Attractions in Port Antonio

Long Bay It’s an absolutely breathtaking half mile long beach with waves and white caps... people are always stunned when they see it! A photographers dream!

Errol Flynn Properties Errol Flynn came here in the late 1940’s, fell in love with Portland which he described as beingâ€�more beautiful than any woman he had ever seen!”  He bought a lot of property including Navy Island nestled in the twin harbours of Port Antonio, 2,000 acres of cattle farm, and his home, all of which we see on my tour. We’ll hear about his adventures and maybe even run into his wife, Pat who still lives here.

Princess Nina Agha Khan Island Nina, a top British model and jet setter in the 50’s married Baron von Thysson, owner of the largest private art collection in the world. The island was a wedding present from him and is a jewel of a sight and you can swim, snorkel or simply gaze at it for inspiration from the lookout at Goblin Hill. More about her on the tour...! Baron von Thysson’s homes can be seen directly facing the island on the other side at Alligator Head...

The Boston Jerk Center “Jerk pork” is a famous authentic Maroon culture cuisine native to Port Antonio. The famous Maroons were the breakaway slaves from the Spanish when the English took Jamaica from them. They baffled the English for centuries, continue to practice their practices and rituals as before with festivals, ceremonies and the like... hear their story with me on my tour. At the ”jerk” center sample the spicy jerk pork, chicken or lobster with ”festival” a delicious cornmeal bread, and wash it down with a refreshing ”jelly” coconut water.

Boat Excursion and Snorkel Trip Tour the magnificent coastline in a boat, stop to snorkel and swim by the coral reefs.

Rafting on the Rio Grande Float on a bamboo raft down a banana tree lined river. An outing originated by  Errol Flynn himself...

De Montevin Lodge and Titchfield Hill Up the Titchfield Hill sits Demontevin Lodge once the home to the Customs of Port Antonio. An original Victorian heritage house with delightful interiors .A real treasure to visit! We’ll hear the story of Lorenzo Dow Baker who was the father of tourism in Jamaica building the first hotel ever there with 400 rooms, the Titchfield hotel ,and see the site overlooking Navy Island.

Reach Falls Dive into crystal clear pools, loll there and swim or climb the waterfalls with a guide.

Folly Point The haunting remains of a Tiffany heiress’s home in the late 1800’s. See the indoor swimming pool with remains of Tiffany tiles, hear how they air-conditioned the place with blocks of ice ,and many an interesting account of the family on my tour.

Frenchmans Cove One of the most beautiful beaches on the island nestled in a cove with a pristine river running into it. It is on the Frenchman’s Cove Hotel site, once the most expensive hotel in the world in the 1960’s, where royalty and Hollywood stars rubbed elbows.  A very reasonably priced lunch is served on the beach of jerk chicken, lobster or fish.

Trident Castle Trident Castle, part of Trident Hotel, the Caribbean’s only castle has been host to a multitude of weddings, celebrity visits, and boasts magnificent period furnishings in it’s interior... It has several bedrooms with wide ocean views.

The Bottomless Blue Lagoon\ The world famous ”bottomless Blue Lagoon” was once the home of Robin Moore, the writer of the French Connection, Green Beret and other stories. Swim in the Lagoon, or sun on a floating raft in the center of the Lagoon. A mineral spring is also on the property, many a site for films, model shoots etc. The restaurant serves seafood, spicy chicken, lamb, and has exotic tropical drinks too.

The Village of St. George A brilliant ”hodge podge” of eclectic European facades in a shopping mall unlike any other... on my tour as well , with all the story of it..

Blue Mountains Breathtaking views of waterfalls, lush foliage, ancient tree ferns and flowers growing wild. See how the famous Blue Mountain Coffee is processed.

Winnifred Beach A delightful public beach with warm, shallow water and local food available.

Nonsuch Caves and Athenry Gardens Stalactite and stalagmite caves dating back 1,5 million years. See the Arawak Indian findings, discovered inside. Gorgeous gardens and panoramic mountaintop view of the coastline below.

Bonne View & Navy Island Up a steep hill, 10 minutes from the city center sits Bonnie View, a magnificent site with a 360 degree panoramic view looking down on the whole Port Antonio town with its twin harbors below and the Blue Mountain’s behind. Navy Island, once owned by Errol Flynn sits off the peninsula in the distance... he supposedly lost it in a poker game!

The Crafts Market and Local Market Visit the local vegetable and crafts market to pick up some typical Jamaican craft items. Meet the charming sculptor ”Rock Bottom” with his hearty handshake!

Restaurants, Nighttime and Activity Options for eating out can be a simple hamburger at “Woody’s”, a charming local joint, to a four course meal.. Italian,”spicy jerk”, seafood etc. Ask at your hotel, and enquire on your daily rounds too.

Scuba Dive at the Blue Lagoon Scuba dive, snorkeling, boat rides, kayak rental, glass bottom boat rides.

Kumina African Drumming Dance Kumina is the authentic drumming and ritual attached to a certain African sect. Soul stirring rhythms and the drumming spectacle are not to be missed if you like this kind of experience!!!!!!  ( A two day advance booking is necessary)

Fort George An old British Fort with cannons pointing out to sea in front of the gorgeous Navy Island. An ammunitions house sits on the site as well.

Hiking, Bicycling and Nature Trails There are many interesting trails offered with Valley Hikes.. some pass waterfalls, streams, rare birds, lush foliage and wild flowers abound.... Meet the charming country folk too! Blue Mountain bicycle tours does a downhill ride from the beautiful Blue mountains

The Maroons of Charlestown Visit the “Asafu” dancing yard of the famous Charlestown Maroons. A thatch hut museum with their artifacts and healing herbs. Treking tour to an 18th century plantation. Swimming in ponds. A queen bee rearing station. Cave with African wall carvings. Drumming & dancing show on request We recommend combining this tour with the Blue Mountain Tour on the same day.

Free Pickup at your accommodation  ENGLISH AND SPANISH SPOKEN EMAIL JOANNA AT: joahart@gmail.com PHONE (876) 8318434  OR (876) 8593758