego Bay at low prices on our booking portal
What to Pack
- Sunscreen
- Action Camera
- Sun hat / Cap
- Money for tips and souvenirs
- Mosquito Repellent
