Port Antonio Become a Disney Travel Agent Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Once a banana port, Port Antonio, Jamaica, became a tourist destination in the 1940s after actor Errol Flynn chose it as a vacation spot and began hosting parties that were attended by Hollywood celebrities. The easternmost of the north coast resort areas, the small town of Port Antonio has a sleepier feel than Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, but it still has all the prerequisites for a vacation spot: beaches, deep-sea fishing and a lovely mountain setting.

Thanks to its lush vegetation fed by copious rainfall, it is more of an ecotourism destination than other areas of Jamaica. Secluded in the far northeastern corner of the island, Port Antonio lacks large-scale resorts. Its laid-back atmosphere will probably please nature enthusiasts and those who are put off by the commercialization of some of the north coast's other hot spots.

Must See or Do

Sights—Blue Lagoon at Fairy Hill, a beautiful sinkhole filled with cool jade-colored waters; the Rio Grande Valley; Long Bay.

Memorable Meals—Soldier Camp Bar & Grill for wholesome local fare; nouvelle cuisine at Mille Fleurs in the Hotel Mocking Bird Hill; authentic Italian dinners at San San Tropez with the contrasting Jamaican sunset as a backdrop.

Late Night—Relax at Jus Booze with cold beers and perfectly blended margaritas; Cristal Nightclub for dancehall and late night local food.

Walks—Along the Titchfield Peninsula to admire the gingerbread architecture of mid-19th-century houses.

Especially for Kids—A journey down the Rio Grande aboard a bamboo raft.

Geography

Port Antonio is compact and wraps around the twin-pocketed bays of West Harbour and East Harbour, divided by the Titchfield Peninsula (where the original settlement stood). Navy Island is located off the tip of the peninsula, and is reached by water taxi. The town center lies at the foot of the peninsula.

Port Antonio is cusped by thickly forested hills, and many of the town's streets snake steeply uphill. The marina and mercantile Boundbrook Wharf line West Harbour, and polluted Fisherman's Beach lines the larger East Harbour. The main road is the A4. On the west side of Port Antonio, the A4 is known as West Palm Avenue, which becomes West Street in town; in the east it is called Allan Avenue.

History

The Spanish founded Port Antonio in the 16th century, naming it Puerto Anton after the current governor's son. The British gained control of the island in 1660. Attacks by the Maroons, slaves freed by the Spanish who lived in the dense forests and mountains, limited development in the area. Eventually, a 1739 treaty between the Maroons and the British made way for sugarcane plantations and settlements.

Port Antonio's fortunes arrived with the development of the banana-export business in the 1870s, when large swaths of banana trees were planted locally. Port Antonio became Jamaica's leading port for the fruit, and it became known as "the banana capital of the world."

Another boost to the local economy occurred when actor Errol Flynn's yacht washed ashore in bad weather. He fell in love with the area and bought property on Navy Island, just off the coast, where he entertained his Hollywood friends with lavish parties.

In the 1950s, the first deluxe hotel opened in the town and was quickly followed by others, and socialites vacationed in Port Antonio away from prying eyes. Port Antonio continues to be popular with Hollywood jet-setters, who are attracted by its natural beauty and tranquil, secluded surroundings. The Errol Flynn Marina lures yachters, and ecotourism promotions have increased interest in the area.

Potpourri

Port Antonio has more churches than any other parish in Jamaica.

Port Antonio was Jamaica's first tourist resort.

Originally, rafts were used to transport bananas to the port from inland farms. Errol Flynn popularized rafting on the Rio Grande by having his guests compete on the river at night.

Since the late 1960s, Port Antonio has continued to be a celebrity magnet, attracting such stars as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani, India.Arie and Drake to its low-key atmosphere.

Location

The few small cruise ships visiting Port Antonio tie up at the Ken Wright Pier in West Harbour. The heart of Port Antonio is an interesting 15-minute walk east (be cautious of traffic).

Port Antonio has long been in the shadow of the much larger ports of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, and the newer cruise port in Falmouth. Port Antonio's heyday ended a 20-year run in the early 1980s when five smaller cruise ships ended their weekly calls at the Errol Flynn Marina (formerly the Ken Wright Shipping Pier).

The port is trying to attract smaller ships. Craft vendors are on hand to welcome passengers as are several local tour companies, which organize excursions to Port Antonio's attractions.

Tourist information is available from the Jamaica Tourist Board in Kingston. Phone 876-929-9200.

Shore Excursions