10 Fun Things To Do in Portland, Jamaica

One of the prettiest of the island’s 14 parishes, Portland, Jamaica is the greenest due to above-average rainfall. What really makes this area stand out though is the laid-back vibe, lush countryside and beautiful beaches. Fun Things to Do in Portland, Jamaica From the birthplace of Jamaica jerk chicken to the famous Blue Lagoon, there are lots of places of interest in Portland. Located in North East Jamaica, Portland is close to Kingston, the capital. You can also reach the iconic Blue Mountains easily from Portland parish. The highest mountain range in Jamaica, they are 2,256 metres high and offer some of the best hiking and coffee-farm tours on the island. 1. The Blue Lagoon This Jamaican natural lagoon is a place of outstanding natural beauty. If the Blue Lagoon looks familiar to you that’s because it was featured in the movie of the same name starring Brooke Shields. This famous Jamaican spot used to be called Blue Hole but the name was changed to match the movie. The color of the water varies from a lush green to turquoise and deep blue, depending on the light and the time of day. Another thing that makes this tourist attraction so special is the mix of freshwater from streams and salt water from the sea. There are pockets of hot water from the Caribbean sea and cold water from the springs. We found it a really fun experience to swim in. The Blue Lagoon is a popular place to go rafting, as is the Rio Grande nearby. You can also take a boat ride to nearby Monkey Island, which is uninhabited. 2. Dragon Bay Another famous movie was shot here – Cocktail with Tom Cruise. The place where he learned how to mix drinks in the film is called Dragon Bay Resort and was once a luxurious hotel. Dragon Bay was damaged in a hurricane and has remained closed since then. Purchased by Sandals Resorts International in 2022, it sadly remains shuttered and non-operational. You can get a good look at Dragon Bay on a boat tour of the Blue Lagoon. 3. Frenchman’s Cove Frenchman’s Cove Beach is another must-see if you’re visiting Portland. One of the best beaches in Jamaica, it became popular in the 1960s when Garfield Weston, the creator of Fortnum and Mason and Selfridges in London, built a hotel with 18 villas. Frenchman’s Cove is still a hit with stars these days – Usain Bolt has been spotted here more than once. Mango trees are dotted around the edges of the beach and there are changing rooms as well as a restaurant. The rope swings are a lot of fun too. The current entry fee for Frenchman’s Cove Beach in Jamaica is JA$2,750 per adult (over 12 years old) if paying with cash. If you choose to pay by credit or debit card, a discounted rate of JA$2,500 applies. This works out to approximately $16–$18 USD. If you’re cheeky, ask the lifeguard if you can borrow his chair for a minute. You can actually stay at Frenchman’s Cove Resort, which we caught a glimpse of from the outside. Just be aware that guests describe it as having dated decor, although the location is unbeatable. 4. Other Beaches in Portland Portland has some of the best white-sand beaches in Jamaica, with white sand and many snorkelling opportunities. - Boston Bay – a popular surfing spot, this white-sand beach is five minutes from Port Antonio. - Long Bay – the largest beach in Port Antonio, with coconut palms and warm clear waters. - San San Beach – on Jamaica’s Northeast coast, this private beach is a good place for swimming. The official entrance fee for San San Beach in Port Antonio, Jamaica, is J$1,200 for adults (ages 12 and over) and J$600 for children (ages 3 to 12), according to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) guide. - Winnifred Beach – a public beach with crystal clear water. 5. Port Antonio The capital of Portland is Port Antonio, and it’s the island’s third largest port from which bananas and coconuts are shipped. I loved wandering Errol Flynn Marina in the late afternoon – the harbour is beautiful, and you can watch the boats come in while the sun sets over the water. The famous actor was known for his eye for the ladies. However, he described this place as “more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen”. Erroll Flynn was passionate about sailing throughout his life. He first visited Jamaica in 1942. Erroll and his third wife Patrice moved to Jamaica in 1950. He owned Navy Island and popularized rafting on the Rio Grande. Fort George was built in 1729 to defend the town against the maroons and also against foreign invasion. The fort barracks are now in the grounds of Titchfield High School. You can still see the Munitions Building, cannons and the defence wall. 6. Boston, Portland – home of Jamaica jerk The small village of Boston, Portland is the birthplace of Jamaica jerk. It’s thought that the jerk pits used to cook this spicy dish were originally a way for escaped slaves to cook without smoke being detected by potential captors. These days, the Boston Jerk Centre is a good spot to find authentic jerk chicken, pork, beef, goat and fish. So why is it so spicy? It’s basically down to the Scotch Bonnet Pepper used in the cooking, which is 40 times hotter than a jalapeno! Jerk chicken is one of the most iconic Jamaican food dishes and popular worldwide. The annual Boston Jerkfest™ is held in mid July and features a cook-off, rum and beer tastings as well as live music. 7. Where to Eat in Port Antonio Port Antonio’s food scene has grown a lot in the past few years. Beyond the jerk spots, you’ll find a handful of casual restaurants and cafés around the marina and Frenchman’s Cove area – I’ve noticed more places serving fresh seafood and traditional Jamaican dishes in a sit-down setting rather than just beachside shacks. It’s worth asking locals for their current favorites when you’re there, as new spots open fairly often and the best ones tend to be the places that aren’t heavily advertised online. Ocean House Restaurant is a freshly renovated beach-house style addition to the area, featuring clean weatherboard decor and a cozy cocktail bar. Another popular restaurant is La Aura Cafe & Lounge, Norwich District, White River, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Located right in the Port Antonio Town Square, they are known for their fresh red snapper, creamy coconut curry lobster, and specialty desserts like caramel frappuccinos. If you’re craving something sweet, head to Devon House I-Scream, in a quaint building on Portland Marina – the ice cream is made using the finest quality ingredients and there are some delicious flavours. We particularly enjoyed the soursop and rum and raisin flavours. 8. Reach Falls One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Jamaica, Reach Falls is a hidden gem. Originally discovered by runaway slaves, this series of cascades is tucked away in Montane Forrest on the John Crow Mountain Range. The falls have featured in the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise, as well as in the remake of Lord of the Flies. The current entry fee for Reach Falls varies based on residency status: Non-Resident (Tourist) Rates Jamaican Resident Rates (Valid Jamaican ID required) - Adults: JMD $500 - Children: JMD $200 to $250 [1] 9. Hiking and eco-adventure experiences in the John Crow Mountains If you’re up for an adventure beyond the beaches, the John Crow Mountains are right on Portland’s doorstep. I’ve seen more tour operators offering guided hikes and birdwatching trips into the rainforest these days – it’s a completely different side of Portland, and the trails take you through dense jungle to hidden waterfalls and viewpoints you’d never find on your own. It’s also one of the best places in Jamaica to spot endemic bird species if you’re into that. Most tours leave from Port Antonio and run half-day or full-day, depending on how deep into the mountains you want to go. 10. Rafting on the Rio Grande River Meaning the big river, the Rio Grande is one of the largest rivers in Jamaica. You can take a raft down the river, piloted by an expert raft captain. Made from slender bamboo rafts bound together, with an elevated passenger seat, it’s a comfortable way to see the lush parish of Portland. You can even have a go at piloting the raft yourself for a few minutes, supervised by the captain of course. Paul and I both tried it and it’s great fun – luckily this was on an easy straight stretch of the river. Getting to Portland, Jamaica If you’re doing a multi-center holiday, it’s 93 miles from Sangster International Airport at Montego Bay to Portland Jamaica, and the drive takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Otherwise, you can fly directly to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, which is 33 miles from Portland. There is also the Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in the town of Boscobel, 52 miles from Port Antonio. Weather in Portland, Jamaica It’s always warm in Portland, with temperatures typically ranging from 24-30°C throughout the year, although it can be quite rainy. The driest month is generally March, whereas October is the wettest with May and June having frequent downpours. Hotels in Portland, Jamaica Jamaica Palace Hotel is set on five acres of lush green grounds overlooking Turtle Harbor. The property is known for its 18th-century European palace-inspired architecture combined with Caribbean charm. The hotel doubles as an art gallery, featuring crystal chandeliers, hand-decorated beds, and unique artwork or sculptures in every room. It also boasts a unique, large outdoor swimming pool completely shaped like the island of Jamaica. Kanopi House is an intimate collection of treehouses nestled in six acres of land, just outside Port Antonio. This Jamaican boutique hotel overlooks a quiet bay with direct access to the Blue Lagoon. This means that guests can enter the lagoon in peace rather than via the crowded general access section. The treehouses themselves are surprisingly large and have an en-suite bathroom. Some of the treehouses, like Upper Deck where we stayed, also have a separate kitchenette. They’re all equipped with air-con although you could just choose to use the atmospheric ceiling fans instead. Upper Deck is the highest treehouse on the property and the largest at 432 square feet. We’re sure some of you are wondering about creepy crawlies. As luck would have it, there aren’t many in Jamaica and you won’t see spiders or snakes. The most you might see is a few small bugs if you don’t close your shutters at night and leave the light on. The main treehouse is a lovely spot for lounging on the daybeds and dining, and is a great example of tropical decor done tastefully. Kanopi House is definitely one of the best Port Antonio hotels and staying here is great fun. Best Time to Visit Portland, Jamaica Portland is warm all year round, so the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. March is usually the driest month, which makes it ideal for hiking in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, when trails are firmer and views are clearer. If waterfalls are top of your list, consider May or June. The rains swell the rivers, so Reach Falls is at its most dramatic and the countryside is at its lushest. Just note that rafting on the Rio Grande can be paused after very heavy downpours. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and October is typically the wettest month. For the best balance of sunshine and beach time, December to April is hard to beat. Accessibility in Portland Portland’s natural attractions still suit visitors with good mobility best, though facilities have improved at some sites. At Reach Falls, a short graded path of around five to ten minutes leads from the car park to the base pools, and there are changing facilities on site. The Blue Lagoon now has a more organised setup, with lifeguards, restrooms and designated vendor areas. When we visited, it was very casual – we simply swam in directly from Kanopi House! Frenchman’s Cove has on-site parking and changing rooms, but the road down to the beach can be rough. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, call ahead, as ramps and paved paths are still limited at most beaches and waterfalls. Staying Connected in Portland Mobile signal in Port Antonio itself is generally good, but it can be patchy at the Blue Lagoon and Frenchman’s Cove and fades as you head into the Blue Mountains. Of Jamaica’s two networks, Digicel tends to have the more reliable rural coverage. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary, especially at smaller eco-lodges and villas. Download offline maps before setting off, and consider a local SIM or eSIM, as roaming charges can add up quickly. We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of Portland attractions, and for a closer look at the island’s many attractions, check out our vlog: We’ll leave you with an inspiring quote from Errol Flynn: “My dream of happiness: A quiet spot by the Jamaican seashore looking out at the activity in the ocean, hearing the wind sob with the beauty and the tragedy of everything. Looking out over nine miles of ocean, hearing some happy laughter near-by. Sitting under an almond tree, with the leaf spread over me like an umbrella.” Frequently Asked Questions About Portland, Jamaica What is the Blue Lagoon in Portland Jamaica? The Blue Lagoon in Portland, Jamaica is a stunning natural swimming hole where freshwater from an underground spring mixes with saltwater from the Caribbean Sea, creating brilliant turquoise hues. Made famous by the 1980 Brooke Shields film, it’s one of Portland’s most iconic attractions. You can swim in the deep lagoon, cliff jump, or take a boat tour to explore its depths, which reportedly reach around 200 feet in some spots. Where is the birthplace of jerk chicken in Jamaica? Boston Bay in Portland, Jamaica is widely recognized as the birthplace of jerk chicken. This small beach community is where the authentic jerk cooking method originated, and you’ll find some of the best jerk chicken on the island here. The beachside jerk stands use traditional pimento wood smoking techniques that have been passed down through generations, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers. What is the best beach in Portland Jamaica? Frenchman’s Cove is often considered the best beach in Portland, Jamaica. This picturesque beach features a freshwater stream that flows through lush tropical vegetation before meeting the turquoise Caribbean Sea. The contrast of cool river water mixing with warm ocean water creates a unique swimming experience. While there’s an entrance fee, the pristine white sand, calm waters, and stunning natural setting make it worth the visit. How do I get to Portland from Montego Bay? Getting to Portland from Montego Bay takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours by car. You can drive yourself via rental car along the A1 and then the A4 coastal road, hire a private driver for a more relaxed journey, or take the route taxi (though this option takes longer with multiple stops). The scenic drive along Jamaica’s north coast passes through Ocho Rios and offers beautiful ocean views. Many visitors prefer hiring a driver so they can enjoy the scenery without navigating Jamaica’s winding mountain roads. Is Reach Falls worth visiting in Portland Jamaica? Yes, Reach Falls is absolutely worth visiting and is one of Portland’s best-kept secrets. Located in the Montane Forest Reserve, these cascading waterfalls offer a more intimate and less crowded experience than Dunn’s River Falls. You can climb the falls with a guide, swim in natural pools, and even explore an underwater cave. The lush jungle setting and multiple swimming spots make it a highlight for nature lovers visiting Portland. You may also enjoy: - Jamaica Food Recipes - Fun Things to Do in Ocho Rios - Planning a Trip to Jamaica - The Best Islands in the Caribbean - Unique Things to Do in Aruba - The Best Restaurants in Sarasota County, Florida - Full Northern Ireland Road Trip Itinerary - Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Suites Read all our Jamaica travel articles here. Like these things to do in Portland Jamaica? Pin for later or share with friends. Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. It was my favourite hotel, really intimate and relaxed! I know, makes me want to watch Cocktail all over again, whilst drinking a cocktail or two! You look like you had so much fun in a place that looks like paradise! Gorgeous photos as usual! So we are wanting to go to kanopi house for part of our honeymoon! How do you recommend getting there? We paid for the hotel before the flights to MBJ or KIN are options but feel more inclined to go MBJ.