YS Falls

Often part of a guided tour to Black River, YS Falls is well worth a trip of its own. We think these falls are as beautiful as Dunn’s River falls, but without the crowds. The pristine spot retains a quiet atmosphere every day of the week. Bring your bathing suit as well as walking shoes.

Both South Coast and Negril vacationers looking to get away from the sunloving crowds for a while can take a day trip to Y.S. Falls These spectacular waterfalls cascade in steps through tropical forest.

Your trip begins by hopping an open-air jitney for a ride to the falls then a short walk to the foot of the falls. At the top, swimmers enjoy clear waters under a canopy of fern.

The land has a long history. The property went into bankruptcy and was held by the Encumbered Estates Court in London for some time. The great-uncle of the present owners traveled to London in 1887 to purchase a property in St. Ann; once he arrived he learned it had already been sold and so he purchased YS. For years, the 8,000-acre farm grew sugarcane, raised cattle and sold logwood trees to Holland, where they were used for making dye. Today there are still some logwood trees along the farm’s fence lines.
The farm covers about 2,500 acres and raises Jamaica Red Poll cattle and thoroughbred racehorses; you’ll also see many papayas grown on the plantation for export.

Why is this falls named YS? The shortest place name in Jamaica has been long debated. Some believe it comes the Gaelic word “wyess” (winding or twisting). Others say the name comes from a combination of the initials of the land’s 1684 owners: John Yates and Lt. Col. Richard Scott.