One of the most rugged yet undoubtedly scenic drive across the island will take you to the natural and untamed South Coast. 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. Take an exciting boat ride out to the Instagram picturesque Pelican Bar Island sitting out there on the ocean approximately twenty minutes offshore for some extreme chilling. Or go boating in another direction along the Black River, Jamaica’s longest navigable river, and explore remote mangrove swamps where you can see crocodiles and native species in their natural habitat. Sit down to a traditional Jamaican lunch after visiting the majestic Y.S. Falls climb to the invigorating seven tier waterfall and an invigorating climb, cool down for a refreshing swim in one of the many natural swimming pools after an authentic possibly spicy Jamaican lunch. When you are done just lounge by the pool or walk around and explore the lush cool tropical garden or for a bit more excitement, there is also a canopy top zip-line.
Appleton Estate Rum Tour is somewhat a tour on its own since The Estate produces one of the best and oldest (the company is over one hundred years old) 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.
The tour can be very long, depending on the lengths of the stays at the individual locations, so that usually it is only possible to visit max. 3 of the 4 locations.
