Neighborhoods of Jamaica's South Coast
By Shannon Beineke
The soothing South Coast of Jamaica is such a pleasant escape from bustling tourist towns. This is a quaint land of fishing villages, historic architecture, and unsullied nature. The locals are known for their welcoming attitude and laid-back friendliness. This is the kind of Caribbean gem that reminds its visitors what “getaway” really means. To top it all off, the South Coast is completely accessible--only an hour-long drive from the International Airport at Montego Bay!
Treasure Beach is a golden hotspot of the South Coast. It’s so hot, in fact, that cacti are indigenous to this desert region! The beach’s weather is attributed to its natural shield from rain: the Santa Cruz Mountains. Life is slow-paced throughout the various fishing villages along the six mile coastline. Here one can admire a quiet sunset from the lonely shore with not one jet-ski or parasail in sight. Lover’s Leap offers an unsurpassed view. It was named for two passionate slaves who hurled themselves over the 1,700 ft. cliff to avoid separation. Treasure Beach is a great place to meditate or regenerate, but for those who think it seems a little too languid, Black River may be a better choice.
Wetlands of the Black River’s lower morass are the vastest in Jamaica! Hundreds of colorful birds, along with endangered species like the American crocodile, can often be spotted along the river. Back on land, High Street is busy with Georgian architecture and radiant gardens. Better yet is YS estates. Everyone is pulled to its main attraction by tractor! It might be a working Thoroughbred and cattle farm, but this plot of land is best known for harboring eight tiers of aquatic beauty that gush into a natural swimming pool. This water wonderland is called YS Falls, and visitors should feel free to take a rejuvenating dip.
Mandeville is the right place to stay for anyone worried about foreign country dangers. Having zero slums makes it one of the safest Jamaican towns. There is even less risk of sunburn since it’s 2,000 ft. above sea level, atop the Manchester Plateau, where the weather is cooler. Most of the residents are retired, and quite a few of them are British. Restaurants, banks, and malls give Mandeville a suburban feel. Greenery, gardens, and ample dirt trails create a perfect balance.
Just North of Mandeville are the Quashie River Sink Caves in the town of Trelawny. Only the bravest souls should lower themselves into complete darkness to cross dangerous underground rivers. The South Coast is also home to Smokey Hole, a mammoth limestone cave that fills with mist during heavy rainfall. It’s the deepest in the country at 194 meters. Still there are sea caves, enclaves, coral reefs, and traditional villages left to discover. That’s the everyday South Coast; the best getaway in all of Jamaica, island vacation paradise of the Caribbean.
