Monday, 13 January 2014

Animal Farm & Nature Reserve


The Rastafowl Nature Tour, Butterfly House, Bamboo River Rafting and Hiking Tours

Animal Farm started out as a six-acre 'Fun Farm' located in Copse, Hanover, Jamaica. We have since grown to over 40 acres of mainly forest reserves - hence our change in name. The farm is primarily dedicated to aviculture- the breeding and rearing of birds and we have over seventy different varieties- but we also have other animals on the farm: pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and a donkey named Boxer for the kids to ride around! The farm is environmentally -friendly. We use Solar Power for electricity, generate Bio-gas for cooking and refrigeration and use compost instead of commercial fertilizers.
Located in the Montpelier Hills, a mere twenty minutes from Montego Bay, Animal Farm is Light-years away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life; and where one is at once, in touch with nature.
We offer visitors the chance to enjoy our:

Exotic Birds                         
Picnic Grounds                       
Butterfly Garden                  
Herb Garden                          
Local Flora and Fauna
Petting Zoo
Bird-Watching
Riverside Park  

Bamboo River Rafting
Hiking
Butterfly House
Jamaican Zoo
Nature Trails
Nature Massage Gazebo 
Botanical Gardens 

Rastafarian Indigenous Village

The Rasta Village (or Rastafarian Indigenous Village) is a unique way to experience life of the followers of Rastafari. The village is home to a community of Rastafarians and is open for guided tours.
The tours begin in the Tropical Gardens on the Montego River, just outside of Montego Bay. You will be lead from here through a shallow river into the village. As you approach you'll hear the drumming and chanting getting louder.
On the tour you'll be told about Rastafarian life including the principles of living in harmony with nature and the role of Haile Selassie. The chef then gives a tour of the village kitchen, showing the vegetables, herbs and spices used in Rastafarian cooking, showing the nutritional and culinary importance of each ingredient.
You will also be given a tour of the village herb library where your guide will explain the medicinal properties of the many herbs grown there and, in some cases, those which scientists are beginning to investigate for their use in scientific remedies.
The village also has a meditative labyrinth you can walk around and engage in your own private contemplation.
The tour ends on a musical note with a traditional drum and chanting session in the centre of the village. Herbal tea and fresh fruits are served to you whilst you listen. You may even be invited to join the drummers at the end of the session.
Traditional jewelry, clothing and herbal remedies are made and sold in the village.

The Rastafarian Indigenous Village was established in December 2008 by three of the residents - IION Kanaka, First Man and Ileen IION. The village is growing, with an amphitheatre and residential huts built and Rastafarian followers from other settlements are due to join the community in the future.

Saturday, 11 January 2014

Nine Mile


9 Mile is a small village in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. Both the birthplace and final resting place of Reggae legend Bob Marley.



Roaring River Cave



The Roaring River runs underground, before appearing near to Petersfield, close to the Roaring River Cave, a series of limestone caverns with a small mineral spring inside. The Roaring River Citizens Association, a local community group, looks after the caves and provides guided tours for visitors. There is also a fresh water sinkhole where visitors can swim and a landscaped private garden where visitors are welcome for a contribution.

Swim with Dolphin Program



This magnificent property has a natural cove which is surrounded by 5 acres of lush tropical rain forest. Visitors have the opportunity to interact and "Swim With" dolphins, enjoying the thrill and love of these amazing lovable animals. Visitors can also swim, hold, feed, and learn about the evolutionary secrets of the Caribbean sharks.  Visitors can capture their dream of being a dolphin trainer by taking the challenge of being “Sea Keeper” for the day.
One of the many things that make Dolphin Cove Jamaica special is that we do not keep our dolphins in tanks.  All our dolphins are in the sea.  There they have the opportunity enjoy the company of many different fish, rays, and many other forms of sea life much the same as they would in the wild.  Dolphin Cove takes great pride in knowing and being able to say this.



Glistening Waters - Luminous Lagoon



This place is MAGICAL!!! Glistening Waters is a glowing lagoon on the north coast of Jamaica.  This marvel is only found in 4 places in the world; however, this lagoon is the brightest of them all due to more consistent climate. Here, the fresh water from the Martha Brae River meets the salt-water ocean and this amazing creation is formed.  The water is filled with phosphorous which allows it to illuminate so brilliantly when disturbed. The glow is formed from small microorganisms that emit a flash of light when touched.  The microscopic organisms live and create a natural phenomenon, known as bioluminescence.  Jamaica’s luminous lagoon being the brightest of them all amazes scientists and visitors worldwide.


Croydon Plantation


This working plantation nestled in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountains provides a breathtaking and panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The plantation invites visitors to journey into the majestic mountainous country where lush vegetation and wild flowers surround trickling waterfalls. Visitors can capture the flavor of Jamaica while strolling through this tropical paradise.
Sample exotic and delicious fruits and drinks made from them. This highly interesting and enjoyable tour includes a delicious barbecued lunch, served with world famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
OPENING TIMES
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from: 10:30 am

 

Jamaica Swamp Safari


A trip to the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village in Falmouth, Trelawny will put you in touch with the wonders of nature and animal life.  Located in a natural mangrove habitat, Jamaica Swamp Safari is home to over 30 of the endangered American Crocodile, the also endangered Jamaican Boa Constrictor (Yellow Snake), and the once thought extinct Jamaican Coney.

  Venture into Jamaica’s only walk-thru Aviary to view several species of rare local birds.  Take a guided tour and meet the many animals of the America’s on show such as the Capuchin Monkey, Collared Peccary, Grey Fox, Tayra, Mongoose, Raccoon, Agouti, Coatimundi and Green Iguanas.  Get close up with ‘Jeremiah’ our 14 ft giat Crocodile and ‘Japeth’ his buddy and gaze at ‘Shakira’ our very impressive 18ft Anaconda.


Friday, 10 January 2014

YS Falls


YS FALLS
 Seven beautiful cascading waterfalls await you! Some of them fall into natural pools where you can swim and dive. Also there you can experience the thrill of flight time on a cable or relax while riding HB inflatable circles surrounded by wild jungle Boasting a magnificent 7 tiered cascading waterfall, an expansive wading pool fed by underground springs, exciting canopy rides which careen you down the alley high above the falls. River tube Rides and Spectacular views, adventure Waits for you in the Jungle! If you Seek Total Relaxation, May you choose to Spend the Day as an Observer, immersed in the nature of Bounty, Surrounded by water, gardens, giant trees and constant Surprise of tropical birds!




BLACK RIVER



Take a boat ride up the Black River and meet our friendly Crocodiles.
Discover the beauty of the South Coast with a 1/12 hour boat tour by motor launch up Jamaica's
Jamaica's Largest navigable river and through what is Jamaica's largest wetland area, the Black River lower morass. Our basic tour takes you six miles up the river and return, during which a running commentary is given by your captain/ tour guide on both the ecology and a little history of the area. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the Black River morass and many are seen during your trip. The endangered American Crocodile inhabits the area and sightings are very very frequent. The wetland vegetation is of special interest with three species of mangrove, Thatch palms, Royal palms and freshwater swamp forest dominating. A not-to-be-forgotten experience.




Blue Hole Mineral Spring, Westmoreland, Jamaica


Blue Hole Mineral Spring Blue Hole Mineral Spring sits Beneath A cavernous 

Opening in Jamaica's terrain and is completely Encased by Karst 

limestone. Naturally occurring the minerals in the limestone act as an 

underground filter for the Steady upwelling of water, Leaving Behind A luxuriously 

Pure bath of minerals for Guests to Enjoy. Party All Day Sundays! Natural mineral 

spring Blue Hole will enjoy natural bath surrounded by palm trees, relax and to 

feel again the taste of life and delicious Jamaican chicken jack (very, very tasty 

here) and the famous Red Stripe Jamaican beer make these feelings even 

sharper!

Dunns' River Falls, Jamaica





Dunn's River Falls and Park is considered one of Jamaica's national treasures. These waterfalls are famous as well as Reggie. It is truly one of the most beautiful corners of Jamaica. This waterfall has been immortalized in many films, including the James Bond film. Waterfall originates in the mountains and down to the sea, divided into many small waterfalls, natural pools separated in which you can swim. Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's National Treasures. Globally, it is as well-known as Reggae and Equally stimulating; Truly it is one of the Most beautiful spots on the island. Described as A living and growing Phenomenon, it regenerates Itself Continuously from deposits of Travertine Rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone cavesThis, combined with its location near to the sea, gives Dunn's River the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, if not the world. 

Pick Up available from Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril Hotels.