Port Antonio (Jamaica) Cruise Guide

This former banana boat port is not as fancy or touristy as some of Jamaica's other cruise ship stops but visitors will still find lively markets in the new cruise ship marina.

Villas and tin-roofed huts dot the town's many scenic, white sand beaches. Inland, Port Antonio contains some of Jamaica's most beautiful greenery, and in its efforts to be more eco-friendly, it is turning its beautiful Navy Island into an eco-park.

Days can be spent hiking through rainforests or rafting on the meandering Rio Grande through a lush valley teeming with bananas, coconuts and other tropical delights.

Sightseeing

Port Antonio offers many historical sights, including Folly Ruins, the remnants of a majestic, early 20th-century mansion, Fort George (which has its cannons pointing out to sea), Trident Castle and Bonnie View hotel, all of which boast interesting architecture and fascinating stories. The famous Blue Lagoon is also a popular attraction and Port Antonio's magnificent twin harbours, separated by the 64-acre (26-hectare) Navy Island, are spectacular. Many cruise passengers choose to make the most of the breathtaking views of Jamaica by renting a car and driving along the north coast road heading east past Long Bay, Winnifred Beach and Boston Bay, the famous home of Jamaican ‘jerk' meat and fish flavoring.

Highlights

• Long Bay
• Boston Bay
• Blue Mountains
• Reach Falls
• Rafting the Rio Grande

Tourist Information

Jamaica Tourist Board
64 Knutsford Blvd. Kingston, Jamaica
Tel: +876 993 3051.
Website: www.visitjamaica.com

Shopping

The Carriacou Gallery, the Port Antonio Craft Market and the elegant Village of St George are all nice places to shop for local specialities, like hand-loomed fabrics, embroidery, silk screening and woodcarvings. Other souvenirs include Jamaican rum, like the sweet Rumona liqueur (the world's only rum-based liqueur, hard to find outside the island) or Tia Maria Blue Mountain coffee.

Eating Out

Jerk flavouring (Scotch bonnet peppers plus other herbs and spices) was created in Port Antonio and is a must-try with meat or fish. Another culinary option is I-tal (Rastafarian vegetarian dishes).

When To Go

Consistently warm weather makes Jamaica a year-round destination. The temperatures in the mountains tends to be a little cooler but also more humid. Between late May and November, Jamaica is prone to hurricanes. It also lies within the earthquake zone.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

Port Antonio.

Transfer Distance

2km (1.2 miles).

Transfer Time

10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Jamaica

Time Zone

GMT - 5.

Currency

Jamaican Dollar (J$) = 100 cents.

Language

English and English Patois.

Location

The Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba.

Population

2.8 million (Jamaica).

Government

Constitutional parliamentary democracy.

Religion

62.5% Protestant, Roman Catholic 2.6%, other 14.2%, none 20.7%.

Social Conventions

Jamaica is slow and relaxed. Beachwear is only considered appropriate for the poolside or the sand. Eveningwear varies according to the venue.

Tipping:
Hotels and restaurants tend to add 10% as standard; otherwise 10 to 15% is expected. Tipping is included at many all-inclusive resorts.
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.