Montego Bay: Appleton Rum, YS Falls & Black River Safari Day Trip

Summary

Rum tasting at Appleton Estate, swimming at YS Falls, and spotting crocodiles on the Black River

You’ll taste rum straight from its source at Appleton Estate, swim or swing into cool waters at YS Falls (with lunch after), then cruise along Black River spotting crocodiles and listening to local stories. This day trip from Montego Bay brings together flavors, landscapes, and real Jamaican warmth—you’ll carry home more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

"Try the white rum — but only a little," our guide grinned at Appleton Estate, and I swear you could smell molasses in the air before we even stepped inside. The walk around the old distillery felt like time travel — big wooden barrels stacked up in cool shadows, sugar cane being pressed (I tried a piece; it's softer than I thought), and that low sweet note everywhere. There was a short film about the history — I probably missed half of it because I kept staring out at the hills behind the windows. But then came the tasting. Three rums lined up in tiny glasses, and I tried to look like I knew what I was doing. One sip burned just right; another was so smooth it almost surprised me.

Driving south from Montego Bay took longer than I expected — maybe two hours? — but our driver told stories about his family’s first job at Appleton and pointed out breadfruit trees along the road. When we got to YS Falls, everything felt cooler somehow. Mist off the water, kids laughing as they swung from ropes into one of the pools. There were guides helping people climb up the rocks (I needed more help than most) and honestly, just sitting under a tree watching dragonflies skim over the water was enough for me for a while. Lunch was simple — jerk chicken with that smoky kick — but after swimming it tasted perfect.

The last stop was Black River for a boat ride. The river looked almost green under the late sun, and our captain waved to some local fishermen as we set off. He called out “Crocodile!” every time he spotted one lounging on a log; sometimes you had to squint to see them move. Birds everywhere too — herons maybe? (I’m not great with birds). He told us how this river used to be busy with barges carrying sugar back when Jamaica got its first electricity here, which is wild to imagine now with everything so quiet except for the motor and those weird bird calls echoing through the mangroves.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed by the end of this day trip from Montego Bay — or maybe it was just all that rum talking? Either way, there’s something about seeing three totally different sides of Jamaica in one long day that sticks with you. Every time I smell brown sugar now, I think of those barrels at Appleton Estate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Appleton Estate, YS Falls, and Black River

• Tour Appleton Estate grounds
• Watch rum-making documentary
• Sample sugar cane products
• Visit rum factory and warehouse
• Taste three Appleton rums
• Drive to YS Falls
• Climb falls with guides
• Swim and relax at pools
• Try rope swings and zip lining
• Shop at YS Falls park
• Take guided Black River boat ride
• See crocodiles and birds
• Learn Black River history

Top questions

How long does the Appleton Estate tour take?

The guided tour of Appleton Estate typically lasts about an hour including tastings and a short documentary.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is included during your stop at YS Falls as part of the day trip package.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be 18 or older for rum tasting; reduced entry fees apply for kids under 17 at attractions.

How far is YS Falls from Montego Bay?

YS Falls is approximately two hours’ drive south of Montego Bay depending on traffic.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Montego Bay are included in your booking.

What should I bring for swimming at YS Falls?

You should bring swimwear, beach towels, water shoes, an extra set of dry clothes, camera, and some cash.

Is there a minimum age for drinking rum on this tour?

The minimum drinking age for rum tasting at Appleton Estate is 18 years old.

Is ziplining available at YS Falls?

Yes, ziplining is available as an optional activity while visiting YS Falls.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Montego Bay, all entry fees for Appleton Estate (with complimentary tastings), guided walks through both distillery and barrel rooms, access to swim areas at YS Falls with lunch provided onsite, plus a guided boat ride on Black River before heading back in the evening.