A tour group ventures across Guts River (Clarendon and Manchester border) on a makeshift bridge. The group was checking out several spots on the south coast - Michael Sloley photoYvonne Chin, Staff Reporter
I MIGHT as well admit it -- I've been smitten by the South Coast. It happened on an exciting and eye-opening environmental trip about two months ago. After soaking up the southern scenery and learning about its natural wonders I was left wanting more.
The opportunity for Lifestyle to return for seconds came two weeks ago with a Sun Venture Tours trip from Kingston through St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester and into St. Elizabeth. Although the route was familiar, for most of us, the experience was amazingly new, and sure enough we saw another side to the stunning south coast.
In just one day we were able to explore the beautiful Black River by going on a safari, swim in Guts River and Guts River Beach and catch a glimpse of other southern wonders like God's Well and the protected Sea Manatees at Alligator Hole.
"The Black River Safari and Lover's Leap really rival each other as memorable points of the journey," said Robert Kerr, our tour guide who also heads Sun Venture Tours. "Even though I've been on these trips so many times, the view at Lover's Leap is still so awesome and the Black River Safari is also an amazing attraction. The journey up the river very peaceful and calm and the encounter with the crocodiles impacts on the senses no matter how many times you've been there."
For Gwyneth Harold, the highlight of the day "were the gentle, silent
manatees. I had sighted them on a
previous visit shyly trying to hide
their bulky bodies in the reeds as our rowboats passed. This time we went on the cliff overlooking their sanctuary and had the honour of seeing the three of them feed. Just to see their ghostly bodies starting with a small round head and ending in a delicately fanned tail was a delight."
Camille Taylor says her magical moments came when she got to see the crocodiles close-up while on the Black River Safari. "Our tour guide had named several of the reptiles and he told us that they were able to identify them based on their location. Peter seemed like the charmer, he came eagerly to meet our boat as we swung by his hangout. The tour guide stopped the engine and went to the side of the vessel to say hello. I watched in amazement as an affectionate exchange followed."
This is the first of a three-part series. In parts two and three week we'll show you more scenic snapshots from our trip and share some of the awesome details of our southern escape.
ESCAPE TO THE SOUTH COAST
In the meantime, if you want to head out to sample the south coast for yourself, contact Sun Venture Tours at 960-6685 or www.sunventuretours.com.
COST
You'll pay between $1,500 and $3,000 depending on the number of persons in your group. This covers transportation, entry fees to the various locations, lunch and guide services.
Next week: The feeling of reverence on the Black River Safari and the
wonders of Guts River.
