Layou River

The Layou is the longest river on the island, draining a large part of the interior and reaching the Caribbean on the west coast, and its lower course has deep green pools and gravel bars used for swimming, with operators running inner-tube floats down the gentler stretches. The valley behind is agricultural, and the road up it leads towards the Jacko Steps and the interior. The river has a history of landslide dams bursting after major storms.

What you actually see

• The swimming pools - deep green basins along the lower course.
• The tubing runs - inner-tube floats down the gentler stretches.
• The valley - agricultural country running back into the interior.
• The river mouth - where the island's longest river reaches the Caribbean.

When to go

December to April has lower, clearer water. Heavy rain raises the river fast and makes it dangerous. Weekends bring local swimmers.

Honest expectations

The river rises quickly after inland rain even when the coast is dry. Landslide dams upstream have burst catastrophically in the past. Facilities at the access points are minimal.

Nearby

Mero Beach is south, and Jacko Steps are up the valley.