Port Antonio Travel Guide

This onetime banana port brought some of Jamaica’s first international tourists to the island -- via banana boat from the U.S. in the 1890s. Despite its long experience with tourism, however, Port Antonio remains relatively unspoiled, and a stroll through its historic downtown and the ruins of circa 1729 Fort George offer an authentic glimpse into Jamaica’s past and present.

Backed by Jamaica’s legendary Blue Mountains, Port Antonio is considered the center for eco-tourism in Jamaica. Travelers can raft the Rio Grande, bask under secluded waterfalls, go caving, or surf on Boston’s Bay Beach, which also is famous as the birthplace of Jamaican jerk cooking. Each July, thousands flock to Port Antonio for the annual Portland Jerk Festival to indulge their craving for spicy meats and traditional Jamaican cookery.

Small hotels, private villas, and guest houses comprise most of the lodging options in the Port Antonio area. The Hotel Mocking Bird Hill is a top eco-resort located in the hills above town, while the most famous is the boutique Frenchman’s Cove resort on 45 waterfront acres fronting its namesake harbor.

Port Antonio is located on the far northeast coast of Jamaica. You can fly into Kingston International Airport and drive about two hours to get there, or fly to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and catch a connecting flight to Port Antonio's small airport. (There are no flights from Kingston to Port Antonio, and driving from Montego Bay would take about five hours.)