Port Antonio is one of the best places to visit in Jamaica. This is great for passengers on a cruise ship as the don’t have to go very far in order to find a lot of things to do. This area has the best of everything in the country including restaurants, attractions and people. Because of the vast amount of things to do here you really do need to plan on spending a week or two here in order to take it all in. However, f you will only be in Port Antonio for one day here’s what you should do, see and be aware of.
What To Watch Out For
If you aren’t sure where to go, you can ask a local, but be careful about their expectations. It’s not uncommon for them to want to act as a tour guide for you and expect a lot of compensation in the end. Don’t go anywhere with them and don’t be afraid to say no.
Getting Around
If something you want to see isn’t within walking distance, the cabs in Port Antonio are very efficient. While you can rent a car, it’s not recommended. Not only do you have to drive on the left side of the road, which can be rather confusing, the roads aren’t great. There are a lot of huge potholes, only a couple of traffic lights and pretty much non existent road signs. For those that aren’t familiar with the area this can be rather dangerous.If you do use a cab, it’s important to set a price as soon as you set foot in it. Paying in Jamaican currency is cheaper, but many drivers prefer American money.
What To See:
The Market
On weekdays the market takes place in the downtown area. Here you can find a variety of vendors selling a lot of different souvenirs and fresh produce. Make sure you haggle on the price a bit and don’t pay what is displayed. Once you are finished at the market head across the street to a few of the other stores. Try to grab a cup of the coffee as it’s supposed to be pretty good!
Errol Flynn’s Marina
This location offers excellent views of the harbor. There are plenty of picnic tables around for those that want to grab something for lunch and sit and relax while enjoying the view.
Reach Falls
Many cruise ships offer excursions to Reach Falls. If you choose to go here, make this your first stop as it’s farther away from other attractions. The nice thing about this area is that there are tour guides available to take you around. The river is very clean and you can swim right under the falls if you wish to do so.
The Rio Grande
This is another great area to swim. You can also go on a rafting trip here. It is quite the adventure as participants will get to go about 8 mile down the Rio Grande on a bamboo raft that is handmade! There are no jet skis or motor boats allowed so you can stop and swim along the way. There are also floating bars where you can grab something to drink.
The Blue Lagoon
While in Port Antonio, you really should visit the Blue Lagoon. It has a mineral spring that feeds into it and it is about 500 feet deep. There are numerous paths to explore and plenty of sandy areas to enjoy.
