JM
Port Antonio
Rainforest rivers, the Blue Lagoon and jerk’s birthplace on Jamaica’s green north-east coast
Rainforest rivers, the Blue Lagoon and jerk’s birthplace on Jamaica’s green north-east coast
The compact town has a busy market, Georgian and Victorian buildings and a waterfront marina on the West Harbour. Navy Island, once owned by Errol Flynn, sits between the two harbours, and the ruins of the early-20th-century Folly Mansion stand on the East Harbour peninsula.
Visit the market in the morning for fruit and local snacks.
Photo: Layneartz19, CC BY-SA 4.0
East of town, this deep, sheltered cove mixes cool spring water with the sea, giving it a striking blue-green colour. Local boatmen offer short trips, often combined with nearby beaches.
Agree boat prices before setting off.
Photo: Fritz Rudolf Loewa, CC BY-SA 3.0
A small, sheltered beach where a freshwater river meets the sea, surrounded by forest. There is an entrance fee, and a bar and restaurant on site.
Arrive early on weekends, when it gets busy with locals.
Photo: nigel burgher, CC BY 2.0
Long bamboo rafts were once used to carry bananas down the Rio Grande to the coast. Today raft captains pole visitors gently downstream through the rainforest, a trip made famous by Errol Flynn.
Bring cash for the raft fee and a tip for your captain.
Photo: Fritz Rudolf Loewa, CC BY-SA 3.0
Further east, Reach Falls is a series of cascades and pools in the forest that you can climb with a guide. On the way, Boston Bay is a surf beach known as the birthplace of jerk cooking, with roadside stands grilling pork and chicken over pimento wood.
Wear water shoes at Reach Falls; the rocks are slippery.
Photo: Morten Idriss Nygaard, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jerk is the local pride: try pork or chicken from the smoky stands at Boston Bay, with festival (fried dumplings) or roast breadfruit. Other classics include ackee and saltfish, curry goat, fish tea and fresh fruit from the market.
Port Antonio has small local restaurants in town and a handful of upscale hotel and villa restaurants on the coast.
Most international visitors fly into Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport, about a 2-hour drive over the mountains, or Montego Bay, a longer drive along the north coast. Licensed taxis, private transfers and route taxis serve the town.
Around Portland, most people use route taxis, a hired driver or a rental car. Roads are narrow and winding, so allow extra time.
Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD), though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Local food is much cheaper than hotel restaurants.
Several sights have entrance fees.
February to April is the most popular time.
Three days covers the town, the coast and the river.
Morning at the market and harbour, then Frenchman’s Cove and the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
Bring small bills for entrance fees and boats.
A relaxed raft trip down the Rio Grande, followed by an evening meal in town.
Book through your accommodation or at the raft station.
Drive east for jerk lunch at Boston Bay, then climb the cascades at Reach Falls.
Start early to have the falls to yourself.
Portland is one of Jamaica’s wettest areas; showers are usually short.
Look for red PP number plates on licensed taxis.
Fees, tips and jerk stands are easiest with small notes.
June to November can bring storms; check forecasts.
Quick answers for planning time in Port Antonio.
About a 2-hour drive from Kingston and its airport, over the Blue Mountains.
The Blue Lagoon, Frenchman’s Cove, Rio Grande rafting, Reach Falls and Boston Bay jerk.
Yes, if you want a quieter, greener side of Jamaica with rivers, waterfalls and small beaches.
Boston Bay, east of Port Antonio, is widely known as the birthplace of jerk cooking.
February to April is usually driest; Portland gets heavy rain, especially late in the year.
Planning a wider trip? Our Jamaica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.