Actually the price of a taxi could be more costly than taking a tour unless you find some other people to go along with you to share the cost of an eight to 15 passenger mini van. The advantage fo using the van is that you are fee to go where you want, when you want and you don't have to stop at other hotels to pick up other passengers. Be sure to used a liscenced driver. When I was there we hired drivers though a company called Travel International Ltd. phone (876)952-9362 (24 hours)They arranged drivers for us we were very happy with (Mr. Jamison and Mr. Shearer.) They were both excellent and reliable. Be sure to negotiate your price before you go anywhere ina taxi. Don't worry about converting your money over to Jamaican currecy as the American dollar is widely accepted. Have fun!

Greetings to you.

I personally would VERY strongly recommend you DON'T attempt to make the Y/S-Black River tour at all with your children. I think the drives would be too much for them.

You might instead consider going to the (somewhat "cheasier") but much CLOSER, J Charles Swabi's Swamp Safari which is within minutes of Starfish.

The Luminous Lagoon is even closer and you will enjoy that. Dunn's is somewhat further (about 1-1/2 hours) but I think your boys will love it and remember it forever.

There is also a great place called the Green Grotto Caves which is closeby and is another one I highly recommend.

Blessings and much respect to you, Enjoy Jamaica to the max!

Steve

In addition to the good suggestions above, I'd like to add checking out rafting on the Martha Brae River if it's still an option. It's nice, mild adventure within close proximity to your hotel. Several years ago, while staying at Trelawny Beach Hotel, my husband and I hired a driver and planned to raft the river. Unfortunately, there was a funeral the day we visited..one of the elder raft captions had passed..and most of the captains were attending. We had planned to return, but never did. However, the little ride in the country and along the river we took was a treat in itself. Hire a driver and take your children up there...nice ride through the country. Hope this helps.

I agree a trek to Black River would be quite far for the little ones. There's much to see right around where you are. And, the folks around Trelawny are nice and friendly and welcoming.

Hello jlh, I beg to differ and would definately take the trip across to the Black River Safari. Your children are old enough. Unless they suffer from car sickness? They will love the Safari and Ys Falls will be even more entertaining for them. Imagine them swinging from a rope and jumping of into the water. Hire a taxi and leave early in the morning. Back by 8pm.

MAPS OF JAMAICA

www.caribline.com/islands/jm/jmmap.shtml = impressive details..

Black River Safari visitjamaica.com/planning_your_trip/…

YS FALLS visitjamaica.com/planning_your_trip/…

Hello Steve. Welcome back! We all missed you. Heard anything from Whams. She also disappeared and I sincerely hope that she is fine. When do we get to read some exciting things about your trip?

Ref Black River Safari. This is on the South Coast and one of the main organisers is a company named Charles Swaby. Family from Manderville.

J. Charles Schwartz is a broker from NY.

You mentioned a safari by Swabi that is 10 minutes from the Starfish. Please tell me more. I dont have him listed as yet!

MsL has given a wonderful suggestion.

Please open this site and scroll half way down the page until you see the words.

Martha Brae Estate Riverside Park. http://www.discoverjamaica.com/tour11.htm

I think that this is worth doing and will be fun for the whole family. ENJOY!

First, Hi Steve. It was great getting to meet you last week at Starfish. And it was also nice meeting you Mr. & Mrs. B. Whay you all do for the school is so tremendous. That should be obvious by the reaction of the Jamaicans at the resort as they found out.

I agree with Steve, the Black River is a long trip. Dunns River will basically be a full day. The Luminous Lagoon (Glistening Waters) is just an evening for a couple of hours. Honestly, we weren't very impressed but I know of others who take it and think it's great. It's no more than a five minute ride from Starfish. We rafted the Martha Brae a few years ago. It's a neat trip and will probably be a 3/4 day trip overall. I'm not sure if all three of you can get on one raft though.

Starfish has plenty to keep your boys busy. Rock climbing, basketball, pool, trapeze, outdoor "ice" hockey rink, game room, basket weaving, plus all the water sports which you will have to pay extra for. We have been to Starfish twice this year, just getting back last Friday. You will have a great vacation.

First, Hi Steve. It was great getting to meet you last week at Starfish. And it was also nice meeting you Mr. & Mrs. B. What you all do for the school is so tremendous. That should be obvious by the reaction of the Jamaicans at the resort as they found out.

I agree with Steve, the Black River is a long trip. Dunns River will basically be a full day. The Luminous Lagoon (Glistening Waters) is just an evening for a couple of hours. Honestly, we weren't very impressed but I know of others who take it and think it's great. It's no more than a five minute ride from Starfish. We rafted the Martha Brae a few years ago. It's a neat trip and will probably be a 3/4 day trip overall. I'm not sure if all three of you can get on one raft though.

Starfish has plenty to keep your boys busy. Rock climbing, basketball, pool, trapeze, outdoor "ice" hockey rink, game room, basket weaving, plus all the water sports which you will have to pay extra for. We have been to Starfish twice this year, just getting back last Friday. You will have a great vacation.

Wow. Thanks for the information. Unfortunately, I'm not Steve though, dont know who he is, I've never been to the Starfish, OR Jamaica...but I do appreciate all of the info!

How much should I pay in American dollars if I want to go to the Black River safary/YS Falls in a private taxi? And once I'm there, do you know how much extra it will be to take the actual tour?

Whoops! Sorry...I see who Steve is now. I wasnt paying attention to the names of the posters.

After seeing my poor attention to detail, do you still think I should even try to venture of the resort with my kids! ? jeez!

lol ! Good one jlh !

Hi Johnny, thank you. I will be doing an article on my visit over the next week. I have so much to say.

Greetings C&S , the feeling is truly mutual, I really regret now, not having arranged to be able to hang out for longer with you guys. It was great meeting MsB and hubby as well, next time we'll definately have to make more of a full day of it or something. I'll likely be with my wife next time. By the way, did you ever go over to see Caleb again this trip?

Blessings and respect to you my friends.

Steve

Oh sorry, Johnny, I forgot about your question about the Swamp Safari. This site was formerly the Jamaica Safari Village Crocodile Park and was bought by the Swabi's you mentioned. One of several locations where parts of James Bond-Live and Let Die was filmed.

Blessings mon.

Steve