CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Photo made by Jake Marsee on Pexels.com
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Port Antonio, Jamaica
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Together we explore the best things to do in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Start your day swimming in the crystal clear blue waters of Boston Beach where waves meet white sand, a 30 minute drive from the city center. Then head to the 60 meter deep Blue Lagoon to take in the stunning view of the bay. Do not miss the 12 meter high Reach Falls where you can swim in the natural pools below.
1. Boston Beach
Escape the hustle of tourist resorts and enjoy an authentic Jamaican beach. You will eat fresh grilled lobster while the Caribbean waves roll at your feet.
Quick facts: Soft golden sands stretching a full mile along Jamaica's northeastern coast. Famous as the birthplace of spicy grilled seafood dishes in the "Jamaica Junge" flavor.
Highlights: This beach is the only place in Jamaica where local fishermen still cook fresh lobster directly on charcoal right on the sand, seasoning it with the secret spice blend passed down from their ancestors. The smell of charcoal and smoke mixed with the sea breeze creates an unforgettable sensory scene at sunset.
2. Frenchman's Cove Beach
A beach that combines river and sea in one enchanting scene. Get ready to swim in fresh waters that meet the warm Caribbean waves.
Quick facts: This beach stretches 900 meters of soft golden sand, surrounded by coconut and palm trees on all sides. Its turquoise blue waters come from a freshwater spring that flows directly into the sea, creating a unique mix of salt and fresh water.
Highlights: The moment you dive into the water you will feel an unexpected chill coming from the freshwater spring flowing beneath the waves, as if you are swimming in a river and sea at the same time. You can clearly see the difference between the fresh water flowing from the hills and the salt water of the Caribbean Sea, a rare sight not found on any other beach.
3. Blue Lagoon
A rare opportunity to swim in a crystal clear blue lake formed in the crater of an old mine. You will dive into pure waters surrounded by palm trees and green tropical forests.
Quick facts: A unique geological lake formed over a bauxite mining pit, its stunning light blue color comes from the interaction between minerals and groundwater. It spans about 20 acres and reaches depths of over 56 meters.
Highlights: The lake changes color throughout the day, from bright turquoise blue in the morning to emerald green at sunset. Underwater, you can see submerged tree trunks creating a surreal view as if you are swimming in a painting.
4. Reach Falls
A place where you swim behind a waterfall and discover secret caves. Walking through the forest and diving into turquoise waters will be the best decision you make today.
Quick facts: Reach Falls cascades across three layers of limestone rock before emptying into a deep natural pool connected by small underwater caves. The main swimming pool covers about 200 square meters, making it one of the largest natural waterfall pools in the region.
Highlights: You can swim behind the curtain of flowing water and enter a small cave carved into the rock, where dim light filters through the cracks above. Most visitors come in the early morning to find a light mist floating over the water surface and songbirds filling the air.
5. Somerset Falls
A real water adventure among tropical forests. You will climb rocks, jump into blue pools, and discover a cave behind the waterfall.
Quick facts: Somerset Falls stretches across three layers of limestone rock, with the tallest reaching 12 meters. Visitors can swim in six different natural pools along the falls, surrounded by tropical gardens featuring over 30 species of native plants.
Highlights: Unlike most waterfalls in Jamaica, you can swim here behind the curtain of flowing water into a small natural cave behind the main layer. The water remains at a constant 24 degrees Celsius all year round, and its rush through the limestone rock creates fine natural fountains like refreshing sprays on your face.
6. Rio Grande River Rafting
An adventure that combines excitement and breathtaking natural beauty. You will navigate winding water trails through a dense tropical forest and under flowing waterfalls.
Quick facts: The river runs 1,900 kilometers across three states before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The canyons were formed over 10 million years by sedimentary water flow.
Highlights: Imagine rafting between rock walls up to 200 meters high while tropical birds fly overhead. The turquoise river water descends through 18 different natural rapids, each presenting a unique challenge.
7. Navy Island
A quiet sanctuary away from the city noise. You will swim in clear waters among waterfalls and pristine natural scenery.
Quick facts: This small island was a stopover point for pirates in the 18th century. It covers only 12 hectares and features small waterfalls that flow directly into the Caribbean Sea.
Highlights: Imagine having your own private island that you can reach by a small boat amid clear turquoise waters. The small waterfalls at the edge of the island create charming water curtains that you can swim under.
Where to Stay in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in Port Antonio, JamaicaPowered by agoda
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Gizzada
Gizzada is a sweet tartlet made with grated coconut, brown sugar, and spices like nutmeg and ginger. The dough is crimped around the edges, giving it a distinct pinwheel shape that is instantly recognizable across Jamaica.
Grater Cake
Grater cake is a dense, chewy coconut confection made by boiling grated coconut with sugar and ginger until it hardens. It is often tinted pink or green and is a beloved street food sweet sold by vendors all over Port Antonio.
Toto
Toto is a moist, spiced coconut cake that is a staple in Jamaican households. In Port Antonio, it is traditionally baked in a cast iron pot over an open fire, giving it a uniquely smoky, caramelized crust.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Jerk Pork
Jerk pork from Portland Parish, where Port Antonio is located, is considered by many to be the best in Jamaica. The meat is marinated in a fiery blend of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and scallions, then slow-smoked over pimento wood for hours.
Run Down (or Rundown)
Run down is a rich, creamy fish stew made by simmering mackerel or other fish in coconut milk with tomatoes, onions, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The name comes from the way the coconut milk "runs down" and separates as it cooks, creating a luscious sauce.
Ackee and Saltfish
Ackee, the national fruit of Jamaica, must be fully ripe and opened naturally before it is safe to eat, and Port Antonio's lush hillsides are dotted with ackee trees. When sauteed with salted codfish, onions, and peppers, it creates the country's quintessential breakfast dish.
Traditional Beverages
Sea Moss Drink
Sea moss drink is a thick, nourishing beverage made from boiled and blended sea moss (a type of algae) mixed with milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. In Port Antonio's coastal communities, it has long been prized as a natural remedy for boosting energy and immunity.
Sorrel Drink
Sorrel drink is a vibrant red, tart beverage brewed from dried hibiscus petals, ginger, and spices like cloves and cinnamon. It is especially popular during the Christmas season but enjoyed year-round in Port Antonio, often served with a splash of white rum.
Irish Moss
Irish moss is a creamy, milkshake-like drink made from sea moss, condensed milk, flaxseed, and spices. It is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and is often sold by beach vendors in Port Antonio as a revitalizing post-swim treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Antonio, Jamaica
Is Port Antonio in Jamaica safe?
How many days do I need to visit Port Antonio?
What is the best time to visit Port Antonio?
Is Port Antonio expensive?
How can I get around in Port Antonio?
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
Most popular day trips
Reach Falls
Stunning cascading waterfalls with natural limestone pools and lush jungle surroundings.
Frenchman's Cove
Beautiful white sand beach where a freshwater river meets the Caribbean Sea.
Blue Lagoon
Famous deep turquoise lagoon surrounded by tropical foliage, popular for swimming.
Somerset Falls
Serene waterfalls hidden in a rainforest with guided tours and river tubing.
Long Bay Beach
Secluded golden sand beach with calm waters, perfect for relaxation.
Getting there
Train stations
No active passenger rail service in Portland Parish
Fly into Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) just 15 km away for quick access. Alternatively, take a shared taxi or private car from Kingston (KIN), about 2.5 hours.
Find flights to Port Antonio, Jamaica
Click to get eSim for Port Antonio, Jamaica
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Comments (9)
Honestly a bit disappointed. Expected paradise but it felt rundown in spots. The locals were nice but the roads are trash and it takes forever to get anywhere.
Got rained out 3 of 5 days in November. Still beautiful but pack a poncho and don't plan your whole trip around perfect beach weather.
If you're doing the Reach Falls trip, go early right when it opens at 8:30. By 10am the tour groups roll in and it gets packed. You'll have the place to yourself.
The jerk chicken at Bush Bar in the Blue Lagoon area is the best I had in Jamaica. Everything else was okay but that meal was unforgettable.
Port Antonio is way more chill than Montego Bay. The beaches are emptier and the water is unreal. Stayed 4 days and honestly could have done a week.