Great Morass
- Address:Royal Palm Reserve (behind Long Bay)
- Admission:Free
Good Views / Viewpoint, Nature & Wildlife, Walking / Hiking, River, Town / City
3:02 AM Sunday, May 27
Passing clouds. Warm.
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The Great Morass is a large nature reserve (16 km/10 mi long, 3 km/1.8 mi wide) that runs parallel to Long Bay and Bloody Bay. It lies on the coastal flood plain of the Black River and attracts many rare and endangered water birds.
A visit to Royal Palm Reserve is the best way to get a sense of this beautiful but marshy area. A series of wooden boardwalks takes you on a 1.5 km (1 mi) loop through several distinct forest types where you can expect to see a great variety of flora, birds and butterflies.
A lookout tower on the route has great views across the mangrove swamps and the vastness of the Great Morass.
Latest Reviews All Great Morass Reviews »
This was the best tour we had been on while in Jamaica. The driver and the tour guide introduced themselves to the group. They gave us local history and fork lore that made the long 3 hr trip enjoyable. We stop for a break and they let us take pictures at a beach. Get something to drink and just stretch our legs. The riverboat captain was great he told us about the crocodiles and he even had one come to the boat so we could take a picture up close. YS Falls was beautiful My sister really enjoyed this part of the tour. We were given time to explore on our own. The climb up the stairs to the different levels of the waterfall was difficult at times, but they had guides to help you. The Appleton Rum Estate was nice. They greeted us with a rum punch when we arrived. We had a traditional Jamaican meal of Jerk chicken,peas and rice and local vegetables. On the drive home the driver stopped so we could buy snacks from the local food vendors along the road. This tour gave you a real since of life on the island.I would take this tour again. Continue Reading »
Trip was well worth it. The Black River was amazing, as was the YS falls. Lunch was fantastic. Great local cuisine. Tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly and provided a good feel of the country. Continue Reading »
The YS Falls are not to miss!!! Continue Reading »
You can learn more about the Great Morass's unique flora and fauna at the visitor center which is open daily (9am to 5pm). Refreshments can also be purchased at the Reserve's bar and restaurant.
To get to Royal Palm Reserve by car, head southeast towards Sheffield from the city center.
