Spend a full day exploring YS Falls' tiered pools and floating a safari boat down the Black River. This private tour combines waterfall swims, canopy rides and wildlife viewing—ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and local insight.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Montego Bay before dawn, the road slipping down through scrubby hills and small farms until the air softens over the south coast. A tractor jitney bumps up a dirt track across the 2,600-acre estate and drops you at a sequence of seven waterfalls where clear pools wait under stepped cliffs. Guests swing from tarzan ropes, float slow in inner tubes and ride a canopy zipline above a green corridor that seems to push you forward toward each new drop.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness recommended: ability to walk short uneven sections, climb modest steps and swim or float in calm pools if desired.
Wildlife
History
Both the YS estate and Black River were shaped by Jamaica’s colonial plantation past and timber trade; many routes follow old plantation roads and river channels once used for transport.
Conservation
Avoid feeding wildlife and use reef-safe products—local guides work with conservation groups to minimize disturbance to crocodiles and riverine habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Private YS Falls and Black River Safari from Montego Bay and Grand Palladium today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear water shoes
Rocks at the falls and river docks can be slippery—closed-toe water shoes with good tread improve traction and comfort.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The sun in Jamaica is strong during the day; choose biodegradable sunscreen to protect both your skin and local waterways.
Bring a waterproof phone case
You’ll want photos during tube rides and on the boat—protect electronics from splashes and spray.
Respect wildlife boundaries
Guides may demonstrate crocodile feeding—do not approach animals on your own and follow the guide’s instructions for safety.
Water shoes
Protects feet on slippery rock and during river boarding or tubing.
summer
Quick-dry clothing and swimwear
Dries fast after swims and keeps you comfortable during humid coastal conditions.
summer
Reef-safe sunscreen
Shields skin from strong sun while minimizing impact on freshwater and marine life.
summer
Light rain shell
Useful during short tropical showers, especially in the wet season (May–November).
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