Although this wildlife reserve and beach park, on almost 1300 hectares, east of Scott’s Cove, is incongruously owned by the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, it has not tarnished its natural beauty…after realizing the oil it initially sought offshore didn’t exist. The sanctuary, which you can only visit accompanied by a guide, has scrubby acacia, logwood thickets and, closer to the shore, a maze of connected lagoons and swamps with a population of a couple of hundred crocodiles. The birding is fabulous, highlighted by a flock of bald plate pigeons as well as assorted black-billed whistling ducks, jacanas, herons and pelicans. Two golden-sand beaches (connected by a trail) are fringed by a reef offering great snorkeling and bathing. Dolphins come into the cove, as do turtles for nesting season. Facilities include a small café and bar, changing rooms, picnic booths, volleyball, a boardwalk, an interpretive center and a marina. Horseback rides are also offered.