Port Antonio - Jamaica
Port Antonio is situated on the coast just north of the Blue Mountains and is
the most scenic part of Jamaica. It is located 100 km northeast of Kingston and
east of Ocho Rios. This is not a place which is filled with tourists and
seclusion is what gives this town its charm. Port Antonio tourism is not only
for normal tourists but many movie stars, great musicians, members of royal
families, and well-known politicians have visited Port Antonio.
It has good beaches, waterfalls, blue lagoon, twin harbors, botanical gardens
and hiking or rafting on the Rio Grande River in the Grande Valley area are also
famous. At Port Antonio, you can do authentic shopping at relatively lower
prices than Montego bay and other vibrant cities.
To avoid the urban sprawl many visitors prefer visiting the highlands and
mountains from a base here, instead of starting in Kingston. Some sport loving
tourists take a vigorous mountain trek or explore the caves both in and out of
the water or dive down to the depths of Blue Lagoon.
Following are the popular Port Antonio tourism destinations:
Blue Lagoon: This is a beautiful lagoon about 200 feet deep, its the variations of Emerald and Jade colors has been always amazed the tourists. Its a tropical paradise and popular among swimmers for its dense salinity which allows effortless floating. It is created by underground mineral springs fed by blue mountains. There are streams of warm and cold water so you can select your perfect temperature. Blue Lagoon is an important part of Port Antonio tourism and has also been featured in the movie Blue Lagoon, when Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins swam together in it.
Somerset Falls- Located close to the Blue lagoon, it is a deep gorge on the Daniels River. The waters fall down through a rainforest creating many waterfalls. Some tourists take a short ride in a boat to the hidden falls and great flora and fauna. The nearby Hope Bay is fishing town with indigo and spice plantation.
Navy Island:
The island was once owned by movie pirate Errol Flynn. Ferries take visitors to Navy Island for picnics and day trips and hosted many wild Hollywood parties. Here one can enjoy the beautiful golden-sand beaches and its own tropical rainforest.
Boston Beach:
Located east of Port Antonio and also known as the Center of Jerk in Jamaica. A popular bathing area with waves high enough for surfers. It offers a beautiful beach area and great food. Jerk pork also originates from this place.
Reach falls:
They are picture perfect waterfalls and one of the prettiest falls in Jamaica. This area is usually not crowded and can be the highlight of your trip.
Rafting The Rio Grande:
Expert guides pole bamboo rafts through an impressive stretch of Rio Grande's tropical rainforest, This 3-hour, 6-mile journey was supposedly started by Errol Flynn (Actor and Port Antonio resident) to entertain his guests.
A lush botanical gardens with many native species. It also provides a gateway to the 14 separate chambers of Nonsuch Caves. Numerous bats can be seen among the ancient stalagmites and stalactites of Nonsuch Caves, where rare fossils have been found.
Folly's Ruins:
A a mansion built unwisely in 1906 from concrete and seawater, It started decaying in the thirties, when the sea salt began to eat away at its foundations.
Frenchman's Cove has luxury hotels on magnificent beaches.
Christchurch is Port Antonio's 19th Century parish church. Port Antonio has more churches than any other city of Jamaica.
Bonnie View Plantation Hotel: This this moderately priced hotel offers the most spectacular view of the entire area. Located on a ridge some 600 feet above Port Antonio.
Castleton Botanical Gardens: Midway between Kingston and Annotto Bay, this is one of the most remote botanical gardens of Jamaica. The gardens grow lushly here because of heavy mountain rains on the western periphery of the Blue Mountains.
Scatter Falls And Fox Caves: Cross the Rio Grande on a light raft at Berridale, and then do a short hike to the falls. Another short (but steep) hike from here will lead you to Fox Caves.
You can also take a walk along the Titchfield Peninsula to admire the gingerbread architecture of mid-19th-century houses.
Deep-sea fishing is renowned (particularly for marlin) and there is a Blue Marlin Tournament in October.
GETTING IN:
Port Antonio can easily be reached by flying into Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, then take a taxi, or renting a car. Port Antonio is generally approached by car and is about two hour's drive from Kingston.
PORT ANTONIO HISTORY:
The Spanish founded Port Antonio in the 16th century, naming it Puerto Anton after the current governor's son. The British gained control of the island in 1660. A 1739 treaty between the Maroons and the British made way for sugarcane plantations and settlements. In 1980's the banana industry began to flourish and Lorenzo Dow Baker promoted this as a destination for wealthy American travelers. The island fame was enhanced by Hollywood in the 1940’s and 50’s, such as "Club Paradise" and "Cocktail". Port Antonio still gives a glimpse of the Jamaica of old.
For more information on Port Antonio visit jamaicatravel.com or call the Port Antonio tourist office: (809) 993-3051
