Port Antonio

A northeast Jamaican port town on the northern slopes of the Blue Mountains, with blue lagoons, bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande and French Bay. It retains an old-fashioned Caribbean atmosphere.

Port Antonio is the capital of Portland parish in northeast Jamaica. It sits on the northern slopes of the Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains, and its harbour is divided into east and west bays by Navy Island. In the late 19th century, it was a banana export port and Jamaica's first tourist destination. In the 1940s to 1960s, Hollywood stars such as Errol Flynn holidayed here, which earned the town its reputation as the most beautiful port town in the Caribbean. Compared with Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, there are no large all-inclusive resorts here. The rainforest, rivers and small bays remain largely natural, and life moves at an easy pace.

Areas to explore: In the town centre are the Errol Flynn Marina, the Musgrave Market and the ruins of Folly Estate. Heading east along the coast, you will find French Bay, San San Beach, the Blue Lagoon, Winnifred Beach, Boston Bay (where jerk cooking originated) and Long Bay. To the west are St. Margaret's Bay, the end point of bamboo rafting trips on the Rio Grande, and Somerset Falls. Deep in the valley to the south lies Moore Town, a Maroon settlement.

The best season is December to April, the dry season. The northeast coast faces the wind and receives plenty of rain all year, with afternoon showers common. June to November is hurricane season, with the highest risk in August to October.

Getting there: From Kingston airport, it is about 2–2.5 hours by car via mountain roads or the coastal road. From Montego Bay, it is about 4 hours. Locally, you will mostly rely on taxis or hired cars. Note the difference between official red-plate taxis and others, and agree on a fare beforehand.

Plan to stay 3–4 days. Note that some beaches are privately run and require an entrance fee. Prices for rafting, boat trips and other activities should be agreed in advance. Tipping is customary.

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