Jamaica > Swimming at the YS Falls

I wake up to the sound of the waves at sea. When I open the curtains, I have a beautiful view of the ocean. Last night in the dark, I hadn’t noticed it at all. Breakfast is also with a sea view. At nine o’clock, I take the bus back toward Black River. Just before the town, the bus turns off. I drive along Bamboo Avenue, a four-and-a-half-kilometer-long road lined on both sides with tall bamboo shrubs.

Jamaica - Swimming in the river

The shrubs form a kind of tunnel. It is said that the bamboo was imported during the slavery period to give the landowners more shade. A little further on are the YS Falls. At the entrance, I have to transfer to a small cart. A tractor pulls a trailer with seats, taking me close to the waterfall. I quickly put on my swimwear and head to the falls. The YS Falls consist of several waterfalls and natural pools. One of the guides approaches me. He walks with me to the upper pool. I feel a bit embarrassed because I don’t have any money with me, but he says it’s no problem. He shows me a vine. From a platform, I can swing on a rope and splash down into the water four meters below. I’m willing to try. When I stand on the platform and look down, I immediately regret this decision. Jumping from a height into water is not my thing—not ever, actually. I hesitate between just jumping or going back. I decide to jump. A moment later, I splash into the water at the base of the waterfall. A triumphant feeling. Was I really that afraid? In a higher pool, the guide encourages me to enter the water and swim to the waterfall.

Jamaica - Sunrise over the Caribbean Sea

He takes my camera and, while taking photos, gives instructions on how to best reach the waterfall. I sit in the water flow while he photographs me. I make sure to tell him that I have a tip for him at the restaurant. He’s more than happy to collect it. At the restaurant, I order a YS burger for lunch. After lunch, I head back to Black River. In a small fishing boat, I sail to the Pelican Bar, a little bar built on stilts about five hundred meters from the coast. On the rickety-looking pier, I drink my beer while the sea breeze blows through my hair. What a special place to run a bar. Around 4:30, I’m back at the hotel in Treasure Beach. On the terrace, I order a drink, swim a few laps in the pool, and take a shower. For dinner, I walk into the village again. Right next to yesterday’s restaurant is Jake’s Sprat Restaurant. When I enter the garden, I see a few tables scattered around, with only locals dining. I ask if a table is free. They say I can just order at the counter and sit wherever I like. Perfect. This is how I imagined Jamaica. My pizza with jerk sausages tastes perfect.