Adventure Tours
6–7 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
C$337.44
per adult
J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari
J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari
J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari
4
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Full view
About
J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari is the pioneer safari company and has been in operation since 1987. The safari boat tour takes you approximately 4 miles upstream the Black River. While on tour, your boat captain gives you a brief history of the are and a running commentary of what you are seeing; Usually birds, fish and of-course the world famous crocodiles. At the end of the tour all guests are welcome to view the Crocodile Nursery; This nursery aids in the rehabilitation and relocation of crocodiles from all over the island. When in the nursery guests are able to interact and even get heir picture taken holding a juvenile crocodile.
Tours and Tickets by J. Charles Swaby's Black River Safari
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(44 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
630 reviews
Excellent
281
Very good
240
Average
80
Poor
18
Terrible
11
Samantha Rizzo
6 contributions
Feb. 2023
We saw 3 crocs. The boat ride was nice, the sights beautiful.
The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Told us about the mangroves, the egrets, the aerial roots that act as straws, about the swamp fires, etc. It was short and sweet. They also had a nice little eatery, with tasty rice and peas and a sweet pineapple sauce to die for.
The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Told us about the mangroves, the egrets, the aerial roots that act as straws, about the swamp fires, etc. It was short and sweet. They also had a nice little eatery, with tasty rice and peas and a sweet pineapple sauce to die for.
Written March 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rebecca
London, UK9 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Family
Lovely team of people! Had a great trip exploring the black river. Great commentary and nice visit to the sanctuary. Affordable prices
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Keri M
20 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
A pleasant little boat ride with an informative skipper, managed to see 3 crocodiles and some birds. I wouldn't go out of my way to return but was nice to be able to appreciate the nature along the river.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ken A
Houghton-le-Spring, UK3 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
The crew were fantastic 🙂, so patient and helpful, the boat was Great , food excellent , we had fantastic day 😂 just a pity that the sun 😎 hid himself away.
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Axel R
Ijmuiden, The Netherlands286 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
J. Charles Swaby’s Black River Crocodile Safari.
At both sides of the Black River are tour operators who go on Safari on the Black River.
1500 acres of protected wetland with springwater Broad River and Black River coming from the Cockpit Country Mountains. The river looks black indeed, it’s because of clay sediment, the water is as clear as springwater could be. Mangrove forest, a great amount of bird species, large fresh water fish. And ofcourse the main attraction: wild American Crocodiles. Huge ancient creatures that gracefully swim in their clear springwater protected environment free to go anywhere they like.
The site also has a sanctuary where you could hold a baby Crocodile, if you’re lucky.
Resorts charges 150$ pp. we payed 57$ for 3 persons, travelling with our rented car at 50$ a day.
On the way back from Black River we stopped at Dor’s Belmont Sands / Blue Oceans Sands for lunch. Great wide view over the blue ocean. The bar/ restaurant is: Low profile, attracts lots of locals and has good food. We had chicken wraps, fried calimari, fresh fish soup.
Very good food, go and try for yourselves.
At both sides of the Black River are tour operators who go on Safari on the Black River.
1500 acres of protected wetland with springwater Broad River and Black River coming from the Cockpit Country Mountains. The river looks black indeed, it’s because of clay sediment, the water is as clear as springwater could be. Mangrove forest, a great amount of bird species, large fresh water fish. And ofcourse the main attraction: wild American Crocodiles. Huge ancient creatures that gracefully swim in their clear springwater protected environment free to go anywhere they like.
The site also has a sanctuary where you could hold a baby Crocodile, if you’re lucky.
Resorts charges 150$ pp. we payed 57$ for 3 persons, travelling with our rented car at 50$ a day.
On the way back from Black River we stopped at Dor’s Belmont Sands / Blue Oceans Sands for lunch. Great wide view over the blue ocean. The bar/ restaurant is: Low profile, attracts lots of locals and has good food. We had chicken wraps, fried calimari, fresh fish soup.
Very good food, go and try for yourselves.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LornaEames
Leicester, UK73 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
A really excellent experience and we saw so many more crocodiles than I was expecting! Our guide was also very knowledgable. We booked as part of an excursion with YS and the day was excellent and really varied. Also involved a yummy home cooked lunch!
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
r t
Bromsgrove, UK630 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Couples
Fantastic tour, knowledgeable guide and very organised. Would certainly recommend to a wildlife lover
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CountryGal5759
Jackson, OH523 contributions
Jun. 2022
What a fun day on the Black River. We learned about the history of the area. Our guide was very knowledgeable of the crocodiles and other wildlife. We saw so many crocodiles-they came right up to our boat. The tour operators must feed them after hours for them to approach our boat. The captain reached out and touched the crocodile-it is a wonder he still has his arm! We also saw many birds. The tour lasted about and hour. We took a taxi from our resort and combined this tour with YS Falls for a fun filled day. The boat look a bit rough and old but the actual tour and guide were excellent. Only downside was they did not accept credit cards and the entrance fee we were charged was more than the on line posting stated. We were charged 25 USD cash pp. Our taxi driver and the online posting both stated the fee was 20 pp and that credit cards were accepted. Guessing the person collecting our fee gave himself a nice tip!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
falala
Montreal, Canada377 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Friends
We did the boat ride, took pictures with the mangrove and saw a couple of crocodiles. At the end, we were able to hold the young ones. This was part of a Nexus tour
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nibbs007
Dorking, UK449 contributions
Apr. 2022
Visited as part of a day excursion. The pilot of the boat was very informative and knew much about the local fauna and flora. We saw two crocodiles (Josephine at the half way point, whom the pilot stroked, and jaws at the end). Really enjoyable trip don the black river. Recommended.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jessie_m92
Manchester, UK6 contributions
Hi, how much is the entrance fee? Don’t plan on booking through a tour. Thanks!
Urshy
19 contributions
I’m afraid I don’t know you could try their website.
wahwahbinks8
90 contributions
Is there somewhere to leave luggage? Specifically a camping rucksack. Or does anyone know of nearby places where luggage can be left
Tobi B
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada121 contributions
When you take the Black River Boat Tour there are lockers you can get, I’m not sure how much space is in them. While travelling on the bus they suggest you leave you items on the bus. The bus driver and your guide usually stay behind with the bus.
wahwahbinks8
90 contributions
Can you just arrive, buy a ticket and then go on the next boat tour? Or do you have to book in advance with a tour company.
David E
West Rutland, VT73 contributions
We drove right up to the place, and were on a boat within 20 minutes.
The specifics address
christopher k
Banbury, UK63 contributions
We were taken by tour rep
But well worth it
Sara Raili
Thunder Bay, Canada8 contributions
How appropriate would this tour be with kids? We have a 4 year old and a 1.5 year old. I wonder if our little one would be miserable!? How long is the boat tour?
Jpart
Vancouver, Canada1,772 contributions
The actual tour is very relaxing but depending on the hotel you are travelling from the drive there and back could be very tiring not only for the kids but for you guys too. The whole black river is around an hour and very interesting. While the tour guide/captain can really make or break the entire experience. Our captain was very entertaining and witty while our friends on the other boat complained they were simply taken to see the stuff a little bit of facts and then back. Their entire tour was way shorter than ours. they started the same time as us but were at the shore like 10 mins before us.
sfitemd
Rochester, MI2 contributions
What outfit provides the tours and do you have a link to their website ?
Lots of tour companies provide the transport to Black River Safari, and include the safari price in what you pay. Alternatively, you can just arrange your own transport by taxi or other means, and pay for the safari when you arrive. Usually a boat leaves when it is full, or on quiet days, if it looks like nobody else is going to show.