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| Home History Surrounding Areas [things to do] Jerk Pork Historic Buildings The Blue Mountains |
With
the Caribbean Sea at its front porch, and
the Blue Mountains as its backdrop, Port Antonio
enjoys a mix of mountains, lush flora, water falls , white sandy
beaches, and
spectacular cliffs, that drop into an azure ocean. It is truly one of
the most beautiful areas in Jamaica where one can enjoy the pleasures
of the mountains and the sea in
close proximity.
1. Nonsuch Caves and Atenry Gardens
2.
Reach FallsSecluded and undeveloped, which
adds to charm, Reach Falls for years has been unofficially managed
by Frank Clarke who farms the land beside the river. He built the steps
that lead down to the river, employs local boys as guides and
lifeguards.
and recently put in changing rooms a short distance away. Reach Falls
is almost untouched. The main falls cascade
into a pool deep enough for diving, there are "pools upon pools"
for half a mile above them and the "Mandingo Cave" which is reported
to be a quarter of a mile long with a whirlpool in the middle. If you
are
especially energetic you can even follow the river all the way down to
the
sea.
3. Blue Mountain Bike ToursAn exhilarating all-inclusive, all-day
adventure. Experience breathtaking vistas in the misty Jamaican Blue
Mountains, the Caribbean's highest mountain range. The scenic descent
takes you through lush mountain flora, over bridges and vestal
waterfalls, through the region which is home to the renowned
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
4. San San
The
San San Area was the
playground of the very rich and famous in the
60's and 70's and several movie were filmed there including Cocktails
with Tom Cruise, Club Paradise, with Robin Williams, The Mighty Quinn
with Denzel Washington, just to name a few. San San Beach is a
private beach near Frenchman's Cove and Blue Hole.
It has a
narrow but lengthy white sandy beach.
4. San San
The
San San Area was the
playground of the very rich and famous in the
60's and 70's and several movie were filmed there including Cocktails
with Tom Cruise, Club Paradise, with Robin Williams, The Mighty Quinn
with Denzel Washington, just to name a few. San San Beach is a
private beach near Frenchman's Cove and Blue Hole.
It has a
narrow but lengthy white sandy beach.
A variety of
small reefs are just
off shore for good snorkeling. Its easy to book a fishing,
scuba diving, or windsurfing adventure with the people who work there.
If privacy and spending a relaxing day
in the sun are extremely important San San Beach may be right on
target for you.Monkey Island, pictured right, is within swimming distance.
5. Frenchman's Cove
Frenchman's Cove is considered by many to be the prettiest beach on the island. A gentle curve of sand edged by steep jungle-covered hills, with its own sparkling freshwater river running along one side into the sea.
Situated on the
site of the Frenchman’s Cove Hotel, built in the 1960's by Billionaire
Garfield Weston (whose empire included Fortnum and Mason in London)
where royalty and Hollywood stars rubbed elbows and once reputed to be
the most expensive hotel in the world. The hotel comprised a number of
luxurious
houses shrouded by discreet shrubbery and scattered over the headlands
on
both sides of the river, beach, and bay. Prince Philip, the Duke of
Edinburgh
and rince Sadruddin Khan headed the celebrity clientele.
6.
The Blue Lagoon (aka Blue Hole)Surrounded by steep hillsides and dense green vegetation, the Blue Lagoon or Blue Hole as its known locally is claimed to be "bottomless". Experts however, proclaim it to be about 200feet at its deepest point and is a popular haunt for divers and skiers.
The crater of an extinct volcano, it periodically bubbles gently with an accompanying temperature rise. In 1951 Blue Hole ( the local name) and the surrounding lands were put under the Jamaica National Trust Law.
7.
Boston (home of the Jerk Pork)Boston “Jerk pork”is a famous authentic Maroon cuisine native to Port Antonio.
The Maroons were runaway slaves who baffled the English for centuries. The “jerk” center is the place to sample spicy jerk pork, chicken or lobster with “festival” (a fried cornmeal bread).
The aptly named bay is a 1-mile-wide crescent with rose-colored sand, deep turquoise waters, and breezes pushing the waves forcefully ashore. Canoes are drawn up on the beach with fishing nets drying beside them.
You may be able to hire a fisherman to take you out.
There's a
dangerous undertow. A good place to admire the views is from the
headland at the east end of the bay.Long Bay appeals to budget travelers seeking to ease into a life of leisure in a fishing village that's a total escape from touristy resorts. A few surfers are also drawn, and the sunrises are spectacular. Several budget accommodations can be found.
Rafting on
the Rio Grande dates as far back as 1911, when banana
farmers in the Rio Grande Valley developed the practise as a means of
transporting their bananas to the town of St. Margaret's Bay where the
river ends, and from there it could be easily taken to the Boundbrook
Wharf in Port Antonio for export.
The success of Rio Grande rafting has stimulated the
creation of other
river rafting attractions on the north coast as visitors' demand for
the product pushed the need for alternative locations to satisfy guests
in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, who were unable to travel the distance to
Portland.The cost is US$45 per couple for 7-12 mile ride downstream to Rafter's Rest in St. Margaret's Bay at the mouth of the Rio Grande River. For patrons with motor vehicles, drivers are provided to return the vehicles to Rafters Rest. A total of 120 raftsmen are contracted to operate the rafts.
10.
Winnifred BeachWinnifred beach is a secluded golden-sand crescent catering mostly to Jamaicans who flock here on weekends. A coral reef offshore provides for good snorkelling. Parties are held here on some weekends. Winnifred Beach is one of Jamaica's last remaining, authentic public beaches loved by both Jamaicans and visitors. Help preserve this beach by joining the Winnifred Beach Petition at the following link: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/wbp/
11. Navy Island and Errol Flynn MarinaThe Marina, recently renamed in honor Errol Flynn, was built in 2002. It 32 fixed dockage berths (European) and in excellent facilities in one of the world's most beautiful and protected harbours.
Navy Island, once owned by Errol Flynn (who won it gambling), is located across the inlet from the Marina (left of photo). Named for its long-ago use by the British Navy, the island welcomes day and overnight guests arriving by ferry
11. Somerset FallsNine miles to the west of Port Antonio, these falls are easily
accessible on the main coastal road.
They are on a former indigo and spice plantation and the Daniel's River
cascades through a lush tropical garden. A short boat ride leads to a
hidden waterfall that plunges 33 feet into a small gorge which forms a
pool where one can swim in the cool water. 