Its clear water reflects the colour of the peat lining banks and riverbed. The river's main source rises as Hector's River near Troy in the Cockpit Country and goes underground twice before resurfacing near Balaclava. Long ago Black River was an important waterway navigable for almost 25 miles upstream. Today it is used primarily for shrimping, and tourism. The uncontrolled increase in pleasure traffic is threatening the habitat of crocodiles and other species.
Trips start from the bridge.
On the west bank Dr. Dan Bennett's St. Elizabeth Safari offers more of less the same itinerary in pontoon craft. The town's somnolent charm is enhanced by old buildings and a historic Anglican parish church of rosy brick. A neglected mineral spa to the west of town, once a favourite place for King Leopold of the Belgians, continues to await rescue. Unsuccessful attempts to develop this area date back to 1783 when the British government decided to settle some loyalist American refugees here. Local opponents to the scheme gleefully reported that even a settler whose name was Frogge found the area too damp, so the scheme was abandoned.