The Black River and the Great Morass

The Black River takes its name from the peat bed that darkens the water, and behind the coast it spreads into the Great Morass, some two hundred square kilometres of mangrove, swamp forest and reed, the largest wetland in Jamaica and a Ramsar site. Boat safaris run upriver from the town, threading between red mangrove roots into narrow channels, and the draw is the American crocodiles, several hundred of which live here and which have become used enough to boats to approach them closely. Egrets, herons, jacanas and kingfishers work the margins. Black River town itself has a run of Georgian and Victorian buildings from its logwood-trading days.

What you actually see

• American crocodiles - several hundred in the river system.
• The mangrove channels - narrow passages between red mangrove roots.
• Waterbirds - egrets, herons, jacanas and kingfishers along the banks.
• Black River town - Georgian and Victorian buildings from the logwood era.

When to go

December to April is drier and the water clearest. Early morning and late afternoon are best for birds and for crocodile activity, and cooler on an open boat. Trips run through the day from the town wharf.

Honest expectations

Some operators feed the crocodiles to guarantee sightings, which is bad practice and has produced animals that approach boats expecting food; choose a guide who does not. Boats are open with no shade and the sun on the water is fierce. The wetland has been squeezed by drainage and agriculture. Trips are short for the price.

Nearby

Y S Falls is half an hour inland; Treasure Beach is 40 minutes east.