I have a friend who is heading to Blackriver in february from Ocho Rios. I'm working on swaying her to stay in TB instead but for now she's got her eye on Blackriver. How would one get there via route taxi? Anyone taken the very long trip? I've done it directly and it took forever so I would imagine that going via route taxi's would take the greater part of the day.

Thanks for any directions & or time frames you can provide. =)

First take a route taxi to Browns Town, then to Alexandria, from there to Spaldings, then to Mandeville and finally to Black River (might have to change in Santa Cruz).

I think it'd be easier to go down to Mo-Bay, then to Sav, then to Black River. Much easier than dealing with the hilly route recommended above.

Thanks!!!

Through Mo Bay may be easier but the ride through the mountains is so much more spectacular. Of course it's been 10+ years since I've done it, but the scenery was amazing.

I agree with Eric and I've taken the ride not too long ago.

Make sure you have motion sickness pills if you are taking the ride through the mountains.Not everyone can take the winding roads.

For anyone else interested in getting to Treasure Beach taking Route Taxis (Car, Minivan), there is a route from Mobay straight to Santa Cruz. It's faster than Mobay to Sav, Sav to Black River route. Of course once you get to Black River or Santa Cruz its easy to get transport to Treasure Beach.

From what I know, if you dont have to wait very long at any of the connecting points, it take almost the same time as a direct ride..two and a half to three hrs.

Great info Frequent Traveller. I didn't know that option exists.

Getting transport from Black River to TB is easy...unless its a Sunday, national holiday, or late at night. This goes for any place island-wide.

What are the options from Santa Cruz these days? Is there a straight shot to TB (thru Mountainside maybe)? Or do you still have to go thru Black River or Gutters/Junction?

This is making me nostalgic for all those days spent in route taxis wedged between two "big bumpa gyal dem" and listening to church lady singing hymns in the front seat. One stop, driver! :-)

Santa Cruz to Watchwell, Watchwell to Treasure Beach(yes you'll be taken through Mountainside)

Going from Mobay, to Santa, to Black River is also still faster than Mo Bay, to Sav, to Blackriver.

I know of at least one taxi which runs from Great Bay to Santa Cruz, via Mountainside. Just ask for Jimmy.

Hey everyone!! I'm the person who was inquiring and WOW thanks for all that info! This is the beauty of Jamaican chat forums and people who DO Jamaica!

Turns out that a couple of local friends are gonna come with me from Ochi to south coast so we're all gonna split the cost of renting a car and drive the mountain way.

Thank you guys sooooo much for the assistance though. From one JA forum to another.....RESPECT!!