Ports towns of Jamaica

1: Port Royal

Port Royal, the old naval base, lies across the harbour from Kingston. It is easily accessible by boat from Victoria Pier and lies 15 miles beyond the international airport. Founded in 1650, it became a strategic English military and naval base. The city soon gained a wicked reputation that eventually ended with an earthquake that hit east Jamaica on 7 June 1692. The port, commercial area and harbour front were all washed away by the tidal waves while much of the town was flooded for weeks. The town was gradually rebuilt as a naval and military post but unfortunately has been the victim of many calamities. The Giddy House was the former Royal Artillery store, built in 1888 but damaged by the 1907 earthquake. This caused the structure to tilt at an angle of 45° thus it has been named so. The Victoria Albert battery complex was a boiler house and underground armory with late 19th century guns to protect the harbour and tunnels. The old Naval Hospital was built in 1819 of fabricated cast iron sections brought all the way from England, one of the earliest constructions of this type and built on a raft foundation. St Peter’s Church is a restored structure of historic interest, as is the National Museum of Historical Archaeology.

2: Port Antonio

Nestled between twin harbours on the Jamaica’s northeast curve, Port Antonio is an exquisite port where the mist-shrouded mountains drop down to the sea and unfold breathtaking and awesome panoramas.

Founded in 1723, Port Antonio was Jamaica’s most important center for banana growth and export in the late 1800s. The city soon grew to be the favourite destination of the rich and famous of the time. The area is thriving with orchids, palm trees, and bananas and is dotted with fern-edged pools. The Port has very elegant villas and charming small hotels nestled in the hillsides overlooking its secluded blue coves. Port Antonio unparalleled beauty makes it a popular setting for movies and fashion shoots, while several celebrities, writers, royalty, and captains of industry, commerce and politics patronize this area.

A bamboo raft ride down the Rio Grande River or a dip in the refreshing pool at the base of Somerset Falls is also popular and promise a pleasant time. You can also enjoy a lazy stroll through the tropical Athenry Gardens or explore the ancient stalagmites and stalactites of Nonsuch Caves, where rare fossils and Indian relics have been found. You will find abundant opportunities for enjoying the scenic bounties of this area. Leisurely hiking and horseback riding trips through the Rio Grande Valley are offered by Valley Hikes, an award-winning eco-tour organization that also offers excursions to the historic Maroon settlement of Moore Town.