Black River Cruise and Mineral Springs Tour from Negril

Negril, Jamaica

Escape Negril’s lively beach scene for a day on this tour to Jamaica’s less-visited southwestern coast. Two outdoor activities will immerse you in Jamaica’s natural beauty, showing you more of the island than just the white-sand beaches. First, tour the Black River by pontoon boat and look for native wildlife like egrets, herons and crocodiles. Then visit the Bubbling Springs to relax in the mineral-filled water and swim in a natural, cliff-lined pool.

Depart Negril by coach for the 50-mile (80-km) drive southeast from Jamaica’s west coast to the parish of St Elizabeth, where the Black River — one of Jamaica’s longest — flows toward the Caribbean Sea.

When you arrive, board a pontoon boat with your local guide for your 1-hour cruise along the slow-moving river, bordered on both sides by lush vegetation. Keep your eyes open for native birds like egrets and herons, and as you travel past the mangrove marshes, watch for the river’s most notorious inhabitants — crocodiles!

After you return to shore, head by coach back toward Negril, driving along the south coast for about an hour to the Bubbling Springs, a naturally occurring spring that sits in a limestone cavern. You have approximately an hour and 45 minutes here to relax in the bubbling water full of minerals that are said to relieve back pain and other ailments. Or if you’re feeling more active, jump off the cliffs into the natural pool of turquoise water.

Enjoy a traditional Jamaican lunch of chicken, fish or pork before making the 20-minute drive back to Negril, where your tour ends.