Richard’s guidebook
Sightseeing
All About Port Antonio
Located in the parish of Portland, Port Antonio is known as the "Secret Jamaica".
Port Antonio is one of the remote and beautiful places of the world and although it’s a little harder to get to, it’s well worth the trouble. It's rugged coastline, mountains that come down to the sea, hidden coves and beaches white as sugar, rivers, hidden waterfalls and a riot of lush vegetation make Port Antonio a garden of Eden. Snugly located between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea it owes its early prosperity to the banana trade and was once the banana capital of the world.
Port Antonio was discovered by the rich and famous over fifty years ago and in its heyday was the hideaway for many millionaires and movie stars such as J.P. Morgan, Noel Coward and Errol Flynn. The town with its twin harbours, jewel blue sea and verdant hillsides still retains a colonial feel. Tourism slowed down when the cruise ships discontinued their stopovers in the late 70's but Port Antonio is again becoming a sought after holiday destination precisely because of its sleepy charm and unspoiled locations.
Portland is country Jamaica where the pace moves a little slower and smiles come a little easier. The climate is a bit cooler due to the tropical rainforest but you will enjoy Port Antonio year round. October hosts the International Marlin Tournament with anglers from around the world hoping to catch the largest blue marlin! Visitors to this area also have access to some of the best eco-tourism on the island.
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Port Antonio
All About Port Antonio
Located in the parish of Portland, Port Antonio is known as the "Secret Jamaica".
Port Antonio is one of the remote and beautiful places of the world and although it’s a little harder to get to, it’s well worth the trouble. It's rugged coastline, mountains that come down to the sea, hidden coves and beaches white as sugar, rivers, hidden waterfalls and a riot of lush vegetation make Port Antonio a garden of Eden. Snugly located between the Blue Mountains and the Caribbean Sea it owes its early prosperity to the banana trade and was once the banana capital of the world.
Port Antonio was discovered by the rich and famous over fifty years ago and in its heyday was the hideaway for many millionaires and movie stars such as J.P. Morgan, Noel Coward and Errol Flynn. The town with its twin harbours, jewel blue sea and verdant hillsides still retains a colonial feel. Tourism slowed down when the cruise ships discontinued their stopovers in the late 70's but Port Antonio is again becoming a sought after holiday destination precisely because of its sleepy charm and unspoiled locations.
Portland is country Jamaica where the pace moves a little slower and smiles come a little easier. The climate is a bit cooler due to the tropical rainforest but you will enjoy Port Antonio year round. October hosts the International Marlin Tournament with anglers from around the world hoping to catch the largest blue marlin! Visitors to this area also have access to some of the best eco-tourism on the island.
9. Nonsuch Caves and Gardens
You are invited to walk through the gardens and grounds amongst the coconut and Allspice crops of Athenry Gardens. The Seven Hills of Athenry has impressive caves where Arawaks lived before Columbus. A knowledgeable guide will escort you through the caves. The cave itself is estimated to be 1 1/2 million year old, older than the island itself. Indicating that its formation began before the island rose from the sea.
Nonsuch Cave
9. Nonsuch Caves and Gardens
You are invited to walk through the gardens and grounds amongst the coconut and Allspice crops of Athenry Gardens. The Seven Hills of Athenry has impressive caves where Arawaks lived before Columbus. A knowledgeable guide will escort you through the caves. The cave itself is estimated to be 1 1/2 million year old, older than the island itself. Indicating that its formation began before the island rose from the sea.
Located 45 minutes from Port Antonio, Reach Falls are among the most spectacular on the island. Cool off with a swim in the deep blue pools. It's a good hour long hike up the falls through crystal clear waters in search of the source.
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Reach Falls
Located 45 minutes from Port Antonio, Reach Falls are among the most spectacular on the island. Cool off with a swim in the deep blue pools. It's a good hour long hike up the falls through crystal clear waters in search of the source.
One of the romantic cove beaches in Port Antonio, Frenchman's Cove, was at one time the exclusive playground of the rich and famous. The river flowing into the cove is fed by a natural underground spring and provides a unique swimming experience where the cool of the fresh water river meets the warm sea. Towering vine laden trees and lush vegetation envelope you in this idyllic retreat. Stay for the day and enjoy lunch and tropical cocktails at the casual beachfront bar. A small daily fee is charged for entrance to the beach.
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Frenchman's Cove Beach
One of the romantic cove beaches in Port Antonio, Frenchman's Cove, was at one time the exclusive playground of the rich and famous. The river flowing into the cove is fed by a natural underground spring and provides a unique swimming experience where the cool of the fresh water river meets the warm sea. Towering vine laden trees and lush vegetation envelope you in this idyllic retreat. Stay for the day and enjoy lunch and tropical cocktails at the casual beachfront bar. A small daily fee is charged for entrance to the beach.
The ultimate rafting experience is river rafting on the magical Rio Grande River which weaves its way through deep valleys, rolling hillside and lush tropical forest. A scenic 3 - 1/2 hour trip. The Rio Grande Rafting Tour is available 7 days a week. Each raft carries 2 adults and 1 small child. The tour begins at “Rafters Rest” and offers a 2 - 3 hour excursion down one of Jamaica’s longest rivers. For this tour, visitors should dress comfortably and be sure to pack swimwear, towel and sunscreen. Waterproof phone covers would also come in handy. Bamboo rafts were originally used to transport produce, especially bananas from the interior of Portland to the coast for export. The actor, Errol Flynn popularized bamboo rafting for pleasure purposes. Today, the Rio Grande River Rafting is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Port Antonio. A skilled, licensed Raft Captain will take you down the river while you relax and absorb the beauty of Portland. Your Captain may regale you with local lore and information about flora and fauna of the area. The rafts are made up of long bamboo logs bound together to make your raft about 4 feet wide and about 25 to 30 feet long. An elevated “loveseat” or “lounge chair”, also made from bamboo, provides seating for the passengers.
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Rafter's Rest (Rio Grande Rafting)
The ultimate rafting experience is river rafting on the magical Rio Grande River which weaves its way through deep valleys, rolling hillside and lush tropical forest. A scenic 3 - 1/2 hour trip. The Rio Grande Rafting Tour is available 7 days a week. Each raft carries 2 adults and 1 small child. The tour begins at “Rafters Rest” and offers a 2 - 3 hour excursion down one of Jamaica’s longest rivers. For this tour, visitors should dress comfortably and be sure to pack swimwear, towel and sunscreen. Waterproof phone covers would also come in handy. Bamboo rafts were originally used to transport produce, especially bananas from the interior of Portland to the coast for export. The actor, Errol Flynn popularized bamboo rafting for pleasure purposes. Today, the Rio Grande River Rafting is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to Port Antonio. A skilled, licensed Raft Captain will take you down the river while you relax and absorb the beauty of Portland. Your Captain may regale you with local lore and information about flora and fauna of the area. The rafts are made up of long bamboo logs bound together to make your raft about 4 feet wide and about 25 to 30 feet long. An elevated “loveseat” or “lounge chair”, also made from bamboo, provides seating for the passengers.