Explore Port Antonio and Jamaica's East Coast
Port Royal
Kingston
"Explore a Wicked Pirate City Port Royal, once known as the wickedest city on earth and the Sodom of the New World, revels in its pirate past. Theonce-great city, now a fishing port, was at its height in the 1600s, when numerous brothels and drinking establishments thrived on pirates' plundered gold.In 1692, the effects of an earthquakesubmerged partofthe port, a tragedy that has actually preservedthe townfrom being torn down or built over. Entire buildings and streets are clearly visible just beneath the water. The town that remains on dry landoffers visitors fascinating archaeological sites to explore, includingfortified walls, cannons, andcrumblingbuildings."
I&R Boston Jerk Center
Restaurant · Portland
"Boston Bay Jerk Centre Located along a stretch of coastline that's sometimes called the birthplace of jerk cuisine, the Boston Bay Jerk Centre is hard to miss. Various meats are cook on open pits using a technique that may explain why jerk never tastes so good at home: Uncured pimento logs are placed over a bed of hot coals, and the meat is laid directly onthegreenlogs. The whole operation is then coveredup by asheet of corrugated zinc and cooked until it's black on the outside and tender underneath. You can place your order by the quarter, half, or full pound. Don’t forgetto add jerk sauce, which you canalso buy by the bottle as a souvenir."
Winnifred Beach
Beach · Portland
"Feel the Vibe on Winnifred Beach This gem of a beach, located in the lush eastern parish of Portland, isn’t visible to the naked eye. Halfway between Frenchman's Cove and Boston Bay, you’ll need a four-wheel vehicle to go down a very narrow and rugged path off the main highway, unmarked and bumpy all the way to the beach below. Anyone will be happy to direct you when you ask. And once there, you’ll find a gorgeous golden sand beach, dotted with trees and facing deep turquoise waters. A nice mix of locals and the occasional savvy or returning visitors relax here. There are jerk stands on site, serving some of the best local dishes, crafts vendors and occasional live Reggae. The water is a stunning deep turquoise and ideal for snorkeling off a nearby reef. It’s one of the few gorgeous stretches to remain public in Jamaica . Get there while you can."
The Trident Hotel
Hotel · Portland
"For those who aspire to travel as trendsetters in Jamaica , it helps to know that Port Antonio, way out on the eastern end of the island, is the destination to head for. And the address to shelter at is the Trident Hotel, whose 13 waterfront villas would not look out of place on South Beach. Nor would the crowd that hangs around its infinity pool or in its restaurant, Mike’s Supper Club, where local musicians and the occasional celeb sit down to knock out tunes on the 1917 Ferrari-red grand piano. The Trident Castle, a kind of fantasy annex, is a former private residence whose grand rooms, sea-view terraces, and dollhouse-size chapel make it ideal for destination weddings. A hard road to get there? Not for guests who avail themselves of the helicopter pad."
"Kayak to Monkey Island Off the coast of Port Antonio is a small, uninhabited plot called "Pellew Island," otherwise known as "Monkey Island"--there used to be a colony of imported monkeys here. To get here, you could first head to San San Beach, a beautiful and private stretch open daily (10 a.m.4 p.m daily, US$5). Rent a kayak and snorkel gear and make your way over to the small plot, within clear view ahead. The island is completely covered in vegetation, there's a small white sand beach, and the waters are shallow. Rest your kayak on shore and snorkel around the island for as long as you please. Visibility is incredible and this is one of the best snorkeling spots in the area. Just watch your step if you're barefoot, as there can be sea urchins on the seabed."
Geejam Hotel
Hotel · Portland
"This tiny hideaway overlooking the sea near Port Antonio originally served as a live-in recording studio for performers such as No Doubt, Alicia Keys, and Amy Winehouse. Although recording sessions still go on, Geejam is now a seven-room hotel, its guests often honeymooning couples acting out fantasies having nothing to do with rock and roll. Geejam’s cabins, especially, are very private, and guests sometimes spend days taking meals on their veranda and splashing in their outdoor Jacuzzi without being seen by anyone but the staff, who appear only when called. Of course, who wants to stay hidden forever when the Bushbar restaurant promises convivial chitchat, an occasional game of pool, and even live music? Not to mention that the hotel beach, in a cove across a road at the bottom of the property, promises four-poster sunbeds and, yes, Wi-Fi."
Long Bay
Portland
"Go off the Beaten Path Few venture this far east in Jamaica , but those who do will find one of the most authentic sides of the island, and the most secluded of getaways. A charming fishing village about thirty minutes past Port Antonio, Long Bay is as peaceful and scenic as it gets, with just a handful of affordable, casual guesthouses perched atop dramatic cliffs and overlooking a long stretch of deserted beach. No frills here, just nature and culture. The fresh ocean air, the roadside fresh seafood shacks and friendly locals will have you staying longer than you planned. Be sure to drive along the coastal highway and head as far as Manchioneal, another stunning fishing village that feels thousands of miles away from the touristy side of Jamaica."
Reach Falls
Ecological park · Portland
"Get Lost in Jamaica's Most Beautiful Falls Reach Falls is an off-the-beaten-path delight.Locatedup in the John Crow Mountains on Jamaica's east coast, this30-footjade-colored cascadetumbles intoseveral pools in thesurroundingrain forest. You'llneed a bathing suit and a waterproof camera to capture the natural splendor. Local guides are available to help youmakeyour way across the swimming holes and levels, and show you the best spots. Or you can explore it solo. Because of its distance from tourism spots, there are no crowds, no harassment, just an entrance fee to your very own Garden of Eden. On-site changing rooms are available as you exit by the parking lot. Small fun fact: The fallsplay a minor role in the 1988 Tom Cruise movie Cocktail."
Boston Beach
Beach · Portland
"Surf at Boston Bay Beach Thisstunning white-sand stretch, just a five-minute drive east of Port Antonio,isthe only beach in Jamaica with waves high enough to surf. Boston Bay is also one of the few remaining public strands on the island. It continues to attract more locals than tourists and as such isnearly vendor-free. Youcan watch kids splashing about on their boards,or you canrent your ownfor a Surfing 101 lesson. Be forewarned: As at many beaches, sometimesthe waves are flat, but you can console yourself with a short stroll down the beach tothe famous Boston Bay jerk chicken stands."
Errol Flynn Marina
Marina
"Relax seaside at Errol Flynn Marina Stroll inside the Errol Flynn Marina, located right in Port Antonio town, for a waterfront respite along manicured lawns and sailboats. Enjoy an afternoon "I-Scream" cone from the on-site Devon House, a household name in Jamaica . There are public benches by the water, as well as bars and restaurants. If you can, stay long enough to enjoy the sunset."