Fonthill Wildlife Sanctuary
Just 20 Kms West of Blackriver (or 60 kms South of Negril) is Fonthill Sanctuary. This is more known for it's immaculately clean beach than for the vast wildlife reserve that is home to indigenous and migratory birds, 300 crocodiles, as well as nesting for sea turtles, sand sharks etc.
The bush is fascinating with mature canopies hosting huge Tillandsia clumps, Cereus cactus and Hohenbergia. Amongst this are Mangrove swamps surrounding brakish ponds that are home to some of the crocodiles.
12 Sand Sharks were playing around the lone mangrove
A 15 min drive along a sandtrack leads you to a spot where you walk. Wardens are a must as you are in crocodile homeland and the place is vast. Be prepared for a 2-3 hour hike.
One of the many inlets that allow sharks and turtles shallow water access
Sea Grape in fruit
Seagrape as a coastline front
Crocodile tracks on the beach
From the coast line one enters into the thick bush that has low "mocca" (spiny bush). Trousers or long socks are a must.
Hohenbergia alongside the trail
Tillandsia and Cereus in the canopy
There is a crocodile in this pond!
Remember that, as a rule, wild animals are more scared of you than you are of them. Therefore if you want to see them, absolute quiet is necessary.
The pristine bay at Font Hill
The Pertroleum Corporation of Jamaica is to be complemented on the implementation and maintenenace of this natural heritage.
