Adventures around Viking's House
We are a base camp for your ecotour adventures, with numerous natural attractions within a short (less than 1/2 mile) distance from Vikings.
On site or less than 1/2 mile away you will find somewhere to hike, mt.bike, snorkel, kayak, bird watch, rock climb, cave explore and more!
You don't need a to hire a vehicle to enjoy any of the following attractions:
Step off your verandah onto miles of single-track mt.biking and hiking trails which skirt the deserted coastline, the ride is very level and scenic. These tracks literally start in the front yard of Viking's and go for miles.
click on photos to enlarge
(Biking along the deserted coast) (Bikers head out- shot taken from verandah)
The nearest beach, Mary Bay rests in a small cove just 300 feet from the house. It is sheltered, thus always safe for a swim.
(3 different views of Mary Bay, one of the beaches steps from Viking's House)
Day trips to Floyd's Pelican Bar, Black River and more can be arranged, with pick-up right at our local beach...
Several secluded coves dot the seaside where the water will either be crystal
clear, beckoning you to explore the reef via snorkel, kayak or glass bottom raft
or perhaps the sea will be moody, tossing up some waves for you to boogie board.
Perhaps your mood will dictate nothing more than a book or a snooze in a hammock
whilst enjoying an entire beach to yourself. .
(View of Pedro Bluff, shot from Great Bay Beach)
The Pedro Bluff, which borders Great Bay Beach (less than 1/2 mile from Viking's) is the natural barrier sheltering Great Bay Beach, making it the calmest and most scenic beach in the entire Treasure Beach region. The bluff provides hiking trails, opportunities to go line fishing from the rocks, bird watching (numerous pelican, frigate birds and more), and snorkeling or kayaking along the edge of the Bluff. The bluff is dotted with numerous small coves, as well as spots for rock climbing, a cave to be explored and much more. Another wonderful spot for photographers. Great Bay Beach and the Pedro Bluff are devoid of crowds, save for a few fisherman and a handful of local residents on weekends.
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(Kayaking around the Pedro Bluff)
The Great Pedro Pond is less than 1/4 mile from our house and borders the family property. This a well known spot for birding and a great spot for a leisurely kayak trip. Photo buffs are sure to catch a great photo or two of the sunset brilliantly reflecting across this large, calm pond. We offer a guided sunset kayak trip on the pond which not only will allow you to view the brilliance of the sunset, but also to catch the mass flight of hundreds of large gaulding as they come in for their evening roost in the trees which border the pond.
(Great Pond Sunset)
Hikers who wish to hire a guide will find the Pedro Hills and the area behind
the Bluff incredibly scenic and peaceful. Only your stamina limits how
much you will see as there are literally miles and miles of trails to explore.
(Hiking behind the Pedro Bluff)
Viking's House is located on the same family property as Irie Cabins, Ital Rest and Shirley's Herbal Steam bath. So those who aren't interested in active adventures or exploring nature will find many on site places to chill. Ital Rest Bar offers music, ping-pong, impromptu drumming sessions, food and of course Red Stripes and more.
Shirley's Herbal Steam Bath and Massage which is now world famous is on site. Anyone who has ever had a massage knows how great you feel afterward, but when you precede a massage with 15-20 minutes of an herbal steam and then are treated by one who hasn't just trained in the art of massage, but who actually has a natural gift at massage you are in for a treat that can't be replicated anywhere. We highly recommend you at least enjoy one treatment, if possible you should enjoy a treatment on the first AND last day of your vacation as you will find yourself feeling truly rejuvenated.
All this and more await you to explore within walking distance of Viking's. No need to BYOB (Bring your own bike)- we offer top of the line Gear Rental.
Day Trips From Viking's House
There are numerous sites close enough to Viking's for your day trip adventures.
BOAT TOURS- Deep sea fishing, snorkeling or a trip to Floyd's Pelican bar ( a bamboo and thatch bar sitting literally in the water, well off shore). Other possibilities include trips along the coast or up the Black River. There are several regular boat captains offering tours as well as many local fisherman who are available for hire. You may be lucky enough to see a few dolphin in addition to the wonderful scenery.
YS FALLS- a must see. Play Tarzan (or Jane) and swing from a vine, plunging into the cool pools beneath this scenic wonder. Take a leisurely tube ride down the calm river below the falls. A small fresh water wading pool is also on site for your little ones, who may also enjoy the play ground.
BAMBOO AVENUE- miles of bamboo border the road and form a natural canopy, a must see. A great place to purchase fresh Jamaican Peanuts and Jelly Coconuts as well as very scenic photo spot.
APPLETON RUM FACTORY TOUR- very fascinating tour on the Appleton Rum Estate. Better to hire a driver as the tour concludes with an unlimited sampling of ALL the rum drinks produced from the company.
(the three above attractions can all be done together, the drive is scenic the entire way and it is also highly recommended you make a pit stop along the road for some peppered shrimps in Lacovia)
BLACK RIVER SAFARI- You may go with a tour company or hire a local fisherman to take you from the point where the river meets the sea up into the morass where numerous crocodiles may be spotted. Very scenic.
Black River town is very easy to manage on foot for some exploring, numerous examples of the gingerbread architecture are around as well as shopping. Fridays and Saturdays the market is in full swing and the selection of produce is best.
LOVER'S LEAP- Just 11 miles from Viking's house this is a famous viewpoint where the sea is over 1700' below you and the view extends for miles up and down the coast. We offer an 11 mile downhill bike tour from Lover's Leap to Viking's which is very easy on the legs as there is little pedaling involved. For the truly hardy, there is a poorly marked, very steep hiking trail from Lover's Leap down to the sea. We highly recommend a guide, a minimum of a half gallon of water per person and a start around sunrise if you want to do this hike.
(ON THE LOVER'S LEAP HIKING TRAIL)
GUT'S RIVER, ALLIGATOR POND, CANOE VALLEY- In Alligator Pond expect spectacular scenery and take in a meal at the famous "Little Ochi" restaraunt where you may enjoy your meal seated in a converted fishing boat. A very scenic drive along the coast to Gut's River where the crystal clear river meets the sea. A great place for a swim (nice rocks to jump from) and a nice float down to the sea. End the day with manatee viewing at Canoe Valley, a few miles further east.